2020 is now well under way and in cruise language, this means it’s time to think of your next Christmas / New Year’s holiday plans. With so many more opportunities to cruise close to home, now is the time to consider your options and take your family and friends cruising over the festive season.
What we observed at Quay Cruise last year was that it was almost impossible to find any availability for close to home departures over December 2019 / January 2020 as far back as August 2019. The options available from then on were limited and not necessarily suitable for what our clients were looking for. In today’s culture of regular sales, it is tempting to wait for a special fare on a particular sailing you have seen. But cruise lines will fill their ships over the festive season and will usually only offer a reduced rate at the time of the itinerary release. Our advice is don’t miss out on your cruise by waiting on further discounts. BOOK EARLY!
There are many ships of all standards and sizes coming down under these days, particularly for our summer, and this has forced the New Zealand cruise industry to look at the size of our ports with plans in place to build new wharves to accommodate.
So now is the time to book a summer holiday 2020 / 2021 cruise. Maybe combine it with an event like the Aussie Open, or visiting friends and family in Australia where you can cruise over to watch some tennis, meet friends and relatives then fly home or vice versa. Or do that long-dreamed holiday pre- or post-cruise.
Look out for relocation cruises coming in from the USA, Hawaii and the Tahitian islands in the west or down via the Middle East or Asia, Australia or the Pacific Islands to New Zealand. These are always the first to sell out because of the attractive fares offered.
What’s in store for our 2020 / 2021 summer?
2020 / 2021 won’t disappoint with almost 40 cruises sailing into and out of Auckland over December / January. The choice is yours!
How convenient to pack your bags and sail right out of Auckland’s harbour. No planes to catch in peak season and no stress to try and make it to the airport on time then have to go through long queues at the airport. You depart and arrive in the heart of each city you visit. Some cruise lines like Dreamcruises, who have made a successful entrance into the New Zealand cruise market this past season with affordable family friendly sailings, offer sailings out of Wellington as well.
Cruises from Auckland go to many ports in Australia with Adelaide and Perth being popular for their wineries and the east coast ports of Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane offering so many things to do post-cruise too. Unfortunately, the Australian bush fires hurt some of the east coast destinations before Christmas but they are now getting some respite in the weather and people are travelling there again.
There are many itinerary options around Australia, the South Pacific and beyond. There is a ship for everyone, ranging from small to mega ships with cruise lines like P&O to Princess, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean to Viking, Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn and more. Plus, Ponant’s lovely Le Bellot is being launched in July 2020 offering a unique Christchurch to Melbourne sailing in March 2021. Bookings are open now.
Do not wait any longer. Give us a call or come and talk to one of our cruise specialists at Quay Cruise. We will help you find the perfect close to home cruise for your summer 2020 / 2021 holiday.
This month we are featuring Viking Explorer sale on ocean and river cruises
Don’t miss out on fantastic offers on Viking river and ocean sailings across the world – on sale until 31st March 2020 or until sold out! Offers are different depending on the cruise but include: COMPANION FLY FREE, FREE city extensions, SAVINGS up to AUD$200 per person.
Your Viking cruise, whether river or ocean, offers the same inclusions so you can relax and explore the destination – one complimentary shore excursion per port, free Wifi, drinks at lunch and dinner, complimentary specialty dining, and gratuities to name a few.
Quay Cruise, your local travel experts. Phone 0800 782 987, email info@quaycruise.co.nz, or come visit us at 2/49 Apollo Drive, Mairangi Bay.
Parking available. Expert advice and great coffee!
