The Kiwi coach touring segment continues to evolve, with New Zealand luxury touring specialist Grand Pacific Tours embracing cruise by taking a fully hosted allocation on board Celebrity Solstice in conjunction with its upmarket land content.
GPT claims the move is “ground-breaking” because it’s the only NZ touring operator that pre-books all of its staterooms on board, meaning clients are guaranteed a Deluxe Cabin on Solstice’s Vista Deck 8. “We also have our tour guide with the group from day one and throughout the tour, which helps the group mesh from the start and not feel like any other cruise passenger,” a spokesperson told travelBulletin.
The company says it believes its fully inclusive offering, along with the guaranteed cabins makes it unique in the NZ market. “The client does not need to worry about a thing on either the cruise or coach section,” said managing director Peter Harding, with the product covered in a dedicated brochure offering either a 19-day New Zealand Southern Explorer & Cruise itinerary, or the 23-day Best of New Zealand by Cruise & Luxury Coast which starts with a 12-night trans-Tasman voyage ex Sydney.
The cruise portion also includes Celebrity’s earlybird booking bonuses worth up to US$1720 per couple for trips booked before 31 December 2015.
