JMAK= : ( ( . / < Tuesday 03 July 2012
Pacific Sun sets off on final cruise
One of Australia’s most significant ships has departed on its last voyage for P&O before moving on to a new life in China.
A SMALL crowd gathered in Brisbane on Sunday to bid “bon voyage” to the Pacific Sun, affectionately known for many years as Australia’s favourite cruise ship. “It was a sombre sailaway with some of her fans lining the river to wave goodbye – I’m told there were a few tears,” a spokesperson for P&O Australia told CW. “It’s fair to say that Pacific Sun introduced thousands of Australians to cruising… She was at the core of the resurgence in cruising in Australia.” In the eight years that Pacific Sun sailed under the P&O brand, Australian cruising experienced double-digit annual growth. Since 2004, the 47,000-tonne ship carried more than half a million passengers on 332 cruises, primarily around the South Pacific. Over the past two weeks P&O Australia fans on Facebook have posted comments and reminisced about memories of fun on the ‘Sun’. A group of “cruise enthusiasts” also set up a separate farewell page and are posting updates live from onboard the final sevennight Pacific Island cruise. The 26-year-old ship was sold earlier this year as part of Carnival Australia’s continuing
program of fleet renewal. Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, said Pacific Sun had been “enormously popular”. “When Pacific Sun joined our fleet eight years ago, Carnival Australia had two ships based in Australia and now we have seven, so she has certainly played a role in that growth”. The 723-cabin vessel, built in Sweden in 1986, was first named Jubilee and sailed for US-based Carnival Cruise Lines in the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska. Mystery surrounds the new unidentified owners, but according to unconfirmed rumours, the ship may be converted into a “floating casino” in China.
Scenic extends Alaska SCENIC Tours has expanded its Alaskan cruise/tour offerings with the addition of new destinations, Kenai Peninsula and Copper River, as part of the new 28-day Rockies, Voyage of the Glaciers, Kenai Peninsula & the Arctic Circle tour. Priced from $14,295 per person twin share, the trip includes 20 nights on land plus a 7 night Alaskan cruise, and bookings made by 19 October will also enjoy free return flights to Canada for the second person travelling. Details www.scenictours.com.au.
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Call 1300 788 328 or visit helenwongstours.com Conditions: Prices are per person twin share ex. SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL, PER & includes taxes and fuel surcharges, valid for departures from Apr’12 – Nov’12, seasonal surcharge apply. Please check with Helen Wong’s Tours for exact departure dates. Prices & taxes are current at time of brochure printing 15 Sep ‘11. and are subject to availability and change without notice at time of booking. All other conditions as per Helen Wong’s Tours current brochure range. 3146 Lic.No.2TA4103
TODAY’S ISSUE OF CW TODAY’S issue of CW features four pages of all the latest cruise news.
Ita talks the Tauck MEDIA personality Ita Buttrose was last Fri officially introduced as the new ambassador for Tauck in Australia. Buttrose has been enlisted by Tauck’s local representative, Travel The World, to further build the brand’s profile after five years of strong growth in the local market. Tauck has been on offer locally for 25 years and is going from strength to strength, with a new locally produced brochure customised to Australian tastes. Tours on offer include a wide range of luxury trips including river cruises - and a growing area of interest for Aussies is solo travellers. Tauck this month announced the removal of single supplements for Category 1 cabins on each of its more than 100 2013 European river cruise departures. Tauck ceo Dan Mahar said that the company aims to look after all of the smallest details, meaning everything is taken care of for those who are travelling alone. “And of course, there’s a cameraderie and connection with their fellow travellers, plus a great sense of security, that solo travellers don’t get to enjoy on their own. “Finally, because our riverboats hold just 118 guests, they offer a refined, club-like atmosphere that’s very intimate and welcoming for anyone travelling on their own”. Other recent initiatives include ‘Time on Tauck’ which offers complimentary luxury pre and post tour accommodation on all trips. As for Ita, she’s thrilled to be representing the brand, while Travel The World’s sales and marketing manager Michelle Taylor says Buttrose is a perfect fit because just like Tauck she is “sophisticated, elegant and inspiring”.
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au
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MORE EARLYBIRD DEALS AVAILABLE Click here for 2013 Avalon brochure and latest earlybird specials ¬
Uniworld opens Asia 2013 bookings After a sellout season this year, Uniworld is celebrating with big discounts on Mekong and Yangtze river cruises next year. UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruise Collection is offering savings of up to $1300 per couple for Asia holidays paid in full at the time of booking before 30 September 2012. Also available are early booking discounts of up to $650 per couple for bookings made and deposited before 31 October 2012. Launching its new ‘2013 Asia River Cruises and Tours’ brochure today, the company also unveiled a new itinerary: the 10-day ‘Impressions of China & the Yangtze’. This cruise-tour, which includes a four-night cruise on the Yangtze River and five nights in luxury hotels in Shanghai and Beijing, is in addition to its four existing itineraries, which
will next year be operated on three new ships, as announced last month (CW, 06 June). In China, Uniworld passengers will sail on the five-star Century Legend or Century Paragon and receive exclusive “VIP benefits”. In Vietnam and Cambodia, passengers will cruise aboard the 60-passenger River Saigon, which debuted this year, and the newly built River Orchid, launching next year. Both vessels will offer the 15-day ‘Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & Mekong’ between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, priced from $4,851 per person twin-share. The new ‘Impressions of China & the Yangtze’ is priced from $3,530 per person twin-share. Uniworld’s key hotels include the Ritz-Carlton Beijing; Four Points by Sheraton, Lhasa; Park Hyatt Saigon; Intercontinental Hotel and Resorts Hanoi Westlake; and the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa, Cambodia. Uniworld general manager, John Molinaro, said the company had been amazed at its success in Asia this year, with the new program hoped to meet “phenomenal demand”. For details and to order a brochure, see your friendly travel agent or visit Uniworld online at www.uniworldcruises.com.au.
Breakaway revelations
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NORWEGIAN Cruise Line has revealed more about the offerings on board its new Norwegian Breakaway which is scheduled to debut in New York next May. Innovations include a special seafood eatery courtesy of celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian, who features on cable television channel the Food Network. Ocean Blue by Geoffrey Zakarian will be a “luxury seafood dining experience” and will be one of more than a dozen eateries onboard. Norwegian has also announced details of the entertainment offerings on Breakaway which will include the Tony Award-nominated Rock of Ages which will play in its 800-seat theatre. Also appearing will be Broadway dance-fest Burn the Floor, and another offering will be the circus-inspired Cirque Dreams & Dinner Jungle Fantasy in the Spiegel Tent which will take place in a speciallly built onboard tent. Breakaway will feature an outdoor Waterfront precinct facing the ocean on both sides of deck 8, as well as new cabin designs, larger children’s areas and a restaurant, bar, gaming and entertainment precinct called 678 Ocean Place spanning decks 6, 7 and 8.
Cruise Calendar Cruise Weekly’s cruise calendar details upcoming port calls of passenger cruise ships at various destinations in Australia. SYDNEY Pacific Jewel
Thu 05 July
BRISBANE Pacific Dawn
Sat 07 July
SeaDream definitely Kosher JEWISH guests cruising onboard either of SeaDream Yacht Club’s boutique vessels in the Caribbean season can now dine on the finest Glatt-Kosher cuisine, prepared under strict rabbinical supervision under a new partnership with US kosher consultant, Jon Greenseid. SeaDream’s 112-passenger vessels will cruise in the Caribbean from Oct 2012-Apr 2013.
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LUXURY WORLDWIDE JOURNEYS & CRUISES
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Crystal prepares for its big reveal The culmination of an in-depth five-year redesign plan, Crystal Cruises is set to debut its revamped Crystal Symphony superliner. A VARIETY of modifications have been made to the vessel as part of a US$15-million drydock revitalisation project. Among said improvements include the fine wine bars Avenue Saloon & Palm Court Lounge. Located at the top of the vessel, the Palm Court Lounge offers panoramic views and oozes with a charm synonymous with the golden-age of Hollywood yesteryear, while maintaining its “contemporary wow factor”. Avenue Saloon will take on the look of a 19th century Gentlemens Club, with a modern colour scheme and updated furnishings. The modified ship will also feature a new galaxy showroom, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, and to satisfy the younger cruisers with a new kids club entitled “Fantasia” and activities for teens in the “Waves” area.
A Regent Christmas/New Year? REGENT Seven Seas Cruises is offering up to 28 free shore excursions and a free three-night either pre or post cruise land program on its 21-night Christmas and New Year Seven Sea Voyager cruise between Bali and Auckland. The voyage departs 19 Dec 2012 and cruises the coast of Australia and NZ, with prices from US$8999pp - details on 1800 251 174.
Hurtigruten for singles NORWEGIAN coastal cruise operator Hurtigruten is offering special fares for singles, with no supplements to be charge for solo travellers on selected departures this winter. The special offer is valid on some dates between Oct and Dec 2012 on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage, the 11-day Norwegian Discovery Voyage as well as the six and seven day Classic Voyages (north and south). The supplement-free savings represent reductions of up to £484pp on the brochure price and is applicable on bookings made before 31 Dec 2012. Hurtigruten said the winter sailings provide excellent opportunites to see the Northern Lights, with solar activity this winter expected to be “extremely high”. More information on 1800 OCEANS.
Another part of the ship subject to the wield of the renovators axe has been the ship’s fleet of shuttle vessels used to transport guests to ports unable to accommodate the entire ship, such as islands and ports with smaller docks. Crystal Cruises president Gregg Michel said the painstaking effort put into the design had paid dividends as it met the group’s focus on a contemporary look yet with a classic style. “The ultimate result is all our guests’ favourite gathering places now feeling even more welcoming, while also offering the stylish sophistication and comfortable elegance luxury travellers look for in a holiday setting, and expect from Crystal,” Michel said.
QE2 future finally holds water AFTER three months sitting in Dubai’s Port Rashid, the famous Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise liner will be converted into a floating hotel. According to a statement issued by its current owners Istithmar World, the completed hotel will feature 300 rooms and is scheduled to open in approx 18 months. The statement indicates the current owners plan to keep QE2 in Dubai permanently.
Pacific Dawn tips seven series SAILING from its home port of Brisbane this past weekend on a seven-night Pacific Islands roundtrip cruise, P&O’s Pacific Dawn vessel carried a special message for the Qld Maroons ahead of the deciding State of Origin match against New South Wales tomorrow night. Draped with a colossal 24m x 5m banner on her bow simply reading “GO MAROONS”. Passengers onboard will not miss a moment of the big game, with the newly installed big screen set to screen the clash during the first port of call in Port Vila, Vanuatu. The broadcast is in line with P&O securing the international rights to live NRL matches while at sea, including the Origin series. The Pacific Dawn is pictured below.
3 2 5 7 + 2 / ( A HOLLAND America cruise liner operating a specialist “all-gay” European voyage was forced to inform its 2,100 passengers that a previously confirmed visit to Casablanca, in the strict Muslim nation of Morocco, had to be cancelled. According to tweets sent to media organisations by passengers, the official message the liner was taking was that “Our port agent in Casablanca has advised us that authorities in Morocco have, despite previous confirmations, now denied our scheduled visit”. “For all of us, this is a very disappointing development...it was ultimately the decision by local authorities in Morocco that has necessitated us to adjust our plans”. The planned visit to Morocco would have been the only non-European port of call for a voyage which departed from Barcelona for a week-long sailing with mostly American and European passengers aboard. However, Morocco’s Tourism Minister Lahcen Haddad said no official decision to ban the ship from visiting the nation had been taken, and when quizzed about whether the vessel could still visit Morocco, replied “if the organisers want to”.
Last Minute Deals This weekly column highlights hot deals on cruises departing soon – ideal for our spontaneous readers. Check out this week’s cruise bargain: Dawn Princess Sydney to Beijing 30 nights departing soon! • From: $4,309pp • Departs: 27 July 2012 • Visits: Darwin, Singapore, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, Shanghai & more • Includes: One-way flight from Beijing to Sydney via Hong Kong, 25 nights on board, 3 nights in Beijing and 2 nights at the Hong Kong Marco Polo Hotel. • Contact: www.ecruising.travel
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au
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How to get behind the scenes by: Louise Goldsbury GONE are the days when passengers could easily meet the captain and check out the view from the ship’s bridge. Now, only river vessels and some small ships have an open bridge policy. But of course, you can still get behind-the-scenes of a superliner if you are willing to pay for it! On most tours, you will visit the bridge, galley (kitchen), food preparation areas, laundry, engine control room and backstage of the theatre, and may also receive souvenir photos, branded gifts, drinks and snacks. Group numbers are strictly limited (usually less than 16 people), so it’s essential to book as soon as you get onboard. Ship tours cannot be booked before boarding. Princess Cruises The three-hour ‘Ultimate Ship Tour’ (US$150) explores the engine control room, medical centre, laundry, photo laboratory, print shop, and the bridge and command centre, where you meet the captain and enjoy special refreshments while enjoying the view. Participants also receive a variety of themed mementos at many other stops along the route. The tour is available on all Princess ships except for Pacific Princess and Ocean Princess. Celebrity Cruises The ‘See How It’s Done Tour’ (US$150) explores the main areas, mooring deck and crew gym, and is followed by a wine-paired lunch, hosted by an officer, in the dining room. A special one-hour ‘Bridge Sail Away Experience’ (US$75) allows passengers to join the navigational team on the bridge as the ship departs from the port.
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Cruise Weekly is Australia’s favourite online cruising publication. In production since 2007, Cruise Weekly is published each Tuesday, with a further travel industry update each Thursday. Cruise Weekly is free and is sent to subscribers via email as an Adobe Acrobat PDF document. Sign up for a free subscription at www.cruiseweekly.com.au. PO Box 1010, Epping, NSW 1710 Phone: 1300 799 220 Fax: 1300 799 221
Royal Caribbean The ‘All Access Tour’ (US$150) has been offered on Royal Caribbean ships since July 2011. Over 3.5 hours, it is available once on cruises of six nights or less, and at least twice on longer cruises. Holland America Line HAL’s three-hour tours (US$150) are very thorough. On my tour of Zuiderdam, we spent almost half an hour asking the engineers questions and even went behind the bingo screen while a game was in action. Free walks through the galley are also sometimes offered. Carnival Cruise Lines ‘Behind the Fun’ is offered across the Carnival fleet, incl Carnival Spirit. The difference with this 3.5-hour tour (US$95 but price yet to be confirmed on Carnival Spirit in Australia) is that it spends more time in the crew areas (galley, mess, gym and training centre). Participants get to meet the captain, chief engineer and head chef. P&O Australia The Chef’s Table experience ($75) includes pre-dinner cocktails, with an introduction by the executive chef, and a tour of the galley. A seven-course degustation, matched with wines, is then served in the private wine room within the ship’s Waterfront Restaurant. Up to three Chef’s Table dinners, for 14 passengers, are available per voyage on Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel. Norwegian Cruise Line NCL has two-hour (US$55) or seven-hour tours (US$150). The allday onboard excursion adds a sushi-making demonstration, saketasting, coffee, pre-dinner cocktails, and dinner with a glass of wine in Cagney’s Steakhouse. Tours are offered once per cruise.
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