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Royal Caribbean is making headlines with new ships and itineraries that include the red-hot destination Japan. As well as the monsters, Voyager is coming back to Australia – a more traditional ship I really like. Launched in 1999, she was renovated in 2019.

VOYAGER OF THE SEAS new season brings together three distinct ways to explore Japan and beyond. A 10-night open-jaw holiday from Hong Kong to Tokyo and three round-trip holidays from Tokyo – ranging from 11 to 12-nights, offer different ways to explore Japan and South Korea. Select holidays also include calls in South Korea. Finally, a 16-night Pacific crossing from Tokyo to Seattle heads north to Sapporo. The holidays are part of Voyager’s broader 2027- 2028 Asia Pacific season, which features 2- to 16-night holidays from Brisbane and Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong.

JUST YOU, the solo tour operator, has added four new escorted tours to its 2027 and 2028 collection: the 14-day India in Colour, the eight-day Imperial Bohemia Saxony and Berlin starting in Prague, the seven-day Canadian Rockies Winter Adventure starting in Calgary, and the Eight-day Discover Venice & The Veneto.

HELLOWORLD TRAVEL and Viva Holidays invite you to discover the Northern Territory – the 10-day Top End Wanderer costs from $2859pp twin share – a saving of $287pp.

QANTAS recommends you uncover the lesser-known side of the Northern Territory by visiting between September and April. From waterfalls in full flow to peak fishing season, this season offers a wealth of magical experiences.

CORAL EXPEDITIONS has expanded its solo traveller program, making expedition cruising more accessible and flexible. The move responds to growing demand from Australians choosing to travel independently in search of tailored, meaningful experiences that align with personal interests. Have a look here: https://www.coralexpeditions.com/travelling-solo

TAUCK has announced that the ms Harmonie will be the newest riverboat to join its fleet on the Rhône. The Rhône has become one of Tauck’s most in-demand river destinations, pacing nearly 30% ahead of 2025. MS Harmonie will double Tauck’s river capacity in 2028, carrying guests on best-selling itineraries such as Savouring France: Paris, Lyon & Provence, with new itineraries to follow in 2028.

PANORAMA TRAVEL invites you to embark on an extraordinary 15-day 4WD journey across Oman, travelling through rugged mountain ranges, vast golden deserts, pristine coastlines and ancient frankincense trails. Discover dramatic landscapes, timeless heritage and remote places as you experience the Sultanate’s remarkable diversity, from spectacular natural wonders to authentic cultural treasures. Next departure is January 7-21, 2027. More details here: https://panorama.travel/trips/grand-tour-of-oman/

WEBJET has selected 2027 Europe, Asia and Americas flights on sale. These deals can end very quickly, so check the site for details.

ANATARA HOTELS’ latest resort is deep in Zambia’s Kafue National Park – one of Africa’s largest and least-explored wilderness reserves. On the banks of the Kafue River, this intimate tented retreat places you at the heart of untouched Africa, where elephants roam freely, and the silence of the bush is broken only by birdsong and the distant call of wildlife. Have a look here: https://www.anantara.com/en/25th-anniversary-experiences?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=paidsearch_brand_amea_2026Q3_Anantara25thAnniversary_AN_PPC_EN__EME&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24251385759&gbraid=0AAAAADl0ffMcyYxkOHrCj5R6vJBxCyaiC&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz4LWBhCMARIsAFEG5MpOGJKzjee_9pLPjSrrZsB2i7FiLk3V5HzWOiuIUJlwq18NeoAs5K4aAnLjEALw_wcB

TRAINLINE, the popular UK-based booking site, advises that Christmas train tickets for France are now on sale – book TGV INOUI and INTERCITÉS journeys within France for travel from December 13 to January 6, plus select cross-border journeys into Europe.

TRADE ONLY:

The NTIA 2026 Gala Dinner will kick off at 5.30 pm on Saturday, 10 October at Palladium at Crown Melbourne, bringing the industry together to celebrate excellence and recognise the talent, achievements and businesses that represent the very best of Australian travel.

Travel Industry Club wonders if you are ready to experience the world beyond the ordinary? From the wildlife-rich Galápagos to the spectacular landscapes of Antarctica and the dramatic coastlines of Norway, HX Expeditions takes you closer to the destinations that inspire true adventure. Check out the deals.

Royal Caribbean has announced new getaways on Voyager of the Seas for the 2027-2028 summer season, giving holidaymakers more ways to explore Japan during its iconic cherry blossom season. The new adventures take place from late February through April 2028, with select dates timed to coincide with peak bloom periods in different parts of Japan. This follows Voyager’s season in Australia, homeporting in Brisbane and Sydney between October and December 2027 before making Asia its home in January 2028.

Interline Travel says check the latest deals from Seabourn, Regent, Quark, Uniworld and Windstar.

Solo tour operator Just You has announced the appointment of Ashley Walker as channel support manager. He will be the central point of contact for group booking enquiries, enabling the sales team to spend more time visiting agents and developing relationships.

This October and November, Crooked Compass Founder Lisa Pagotto is bringing Around the World to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth for an intimate series of VIP travel luncheons.
Go beyond the brochure as Lisa shares the places, people and experiences that have shaped more than a decade of exploring the world differently. More details here: [email protected]

With the Reserve Bank’s ban on credit card surcharging now in place, ATIA is standing with you to help navigate the change, backing two years of advocacy with a full suite of practical support.

Remember, conditions always apply to these specials. Check airline prices from your capital city. I recommend you use a travel agent – and travel insurance is essential. Finally, I make mistakes like all of us. Check websites to confirm details. Want to join our mailing list? Send a request to [email protected]. Ian McIntosh is Australia’s senior traveller. We have no commercial relationship with any operator. Our Facebook page is here:https://www.facebook.com/top10traveloz/.