The Cruise Whisperer

15/06/2025

I'm currently travelling in Vietnam, north to south from Da Nang. I love Vietnam, it's a beautiful country with amazing food 😉🙌🇻🇳🪷

We are flying today from Hanoi to Danang for our next stop.

We're flying Viet Jet for both of our domestic flights. The times were convenient, and the cost including luggage was value for money.

The check in process was quick & easy. They have check in stations and then you drop your luggage off.

We wandered around the airport, which is pretty well equipped with shops & food outlets - plus a Starbucks! 🤩
I think it was better than other airports I've flown from Internationally.

Boarding was so quick too!!

But when you get on board, you'll find the value is a compromise for comfort. The seat leg room is the smallest I have ever seen! And I've travelled on a few value airlines.

They have extra leg room seats for 90,000VND which is about $6 AUD. Which is what we have booked for the next flight.

But as a travel agent, if there is an opportunity to try different things, I'll always give it a go. Because every traveller is looking for something different, and it's good to have the experience to share.

Bon Voyage, next stay is Hoi An!

Laurel, The Cruise Whisperer

10/06/2025

Last Minute Deals!
Found some extra annual leave that you want to use up? We can help with that 😉

European River Cruise in 2025
23 August 2025 (some other dates available)
Avalon Waterways River Cruise with stays and flights
From $6,990pp

12 Day Fly, Stay & River Cruise Holiday with $4000 Bonus Value Including City Stays, Onboard Beverages, Exclusive Package Savings & More

Return International Flights
BONUS 2 Night hotel stay to explore the city of Barcelona at your leisure
2 Night Hotel Stay to Explore Barcelona + Scenic Rail Journey
2 Night Hotel Stay To Explore Paris + Scenic Rail Journey
Enjoy an 8 day relaxed luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel onboard Avalon Waterways in a Deluxe Stateroom

8 Day River Cruise Onboard Avalon Waterways
Seasonal & locally sourced A La Carte menus across flexible dining venues
Regional wine & beer with lunch & dinner + daily happy hour
Specialty onboard entertainment
BONUS Wifi onboard & prepaid gratuities
BONUS Daily on shore excursions with expert guides
Onboard Dining + Beverages + Entertainment + Wifi + Shore Excursions + More
BONUS Airport transfer from Basel to Zurich airport upon disembarking your cruise

These are the very last of the cabins left for this river cruise package so please get in touch to book what will be one of the most memorable holidays you will ever take.

Contact me at [email protected] or 02 6551 2744

Smooth sailing!

Laurel

04/06/2025

Asia Cruising - 2027
Carnival Adventure, February 2027
Singapore, Thailand & Vietnam
From $2,990 per person for a twin share interior cabin

If you love travelling in Asia, why not try cruising? This cruise takes you from Singapore through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. And also spend a couple of days exploring Singapore!

We can add on more time in Singapore for you, just let us know how we can customise to make this an amazing holiday. Interested in a cabin upgrade?
Balcony upgrade from $499 pp
Ocean Suite upgrade from $999 pp

This is a holiday package including flights, Singapore stay and your 9 nights cruise.

Please get in touch if you are interested as this is a limited time option subject to availability.

This is definitely one I would love to do!

[email protected] or 02 6551 2744

Smooth sailing, Laurel

03/06/2025

LOVE this for our regional NSW travellers!

As of October, we can travel internationally from Newcastle Airport direct to Bali, 3 days per week with Jetstar.

Quick, easy and one a favourite holiday destination for Australians. Including me 😘

Cheers! Laurel

It’s official- Bali is our first international destination! 🌍🏝️

Direct flights from Newcastle Airport to Denpasar, Bali, take off from 21 October with Jetstar! Your island escape is closer than ever. 🌅

🛫 Flight schedule:
NTL ✈️ DPS – Departs 9:30am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (arrives 1:05pm)
DPS ✈️ NTL – Departs 10:20pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday (arrives 7:15am next day)

🎟️ Book now: https://bit.ly/4dOANDq

Less travel time, more holiday time- just the way it should be. Who's in? 👏

*Subject to Government and Regulatory approval

25/05/2025

🚨 Travel Disruptions Happen - What You Need to Know 🚨

We’ve just been through wild flooding here in Northern NSW, and it caused serious travel delays. Roads were closed, supplies were limited, and some customers were worried about missing their cruise or flight out of Sydney.

Totally understandable - but here’s the thing: panic doesn’t help, and cancelling too soon can sometimes make things worse.

Not every bump in the road means the whole trip is over.
Sometimes it’s just about pausing, rethinking, and adjusting your plans.

If travel has taught me anything, it’s this:
✈️ Be prepared, not panicked
📱 Trust advice from experts, not just social media
📅 Build in buffer time where you can
🧳 Travel insurance isn’t optional - it’s essential
💬 And most importantly? Don’t try to figure it all out alone

Travel’s still worth it - even when it gets messy.
Let’s plan smarter so you can travel lighter (and maybe even enjoy the detours).

Laurel 💙
Your cruise whisperer | Flight Centre

Photo - Taree NSW, 2025

19/05/2025

Not all cruise consultants are created equal.

And CLIA Masters isn’t just a course—it’s a deep dive into what it really means to specialise in cruise.

Yes, it covers ship design, itineraries, and onboard experiences. But more than that, it asks you to reflect on your own strengths, define your unique value, and build a business plan around helping your customers in a meaningful way.

After 7 years in the travel industry and 45+ cruises sailed, I’ve officially completed my CLIA Masters accreditation—something I’ve been working towards quietly behind the scenes.

For my clients, it means more than a certificate. It means tailored advice, a specialist who truly understands the cruise landscape, and someone who’s built an entire business around helping travellers find the right cruise—not just a cruise.

Because cruising isn’t one-size-fits-all. And planning it shouldn’t be either.

– Laurel | The Cruise Whisperer

16/05/2025

✨ Introducing... The Cruise Whisperer! ✨
If we haven’t met yet—hi, I’m Laurel! 👋 I’m a cruise specialist with over 7 years of experience and 45+ cruises sailed (and counting).

I created The Cruise Whisperer to help travellers like you feel confident and excited about planning your cruise holiday—whether it’s your very first time at sea or your fiftieth.

From choosing the right ship to planning pre- and post-cruise adventures, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Think of me as your personal cruise matchmaker—no stress, no guesswork, just the right cruise at the right time for you.

🌴 Cruise smarter. Pack lighter. Travel happier.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 0493 197 121
📸 Follow along

Ready to set sail? Let’s make your next holiday unforgettable🚢💙

15/05/2025

Exciting News!

Royal Caribbean's South Pacific beach destination to open in 2027

The long-awaited Lelepa experience in Vanuatu finally has an arrival date. Royal Caribbean's much-discussed exclusive Lelepa beach in the South Pacific will launch in early 2027, the cruise line has announced.

The Vanuatuan beach experience will be the first exclusive cruise destination in the region, and will offer "a locally inspired experience for guests in Australia and beyond", Royal Caribbean said.

Lelepa will feature nature trails, water activities, dining, and more, Royal Caribbean said.

More to come on this, but does it make you rethink who you are sailing with out of Australia? I will be sailing with Royal Caribbean for sure to have this experience!

Smooth Sailing, Laurel

Article courtesy of Cruise Weekly.

07/05/2025

Malaysia - have you ever considered travel to Malaysia?

Whether exploring Borneo’s enchanting rainforests and wildlife, Kuala Lumpur’s iconic skyline or the limestone hills of the Batu Caves, Malaysia captivates at every turn. Immerse in the vibrant tapestry of Sabah’s cultural diversity as you explore the traditional homes of local communities in Mari-Mari village, island hop off Kota Kinabalu’s photogenic coast or plunge into Poring’s hot sulphur springs. Unveil the best of Malaysia with exclusive escapes and tours on sale now.

With these packages, indulge at Malaysia’s best resorts and hotels, perfectly packaged with return flights.

Majestic Malaysia is calling. Don’t miss out—these handcrafted holiday offers are available for a limited time only or until sold out.

Get in touch if you want to visit Malaysia! Contact me for more information at [email protected] or 02 6551 2744

Smooth sailing! Laurel

05/05/2025

River Cruising - 2025
EXCLUSIVE 2 FOR 1 Offer* Premium European River Cruise, 14-nights, Budapest to Amsterdam
Oct/Nov 2025
From $3,895pp

If you are looking for a last minute deal for river cruising this October and November, we have a great offer for you!

What's included
EXCLUSIVE 2 FOR 1 Offer
*Premium River Cruise14-Night cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam aboard a Premium River ship
Meals & Drinks 41 meals - 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
Activities: Explore 15 towns, villages and cities
Also Included: Cruise Director, Entertainment & Activities Coordinators, and local travel
Transfers & Taxes Transfers, port charges and gratuities

These are HOT so if you are interested please get in touch.

Smooth sailing, Laurel

30/04/2025

New dates are being released tomorrow!

Which ship will you be sailing on in 2026/27? Get in touch to talk all things cruising.

Smooth sailing, Laurel

29/04/2025

USA & CARIBBEAN | NEW YORK, ORLANDO, MEXICO & BEYOND
Royal Caribbean Star of the Seas
October 2026
from $5,990 per person

What's included:
Return International Flights
2 Night hotel stay in New York + One way flight
3 night hotel stay in Orlando
7 Night Caribbean cruise in an UPGRADED Interior Plus Stateroom
Onboard world class entertainment, gourmet dining, prepaid gratuities

Enjoy a 7 night Caribbean cruise from Orlando (Port Canaveral) onboard the brand new Star of the Seas, and experience Perfect Day at CocoCay, a private island in the Bahamas reserved exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests!

Based on an interior cabin, but upgrades are available.

Price based on cruise sail date 11 October 2026
Extra charges apply for:
17 May 2026 ($400pp)
30 August 2026 ($200pp)

Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, and charges apply for other departure points.

If you want to experience one of the most beautiful new mega ships, this is the way to go!

Get in touch - these are limited time packages so don't leave it too long. [email protected] or 02 6551 2744

Smooth sailing! Laurel