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Moreton Island welcomes first ship P&O has added a new destination to Australian cruising with the maiden visit of Pacific Jewel last weekend. NEVER before visited by a major line, Queensland's Moreton Island has been placed on the cruise map following the first of six calls to be made by P&O this year. Jewel arrived at the new port on 16 March as
MSC set to show off Preziosa
MSC Cruises is preparing to launch its newest ship, the MSC Preziosa, this Saturday. Boasting 1,751 cabins, 26 lifts, 18 decks, 21 bars, a casino, four swimming pools including an infinity pool, bowling alley, a sports area with playing fields and a fitness centre, MSC Preziosa will be officially christened by the godmother of the MSC fleet - Sophia Loren. Preziosa will also feature the first two Eataly restaurants at sea, an on board aqua park for children, MSC Aurea Spa, and Vertigo- MSC Cruises’ longest waterslide to date and the longest single rider body waterslide on the seas. The glittering christening will take place in Genoa and will include a “world-first” flash mob, which will see all guests onboard MSC Splendida and MSC Opera (which will be docked in Genoa on the same day of the christening) participate.
the highlight of a four-night 'SeaBreak' from Sydney. The company has ensured a festival atmosphere every time the ship docks, with live music, roving entertainers, dancers and food stalls set up around the shore. The first arriving passengers were greeted on Saturday by Queensland Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey, Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry and Tangalooma Island Resort Director David James, before heading off to experience the attractions including dolphin feeding, sandduning, quad bike tours, canoeing, snorkelling and bird-watching. P&O's visits are expected to inject more than $1 million into the local economy. Sherry said she was pleased to introduce Australians to this part of the east coast. “Moreton Island is literally on our doorstep and we're delighted to be giving close to 12,000 interstate visitors the opportunity to experience its beauty for the first time in 2013. “The response from our passengers has been overwhelmingly positive and I know they will return home to spread the word about what an exceptional discovery Moreton Island is.” Queensland Tourism Minister Jann Stuckey said the creation of a new destination at Moreton Island reflected that cruising had been the fastest growing segment of the state's tourism market during the past year. Queensland's cruise industry is Australia's second biggest after NSW. “The most recent available figures show that the cruise industry generated an estimated $590 million for the Queensland economy in 2011-12," Stuckey said. For more, see www.pocruises.com.au, a travel agent or call 13 24 94.
Get app-y with Orion ORION Expedition Cruises has launched its first iPad App, downloadable for free through the Apple iTunes store. The app features interactive maps of 94 destinations; detailed day by day descriptions for each itinerary; video footage of Orion’s destinations and virtual tours of accommodations, decks and public rooms. The app also lets users follow Orion in real time, by accessing the bridge camera, updated every minute.
TODAY’S ISSUE OF CW Cruise Weekly today features four pages packed full of all the latest cruise news.
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Celebrity Cruises releases triple treats Australians can choose from three special freebies offered on all worldwide sailings with Celebrity Cruises. THE upscale line's '1 2 3 Go Sale' includes free drinks packages, free gratuities and bonus onboard spending credit. Valid for any oceanview cabin booking or above, made by 15 April 2013, the deal applied to any Celebrity voyage departing between June 2013 and March 2014 (excluding Celebrity Xpedition). Passengers can choose one of the offers, or two offers for Europe sailings. The free “Classic Beverage Package” for two, valued at US$88 a day, provides guests with beers, spirits, cocktails and wine by the glass (up to $US8 per serving), soft drinks, juices,
premium coffees, specialty teas and nonpremium bottled water, including tips. Free gratuities, worth up to US$210 per cabin, covers tips for stateroom attendant, waiter, assistant waiter and head waiter gratuities. The bonus onboard credit, up to $US300 per cabin depending on length of cruise, can be used for shore excursions, specialty dining, wine tastings, spa treatments or shopping in the ship's boutiques. Fares start at $1,949 per person for an oceanview stateroom onboard Celebrity Solstice for a 12-night Auckland to Sydney sailing, departing 10 December 2013. This offers savings of up to $490 per person and allows guests to choose one of the three specials from the '1 2 3 Go' sale. A 12-night Mediterranean cruise is priced from $2,049 per person. See your local travel agent, call 1800 754 500 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.au.
Land adventures with Silversea CRUISERS to the Galapagos will be able to spend more time on land, with the release of a slew of new multiple-day land excursions for guests cruising onboard Silversea’s Silver Galapogas (debuting in late September). “Because the Galapagos Islands are such a unique destination and on most everyone's list of must-see places, we wanted to make sure our pre- and post-cruise land programs would add as rich an experience,” said Karen Christensen, General Manager and Director Sales and Marketing Australasia for Silversea. “These land extensions have been carefully curated to showcase the breathtaking landscapes and intriguing cultures of the Andes and the Amazon, while delivering the signature comfort and style that Silversea guests expect,” she added. The extra tours include the six-night Amazon Explorer, which takes to Peru’s Amazon basin and includes a cruise on the mv Aqua (from $6,489pp); as well as the four-night Puno & Lake Titicaca adventure from $3,599pp; a three- or four-night Machu Picchu Explorer from $3,439pp; and the three- or four-night Machu Picchu Grande Explorer from $4,469pp. Pricing for the land extensions includes deluxe accommodation, all transportation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. See your travel agent for details, or visit www.silversea.com.
Milford Sound welcomes QM2 QUEEN Mary 2 made history last Saturday, becoming the largest ship to visit New Zealand’s stunning Milford Sound. Located in World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is usually the domain of smaller ships, however over the weekend that changed with the 345-metre lady cruising into Milford’s picturesque waters, reaching 62-metres above the waterline and leaving her 2,500 guests slackjawed with the natural beauty of the region. The stop was part of QM2’s maiden circumnavigation of New Zealand.
Preziosa debut deals MSC Cruises is celebrating the debut of MSC Preziosa by offering savings of up to $510 per person off balcony cabin bookings on Grand Mediterranean cruises departing Venice from 25 May to 30 June 2013. The deal is priced from $1,448pp for a 14night Grand Mediterranean cruise which stops at Bari, Katakolon, Santorini, Piraeus, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Venice, Genoa, Naples, Messina, Tunis, Barcelona and Marseille. See your travel agent for more details.
Cruise Calendar Cruise Weekly’s cruise calendar details upcoming port calls of passenger cruise ships at various destinations in Australia. SYDNEY Queen Mary 2 Carnival Spirit Rhapsody of the Seas
Tue 19 Mar Thu 21 Mar Sat 23 Mar
BRISBANE Pacific Dawn
Sat 23 Mar
MELBOURNE Queen Mary 2 Celebrity Solstice
Thu 21 Mar Mon 25 Mar
HOBART Oosterdam
Wed 20 Mar
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Grand Turk cancellations
Gauguin Ambassadors
A NUMBER of cruise lines have dropped calls to Grand Turk (the capital island of the Turks and Caicos), following a possible outbreak of gastroenteritis at the Grand Turk Cruise Center. According to Carnival Corp, who operates the Cruise Centre, a number of guests from different ships contracted the bug after having visited Grand Turk. “Although not confirmed, we are investigating whether there may be a link with consumption of food and beverages while guests were ashore in Grand Turk,” said Carnival Cruise Lines in a statement. “Therefore, in an abundance of caution and because the well-being of our guests is our highest priority, various cruise lines, including ours, have cancelled calls to Grand Turk and are continuing to monitor the situation while the cause of the illnesses is being determined,” the cruise line added. The next call to Grand Turk is scheduled to be on 21 March, with Carnival Victory and Carnival Liberty both set to visit.
PAUL Gauguin Cruises’ is offering its hugely popular Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program on a selection of its Tahiti & The Society Island sailings between 01 June and 17 August 2013. Created by world-renowned explorer and environmentalist, Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society, the program is designed to introduce young travellers to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia through direct, interactive learning. To learn more about the program, see your local travel agent.
Cruise Bill of Rights? US newsites are reporting a call for a Cruise Ship Bill of Rights by Senator Charles Schumer. According to reports Schumer is arguing for the Bill which would ensure cruisers have a range of protections whilst onboard vessels, including the right to a full refund should their cruise holiday be cut short or cancelled due to mechanical troubles. Schumer is also calling on cruise lines to adopt guidelines which ensure each vessel in their respective fleets has back-up power, medical staff and sanitary conditions. The calls follow the disastrous Carnival Dream breakdown this month, which left the vessel without power and guests without an abundance of working toilets.
Isabel, Andie and Uniworld HOLLYWOOD screen siren, Andie MacDowell has been tapped to be the godmother of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ newest ship, the Queen Isabel. Named after one of Portugal's most beloved queens, the ship will boast capacity for 118 guests, with highlights including 18 junior suites at 20 sq. metres and two bigger suites at 30 sq. metres on the top deck- all with full balconies, whilst staterooms on the main deck will have French balconies. Public areas will include a lounge with fullservice bar; an outside bar; restaurant with an outside dining area; sun deck with swimming pool; and fitness/spa area. Debuting on 22 March this year, Queen Isabel will sail Uniworld's popular 10-night Portugal, Spain and the Douro River itinerary, replacing the Douro Spirit, which Uniworld inaugurated in 2011. “Uniworld has launched a number of ships over the years here, but Queen Isabel will have a more classic style and timeless elegance similar to Uniworld's other ships in Europe, which are all uniquely designed and decorated,” said Guy Young, President of Uniworld.
3 2 5 7 + 2 / ( TWO English Queens meet in the US. For the first time since 1967 a Cunard Queen Elizabeth met with the long-retired Queen Mary in Southern California’s Long Beach. The last meeting of a Cunard Elizabeth and Mary took place when both ships passed each other mid-Atlantic on 25 September 1967 whilst Queen Mary sailed on her final Atlantic crossing. The reunion was celebrated with an exchange of whistle salutes, fireworks and fanfare.
Scenic spends $10 million SCENIC Tours has confirmed that the price tag of its latest fleet refurbishment has reached $10 million. Under the program, ships in the current fleet sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle and Black Sea have been fitted out with new dining additions including the casual River Café for all-day grazing and Table La Rive for a dégustation experience, whilst Portobellos has also been upgraded. In addition the vessels’ main restaurant, Crystal Dining, has been enhanced with new pizza ovens, omelette and carver stations, whilst the Panorama Lounge has a new bar embellished with Port Laurent black Moroccan marble, additional coffee machines and Eurocave wine dispensers. Other upgrades include new floors and light fixtures in the reception areas, new ship artworks, as well as new carpet, soft furnishings and designer furniture throughout, whilst the luxury staterooms have private balconies that are 24 per cent larger than normal balcony cabins and fitted with exclusive Scenic Sun Lounges. For more details, see your local travel agent.
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Inside info on inside cabins by: Louise Goldsbury Is an inside cabin OK or should you pay the extra money for a window or balcony? The answer depends on how much time you plan to spend in your room, if you have claustrophobic tendencies and if you really need to save those dollars. Often, people book a balcony but hardly use it - it's just nice to know it's there. Personally, I think a balcony is an intrinsic part of the cruising experience: to have your own open-air space overlooking the ocean, feeling the breeze, enjoying an alfresco breakfast or a sunset drink, in privacy. A balcony is also wonderful when you want to watch the arrival into a new port in the morning, because you don't have to get dressed at dawn and/or find a good vantage point on deck. But these things are luxuries, not necessities, and you can achieve close to the same experiences on a public outdoor deck. The in-between option is an outside (or ocean view) cabin, which means you don't get a balcony but there is a window. So, could you survive in a small room without a window? Probably - if you're only using your cabin to sleep and shower, and you're not fussed about creature comforts. A good idea is to look for those labelled ‘large’ or ‘deluxe’ insides, some of which are actually bigger than neighbouring balcony cabins. Remember, there is always the risk that choosing an inside cabin may ruin your holiday if you don't like it, and you will kick yourself for not upgrading, Styles and sizes of inside cabins differ between ships, so you should always look at the deck plans on the cruise line's website or read
Allure insides
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
passengers' reviews. Some insides even have “secret” windows or portholes with an obstructed view. Others live up to a joke I heard by comedian Tom Drake on Oceania Marina: “a tomb with a toilet”. Best insides in Australia Oosterdam: The most spacious (up to 233 square feet), plus you get a free shoeshine service, Elemis toiletries, bath robes, massage showerheads, fresh fruit and ice delivery. Celebrity Solstice: 183 - 200 sq ft. Carnival Spirit: 185 sq ft. Best insides overseas Allure/Oasis of the Seas: Interior-facing ‘Promenade’ staterooms (194 sq ft) have bay windows overlooking the ship's strip of shops and cafés, so you can people-watch and enjoy the fun atmosphere. Family insides are a generous 260 sq ft (no window) and accommodate up to six people. Norwegian Breakaway: NCL's newest ship has family insides (129194 sq ft) near the kids’ area, with a convertible queen-size bed and two pull-down beds. Norwegian Epic: For solo travellers only, these ‘studios’ are less than 100 sq ft but have access to a communal living room for mingling with other singles. Disney Fantasy/Dream: These deluxe insides pioneered the ‘virtual porthole’, which is an LCD screen showing a live video of the view outside the ship, with the added touch of Disney characters floating around the image. Other highlights include 1.5 bathrooms and iPod docks.
Inside cabin
Publisher/Managing Editor: Bruce Piper Editor: Louise Goldsbury Assistant Editor: Amanda Collins Contributors: Roderick Eime and Chantel Housler Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au Cruise Weekly is part of the Travel Daily Group:
Inside STRM MOdal- Norwegian Breakaway
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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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