Cruisepilot News

3-day Royal Caribbean Sale!

Article posted: May 18th, 2010 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

Royal Caribbean have just released a massive 3-day WOW Royal Caribbean Cruise Sale, offering passengers up to $200 free onboard spending plus, up to 50% reduced deposits on select sailings! (any itineraries departing after 1 September 2010 are eligible). Click here to search.

Hurry, Bookings must be made between Friday 21st and Tuesday 25th May 2010 to qualify for this offer!

For further details please contact your Cruisepilot Cruise Consultant on 1300 795 433!

Day 2 – Christening of APT’s Amabella

Article posted: May 14th, 2010 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

Follow James, one of Cruisepilot’s experienced Cruise Team Leaders on day 2 of his daily blog, as he travels to Europe for the Christening of APT’s latest ship, Amabella.

Day 2: Paris, France
We arrived into Paris early this morning. I still can’t believe I am actually here! What strikes me most is the amount of traffic – it’s unbelievable!

We drop our bags off at the hotel and a few of us head off to explore. We are staying at the Hotel Lutetia in the Left Bank region which has just celebrated its 100^th anniversary!

Paris is amazing and to see all the old buildings it’s like going back in time. They have many height and building restrictions that have been in place for hundreds of years, so there are hardly any modern buildings.

Tonight after a few welcome drinks (and a shower at last)  we head off to a restaurant in a high rise –  Le Ciel de Paris. The restaurant is on the 56^th floor and the highest in Europe. Although I usually hate heights, the views are so amazing I didn’t even think about how high up we were. 

After a lovely meal, we head off by coach on an illuminations tour – to see all the sights of Paris at night and of course the Eiffel tower. The commentary provided by the Tour Director was great.

The tour director has a desk in the hotel when we are not on a tour and is very approachable and willing to assist with questions and recommendations on what we can see or do.

At 10pm they have a light show on the Eiffel that lasts about 10 mins and the tower is all lit up – looks amazing.

By now its around 11 pm and I’m  ready for bed.

Join James tomorrow as he continues his European adventure.

Frost Free Fiji Sale – Save 30% on Fiji Cruises

Article posted: May 14th, 2010 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

With Australia/Fiji airfares from as little as $380 return, there will never be a better time to cruise the spectacular Fiji islands

Cruise with Captain Cook Cruises on sale from $839 pp twin share including all meals and daily activities.

• Kids (3-17yrs) from $209
• Upgrade to a separate children’s cabin free with 2 or more children
• On sale 15 May to 30 June 2010 or until sold out. Travel between June 2010-Mar 2011

Call Cruisepilot on 1300 795 433 today or contact us via the web

My Journey to the Christening of APT’s Amabella

Article posted: May 13th, 2010 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

Follow James, one of Cruisepilot‘s experienced Cruise Team Leaders in his daily blog, as he travels to Europe for  the Christening of APT‘s latest ship.

It’s Sunday night in Brisbane and I am waiting to board a Malaysian airlines flight to KL, on my way to the Christening of APT’S latest river boat Amabella. The flight leaves at 11.20 pm so even though its late the excitement is keeping me awake.

As part of the christening tour group we are having 2 nights in Paris prior to joining the river cruise ship in Amsterdam for 3 nights.

I have never been on a river cruise – only cruise ships and this will be my first time in Paris – can’t wait.

Monday morning – We arrived on time at 5.45am, and its already 25 degrees and very humid so into my shorts. I have been here before so it’s great to share my knowledge of KL with the 3 others travelling from Queensland.

We are here until boarding our next flight to Paris at 11.35pm so off to town to find a hotel and go shopping! We took the train from the airport to downtown – a bit more expensive than a taxi but $35.00 Malaysian ringgit each way ( about $12.00AUD each way) is a bargain – and feels safer than travelling at speeds of up to 150km in an old taxi as I have previously experienced!

 We arrive in town and get a taxi to the golden triangle region – the main shopping / hotel area. Luckily we get a hotel at 8.30 in the morning for the day so time for a shower before we hit the town.

We are now at the famous Petronas Towers and wanting to walk across the bridge between the towers – to our disappointment the bridge walks are not available on Mondays!!.

From here we go into the shopping centre in the tower building and find the nearest coffee shop.

In the afternoon we get another taxi to China Town – about $5.00AUD for the 10 – 20 minute drive – what a bargain! The markets, packed full of copy designer bags, watches and clothing are by this stage beginning to fill up so we opt to find a local restaurant for dinner and to escape the crowds.

Tonight we will continue our journey to Paris.

Check back tomorrow for the next stage of James’ journey to the Christening of APT’S latest river boat Amabella.

Enjoy the bling without spending a thing!

Article posted: May 10th, 2010 by Administrator | No Comments »

Fed up with the global recession? Forget all about it! When you drop in to the world’s most wealthy cities on your next cruise or tour, we’ll show you how to enjoy the “bling” without spending a thing! Sometimes it’s nice to know that some of the best things in life are still free.

1. New York, USA
Head to the Big Apple and get some fresh air with a free walking tour of the gardens near Belvedere Castle in Central Park. Gadget lovers should visit the Sony Wonder Technology Lab, a free interactive technology experience, while animal lovers can get closer to nature at the Bronx Zoo, which is free on Wednesdays.  Join our preferred tour partners Trafalgar, Insight, Globus, Contiki or Cosmos and come say ‘hi’ to Uncle Sam!

2. London, UK
Many of London’s museums are free – nature lovers will adore the Natural History Museum; the Science Museum is a firm favorite with families while the British Museum shows off some of the world’s most interesting artifacts from ancient civilizations and cultures. Often the starting point on many tours,  check out our wide selection of tours to England, Ireland and Scotland and get yourself over to Old Blighty!

3. Paris, France
It won’t cost anything to enter the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral; come out smelling of roses after your tour of the Fragonard Perfume Museum, housed in a breathtaking Napolean III townhouse, or stroll along the banks of the Seine River and enjoy some of the best sights in capital. Why not join a river cruise while you’re here on Avalon, APT, Uniworld, Viking River Cruise or Scenic Tours?  Au revoir!

4. Tokyo, Discover Japan
Visitors can get plenty of Japanese entertainment without spending a single yen. Visit Yoyogi park on a Sunday and watch some of the city’s most interesting characters come out to play – from karate kids to leather clad rock-a-billies to teenagers dressed in strange ‘cosplay’ costumes, Yoyogi is more than enough free entertainment for one day.

5. Los Angeles, USA
While LA is of course home to America’s glitz and glamorati, the City of Angels also offers a lot for free. Get no-cost sun, sea and sand at Cabrillo, Venice and Surfrider beaches; visit the star-lined Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard or check out the NoHo Art District where North Hollywood’s artsy community offer galleries, public art installations and live theatre.

Whether you ‘ve dropped in from your cruise or tour, Cruisepilot has the moves to help you get the best bang for your Aussie buck!

Happy trails!