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Costa Concordia due to be refloated The unprecedented shipwreck removal is expected to start this week and last until next year.
THE salvage of Costa Concordia will be the largest-ever ship removal by weight – and then the superliner will be demolished. Originally revealed by the two companies in charge of the operation (CW, 26 Apr), the project is set to commence off the Tuscan coast in the next few days and cost approximately $300m. According to American-owned Titan Salvage, and Micoperi, an Italian underwater construction contractor, the half-submerged vessel will be lifted off the rocks and onto a platform and then towed to another port in Italy. Costa Crociere, the company which operated the Concordia, confirmed the details at a news conference in Rome on Friday.
Costa president Gianni Onorato said the priorities were the protection of the environment as well as the local tourist industry. In a statement, Costa revealed that the first step would be to slowly stablise the ship using chains attached to posts constructed nearby. This part of the process could take up to three months. Massive cranes will then hoist the ship, in one piece, to a custom-built subsea platform before turning it upright, with extra buoyancy provided by water-filled steel boxes welded to the side of the ship. When the boxes are emptied of water and filled with air, the ship will rise and free itself of the seabed. Once properly afloat, it can then be towed to the unnamed port to be broken up. The companies aim to have the ship upright by January or February and to start towing in early 2013. “This will be the largest refloat in history but we think it’s entirely possible,” Richard Habib, president of Titan Salvage, told reporters.
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INNERSEA Discoveries has welcomed the 76guest Wilderness Explorer and American Safari Cruises has welcomed the 86-guest Safari Endeavour at a dual christening ceremony at Seattle’s Fisherman’s Wharf last week. Prior to her christening Safari Endeavour underwent a mammoth 11-month renovation which saw her capacity reduced from 102 guests to 86, and also included the addition of four Commodore Suites, flatscreen TVs/DVDs and iPod docks in all rooms, and updates to public areas including new furnishings and fixtures, and the creation of a new wine bar and library. Two new massage rooms were also installed onboard, as were two new hot tubs, a sauna, fitness equipment, and a high-tech kayak launching platform to quickly launch four kayaks at a time. Meanwile Wilderness Explorer’s seven-month renovation saw her hull painted forest green, and an overall refreshment of her interior spaces, as well as new décor, linens, flatscreen TVs/DVDs and iPod docks in her staterooms.
TODAY’S ISSUE OF CW Today’s issue of Cruise Weekly features four pages of all the latest cruise news.
PNG looks to infrastructure P&O Cruises’ decision to include cruises to Papua New Guinea next season, has been met with excitement from PNG authorities, with the country’s Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, saying that the Government is “taking steps to ensure cruising becomes an important contributor to our nation”. “Infrastructure improvements are part of that strategy,” he added. The comments come on the back of a meeting between Carnival Australia (operator of P&O Cruises in Australia) CEO Ann Sherry, and the PNG Prime Minister last week. Speaking in the wake of the meeting Sherry said “The PNG Government’s decision to accelerate funding for the port upgrade at Alotau is a positive investment to achieve the economic benefits of regular cruise ship visits”.
THANK YOU to everyone who sent in questions for our guest expert Adam Armstrong, Royal Caribbean International Commercial Manager Australia. Be sure to keep your questions coming to expert@cruiseweekly.com.au. For the answers to Adam’s questions today, click on the Facebook link at the end of each question. Q1 from Cameron Ryan: Can you please tell me if you are going to be placing Coke freestyle machines onboard Voyager of the Seas before she arrives in Australia? Q2 from Jennifer Robinson: I was wondering if your cruise line will be running any cruises from/to Fremantle. I hate flying and enjoy the whole cruising experience but at the moment can only take a cruise if I fly either to or from the start point. P&O Cruises used to base a cruise ship once a year for a few months in Fremantle. It was fantastic and without the stress and extra cost of flying. Unfortunately they sold the ship used and don’t know when and if they will cruise from Fremantle again. All cruises used to be near maximum passengers. I am tired of Western Australians not getting the same benefit of the East Coast and the cruises that do sail and return to Perth (on the same trip) are very expensive and/or too long.
Email your questions for Adam to expert@cruiseweekly.com.au
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au
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Small ship cruises easier to book A new partnership between eWaterways and Jetset Travelworld Group will simplify the process for Australians seeking “niche” cruises. THE Melbourne-based operation of small ship specialists eWaterways has joined forces with the Jetset Travelworld Group (JTG) to open up cruising options for Australian travellers. According to eWaterways, the deal will connect JTG’s travel agents with more than 1,500 itineraries that were previously “traditionally difficult” to find and book. Selections include river cruises, theme cruises, expedition voyages, sailing adventures, hotel barging on European canals, rice junkets in Asia, ice breakers in the Arctic and yacht journeys around the world.
for two people on Voyager of the Seas’ inaugural sailing!
The system will enable booking automation for JTG network members including: Best Cruises, Concorde Agency Network, Harvey World Travel, Jetset Travelworld Network and Travelscene American Express. “We are very excited about this partnership,” said Peter Smith, GM, eWaterways Australia/NZ. “The partnership with JTG is indicative of how important this once ‘esoteric’ product is, and how it is quickly developing into the mainstream cruising market here in Australia.” eWaterways currently offers the world’s largest selection of small ship cruises. Smith said the company was a “unique and comprehensive niche cruise provider that only deals in small ships” and “new and interesting products”. For details, see www.ewaterways.com.au.
Hero boards Queen Mary 2 KNOWN as “the man who saved Queen Mary during WWII”, 93-year old Brisbane wartime hero Cyril Burcher, continued his association with Cunard’s Queens, by sailing onboard QM2 between Sydney and Hong Kong following her recent Circumnavigation of Australia. Burcher rose to the annals of Cunard fame after he and members of his crew spotted a German U-boat lying in wait for Queen Mary, (which was serving as a wartime troop ship), whilst they were carrying out an aerial escort in the North Atlantic in 1943. The crew managed to alert the troopship before it reached the U-boat, and in doing so, saved the ship and all those onboard. For his part in the operation, Burcher was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross. Burcher was accompanied onboard his recent QM2 adventure by his companion Marion Shaw and his two daughters, Desley Tree and Margie Melloy. “Margi and I had to drag Dad off to bed after midnight after the Madame Butterfly Ball,” Desley said, adding that “He had three ladies to dance with and he kept us busy”. Cyril is pictured below (right) onboard QM2 with and Cunard Line President Peter Shanks.
Cruise Calendar Cruise Weekly’s cruise calendar details upcoming port calls of passenger cruise ships at various destinations in Australia. SYDNEY Pacific Pearl
Tue 22 May
BRISBANE Pacific Dawn Pacific Sun
Sat 26 May Sun 27 May
CAIRNS Pacific Sun
Wed 23 May
Cruise Tip Cruising Well It is never fun getting sick on holidays, and often the fear of “what will happen if” stops many travellers from taking a cruise. Many believe that they will not be able to access the services of a doctor at sea, and that they will be trapped onboard sick and unattended until they manage to stumble back onto land. This fear however is not founded in truth, as almost every cruise ship in existence features a medical facility and employs a doctor. In fact, onboard many of the larger ships there is often a full medical team as well as a large medical centre. As such, most vessels will be able to treat minor complaints such as earaches, seasickness scrapes and sunburn etc, however it will depend on which ship you are travelling on as to what more serious conditions can be treated onboard. For example NCL vessels can handle medical maladies from thrombolyic therapy to xrays, whilst selected Holland America Line vessels carry defibrillators, EKG’s and portable wheelchairs. If you are concerned, it is best to have a chat with your travel agent about what medical facilities are available, and on which ships they can be accessed. Cruisers should also be aware that they will be charged a fee for medical treatment onboard, however this fee is may be covered by travel insurance, so make sure you read the fine print of any policies that you are looking into, to ensure that you are covered.
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au
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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: 11-night Sydney to South Pacific cruise onboard Pacific Pearl • From: $1,169pp • Departs: 03 June 2012 • Visits: Isle of Pines (New Caledonia), Mystery Island (Vanuatu), Port Vila (Vanuatu), Pentecost Island (Vanuatu), and Luganville (Vanuatu) • Includes: 11-nights cruising, all onboard meals and entertainment, and all port
charges and taxes • Contact: www.ecruising.travel
Orion enjoys 2013 boom ORION Expedition Cruises enjoyed a record month for sales in April, following the debut of its 2013 Calendar of Expeditions. So popular are Orion’s 2013 sailings, that the company’s April sales doubled the previous year’s results. A company with an incredibly strong repeat customer base, it was interesting to note that the growth in sales came not only from repeat cruisers, but also from cruisers new to Orion. As a result of the strong response, and in keeping with Orion’s yield management system, fares for eleven 2013 sailings have now increased. The new pricing is available to view at www.orionexpeditions.com, whilst the revised fares are only guaranteed until the end of June, at which time each expedition will again be reviewed and yield managed. “We have experienced unprecedented sales for a new calendar release which reflects increasing confidence in the market as well as recognition that the earlier you book, the better price you will receive,” said Orion Founder and MD, Sarina Bratton. “As announced originally when we released the 2013 Calendar of Sailings we held our launch prices to the end of April and our guests have responded positively. “We are seeing more Australians realising they need to make their decisions early in order to secure the destination, departure date and accommodation desired,” she added.
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Hebridean Princess Warrant HEBRIDEAN Princess has entered an exclusive club, having recently been awarded a Royal Warrant (pictured between Hebridean’s Captain Ian Stevenson and Chief Purser). Royal Warrants are issued to individuals or companies who have supplied goods or services to the Queen of England, Duke of Edinburgh or HRH the Prince of Wales for at least five years.
Costa to double capacity SINCE entering the Asian cruise market in 2006, Costa Cruises has carried 350,000 guests in the region, a figure which it hopes to increase extensively by more doubling its capacity in the region next year. Last week Costa replaced its 1,680-passenger Costa Classica with its 2,394-guest Costa Victoria, in the region, and now plans to further increase its level of commitment to the Asian market by positioning the 2,680-guest Costa Atlantica in Asia from May next year. The reasoning behind the move, according to Costa is the strong “positive response” to its Asia cruises. “Costa Atlantica and Costa Victoria will bring a piece of ‘Italy at sea’ to Asia as Costa has successfully done in all other countries, throughout its 64 years of history,” said Pier Luigi Foschi, CEO of Costa Crociere. Between the pair, Costa Victoria and Costa Atlantica will offer a variety of short and longer itineraries departing from Singapore, Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong. As such, from May to June 2013 Atlantica will depart from Singapore on seven-day cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and on three- or fournight cruises to Malaysia; whilst between June and October 2013 she will depart from Shanghai on short cruises to South Korea and Japan, calling at Cheju (South Korea), Pusan (South Korea), Fukuoka (Japan), Hososhima (Japan), Kagoshima (Japan). Meanwhile between now and October 2012 Costa Victoria will sail out of Shanghai offering a selection of short cruises and seven-night sailings to Japan and South Korea; whilst between November 2012 and January 2013 the ship will be based in Singapore to offer seven-night cruises to Malaysia and Thailand, and three- or four-night cruises to Malaysia. Following this, and running until October 2013 Victoria will depart from Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tianjin for short cruises to Taiwan or South Korea, Japan and Vietnam.
3 2 5 7 + 2 / ( A ROYAL inspection. P&O World Cruises will face some serious scrutiny, when HRH Princess Anne conducts a review of its fleet. In her capacity as Master of the Corporation of Trinity House (an organisation which concerns itself with the safety of shipping and seafarers) Princess Anne, will join guests onboard Oriana during P&O World Cruises’ Grand Event on 03 July, which will see all of its seven ships together in Southampton to mark the company’s 175th anniversary. After a reception onboard Oriana Princess Anne will board the TVP Patricia to conduct the fleet wide review, and where she will enjoy the spectacle of all seven ships passing Patricia in formation as they depart for their respective Grant Event cruises.
Oosterdam Aussie changes DUE to a recently scheduled dry-dock Holland America Line has amended Oosterdam’s Australian season, cancelling the vessel’s 05 December 14-day South Pacific cruise to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji from Sydney. The drydock will involve “general maintenance” on Oosterdam, and will take place in Sydney. Following her cancelled 05 December cruise, Oosterdam will resume her program on 19 December with a 24-day ‘New Zealand and Pacific Treasures’ voyage which will depart from Sydney. Passengers booked on the cancelled cruise have been offered the chance to sail on similar voyages, however if they cannot make an alternative cruise they will receive a full refund. Last week the company said that it would also cancel Oosterdam’s 28-day New Zealand Discovery and Pacific Treasures sailing scheduled to depart on 07 November, but has since clarified its position saying that the voyage, which will allow guests to see a total solar eclipse at sea on 14 November between Mackay and Lifou, will indeed go ahead as planned. For information on the 05 December cruise cancellation, see your local travel agent, or visit www.hollandamericaline.com.au.
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au
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Underwater Shore Tours by: Roderick Eime With more and more Australians travelling out into the Pacific aboard cruise ships why not look beyond the traditional shore tours like duty free shopping, village markets, city tours and sightseeing and try something a fraction more adventurous. Scuba diving, for example, is offered to P&O passengers between 12 and 70 years of age in destinations ranging from the Great Barrier Reef, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga and French Polynesia. Acknowledged by experienced divers as one of the most diverse and accessible sites is Mele Reef at Hideaway Island [http:// www.hideaway.com.vu/] in Vanuatu and I made a point of seeing this location for myself on a whirlwind tour of Vanuatu’s most famous dive locations last week. An easy transfer from Port Vila, Hideaway Island offers one of the richest reefs so close to port. Newly installed watersport manager, Ian Watson, is a 32-year veteran scuba diver and instructor and has overseen an overhaul to Hideaway Island’s dive and watersport facilities, including an upgrade to PADI 5-star resort standard. “We’ve just bought 25 brand new ScubaPro diver kits, so we have all new gear top to bottom,” Ian tells me as we survey all the gear laid out in the dive shop, “plus we’re getting another dozen of these,” he said. Ian points to two electric dive scooters, each powered by a motorcyle battery and good for around two hours of submersed operation. Weighing just a few kilos, these devices couldn’t be simpler. Hold the handlebars, squeeze the triggers and away you go. Let go, and it stops. Brilliant. In 75 minutes we cover 1500 metres at between 15 and 20m depth and I come back with just under 100 bar
Top dive site, Hideaway Island
still in my tank. We tour several of his key dive sites in one go and I’m introduced to many of the star underwater attractions including oodles of anemonefish (clown/Nemo), a blue spotted ray, moray eel, titan trigger fish, surgeon fish and snapper of all shapes and sizes. Manta rays, dugongs, whales, reef sharks and barracuda are also occasional sightings all through Vila harbour. “It’s also a great place to learn about reef ecology and we’re beginning a project with University of Newcastle to study sustainable coral regeneration and conservation,” Ian says, “and people can see the results of reef damage right alongside pristine reefs and understand the difference straight away. We still have occasional storm and human damage even though we have 10 of our 25 sites off limits and regenerating.” Currently the resort is attracting up to ten divers and around 100 snorkellers from each ship visit. As we chat some more, Ian makes two suggestions for a more rewarding experience. One, an intro to reef and marine conservation could be held aboard ships either as a lecture or DVD screening to reinforce how delicate our underwater eco-systems are. And two, even though introductory (discover) scuba dives are offered for novices, divers would get full benefit by arriving with certification and taking a complete dive experience. For details on scuba tours offered by P&O, see www.discovercruising.com.au. For a free scuba intro (pool) dive, see Frog Dive [www.monolith.com.au/win-scuba-dive.html]. Accreditation options: www.padi.com.
Scoot around the reefs on one of these
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
Publisher/Managing Editor: Bruce Piper Editor: Louise Goldsbury Assistant Editor: Amanda Collins Contributors: Roderick Eime and Chantel Long Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au Cruise Weekly is part of the Travel Daily Group:
Friendly trigger fish at Hideaway Island
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