In Travel News for September 13th, 2022 we talk about new itineraries from Oceania and Uniworld, and Wyndham expands their European presence.
Oceania Unviels 'Grand Voyages' Itineraries for 2024 - 2025
Oceania Cruises, in response to strong demand for longer duration sailings with an immersive, destination based cultural and culinary experience, has released the itineraries for their Grand Voyages series for sailings in 2024 and 2025. These trips range from 50 days to 111 days. Among the itineraries are the ‘Epic Continental Explorer’ this 111 day trip starts in French Polynesia and and visits many wonderful destinations such as Fiji, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Mozambique, South Africa, Morocco, and ends in Barcelona, Span. Fares start at around $31,000. The shortest itinerary is the South America Kaleidoscope which sails out of Miami and ends in Rio de Jeneiro, Brazil. Some stops along the way include Belize, Mexico, Honduras, Panama, Machu Picchu, Chile, Argentina, and Antartica, This sailing starts at around $12,000 per person.
Uniworld Offers Luxury Train Experiences
Some River Cruise lines have offered a rail experience as an optional extension to their trip, Uniworld is taking this idea one step further. The company has partnered with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains to provide a luxury rail experience as part of the itinerary. One itinerary is the 12 day Venice & Swiss Alps which starts with a four night train ride aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express. The journey starts in Zurich, Switzerland, will pass through Liechtenstein where travelers will see castles straight out of a fairytale, travel through Austria and Slovenia, and come to an end in Venice. From there travelers will board the ship for a 7 night sailing in the Venetian Lagoon. The rail portion of the trip is an old fashioned luxury train experience. By including rail as part of the itinerary Uniworld can create an overall experience where each part compliments the other.
Wyndham Expands in Europe
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is expanding their European presence by acquiring the European Vienna House. The Vienna House has around 40 properties 18 of which are in Germany. This will bring Wyndham’s German presences to about 120 hotels. The rest of the acquired properties are in Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Switzerland. The Vienna House will be Wyndhams 23rd brand and expands Wyndhams already expansive offerings which include over 9,000 properties spread across more than 80 countries. This recent acquisition is especially good news for both leisure and business travelers to Europe that are members of the Wyndham Rewards Loyalty program.