Cruise Express Offers ‘Classy’ River Cruise Holidays

Australians seeking a luxury river cruise in Europe but less keen to fly there at the back of the plane can now book a new fly-cruise package that offers return Business Class flights to Europe and a deluxe 14-night river cruise from just A$11,980 per person.

The innovative, all-inclusive deal for 2008 from cruising specialists, Cruise Express, represents one of the best-value Business Class holiday packages available in Australia. And for those who want to be at the sharpest part of the plane’s pointy end, the two-week fly-cruise deal in First Class is available from $13,480 per person.

“Many Australians walk through Business Class or glimpse First Class as they head to the back of the plane, thinking they could never afford to fly in style,” said Cruise Express Director Hardy Schneider. “But our great new river cruise deals in Europe will make that dream a reality for more people who want to live it up the moment they leave home,” he said.

The value-plus ‘Heart of Europe’ deal includes return Business Class flights with Thai Airways between Australia and Europe, use of Thai’s plush premium lounges and a luxury 14-night river cruise aboard the new Avalon Imagery from Amsterdam to Budapest including three meals a day, premium wine with dinner, onboard gratuities, a range of day tours, pre-departure and welcome cocktail parties and the services of a Cruise Express host.

The whole package is available from A$11,980 per person, twin share, in Business Class, A$13,480 pp twin share in First Class or A$7990 pp, twin-share, in Economy, with departures in May and August, 2008.*

A longer 21-day package is also available including three nights in Paris, two nights in Prague and the 14-night river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. This deal, including 46 meals and coach tours, is priced from A$9590 pp, twin share, flying Economy, from A$13,580 pp in Business Class and from A$15,080 pp in First Class.

The river cruise aboard the new five-star Avalon Imagery traces the spectacular Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between Amsterdam and Budapest with the ship visiting the heart of charming cities and towns such as Cologne, Miltenberg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg and Regensburg as well as Passau, Melk, Vienna and Bratislava.

And for cruise lovers who want to follow their river cruise with a voyage with a lot more water, Cruise Express is offering an add-on 12-night Mediterranean cruise aboard the luxury liner, Legend of the Seas, to Italy, Egypt and the Greek Islands for an extra A$3600 pp twin share.

Two-night stopover deals in Bangkok are also available from A$299 pp including transfers, breakfasts and a tour of the Grand Palace.

Cruise Express is an award-winning travel agency specialising in cruise travel and escorted group packages.

Bookings or a brochure are available through Cruise Express on 1300 766 537 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au

* Fares are ex Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane with connections to other Australian cities available. Conditions apply.

A Report by The Mole