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Six US cruises for Christmas 2024 sailings

Michael G Browne
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Six US cruises for Christmas 2024 sailings

We like to sort the wheat from the chaff as we know a Rover’s time is precious and you want the best of the best. What to do when there are six equally appealing choices by the same company on the same Christmas… list ’em and let you tiptoe through your imagination to see which cruise floats your boat.

The birthplace of jazz, the place where the first shots of the American Civil War were fired, where Hemingway typed tight prose and caught big game fish, the end (almost) of the Oregon Trail, and the last resting place of Elvis are just a few of the choices.

So this Christmas, why not plan ahead and make Christmas 2024 one to remember by booking one of six river or coastal cruises in the United States with American Cruise Lines.  And to help more Australians enjoy the festive season next year on one of America’s beautiful waterways, Australian small ship cruise specialist, Cruise Traveller, is offering $500 per couple towards your airfare from Australia.

No cooking, no cleaning up and no unruly groups of relatives – just a magical, relaxing time spent on a boutique river or coastal vessel, enjoying Christmas on the water, feasting on gourmet cuisine and unfolding panoramas.

Cruise Traveller has released six special 2024 festive cruises in partnership with American Cruise Lines, with departures from December 19-23, 2024, and lasting seven or eight nights. The waterways range from America’s iconic Mississippi River and the Columbia and Snake rivers in US north-west to the Gulf of Mexico and Key West in Florida to the inland coastal channels of Georgia and South Carolina.

The six Christmas sailings on offer are:

  • Eight-night package starting December 19, 2024, including a night in New Orleans and a seven-night cruise on the Mississippi River aboard American Melody to Memphis – from US$5390 per person, twin-share

    Eight-night package starting December 20, 2024, including a night in Portland, Oregon, and a seven-night cruise on the Columbia and Snake rivers aboard American Harmony to Clarkston in Washington State – from US$6110 per person, twin-share
  • Eight-night package starting December 21, 2024, including a night in New Orleans and a seven-night cruise on the Mississippi River aboard American Symphony to Memphis – from US$5075 per person, twin-share
  • Seven-night cruise starting December 21, 2024, round-trip from Tampa, Florida, aboard American Glory along the Florida coast to tropical Key West – from US$6730 per person, twin-share
  • Seven-night coastal waterway cruise starting December 22, 2024, from Amelia Island in Florida, through Georgia, to Charleston, South Carolina, aboard American Eagle – from US$5970 per person, twin-share
  • Seven-night coastal waterway cruise starting December 23, 2024, from Amelia Island in Florida, through Georgia, to Charleston, South Carolina, aboard American Independence – from US$4425 per person, twin-share

All cruises include complimentary beer, wine, liquor, mixed drinks and champagne all day as well as coffee, tea and soft drinks at all times also. Included as well are onboard gratuities and featured excursions in each port such as the grand, colonial estates along the Mississippi, the rugged mountains and thundering waterfalls of Oregon and Washington in the US north-west, the remote, azure waters and coral reefs of Dry Tortugas National Park near Key West in Florida, and a boat tour of the alligator-rich Sea Pines Forest Preserve in South Carolina.

Fares start from US$4425 per person, twin-share. Book with Cruise Traveller by December 31, 2023, and receive A$250 per person towards your airfare from Australia. Conditions apply and subject to availability.

Visit www.CruiseTraveller.com.au/merryUSA (direct link) or call Cruise Traveller on 1800 507 777. 

Ultimate Japan small-group luxury tour

Jimmy Thomson
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Ultimate Japan small-group luxury tour

Experience the Land of the Rising Sun, from feudal castles to dizzying skyscrapers, on this Ultimate Japan 2024 Small-Group Tour of Japan’s most spectacular sites, including a Mount Fuji Stay plus a Kyoto to Hiroshima Bullet Train ride.

Book up until  November 2024 to lose yourself in the thrumming crowds of Tokyo, make the pilgrimage through thousands of bright red torii gates on your way to Fushimi Inari – Kyoto’s famous hilltop Shinto shrine – and live the rural life among the thatched-roof houses of Shirakawa-go.

Journey across Japan in the blink of an eye on a bullet train journey from Kyoto to Hiroshima, then take your time pondering the powerful monuments of Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

Meet the deer at Itsukushima Shrine on the island of Miyajima, sit in quiet contemplation at Kenroku-en – one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’ – and listen to the playful winds as they make music, knock together towering bamboo stalks in the groves of Arashiyama.

Enjoy the sweeping landscapes from your private transportation in the Luxury Escapes Tour, and make the most of your expert tour guide’s extensive local knowledge with entrance to some of Japan’s most beloved temples and museums.

With handpicked hotels to ensure comfort and rest – including a stay at a Mount Fuji onsen – you’re ready to spend your days exploring Japan’s innumerable must-see destinations.

From A$5,999 per person (Twin room) valued up to A$8,570, meaning a saving of up to 30 per cent, your journey takes you from Tokyo to Hakone, Mount Fuji, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Okayama and Osaka.

Click HERE for more information, a stack of stunning pictures, and to book your place on the tour.

Vanuatu island resort and spa

Michael G Browne
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Vanuatu island resort and spa

THE DEAL: Five nights from A$1,399 valued up to A$3,105 a saving of up to 55%.

THE APPEAL: Practice your best Franglais in a faré (tropical style room with lounge area and balcony) on the dreamy Iririki Island Resort & Spa, set amid tropical terrains and enveloped by exquisite shores and snorkelling spots.

This breezy resort offers access to the bustling markets of Port Vila, accessed by a complimentary, five-minute ferry, departing multiple times throughout the day.

Take the time to savour exquisite local cuisine at the resort’s four dining venues, including Azure Restaurant, which offers guests sweeping views over the harbour, and unwind at the indulgent day spa.

Adventure across the calm harbour to the vibrant centre of Port Vila and spend days exploring the hubbub of crafty cafes, buzzing restaurants and bars, boutique stores and cultural sites.

Hop between sparkling lagoons and flowing waterfalls or zipline through the local jungle.

Retreat to your island haven for poolside treats at Sunset Pool, Bar & Grill, or settle in for an afternoon of family fun at the tennis court or games room before retreating to your bungalow or deluxe room.

For all the details go to LuxuryEscapes CLICK HERE

Cruise the Med from Athens via bucket list ports

Michael G Browne
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Cruise the Med from Athens via bucket list ports

If you like to immerse yourself in the timeless landscapes of Biblical times and ancient history, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a Mediterranean cruise. I mean, Roman Empire, Greek Empire, Ottoman Empire… where else would you get this many empires in 7 days? I probably missed a couple out.

Sail through past worlds scattered across the sparkling blue Mediterranean Sea on this LuxuryEscapes seven-night cruise around Greece and Turkiye aboard the Azamara Journey, your lavish hotel at sea.

This ultimate Greek odyssey (ahem, wasn’t that Homer’s?) begins on 30 August 2024, with one serene night spent at the Grand Hyatt Athens prior to embarking on your cruise. It will be serene in the surrounding streets too as the Athenians leave their city to tourists in August believing it too hot. To most Australians it’s pleasantly warm. If you’re from the Tropical North, pack a jacket or cardie.

Hop from isle to isle and discover rich Grecian history, natural marvels and dynamic culture. From the ancient wonders of Athens to volcanic landscapes on Santorini and hidden treasures in Rhodes, plus the archaeological marvels of Ephesus, Turkiye.

You’ll have to stump up for a tour of Ephesus, (it’s not included) but for fabulously intact (and curated) Roman ruins it’s a must see. You can imagine the locals, in togas and sandals, reading their letter from the Apostle Paul. Also, you’ll find yourself wondering how the Romans designed such great plumbing.

As you cruise, make use of the world-class restaurants, swimming pool, spa, enrichment programs and Broadway-style entertainment aboard Azamara Journey. Plus, enjoy all-inclusive dining, drinks and five-star service. Once your cruise ends, wrap things up with a final evening in comfort at the Grand Hyatt Athens, reflecting upon your voyage.

Highlights include

Day 1: Athens, Greece. Check in at the Grand Hyatt Athens for some rest and relaxation before your journey begins.

Day 2: Athens. In a single day, you can easily climb the hill of the Acropolis, wonder at the Parthenon, and then board the Azamara Journey, departing from the Port of Piraeus at 6pm.

Day 3: Santorini. Cobalt-domed churches, fascinating history and island-fresh fare await as you sail into breathtaking Santorini, it’s every bit as spectacular as you imagined.

Day 4: Agios Nikolaos. Known for its stunning coastal views, it poses a unique blend between quaint fishing village and stylish resort town.

Day 5: Rhodes. Offering an enduring blend of architecture that is guaranteed to delight including the ruins of the sun god Helios known as ‘The Colossus of Rhodes’.

Day 6: Kusadasi, Turkiye. A gorgeous habour, Kusadasi, is gateway to the World Heritage-listed ruins of Ephesus. Join an excursion at your own expense and travel inland to immerse yourself in this former Greek banking and trading centre as you uncover sites such as the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Temple of Artemis, another of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Day 7: Kusadasi, Turkiye – Samos, Greece. Sail between countries to Samos known both for its ancient philosophical society and sweet Muscat wine. Many historical heavyweight sites for a Rover to rove around.

Day 8: Mykonos. Arrive at Mykonos, the ‘Island of the Winds’, which most of us know as the party island of the Med, where in ancient times (the 80s) island hoppers would arrive and forget to leave.

Day 9: Athens. Arrive back in beautiful Athens at 6am check into your stylish room at the Grand Hyatt Athens. Mild Rover’s tip is jump in a cab for the 3 minute ride to Plaka, with its village feel, narrow cobbled streets of small shops, al fresco cafes and tavernas, it’s a little bit Rives Gauche, a little bit Mamma Mia, a lot of fun.

Day 10: Athens. Time to check out and head for home or the next stop on your Odyssey.

For all the inclusions, details and pricing check out the LuxuryEscapes website by CLICKING HERE

Fiji Golf Resort and Spa

Michael G Browne
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Fiji Golf Resort and Spa

THE DEAL: Five nights from A$1,794/room at the five-star Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort and Spa.

THE APPEAL: Bring your clubs, don your wide-brimmed golf hat and spend five glorious days at the five-star InterContinental, nestled among white sands, swaying palm trees and 35 acres of tropical gardens.

On the shores of Natadola Beach with unbeatable views of the Pacific Ocean and dazzling turqouise lagoon, the resort features stunning interior design and architecture, heavily inspired by a traditional Fijian village.

An 18-hole championship golf course is the jewel in the resort’s crown, where golf enthusiasts of all skill levels can practice their swing alongside dramatic, beachfront landscapes.

After completing the course, take a breather with a decadent seafood meal at one of the onsite restaurants to remember the glorious 9 iron that was almost a hole-in-one or massage your worries and aches away at the luxurious Spa InterContinental.

End the night with a locally-inspired cocktail at Kama Lounge while enjoying a selection of authentic Fiji entertainment, including live music and South Pacific fire dancing.

For all the details and pricing from LuxuryEscapes, CLICK HERE

Raffles Dubai

Michael G Browne
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Raffles Dubai

THE DEAL: Shop in duty-free heaven, Dubai, with three nights from A$999/room, including fees and taxes, valued up to A$2,170 a big saving of up to 54%.

THE APPEAL: Enter a world of five-star Middle Eastern opulence and Egyptian-style grandeur at the world-renowned Raffles Dubai.

An ultra-indulgent retreat and the epitome of extravagance, this luxury property is an oasis of calm and charm, with a remarkable sense of space and unparalleled style.

With a towering 17-storey, pyramid-inspired design and some of the largest rooms in the Emirates – each a glamorous sanctuary in the futuristic cityscape — Raffles Dubai is a destination within a destination, where you can experience outstanding service.

Soak up panoramic vistas from the lavish outdoor pool, unwind with a treatment or two at the luxurious Raffles Spa, or dine under the stars among the tranquil gardens.

Boasting one of the best addresses in Dubai, Raffles is perfectly located in the city’s premium business and shopping district and conveniently connected to WAFI City mall.

There’s little to no reason to leave, but should you be tempted beyond the resort, a short stroll will see you at the Metro station – which will take you to Dubai’s major attractions in minutes – while a 10-minute taxi ride is all it takes to reach the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa.

For all the details and pricing for this time-limited offer, CLICK HERE for LuxuryEscapes.

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

Michael G Browne
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Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

THE DEAL: Feel like you’re walking on water with five nights from A$3,327/room, valued up to A$5,262, a saving of up to 35%. This is a limited time offer.

THE APPEAL: Experience five-star island bliss with a stay at the stunning Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. With stunning, adults-only bures built over the sparkling lagoon and family-friendly rooms encircling the pristine white beachfront, there’s no sweeter location for your Fijian retreat.

Order your favourite cocktail without having to leave the adults-only sunset pool, indulge in an aromatic massage or a facial at Quan Spa and feast on Fijian-Indian fusion cuisine at the lagoon-facing Goji Kitchen & Bar (plus four additional exquisite dining venues to choose from).

Perched along Viti Levu’s Coral Coast, this retreat feels boutique while remaining within easy driving distance to Nadi and Port Denarau, where cruises depart for the serene Yasawa and Mamanuca archipelagos.

With direct access to a secluded jetty and a powder-white beachfront, this is your ideal launchpad to Fiji’s world-class dive sites and vibrant coral reefs.

Enjoy easy arrivals and departures with comfortable return airport transfers for up to three guests, wake to delicious daily breakfast at Goji Kitchen & Bar.

Access complimentary M passport activities and benefits, and indulge with FJ$500 resort credit per package as well as your choice of daily chef special one-course lunch at either Goji Kitchen & Bar, Lagoon House or VoiVoi Bar.

Plus children (under 12) stay, play and eat for free. Valid for select packages from 5 nights.

For all the details and pricing from LuxuryEscapes, CLICK HERE

Lilianfels Resort and Spa – Blue Mountains

Michael G Browne
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Lilianfels Resort and Spa – Blue Mountains

THE DEAL: Mini-break, Rovers? How about stay for two nights from A$899/room, includes taxes & fees, valued up to A$1,613, a saving of up to 44%.

THE APPEAL: Proudly perched atop rolling canyons, the five-star Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa offers guests privileged views of New South Wales’ UNESCO World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains National Park.

Just a five-minute stroll from the Three Sisters viewing platform, this is the ultimate romantic retreat package, with A$50 daily dining credit, daily sparkling wine with breakfast, nightly cocktails and chocolate strawberries on arrival.

Find reprieve from the stresses of everyday life with a soul-soothing treatment at Lilianfels Spa, float weightlessly in the heated indoor pool or dine, sip and sample decadent cuisine at any of the resort’s onsite dining options, including the award-winning Darley’s Restaurant & Bar and the chef-hatted Echoes Restaurant.

Be enveloped by a world of sophistication and impeccable service, with beautifully appointed accommodations only surpassed by the breathtaking views over Jamison Valley.

Just 90 minutes from Sydney, this haven of tranquillity is so close yet feels worlds away from the everyday. Spend your days chasing rushing waterfalls, camping beneath the stars or setting out on one of the 140 kilometres of walking tracks that wind through native bushland.

Secure with a deposit and pay the rest 60 days before your escape, for all the details we don’t have room to print, CLICK HERE

Thistle Marble Arch Hotel, London

Jimmy Thomson
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Thistle Marble Arch Hotel, London

THE DEAL: 3 nights from $1199 per room, valued up to $2550, saving 50%

THE APPEAL: When a London adventure calls, the iconic Thistle Marble Arch places you right in the centre of the city’s charm and provides a comfortable base for metropolitan exploration.

From the Art Deco facade to the regal rooms, the hotel balances its historic beauty with a sleek, contemporary style, modern luxuries and top-of-the-range facilities.

Walk the storied streets like a true Londoner, set up a picnic in Hyde Park or admire the grandeur of Buckingham Palace with your own eyes while letting a professional capture your favourite London moments with a curated Travelshoot experience.

Before kicking off your London exploration, waltz through the lobby and into The Deli, a hip yet casual spot to grab your coffee and a snack in the morning, or relax with a glass of wine in hand when the day is done.

Experience the breadth of Thistle Marble Arch’s luxury with generous daily breakfast spreads and outstanding dinner dishes, best enjoyed in conjunction with a fancy nightcap at The Bar.

For travel up to December next year, secure a deal now with a deposit – you don’t have to book your dates until you’re ready.

Flamenco to Fez, on the Madrid to Marrakech trail

Michael G Browne
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Flamenco to Fez, on the Madrid to Marrakech trail

We do love a tour that takes a deep dive into the alleyways, highways and byways where history happened. LuxuryEscapes has put together a small tour meandering around the Moorish Islamic architecture of Spain and Portugal, built after the Berber invasion.

Then it’s onto Morocco, home to the Berbers and the more recent, very relaxed invasion of Marrakech on the hippy trail to Europe. Bazaars, kasbahs and even a Knights Templar haunt are all waiting for you to explore.

This 2024 small group tour also features a Douro River cruise, wine tasting, Flamenco & Fado shows & Sahara camp stay, from A$6,999/person twin room (a saving up to 20%).

READER ALERT: We did not write the rest of this, please switch your hyperbole filters on now!

Follow the European sunshine on this gorgeous small-group tour (max. 24 travellers) through the sun-kissed countries of Spain, Portugal and Morocco . Experience Spain in all its glory and be transported to a place of culture and beauty.

Travel from the lively streets of Madrid, where you’ll taste the humble flavours of traditional Spanish tapas, to the passionate rhythms of flamenco echoing through the cobblestone alleys of Seville. Continue to Portugal and wander through the sparkling tiled streets of Lisbon, where pastel buildings cling to hillsides like cheerful confetti and the melancholic melodies of Fado music seep into your soul.

Board an enchanting Douro River Cruise, taste the exquisite wines of Pinhao, and witness the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Tomar Monastery that appears to be plucked from the pages of a storybook.

Immerse yourself in Morocco, where the golden dunes of the Sahara meet the bustling medinas of Marrakech, and modern aspirations dance harmoniously with centuries-old traditions. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine alleys of Fez, where the scent of spices and the echo of artisans’ hammers intertwine to create an immersive experience of authenticity.

Finally, lose yourself in the beauty of the Sahara Desert with a stay overnight in a camp nestled amongst the breathtaking landscape.

Small Group Tour, Big Highlights

Discover otherworldly peace among the magnificent rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert during an overnight stay at Golden Camp’s luxurious tent village in Merzouga.

Spread out beneath a canopy of twinkling stars, sit with your fellow travellers and immerse yourself in the nature and culture around you, while you savour the spices of an authentic Berber meal by the campfire.

Traditionally cooked in a mud oven, Berber cuisine is bursting with flavour from organically harvested produce and showcases their ancestral methods of cooking, still used today.

  • 21 nights of handpicked accommodation
  • One-way flight from Madrid to Casablanca
  • Overnight stay in a Sahara Desert luxury camp
  • Daily breakfast and select dining experiences as per itinerary
  • Welcome tapas dinner in Madrid
  • Traditional fado dinner show in Lisbon
  • Wine tasting and local lunch in Pinhao
  • Witness the immense beauty of Alhambra Palace
  • Glide along a Douro River cruise through Porto
  • Traditional flamenco dinner show in Granada
  • See the former seat of the Knights Templar in Tomar
  • Cruise the canals of Aveiro, known as the ‘Portuguese Venice’
  • Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman Theatre in Merida
  • Lose yourself in the narrow alleys of Fes’ medieval Medina
  • See the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman ruins of Volubilis
  • Take the ‘Road of 1,000 Kasbahs’ to the historic Ait Benhaddou fortress
  • Barter in the colourful bazaars of Marrakech
  • Strike out into Merzouga, portal to the Sahara Desert on a 4WD journey
  • International flight from Madrid (MAD) to Casablanca (CMN)
  • Follow an English-speaking tour director and local guides throughout
  • Travel in a private luxury coach, with roundtrip airport transfers
  • City taxes and entry fees as per the itinerary

For all the details, inclusions and pricing contact LuxuryEscapes on 1300 670 243 or CLICK HERE

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