Cruise W E E K L Y
Tuesday 3 September 2013
National Cruise Week hits Australia! Huge discounts, upgrades, onboard credit, cash prizes, free flights and accommodation are on sale for one week only. This week (02-09 September) may be the best ever opportunity to snap up the biggest cruise bargains around the world, as more than 1,000 travel agents and 30 cruise lines unite to offer seven days of sales.
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Cruising experts throughout Australia and New Zealand are offering a range of discounts and bonuses as part of National Cruise Week, the largest promotion in the industry, organised by the Cruise Lines International Association Australasia. The annual initiative, which also involves in-store information sessions, is expected to exceed the success of last year’s inaugural event. Wine and cheese evenings, morning teas and presentations are among the free events designed to help travellers choose and book the best cruise visiting ports all over the world. This year’s best booking incentives include a chance to win a $30,000 cash prize, with some of the best deals offering two pre-cruise hotel nights, free flights to Europe (including taxes), business class and balcony cabin upgrades, 50% reduced fares and deposits, up to $300 in onboard credit and savings of up to $1000. Holidaymakers can look up online offers and local events by entering their postcode at www.nationalcruiseweek.com.au.
Orion Sydney info sessions Passengers curious about the experiences available on a Lindblad Expeditions and Orion Expedition Cruises’ sailing are invited to attend one of six informal information events being held in Sydney later this month, with places at each event free-of-charge. Events will take place in the Sydney suburbs of Sylvania Waters, Mona Vale and Centennial Park on 24, 25 and 26 September respectively, with sessions at 2pm and 6pm at each. Guests will be able to hear about the latest news about the Orion Expedition Voyages and Lindblad Expeditions range of experiential National Geographic voyages to Melanesia, Antarctica, the Kimberley, Borneo and more. Canapés and beverages will be served, and attendees will also have the opportunity to speak with members of the Orion team. Visit www.orioncruises.com.au/events or phone 1300 361 012 to secure a place.
Cruise Specials National Cruise Week is now on, and cruise lines operating in Australia and overseas have all come to the party, releasing super-special deals available from 02-09 September only.
♦ Onboard credit of US$100 per stateroom is available on selected local Royal Caribbean International departures. Combinable with a free-upgrade offer on a seven-night Tasmania cruise on Radiance of the Seas departing on 27 January 2014.
♦ Celebrity Cruises is offering a US$100 onboard credit on cruises of five-nights or more departing 2014 in a Balcony, Concierge Class, Aqua Class cabin or Suite stateroom. Not valid on Celebrity Xpedition sailings.
♦ One free hotel night pre or post-cruise is available on Tauck European river cruising, a US$100 onboard credit per cabin can be enjoyed on any Windstar Cruises sailing and bonuses including open bar and onboard credit is on offer on selected Asia sailings on Compagnie du Ponant’s Le Soleal.
♦ Free two-night Singapore stopovers are on offer along with Fly Free deals with Scenic Tours on a range of all-inclusive European river cruises of between 11-15 days. Quote code SNFY436 to receive this deal.
♦ Extra value of over $1,000 has been added by Orion Expedition Cruises on Darwin to Broome (and vice-versa) sailings between May to August 2014. Ask for the Kimberley Discovery Package when booking.
♦ Savings of up to 30% off normal cruise fares are available on Hurtigruten Norway Coastal Voyage Fares of between 6-12 days. A further 5% off the Best Fare of the Day on any Arctic, Antarctica or Europe voyage sailing between 14 Mar 2014 and 25 Feb 2015 is also available. For more offers from participating cruise lines, visit your travel agent to make your booking.
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Tuesday 3 September 2013
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Australia set for its busiest season “Wave season� hits our shores next month, bringing a record number of ships and port visits. According to the national cruise body, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, its member cruise lines will have 34 ships – one more than last year – sailing down under from October 2013 to April 2014. Of these, 15 vessels will operate an unprecedented 202 roundtrip cruises from Australia, while 19 others would make short
visits during the summer. Around 600 calls are expected to be made to Australian cities as well as regional ports such as Eden, Robe, Exmouth and Norfolk Island, with many visiting for the first time. One vessel is also on its way for its inaugural season based in WA: Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Astor, which is scheduled to arrive in Fremantle on 11 December for a series of voyages along the west coast, to Asia and a circumnavigation of Australia. CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the busy six-month season was worth hundreds of millions of dollars to the Australian economy. “As cruising grows in popularity we’re seeing new opportunities open up for smaller ports along our coast to share in that growth and build their local tourism, which is very exciting,� Jardine said. “Each ship visit can inject up to $500,000 into a port, so they make an important contribution.�
Funds for new seawall secured
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Vanuatu Tourism general manager Linda Kalpoi has thanked New Zealand for providing a funding injection for the rebuilding of the Port Vila seawall to be carried out. She added that portside businesses and tour operators will flourish as more tourists utilise the new pier & come ashore during ship visits.
HAL moves from Syrian crisis Impending military action in Syria has forced Holland America Line to cancel all visits to Israeli ports until further notice. Responding to threats of a strike from the USA, Syrian officials said they may retaliate by firing rockets into Israel, a Western ally. Citing safety concerns for passengers & crew, the announcement has affected a sailing currently underway aboard the MS Noordam, which is en route from Istanbul to Athens. Substituting scheduled ports-of-call in Haifa & Ashdod, the vessel will now dock at Bodrum and Antalya in Turkey and Nafplion in Greece. Shore excursions previously booked for Israel would be refunded, with passengers also given a 15% discount on a future HAL voyage.
Windstar to renovate cabins Three million dollars worth of stateroom upgrades are to be rolled out to two Windstar Cruises’ vessels during an upcoming dry dock. The two smallest ships in the company’s fleet - Wind Star and Wind Spirit - will see cabins modified to provide more open space, with furnishings including a new centre dresser and a couch with a built-in fold-out centre table. Star will enter dry dock in Nov this year, while Spirit will have the upgrades fitted in Apr 2015. The latest upgrades follow renovations which first began on the Windstar fleet in 2012 and included new linen wall coverings, wool carpet, art works, lighting features and window covers, leather headboards and new armchairs.
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Tuesday 3 September 2013
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Captain Cook Cruises goes pink for a day
High tea is taking on a decidedly pink look and feel this month aboard Captain Cook Cruises’ High Tea and Top Deck lunch cruises this month. Raising money for the McGrath Foundation, CCC is donating 10% from the ticket price paid by each passenger for a September cruise to the charity to help reach the target of 150 Breast Care nurses in communities across Australia. The organisation’s ongoing pledge to raise awareness of breast cancer and its efforts to continue funding research into a cure is also a main theme of the CCC fundraising efforts. In honour of the charity drive, Channel Nine’s Weekend Today show joined one of
WIN $1000 spending money for your trip each week this September To be in the running, just buy a policy ju in September - simple! * Terms and conditions apply
the Captain Cook outings, where weathergirl Emma Freedman delivered her live reports from onboard the Sydney 2000, which had been colourfully decked out with pink balloons for the live broadcasts on Sydney Harbour. Approximately 40 people were onboard the special cruise, including McGrath Foundation Ambassador and director Tracey Bevan, who took part in six weather crosses, one of which included a quirky pink fashion parade. To make a booking for a High Tea and Lunch Cruise, see www.captaincook.com.au. Pictured above from left around the table at the high tea is Anthony Haworth and Richard Doyle from Captain Cook Cruises, Weekend Today weather reporter Emma Freedman and the McGrath Foundation’s Tracey Bevan.
Quantum’s robotic features Innovative techniques are being employed to keep guests on Royal Caribbean’s upcoming Quantum of the Seas entertained and amazed. A special video detailing these advancements has been released by Royal Caribbean International - CLICK HERE to watch it now.
WIN $ 1000 Click here for more details
Brand new cruiser on Ganges Indian river cruising now has a brand new vessel on which to do so, with bookings now open for a luxury, small-group vessel due to start operations from February next year. Dubbed Rajmahal, the 50-metre vessel has been designed specifically for sailing on the Ganges river and offers 22 cabins with French balconies, onboard spa, dining room and more. Voyages of 7-9 nights along the upper and lower Ganges will be sailed, travelling between Patna-Farakka-Kolkata, with guests able to visit ports and historical sights in between - for details, phone Active Travel on 1800 783 188.
P O R T H O L E What a way to make an entrance! Imagine this. You’re relaxing on a beautiful beach on the Baltic Sea during a summer day when all of a sudden, seemingly from nowhere comes a GIGANTIC Russian military hovercraft right up to the shoreline. This is exactly what happened in Kaliningrad recently, with the dramatic and unannounced arrival of the huge 550-tonne craft captured on film by a stunned onlooker. Needless to say, the enormous amphibious machine had no trouble clearing a path, with curious fellow beachgoers quickly herded in the opposite direction by a group of Russian marines. The 60-metre long hovercraft is fitted with missile launchers and multiple gun mounts everything you need for a day at the beach. Whilst nobody was hurt, the video still makes for spectacular viewing, and can be seen by CLICKING HERE.
The Auckland Hop On Hop Off Explorer bus stop is directly out front of the new Queens Wharf cruise ship terminal
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au
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Tuesday 3 September 2013
RCI to return to Brazil in 2014
Hitting the links with Celebrity A&K focusing on polar bears
A SCHEDULE of 3-8 night round-trip voyages from Sao Paulo, Brazil will be operated by Royal Caribbean International’s Splendour of the Seas during the winter 2014-15 season. Marking the company’s return to South America, ports to be visited during voyages will include Buzios, Ilha Grande and Ilhabela as well as Punta Del Este and Montevideo, Uruguay, and Buenos Aires in Argentina. One of the season highlights will be an eightnight departure on 27 Dec 2014, which will position itself off Brazil’s Copacabana Beach for the New Year’s Eve fireworks celebrations. Trans-Atlantic crossings between Spain and Brazil at either end of the season are also available on 22 Nov 2014 (west-bound) and 20 Apr 2015 (east-bound). MEANWHILE, the line’s Brilliance of the Seas vessel will be joined at its Tampa homeport by sister-ship Vision of the Seas from 15 November next year, RCI has announced. Vision’s relocation comes following strong passenger growth from the port, which has seen only one ship operating autumn & winter cruises based there for more than ten years.
Two golf-themed cruises will be operated to Bermuda and the Caribbean by Celebrity Cruises next year, the line has announced. The first departure of the “Celebrity Cruises’ Golf Classic Getaway” will sail the Caribbean on 25 Jan, with the Bermuda voyage on 01 Jun. Celebrity Reflection & Celebrity Summit will operate the voyages, with golf planned at top courses in Bermuda, St Martin and St Thomas. Golf lectures & instructional sessions aimed at golfers of all skill levels will be conducted onboard, with green fees, course gratuities and transport included in cruise fares - for more information, contact your travel agent.
Tributes pour in for Frost icons of the media industry have paid tribute to legendary broadcaster & interviewer Sir David Frost, who passed away, aged 74, after suffering a heart attack on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth cruise ship over the weekend. Frost is well known for his often intimidating interview style, most notably on former US President Richard Nixon following Watergate.
Pact to develop Asian cruising Agreement has been reached between management of Worldwide Cruise Terminals (WCT) and Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC), with the two parties signing a letter of intent for cooperation to develop cruise-related economies in East Asia. WCT oversees the management of the newly opened Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong, while TIPC itself manages seven international ports servicing cruise ships in Taiwanese cities. Under the pact, the two organisations will share marine transport data, will work to develop itineraries incorporating Hong Kong & Taiwan and to promote the two destinations to cruise ship operators. “Promotion of cruise destinations is a team game in which nearby ports of call must work closely together to raise service standards and jointly attract more cruise lines to visit,” Worldwide Cruise Terminals md Jeff Bent said.
A NEW educational cruise to the Arctic region focused on polar bears has been released for sale by Abercrombie & Kent. A team of research scientists, naturalists and climate change experts will be aboard the vessel, to be operated by Compagnie Du Ponant vessel Le Boreal, which has been specially designed to handle Arctic conditions. The 11-night trip is scheduled to depart Norway on 29 Jul 2014 and will sail to the Spitsbergen coast and to Svalbard Archipelago. Passengers will be led on excursions to interact up-close with polar bears as well as walruses, whales and other arctic wildlife.
Port Review: Monte Carlo, Monaco By General Manager - Sales, Roger Condon IF YOU’VE ever dreamed of casting off your current persona and adopting a dashing, new cover in the vein of James Bond, Monaco might be the very place to begin your transformation. You’ll also be surprised about how a place that extends only 4km along and encompassing only 202-hectares along the Mediterranean coast delivers such a varied number of attractions. The Principality of Monaco is a delight and everything within its boundaries exudes ‘chic’ and ‘elegance’. Not so long ago, cruisers would usually access Monaco from another French port, but the construction of a cruise ship pier means that many travellers step off their ship directly into Monaco, and from this point, you’ll easily navigate yourself about. Sailing along the coast and into Monaco is wonderful, so ensure you’re up on deck for arrival or departure. Once ashore, you’re amongst the luxury yachts you’d expect to see here. A quick stroll around the marina is enjoyable and if you’re visiting around Grand Prix time, you’ll quickly see that Monaco succumbs to it. Just above your ship is “The Rock”. The area boasts regal attractions, including a stunning Oceanographic Museum with colourful aquariums and natural science exhibits. From there, stroll along the tranquil gardens until your reach the imposing Monaco Cathedral, a Roman-Byzantine building housing the resting places of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco. Meander through the streets loaded with small shops, cafes and restaurants and the Prince’s Palace will soon appear before you where you can experience the daily changing of the guard. One of the best views is also captured from here. On the other side is Monte Carl, home to the famous Monte Carlo Casino and Opera House, along with the Cafe de Paris and Hotel de Paris, a legendary hotel which contains Alain Ducasse’s Louis XV restaurant, a gastronomic wonder. If you’re hoping to win your next cruise fare, pay the €10 fee and try your luck in the casino. If crowning luxury brands are your preferred diversions, Monte Carlo has them all. You’ll love it here, and most of what you want to see can be seen on foot.
Roger’s Quick Tips
Best Months: May - Sep
Don’t Miss: Strolling The Rock and its treasures Tour or Not: On your own, but there’s also a Petit Tourist Train Sightseeing: All of it, plus the Prince’s vintage car collection Food: Dinner at Louis XV, seafood Language: French Shopping: Everything designer name Cash or Card: Credit Card or Euro
Monaco and The Rock
By Roger Condon, general manager - sales, Discover the World Marketing - with 15 years at sea.
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au
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cruise W E E K L Y
Tuesday 3 September 2013
Have a cruisey Christmas by: Louise Goldsbury INCREASING numbers of Australians are cruising through Christmas, in more ways than one. A recent survey by Royal Caribbean found that two-thirds of Aussies believe the day would be better by getting away from it all, allowing someone else to take care of the cooking, cleaning and entertaining. This December, festive cruises are priced from as little as $125pp per day, but cabins are rapidly selling out so now is the time to book. FROM SYDNEY Pacific Jewel Departs: 18 December (10 nights) Ports of call include Isle of Pines, Lifou, Vila, Noumea and Mystery Island. P&O’s Pacific Pearl leaves the next day (19 December) also visiting New Caledonia and Vanuatu. www.pocruises.com.au. Fares: from $1,399 per person (quad share) Voyager of the Seas Departs: 18 December (nine nights) Christmas Day is spent at sea aboard the biggest superliner based in Australia, with 10 pools and spas, 14 bars, a rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, mini-golf and basketball. www.royalcaribbean.com.au Fares: from $1,740 per person (quad share) Rhapsody of the Seas Departs: 19 December (nine nights) Midnight mass is held onboard, along with festive movies and Christmas Day at sea. www.royalcaribbean.com.au. Fares: from $1,316 per person (quad share) Carnival Spirit Departs: 21 December (9 nights) This Pacific Island roundtrip cruise adds some French flavour to Christmas,
with a stop in Noumea, followed by cricket on the ship’s top deck. www.carnival.com.au. Fares: from $1,837 per person (quad share). Celebrity Solstice Departs: 22 December (12 nights) For more luxury, this cruise to New Zealand is also likely to have fewer children. After Christmas Day in Melbourne, celebrate New Year’s Eve in Dunedin. www.celebritycruises.com.au. Fares: from $2,223 per child, $3,273 per adult FROM BRISBANE Pacific Dawn Departs: 21 December (nine nights) Snorkelling around the Isle of Pines on Christmas Eve, then Christmas Day on Mystery Island and back in time for New Year. www.pocruises.com.au. Fares: from $1,499 per person (quad share). FROM MELBOURNE Dawn Princess Departs: 21 December (13 nights) Enjoy the views of Milford Sound on Christmas Day and celebrate 2014 in Auckland. www.princess.com. Fares: from $2,399 per person (quad share) FROM PERTH Astor Departs: 20 December (10 nights) A smaller ship arriving in Fremantle for its maiden season, offering an overnight stay in Bali, from midday on Christmas Eve until 11pm the next evening. www.cmvaustralia.com. Fares: from $1,229 per person (quad share)
Photo: James Morgan
Photo: James Morgan
Santa visits Princess Cruises
A Royal Caribbean Christmas
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
Advertising and Marketing: Christie-Lee Lachance, Magda Herdzik and Lisa Martin Email: advertising@cruiseweekly.com.au Business Manager: Jenny Piper Email: accounts@traveldaily.com.au Part of the Travel Daily group of publications.
Even Santa needs a holiday
Publisher/Managing Editor: Bruce Piper Editor: Louise Goldsbury Production Editor: Matt Lennon Contributors: Roderick Eime, Guy Dundas and Olivia Archbold Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au
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Cruise Weekly is a publication of Cruise Weekly Pty Ltd. All content fully protected by copyright. Please obtain written permission to reproduce any material. While every care has been taken in the preparation of Cruise Weekly no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Information is published in good faith to stimulate independent investigation of the matters canvassed. Responsibility for editorial comment is taken by Bruce Piper.
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