Reproduced in partnership with Fine Travel.
2020 has started at a frantic pace with January already behind us, Brexit done and dusted, the US Democratic Primaries underway (and Impeachment process finished) and importantly for parents (and grandparents)... the kids back at school.
This week we've seen innovation from Emirates with a new category of Premium airfares to the UK and Europe and to Bali, competition to the US with Air New Zealand responding to Qantas' Global Sale, and discounts through all cabins on Qantas' flights to South Africa (ideal for those who have booked or are planning a safari).
A new twist with Emirates "Mixed Class" airfares to the UK & Europe
Emirates was the first airline to offer Mixed Class airfares to the UK and Europe - presenting an attractive price point for Fine Travel clients seeking the comfort of the lie-flat A380 experience on the long flight to Dubai and a saving by flying Economy Class between Dubai and the UK / Europe.
This week we see a new innovation with the inclusion of the "H Class" Business Class pricing in the Mixed Class airfare, resulting in a greater discount. So what does this mean:
Business Class seat and onboard experience between Auckland and Dubai, and then Economy Class between Dubai and the UK / Europe.
No Emirates Business Class Lounge access before any flights.
No Chauffeur Transfers for any flights.
No advance seat selection in Business Class until online check-in opens 48 hours before departure.
Points can't be used to upgrade.
By removing the "value adds" from the Business Class portion of the journey, we are able to offer these new Emirates Mixed Class fares to popular destinations like Amsterdam starting from $5,889*pp return.
These new Mixed Class airfares and the latest Business Class and Premium Economy airfares to the UK / Europe can be found on our Business Class specials page.
Flights Included with APT Tours' "Magnificent Europe" River Cruises
Luxury Australian River Cruise Line APT Touring is one of the most popular options with New Zealand and Australian travellers looking to experience a European River Cruise. APT Touring appeals to Fine Travel clients as:
APT Touring is a well known and respected travel brand in our region
The ships are of the highest quality (which is important for what might be a once in a lifetime voyage).
Pricing is all inclusive - you know what you are paying upfront. Guests can just step aboard and enjoy.
Shore excursions are truly remarkable (on the Magnificent Europe itinerary, enjoy a cocktail with Princess Heide von Hohenzollern and a private recital from members of the Mozart Boys Choir).
APT Touring will frequently offer specials that we can access for Fine Travel clients, combining airfares with selected European River Cruises. The Magnificent Europe itinerary is one of APT's most iconic, over 15 days between Amsterdam and Budapest (or vice versa). On selected 2020 departures Economy Class airfares are included (subject to terms and conditions) and 2021 departures also include a further discount.
On our dedicated cruise website you can explore the Magnificent Europe itinerary and then contact us to discuss departure dates, availability of specials and the cabin or suite that will best suit you.
Air New Zealand and Qantas specials to the USA
Competition between Air New Zealand and Qantas is taking on a Bledisloe Cup-esk feel, with each airline making a play when the other releases a new campaign. The casual manner in which Air New Zealand announced its direct service to New York after Qantas' highly publicised and extensive viability testing was hard to ignore.
The advantage for Fine Travel clients is that each airline presents a distinct value proposition:
Air New Zealand - Direct flights that save time, but at a premium price point compared to Qantas.
Qantas - Flights generally via Australia that adds travel time, but at a significantly cheaper price than Air New Zealand.
For airpoints / Star Alliance members, the Air New Zealand flights are a clear way to top up status points and roll forward tier-benefits (as well as enjoying recognition benefits). But if time isn't critical, you're happy to spend some time in the Qantas lounges in Australia between flights, and you've been building up One World status, the Qantas price point is difficult to ignore.
Emirates Valentine’s Day companion discounts to Bali
To mark Valentines Day this year, Emirates has released discounted Companion Business Class and First Class airfares to Bali (and for solo travellers there are other specials too) until 15 February 2020. The Business Class Companion Special includes the new "H Class" airfares starting from $2,199*pp return (with the noted H Class exclusions).
Bespoke European itineraries
Subscribers to the Fine Travel blog will recently have see an example bespoke itinerary for Fine Travel clients heading to Italy and looking for authentic cooking classes and Cinque Terre experiences.
Bespoke itineraries are ideal for travellers who like a structured itinerary (for example because they are too busy or prefer not to research it themselves) and do not want to travel with a guided group in a coach.
The Italian itinerary is just one example of what we can prepare (and you can read more about the benefits of a Bespoke Itinerary in this article). If you have specific regions you'd like to see, experiences you'd like to incorporate and modes of transport you'd like to include (like rail), feel free to share them with me and I can work with you and our specialist wholesale partners to prepare a draft itinerary for you to consider.
Regent Seven Seas Luxury Cruises - 15% to 50% Savings
For a limited time Regent Seven Seas is offering discounts on selected itineraries in a range of regions for the 2020 cruise season, and a 10% deposit reduction. Although predominantly focussed on the Mediterranean, discounts are also available on selected voyages through Northern Europe, South America and Alaska.
Although "luxury" is an overused term in the cruise industry, Regent Seven Seas is a true luxury experience. The all inclusive pricing provides guests with certainty and the comfort of just stepping onboard and enjoying everything Regent Seven Seas has to offer.
For the current special offers, please feel free to download the flyer and contact me regarding your plans.
Is a safari on your bucket list?
Qantas' Global Sale includes discounted Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class airfares to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. For Fine Travel clients with safari or other Africa plans in place, or in the process of researching and planning, these airfares represent a significant discount on Qantas' regular prices.
If you are planning a safari, you're welcome to download our free guide to Africa. We work with New Zealand based wholesale experts who have long standing and trusted relationships in Africa to help plan our clients' itineraries.
Looking for something else?
If you've been inspired over the holidays and you're looking at a destination, cruise or bucket list experience that we haven't covered, please feel free to contact Fine Travel.