Time to plan a Xmas cruise
The holiday season is over but it seems it is the perfect time to be thinking about your next summer holiday.
The team at Travelsmart Palmerston North say now is the time to plan for a Christmas cruise.
‘‘The Explorer Dream is the ship for a Christmas cruise in 2019,’’ says Travelsmart owner Michele Gullery.
When the Explorer Dream returns to New Zealand in December it will have undergone a complete refurbishment.
The Explorer Dream is offering a seven-night cruise out of Auckland around New Zealand from December 22 to 29, visiting the Bay of Islands, Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dunedin, Wellington, Napier and back to Auckland.
‘‘Because this is a New Zealand only cruise no passport is required. You can travel on your New Zealand driver’s licence,’’ says Michele. Contact the team at Travelsmart to secure your spot.
Currently cruising around New Zealand for the first time is Viking Cruises’ Viking Orion, a five-star ship.
Travel consultant Margaret Scott visited the ship while it was berthed in Wellington. It carries up to 930 passengers, so is quite a small ship, and has a ratio of 2.2 passengers per crew member.
The Orion has 12 different lounges, eight restaurants, three swimming pools, two movie theatres and a health spa.
‘‘The overall atmosphere was serene and passengers are treated very much with the personal touch. In terms of entertainment there is something to suit all tastes.’’ Margaret also says the cabins are well-appointed and all have balconies.
The Viking Orion, or a sister ship, will return to New Zealand waters next summer, so contact one of the team for details of this luxury cruise.
In other travel news of forthcoming events, Michele will be escorting a tour to Bhutan and India again later this year. Michele is very passionate about these countries and has a love for the Buddhist and Hindi way of life. This will be Michele’s third visit to India and Bhutan, and the second tour Michele will escort to the region.
This year’s tour is over 17 days, with one night in Kolkata, five nights in Bhutan, four nights in Darjeeling and six nights including New Delhi, the Golden Triangle, Agra for the Taj Mahal and Jaipur. As with previous tours the maximum number will be 20 people, plus there will be a single supplement available if anybody would like their own room.
The tour departs New Zealand on October 16 and returns on November 3.