CRUISING SPOTLIGHT
10 QUESTIONS / EVERYTHING CRUISE we thought was lost reappeared before our eyes in all its glory and with all its secrets, immediately awash in fable and myth. After all these years, in the evening, as Lipari grows more and more pink, we still sit by the sea expecting to see Ulysses’ ship pass by. Salina’s an event for all of us; for my brother and me, for our wives Carla and Lina, for our many kids. We first brought them here when they were very little. The house didn’t have a roof yet, and at night we would stretch out below one large roof and stare up at the stars in the sky. In that place, still unspoiled in many respects, the mystery of nature really enthralled our little familial microcosm. On August 10th, during the Perseids (known to Italians as the night of San Lorenzo), all of us — big and small — would wish on a shooting star. That year a secret was spilled; the youngest of the children couldn’t resist and confided his wish to us. “My wish is that daddy and uncle can make their film,” he said. The film we succeded in making — after a year and despite tons of setbacks — is called “The Night of San Lorenzo.” I realize I might be waxing a touch poetic, so I should say, less fancifully, that in Salina all of us feel like we’re part of a
Why cruise, why now? It’s the fastest growing trend in the travel industry, but what is it about cruising that has so many people excited? Our award-winning cruise guru, Lorraine Van Veen, answers all your questions. 1
What happens when the ship gets to port?
A / Definitely! Prices include accommodation in your choice of cabin, buffet dining, main restaurants and entertainment. Surcharges are added for speciality restaurants (many endorsed by celebrity chefs) and certain shows. All-inclusive beverages are common on super luxury cruises, while others offer promotions and drinks’ packages. On-board credit might be available (effectively on-board spending money) and you should always ask if gratuities are included.
A / It’s a slick operation with people on hand to guide you on and off the ship, and there are organised shore excursions if you want to do them. Sometimes they are included in your fare, others you can opt to do depending on what takes your fancy. During the cruise there are destination briefings with local tips to highlight what gems you’ll discover in the upcoming ports. You can choose to do your own thing at each stop, or join one of the pre-arranged tours.
House of Travel’s Jeff Leckey has spent more time at sea than Captain Jack Sparrow. If he says Asia’s trending, you can bet your buried treasure he’s right.
8 I think I am too young to cruise.
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Are cabins claustrophobic?
Would my kids enjoy it?
A / Outside
cabins ensure you always have sea views, and balcony cabins provide fresh air. Many internal cabins now have authentic virtual windows, but always address concerns with your consultant.
A / Competition amongst the cruise lines to enthral younger guests is huge, with anything from scavenger hunts and pizza parties, to ice-skating and go-karting. Some cruise ships even have water parks and rock climbing walls to keep young minds active. Even if your tot is as young as six months, there are cruises with nursery care. Tell your consultant what your kids like to do, what you need as parents, and what you enjoy doing altogether. Then they’ll find the right ship for everyone.
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2 What is the on-board food like?
love the food. It seems like almost every diet and taste is catered for. From casual to fine dining, flavours are often matched to the different destinations that you are travelling through.
Why is the cruise industry booming right now? A / Financially, they’re accessible for everyone. There are cruises for the budget conscious or those wanting a grand journey over a longer timeframe. There are more inclusions than ever before, and the facilities and itineraries are extensive. The entertainment options, such as Broadway shows with New York quality showmanship, are highly desirable.
7 Am I going to get seasick? A / The modern cruise ships of today carry the most up to date stabiliser technology to ensure you get a smooth ride. To minimise the motion on-board choose a cabin on a lower level and aim for a more midship location — booking as early as possible. Ask us about cruising in calmer waters, such as cruises in Asia. You could also try a river cruise, where the motion is even less noticeable.
Ready to plan your perfect cruise holiday? Come in-store, call us on 0800 713 715 or visit hotcruises.co.nz today.
22 I N S P I R E | HOUSE O F TRAV E L
Trending for 2019 | Asia
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Are cruises good value for money?
A / You’ll
ship with Salina and the Aeolian Islands is not based solely on our admiration and acknowledg ment of its beauty, harmony and colors; it is also based on the heartbreak that we feel when faced with the abysses of the sea, the merciless violence of its storms, the almost sacred burden of its active and dormant volcanoes. An image of life’s complex ities and ambiguities. That’s why Salina will never be just a vacation spot for us. Salina is actually two islands for us, two experiences. The first Salina – already talked about – bore the enchantment of discovering a wilderness removed from indus trial civilization. Wilderness may be an excessive word. It may smack of romanticism (deep down, Rousseau resides in all our hearts). Put plainly, living on the island back then meant rediscovering ancient ways, getting in sync with nature’s rhythms and tempos, even at its difficult aspects. It was an enchantment, on the other hand, that didn’t hide its dark side. The island’s centuries-old isolation led to poverty and abandon. The stacks of houses, the caper fields, the worn paths for herding animals: each told painful stories of emigration and good byes. Maybe that’s another reason days on the
TH E B E ST H O L IDAYS ARE CREATED TOGETHER .
A / Not at all. From zip lining to cooking classes, electric bikes, thermal spas and Champagne brunches, cruising really does suit every age.
9 When is the best time to book? A / Now! Book in advance to ensure you don’t miss out. You can make booking early all part of the fun. Lock in your cruise 12 months in advance, then spend the following 10 months fine tuning the details, such as land add-ons and enriching cultural experiences, or reservations for that speciality restaurant you are dying to try.
W H Y A S I A? Cruising in Asia is the ideal way to see multiple countries on one itinerary, without any long sea days in between. C R OW D - P L E A S E R S . The most popular cruises are 5-10 night itineraries, taking in Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong. The perfect fusion of East meets West. G O S H O RT. Shorter Asia cruises out of Singapore will often include Penang, Langkawi and Phuket, giving you a taste of three countries and three different islands to explore. G O LO N G . Longer Asia itineraries may include Bali, the Philippines and some of the remoter islands in Indonesia and Malaysia. E X P LO R E . There are exciting optional shore excursions on offer, allowing you to explore bustling cities, history, culture and many ancient temples. As well as plenty of opportunity to sample amazing food and flavours. V I S A S . Cruise lines will often take care of visas required for Vietnam and Cambodia, but wherever you’re sailing to, ask your consultant how to make the entire visa process seamless. G E T T H E R E . Talk to one of our expert cruise consultants for the latest offers on itineraries cruising through Asia. ■
10 What type of people cruise? A / It’s for those who like to see multiple destinations all in one go. Others may prefer a more leisurely pace, but you’ll still only unpack once — everybody loves that. For those who don’t want to fly, or are less mobile and need ease, there are more ships coming into Auckland than ever before. There’s also an increase in families cruising, and multi-generations seeking a holiday altogether. ■
Fo r t h e b e a c h l o v e r THAILAND & MORE
Fo r t h e c u l t u re v u l t u re JA PA N
F o r t h e e x p l o re r VIETNAM
There are a selection of 4 and 5 night cruise itineraries from Singapore which visit Phuket, Langkawi, Pulau Redang and Penang. Or try Macleod Island in Myanmar.
Experience the best Japan has to offer. From cherry blossoms in the spring, summer fireworks festivals and the amazing autumn colours of Hokkaido.
Enjoy Singapore to Hong Kong with multiple stops in Vietnam. Experience the crazy life in Saigon, amazing scenery and local Asian flavours.
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