Fine Travel is an Authorised Travel Agent for Silversea

If you're new to Silversea, or to what we refer to as "True Luxury" cruise lines, one of the first questions is likely to be around price.  There are a number of factors that affect the price of a Silversea cruise, and Silversea offers three pricing options.  Once price is understood, then there's the related question of whether the price represents good value.

With our borders closed for the foreseeable future, the Government sent a clear message in the Budget that travel agents and the tourism industry have to "pivot" to Domestic and "Bubble Travel". Although we continue to book international travel for our clients who require it, this is how we are helping our clients to plan a holiday in New Zealand.

With Seabourn's luxury cruise ship Encore in port in Auckland as part of her season in the South Pacific, Seabourn's New Zealand based representatives invited Fine Travel onboard for a tour.

Emirates was the first airline to offer Mixed Class airfares from New Zealand to the UK and Europe and their latest airfare innovations expand that offering with a new mixed Business / Economy Class airfare and a new mixed First / Business Class airfare.

With the Viking Sun in Auckland as part of her attempt to set a Guinness Record for the longest World Cruise itinerary, some of the Fine Travel team joined Viking's New Zealand Commercial Manager for an inspection.

As we start 2020, travellers inevitably start thinking about 2020 travel plans.  Whether there is a wedding to attend, a bucket list cruise, or an annual escape from the New Zealand winter, getting the timing right for booking Business Class or Premium Economy airfares so as to not overpay is important.

When the advertising for "Earlybird Airfares" for Business Class to the UK / Europe comes out in full force, it's a good time to reflect on the changes we have seen in Earlybird pricing, and to share our observations on the best time to book Business Class Flights to the UK and Europe.

The US Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration implemented new security measures in 2017 and Air New Zealand must comply with them.  Extra security measures will be in place for passengers flying to the USA from 21 April 2018. 

With winter approaching, the 2018 New Zealand School Holidays are a double edged sword: A period to plan for, and a period to plan around.  It's important to know when the School Holidays are, and we also share some insight into how to find a South Pacific Island holiday during these traditionally busy times.   

When Ponant first offered cruise itineraries from New Zealand, I was interested to learn that it offered Antarctica cruises.  My initial impression was that Ponant, a luxury French cruise line, would be a cruise line for the Mediterranean.  Learning that it was one of the leading "luxury expedition" cruise lines was an eye opener and explains why Ponant is making an additional commitment to its fleet for Expedition cruises.