Recently, Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines have released discounts in their premium cabins to selected destinations:
Air New Zealand the focus is North America and Asia
Singapore Airlines the focus is Asia, and for the first time in a while, South Africa.
After looking at the cost of UK / Europe Business Class and Premium Economy airfares, you'd be forgiven for thinking that some of the airfares to Asia are actually (dare we say it) ...reasonable!
Travel to the USA has just become easier with the remaining Covid restrictions being dropped (particularly the vaccination and attestation form requirements). Guests boarding flights to the USA after 4:01 pm NZT on Friday 12 May 23 should not need to comply with the current requirement.
Cruise holidays continue to offer excellent value at the moment with the leading cruise lines offering a combination of discounts, suite upgrades, air credits and discounted deposits. Interestingly we are also seeing more examples of single supplements being discounted or waived making it more affordable for solo travellers to join a cruise (we include some examples below).
USA and Canada On Sale
Air New Zealand's network of direct services to the West Coast, Houston and New York provide the framework for Open Jaw itineraries (flying into one city and out of another). Whether it's part of a bucket list coast-to-coast road trip, visiting clients / colleagues or family and friends, the discounts in this sale are meaningful.
A tip if you plan to book your own domestic airfares within the US (including from Hawaii to Mainland USA) is to remember that the airfares generally exclude bags so you have to factor that into the cost of your domestic airfares (and remember to buy them!)
UK / Europe - Looking ahead to 2024
Although special offers continue to be available, Business Class and Premium Economy airfares to the UK / Europe remain stubbornly high by historic standards as airlines recoup losses sustained during the pandemic. We will soon be into the traditional UK / Europe Earlybird Season (late August / early September) for 2024 travel and it will be interesting to see whether this will trigger more aggressive competition.
Overall, competitive pressure is building with better connections through Asia from Cathay Pacific, Korean Air and China Southern. Airlines like Turkish Airlines and Oman Air, while less well known in New Zealand, are presenting well priced Business Class airfares through to the UK and Europe.
Qatar Airways has announced the return of its direct flights between Auckland and Doha from 1 September, which suggests the airline sees strong forward bookings in both directions (and it is back to announcing new routes into the UK and Europe).
South Africa on Sale
Singapore Airlines' discounted airfares to South Africa suggest that we may start to see a trend towards more tactical airfares to a destination that was historically well serviced by Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates and Qatar Airways. Discounts across Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy makes this an appealing sale.
If you're considering a safari, working with a reputable and experienced partner is important. Ensuring you allow enough time at each game reserve, and for travel between game reserves, can make a significant difference to what will generally be a once in a lifetime experience.
Silversea 0% Single Supplements
On selected 2023 sailings, Silversea is offering a 0% single supplement making it more affordable for solo travellers to experience (or return to) the luxurious Silversea experience. Itineraries are available for voyages through:
Europe
Australia's Kimberley region
Alaska
For more details please contact me or view the flyer below.
Oceania Cruises - Extraordinary Savings
Oceania Cruises has extended its Extraordinary Savings sale until 30 June 2023 with the offer of up to 45% off 61 select 2023 voyages across Asia, North Europe, the Mediterranean, Alaska and more. Examples include:
Reykjavik to Oslo - from $6,499* pp twin share
Oslo to London - from $7,669* pp twin share
Venice to Rome - from $4,209* pp twin share
Reykjavik to New York - from $5,709* pp twin share
New York to New York - from $2,019* pp twin share
San Francisco to New York - from $5,349* pp twin share
For more examples of the voyages covered by this special please view the flyer below.
Seabourn Bon Voyage Event
Seabourn has launched a new Bon Voyage event until 10 July 23, that includes:
An air credit of up to A$5,600 per person* (twin share)
A complimentary two-category suite upgrade*
A reduced 10% deposit*
Available on selected sailings, if you are planning your next Seabourn cruise contact Fine Travel today.
Cunard Grandest Destination Sale
Until 30 June 2023 Cunard is offering discounts on a wide range of 2023 and 2024 voyages. Highlights include:
Queensland (QE) - 10 nights from $2,149* pp twin share
Tasmania & South Pacific (QE) - 21 nights from $4,349* pp twin share
Singapore to Melbourne (QE) - 14 nights from $2,859* pp twin share
Japan Circumnavigation (QE) - 10 nights from $3,299* pp twin share
Italy, France & Spain (QV) - 14 nights from $3,299* pp twin share
Norway & Northern Lights (QV) - 12 nights from $2,919* pp twin share
Sydney to Cape Town (QV) - 39 nights from $8,249* pp twin share
Auckland to Southampton (QV) - 63 nights from $11,981* pp twin share
There are many more appealing itineraries so be sure to explore them in the flyer (including Transatlantic crossings which one of my colleagues is on at the moment).
Prices listed are based on the attached flyer and may vary when an option is held.
Avalon Waterways
Avalon Waterways is offering savings of up to $8,400* per couple on selected 2023 European River Cruises. Including shorter 5 day itineraries (ideal for those new to river cruises) or longer 15 day itineraries such as the Magnificent Europe between Amsterdam and Budapest.