FYI - round-up

Good news for luxury cruise fans, as Crystal Cruises will increase its voyages to Hong Kong next year. In addition to world and grand cruises, the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony - the highest-rated mid-sized cruise ships in the world - will offer more options either starting or ending in Hong Kong for 10-, 12-, 14- and 16-day voyages. A 'Book Now Savings' offer is available for next year and early 2014 cruises until June 30. www.crystalcruises.com

Luxury lodges in New Zealand are attracting the world's wealthy. Made famous by such celebrities as Brad Pitt and Barbra Streisand, who stayed in Blanket Bay and Huka Lodge in Taupo, respectively, the lodges are consistently voted among the world's best and offer strict privacy for guests. Auckland International Airport is actively targeting the Chinese market through sites such as www.xindaohualv.com, while Lodges of New Zealand is attending trade shows on the mainland. Prices range from NZ$795 (HK$4,700) to nearly NZ$3,000 per person per night with such amenities as unlimited golf at Kauri Cliffs in Northland and wine pairing at Otahuna Lodge near Christchurch.

If you need to escape the summer heat, put on your winter woollies and head for Ice World at The Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, Cotai, Macau. Open daily, the 18,000 sq ft indoor ice hall is kept at minus 8 degrees Celsius and features ice sculptures that depict famous Asian landmarks, a fairytale forest, a magic maze and more. Hooded coats are provided, but visitors must dress for the cold, which includes wearing shoes, not sandals, and long trousers. Ice World is open until September 16. www.venetianmacao.com/iceworld