Cruise issue 3 compressed

Travel ideas

Travel ideas CRUISE

EDITION #3

TOP WAYS TO

THE MAGAZINE FOR TRAVELLERS, EXPLORERS & DAYDREAMERS

CRUISE WHATEVER YOUR STYLE

C RU I S E E D I T I ON # 3 / Issue # 17

Mekong marvel

EXPLORE ASIA ALONG THIS MIGHTY RIVER

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

Luxury cruises / Expeditions / Small-ship adventures / Family holidays AND LOADS MORE INSIDE

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HOW ACTIVE CRUISING IS TAKING OFF

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AMAZING INSIDER KNOWLEDGE

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contents THE

CRUISE EDITION

#3

F E ATU RE S

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Top 10

Take to the rivers and the oceans of the world with our top list of incredible cruise experiences to take you to new places.

There’s something to suit every style.

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Mekong meanders

As Asia’s river-cruising options expand, explore the marvellous Mekong on a river cruise highlighting culture, food and adventure.

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Photo essay: South Pacific

Whether you love culture, adventure or just lying on a beach relaxing, the many islands of the South Pacific are where you need to cruise.

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Tweens get on board

Not quite teenagers, but no longer kids...

Cruising is a great way to holiday with tweens, and they’re sure to never be bored.

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Cruising Macao

Luxury, shopping, delicious cuisine and rich history: Macao offers it all and makes the perfect stop on a cruising itinerary in Asia.

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Active adventures

More and more of us want to get out and about while cruising. Here’s how to cycle, kayak and hike while on cruise holidays.

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Luxe it up

The supreme cruise offering is a luxury escape.

With every one of your needs tended to you’ll be in comfort for your whole holiday. Now, where to cruise to?

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Food safari

There are many culinary options onboard your cruise, but make sure to take the time to get off the ship and explore local cuisines.

Here’s what’s on offer.

Travel ideas

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THE CRUISE ISSUE

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AT THE FRONT

04 Travel desk

All the latest cruise travel news: meet cruising chef Luke Nguyen, discover adventure cruises and new Australian ports. Plus: three hot cruising destinations.

R EGU L AR S

CRUISE DIRECTO RY

45 Cruise index

Find out which cruise lines we’re covering throughout this special cruise edition.

your way 40 Cruise companion 46 Choose to cruise Our Travel Experts give the inside word on cruise types, from solo to large-group travels, and romantic couple cruises to multi-generational travel.

Never cruised before? Or just looking for something different? Here are all the elements you need to consider before booking a cruise.

42 The challenge

53 Cruise lines

44 Travel clinic

96 Map

Our consultants go head-tohead to recommend both budget and luxury cruising itineraries to show that there’s a cruise for every traveller.

What are the hot new cruise destinations? Are river or ocean cruises better? What’s included in a cruise? Your top questions answered by experts.

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An A-to-Z directory of the best cruise lines available, and everything they offer to their passengers.

See the best times of year to cruise to destinations around the world, and some of the best cruise types by destination.

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welcome

share the love DOWNLOAD IT

Front cover & contents photos: Getty Images and Alamy. Front cover image of cruising the Mediterranean around the Greek Islands.

hello

update cover

Here at Flight Centre we know that there is a growing trend for Australians to opt to cruise for their next holiday. So for anyone considering a cruise, here are 100 pages jam-packed with all you need to know about cruising, whether it’s by sea or by river, whether this is your first or 50th cruise.

In this edition we take a look at the emerging trend of river cruising and take you on a journey along the Mekong, through fascinating countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia. We also highlight some of the many astounding and tasty foodie experiences that are available in popular cruise destination ports.

We also take a look at the opportunities to get active while cruising, through shore excursions by bike, onboard facilities, or even kayaking and gondola rowing in Venice. If you’re cruising with tweens, look no further than our feature on the best cruises for families with tween children.

Lastly, treat yourself to the latest news when it comes to luxury escapes, and the grandest and most comfortable ships to do it on. Happy cruising, and happy reading!

Emma Hardy, FL IG HT CENTR E TR AVEL E X PERT

Travel ideas Travel ideas magazine is produced by Hardie Grant Media for Flight Centre.

The Cruise Edition of Travel ideas is also available to read online.

Download the Travel ideas app from the App Store or Google Play and get reading.

e

Read online, anytim SNAP IT We love seeing where in the world your travels take you. Simply snap your pics and share them on Instagram with the hashtag #openmyworld, and you could be featured in one of our upcoming issues.

SEE MORE ONLINE At Flight Centre, we’re always ready to offer advice for that next trip. Visit our online content hub to read stories of incredible adventures, luxurious cruises and out-of-this-world experiences. flightcentre.com.au/travel-news

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FLIGHT CENTRE

HARDIE GRANT MEDIA

HEAD OF CREATIVE AND CONTENT Luke Wheatley

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

SUB-EDITOR Sarah Friggieri

Clare Brundle

PROOFREADER Rosalea Ryan

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MANAGING EDITOR Mitch Brook

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EDITOR Tatyana Leonov

PRINTER Bluestar Web

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this magazine, no responsibility can be accepted by the publisher for errors or omissions, and in particular no responsibility can be accepted for the quality of goods and services, including prices quoted or errors. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part, either electronically or conventionally, without written permission from the publisher and Flight Centre is strictly prohibited.

All images supplied, unless otherwise stated. Tour itineraries, dates and availability can change. Talk to a Flight Centre Travel Expert for the latest options.

Travel ideas

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NEWS & EVENTS

TRAVEL DESK

Sit back and read up on the latest and hottest news from the c rui sing world .

Get to know

LUKE NGUYEN

Celebrity chef and APT ambassador Luke Nguyen loves to share his passion for Vietnam and its cuisine with cruise guests I was born in Thailand and grew up in Cabramatta, Sydney, where I spent a lot of time in my family’s Vietnamese restaurant. I realised I loved food when I was about 12. I got so much satisfaction when I plated a dish and loved watching guests’ expressions when they tried it. One of my favourite places is Vietnam, because I get to discover more about my motherland, my culture and my cuisine. I love my job because everything I do is connected with food – my restaurants, my cookbooks, my travel foodie shows, my cooking school and, of course, my culinary tours with APT. I’ve been working as an ambassador for APT since 2012 and I love being able to use my passion for food to teach people about my motherland.

In 2017, I’ll be travelling with guests on two cruises through Vietnam. Some of the highlights will include a tour of Old Saigon, where we’ll wander the streets with all of their street food. Later we’ll go to my cooking school Grain, where guests will learn how to prepare some of my favourite dishes. I can’t wait to show guests where my parents grew up. My top cruise destinations include Vietnam and Cambodia, because we get to experience the local way of life and try many weird and wonderful dishes. My next dream destination is France; I would love to cruise the charming rivers and canals, and eat and drink my way from Paris to the south.

APT ambassador Luke Nguyen will escort two APT Vietnam & Mekong River cruises in 2017.

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Luke Nguyen is a Sydney local who was born in Asia and has strong culinary and family links to his homeland.

Cruise trends Cruise companies are catering to every travel style these days.

Whole-family cruises

Multi-generational families are among the fastestgrowing sectors of cruise customers. Cruise lines are adding connected rooms and customising packages for larger groups. Ocean lines such as Princess Cruises and Carnival offer group-planning tools, and some river cruise companies are catering for larger groups too.

Getting techy

Aurora Expeditions started using TrekTraka three years ago, a system that pings out a GPS signal near points of interest and sends an alert to passengers’ families and friends. Meanwhile, Scenic has Scenic Tailormade, a GPS locator giving commentary when guests cruise past points of interest. Onboard wi-fi is getting cheaper and quicker, too.

Coastal wanders

Cruise lines know that guests want to spend more time in port – perhaps to have dinner or check out the nightlife – and many ships now dock overnight.

P&O often spends extra time in a port as part of its main-event cruises, and Cruise lines such as Cunard, Seabourn, Azamara and Princess Cruises regularly dock overnight in big cities.

travel desk Hit the water while on an exciting adventure cruise, or see incredible wildlife.

Explore the

UNEXPECTED

Adventurous cruisers have plenty of choice; here are three hot destinations

ADVENTURE CRUISING

Extraordinary experiences

Cruise companies are amping up their adventure options. Aurora Expeditions, for example, offers overnight camping on the Antarctic ice plus snorkelling with penguins in the chilly waters.

Scuba diving is available on Silversea vessels in the warm Pacific and Indian oceans, enabling qualified guests to explore the undersea wonders.

Many lines (P&O, for example) offer an optional snorkelling excursion in places such as the Great Barrier Reef. Or you could meet one of the world’s most dangerous animals – the fearsome Komodo dragon – on an excursion with Princess Cruises or Azamara Club Cruises in Indonesia. Craving more wildlife quests? Brown, grizzly and polar bears are on show in Alaska, Russia and the Canadian Arctic when you cruise with Lindblad Expeditions, One Ocean Expeditions or UnCruise.

01. Cuba: The veil of mystery is coming

off Cuba, and the time to visit is now, before the Caribbean nation is further influenced by Western brands, and classic cars are replaced with new models. MSC Cruises and Fathom are already en route.

Taiwan) is ready to welcome cruisers. It has a robust economy, one of the world’s tallest buildings (Taipei 101) as well as museums, mausoleums and temples. Star Cruises and Royal Caribbean are regulars here.

Words: Tatyana Leonov & Sheriden Rhodes. Photos: iStock

Words: Roderick Eime, Tatyana Leonov. Photos: APT, iStock, Tourism Australia

02. Taiwan: The Republic of China (aka,

Visit the Great Barrier Reef from new Australian port of call Gladstone.

AUSTRALIAN PORTS

Local flavour

Competition is heating up among Australian cruise ports as new regional stops come online. Eden and Wollongong in New South Wales, Gladstone and Mooloolaba in Queensland, and Darwin in the Northern Territory are vying for coveted positions on ship itineraries as cruise companies look for more variety in local cruise programs. Eden’s Killer Whale Museum, Gladstone’s reef and island excursions, Australia Zoo shore tours from Mooloolaba and Darwin’s revitalised attractions are all adding to the growing choice for those wishing to cruise without a passport. Newcastle, too, will begin building a dedicated cruise terminal for easier access to the Hunter region.

03. Siberia: Many cruise lines are setting sail

for the Russian Far East. Thanks to decades as a military no-man’s-land, development has been limited, leaving a great stretch of wilderness.

Wildlife is abundant in this pristine environment.

You’ll find Silversea and Ponant exploring here.

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T O P 10

CRUISE ADVENTURES WHATEVER YOUR TRAVELLING STYLE, THERE’LL BE A SHIP TO SUIT Words: Helen O’Neill

Dramatic scenery like Western Brook Pond is common in eastern Canada.

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Photo: Newfoundland and Labrador Tourism, © Barrett & MacKay Photo

CRUISES FOR ALL STYLES

01 FOR LOVERS OF DISCOVERY

Explore the exotic

Seeking a super-luxe cruising adventure with dramatic scenery, exotic destinations and cultural depth? Seabourn Encore’s 34-day Seas of Sinbad voyage is for you. Its starting point is the busy Athenian port of Piraeus on Greece’s eastern Mediterranean coast and the final destination is Singapore.

Highlights include the mysterious ancient Israeli city of Haifa, Oman (dubbed ‘The

Pearl of Mystic Arabia’), Aqaba in Jordan, Mumbai and Cochin in India, and the idyllic archipelago of Langkawi off the Malay Peninsula’s west coast.

Should colder climes take your fancy, book a spot on the MS Spitsbergen and Hurtigruten’s 16-day Exploring the Arctic Land of the Caribou cruise. Running between Copenhagen and St John’s off the eastern coast of Canada, this promises wild tundra, taiga forests, majestic mountains and exotic wildlife, as well as insight into the lives of the local Inuit people and the Viking history that came before.

Or, glide down the rivers of Russia with Viking Cruises’ 13-day Waterways of the Tsars journey between St Petersburg and Moscow. On offer is a look at the country’s monumental landmarks and the chance to have tea with locals inside their dwellings.

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FOR TRADITIONAL CRUISERS

Particular tastes

Seduced by the classic ambience of a worldfavourite cruising company? Holland America Line’s South America Cruise – a 30-day round-trip voyage from Florida’s Fort Lauderdale on the MS Prinsendam – is perfect for you. It visits the Virgin Islands, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados and Devils Island in French Guiana before venturing hundreds of kilometres along the Amazon River into the heart of the Brazilian jungle, where the brave-hearted can fish for piranha. After that it’s off to the Afrocentric Caribbean enclaves of Trinidad and Tobago.

Voyages don’t come more stately than Cunard’s 10-night Iberian Adventure aboard the Queen Elizabeth. After leaving Southampton, this regal vessel calls at Seville, Malaga, Gibraltar and Lisbon, offering an aristocratic array of excursions, such as meeting the Barbary Apes, sherry sampling and visiting the famed Andalusian Royal Horses of Jerez.

Closer to home is Seabourn’s 16-day Queensland Coast & Great Barrier Reef cruise, a journey from Sydney to Bali’s Benoa aboard the all-new, ultra-luxe Seabourn Encore, set to take its official maiden voyage in early 2017.

Enjoy dreamy ocean views from one of Lisbon’s many famous viewpoints.

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The spectacular Na Pali coast, in Kauai.

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FOR ALL THE FAMILY

With the kids

Travelling with the family in tow? Take the five-night Tasmania Cruise on Ovation of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s new mega-liner visiting Australian waters for the first time in December 2016.

Ovation promises treats such as bumper cars, a roller-skating rink, circus school and the North Star capsule, which lifts passengers 91 metres above sea level for breathtaking views.

With robot-created cocktails at the Bionic Bar and a guest capacity of 4,905, the Tassiebound voyage might be just the thing for the whole family.

Carnival Cruises’ nine-night Pacific Islands voyage from Sydney aboard Carnival Spirit goes via Mare, Lifou, Isle of Pines and Noumea – and ticks every box when it comes to fun-packed activities. Big splashes include the super-slick Green Thunder waterslide, movies screened under the stars and other incredible entertainment options.

For a fast family break, hop aboard P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel to Kangaroo Island.

Departing Melbourne, this four-night, one-port journey to the idyllic South Australian isle meets with sea lions, ’roos, platypuses and the aptly named Remarkable Rocks.

CRUISES FOR ALL STYLES

04 FOR EASY ORGANISING

Wanting it all

Ride the North Star capsule on Ovation of the Seas for views from 91m above the water.

Hot news for holidaymakers hunting all-inclusive escapes, with the June 2017 launch of Pacific Explorer, P&O Cruises’ newest and arguably sleekest vessel (it has high-end dining as well as a waterpark and barefoot bowls at sea). Its inaugural Discover Vanuatu voyage is an enticing 10-night, five-port round-trip from Sydney that visits a series of exotic island paradises, including Noumea and the tranquil haven of New Caledonia’s Isle of Pines. Port Vila provides particular fun with horseriding, abseiling, zorbing and jet-boating, plus snorkelling across the bay.

What’s not to love about Royal Caribbean’s 11-night New Zealand round-trip sojourn from Sydney on its flagship vessel Radiance of the Seas. This intriguing, eight-port expedition does the rounds of the magnificent Sounds – visiting Milford, Doubtful and Dusky sounds before dropping in on Dunedin, Akaroa, Auckland and the spectacular Bay of Islands archipelago.

Say ‘aloha’ to Carnival Cruises’ Hawaii cruise, a 15day odyssey setting off from Long Beach in Los Angeles.

Trip highlights include Maui’s Haleakala crater and the tropical forests of Kauai.

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TOP TEN

05 Get swept up in the excitement of Monaco’s worldfamous Grand Prix.

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FOR A NEW TWIST ON THE CLASSICS

Swish sojourns

Looking for elegant luxury and classic destinations presented with the freshest of twists? Book a place on Botanica World Discoveries’ 11-day British Isles, Gardens, Castles & Birdlife tour, travelling from Edinburgh to London. This voyage aboard the gracefully intimate MS Hebridean Sky cruises from the North Sea to the English Channel, taking in the remote Hebridean islands, Ireland and the Isles of Scilly. Excursions include some of the most exquisite gardens imaginable as well as monuments such as Aberdeen’s 16thcentury Crathes Castle. Pencil in time for a lecture by British celebrity gardener Monty Don and a jaunt to the Isle of Jura, where a 200-year-old single-malt Scotch whisky distillery awaits.

Race to Monte Carlo in May 2017 for the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix on Voyage 5713 from Barcelona to Civitavecchia on Silversea’s Silver Spirit.

Explore the Black Sea with Scenic’s 11day Budapest to Bucharest voyage along the Danube, a voyage that includes an excursion to Romania’s imposing Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world.

CRUISES FOR ALL STYLES

Cruise through Mexico to discover Latin America.

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FOR A CHANCE TO GET AWAY

Escaping the everyday

Photos Getty Images, Uncruise © Jocelyn Pride, Oceania Cruises

Yearning to escape the rat race and recharge those frazzled batteries? Azamara Club Cruises’ West Indies Hideaways tour is an indulgent dream of an 11-night tropical break. This Miami roundtrip proffers four sea days (perfect for pampering) while the stopover schedule features five idyllic West Indies island

retreats. Highlights include the tiny Virgin Island of St John (aka ‘Love City’) – rich in history and exotic beauty, with coral reefs, pristine landscapes and luminescent beaches. The island of Nevis offers enchanting rainforest treks, horseback riding along the beach and golf on a championship course. Then there’s The Baths in Virgin Gorda, magical grottoes of granite rock formations that offer the epitome of a laidback life.

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Cruising and fine dining go hand-in-hand.

FOR THE CRUISING FOODIE

Culinary escapades

So you have a taste for eating well?

Oceania Cruises specialises in tempting the tastebuds of gourmet travellers, serving high-end cuisine created by renowned French chef Jacques Pépin.

Beyond that, the cruise company has cooked up a menu of immersive Culinary Discovery Tours – think gourmet cooking classes, market expeditions and chef-led foraging outings in destinations such as Spain and Greece. Other treats include a smorgasbord of food and wine trails through Europe and Australasia.

Unwind on Avalon Waterways’ 16-day Enchanting China & The Yangtze River voyage from Beijing to Shanghai. This sojourn includes a deluxe three-night cruise from China’s historic capital of Chongqing to Yichang via a spectacular series of gorges.

Relax in Mexico’s Sea of Cortez – a place of raw, tranquil beauty – with UnCruise’s seven-night island-hopping Baja’s Bounty voyage from San José del Cabo on Baja California Peninsula’s southern tip.

Spicing up the launch of Seven Seas Explorer to the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet in mid-2016 was a Gourmet Explorer Tour series through Spain, Italy, Morocco, Monaco, Portugal, France, Greece and Slovenia. From street food to haute cuisine, the focus is always on authentic flavours, and excursions offer sneak peeks into chefs’ kitchens as well as special classes on how to create cannoli and artisanal cheese.

Viking Cruises’ river voyages feature a strong foodie focus. Tempting morsels from its eight-day Chateaux, Rivers & Wine tour include the chance to blend your own Cognac, hunt truffles in Perigord and sample oysters fresh from Arcachon Bay. Travel ideas

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TOP TEN

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Spiritual connections

Has reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir Eat Pray Love left you craving a spiritual dimension to your physical journey? Commit to exploring the Dominican Republic aboard the 704-passenger Adonia with Fathom.

The eight-day round-trip from Miami involves a four-day visit to Puerto Plata and the opportunity to contribute to local projects with community volunteers. The lengthy stints at sea to and from the USA means there’s plenty of time to tap into the self-discovery workshops offered onboard.

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Meaning, myth and tradition collide in Avalon Waterways’ voyage through popular Asian destinations Vietnam and Cambodia and along the Mekong River. The 13-day cruise from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap is a chance to immerse yourself in ancient cultures, deep beliefs and the crumbling grandeur of ancient monuments such as Angkor Wat. You’re sure to discover something meaningful to you.

Seek inspiration from Celebrity Cruises’ new 12-night Arabian Sea & India tour.

With stops at Muscat, New Mangalore, Goa, Mumbai and Dubai, it’s a pilgrimage of pure delight.

Experience the enchanting colours and culture of Goa, India.

Photos: Getty Images, iStock

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Adventure cruising

Motivated, active and looking for an adventure-packed journey? From May 2017 the four-masted tall ship Star Clipper sets sail across Indonesia. This stylish 109-metre-long vessel holds a maximum of 170 passengers and offers the experience of travelling on an authentic square rigger equipped with luxury touches – it’s akin to stepping back in time. Seven-night voyages criss-cross the Indonesian waters to and from Bali. The target? Untouched destinations such as Komodo National Park, Satonda Island and Lombok’s socalled ‘paradise island’ of Gili Nanggu.

Thrillseekers need look no further than the adrenaline-pumping skydiving simulator on Royal Caribbean’s enormous Quantum-class vessel Anthem of the Seas.

Its 12-night Bermuda and Caribbean roundtrip tour from New Jersey’s Cape Liberty drops in on St Maarten, Puerto Rico and Barbados and boasts the largest indoor active space at sea.

Azamara Club Cruises’ 12-night Fjords & Iceland Voyage from Copenhagen in Denmark to Southampton in England is perfect for travellers with a spirit of adventure. A crowd favourite is hiking the countryside of the quaint town of Torshavn in the Faroe Islands.

Delve beneath the surface to discover a whole new world.

FOR THOSE SEEKING MEANING

FOR A WILD TIME

CRUISES FOR ALL STYLES

Witness the wild nature of Australia’s Kimberley region in WA.

FOR ABSOLUTE ESCAPISM

All about the experience

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Hungry for a voyage of discovery, escapism and total immersion? Dive into Ponant’s Jewels of the Kimberley tour to experience one of Earth’s most remarkable wildernesses zones.

Departing Darwin on L’Austral, a glamorous six-deck vessel with a 264-passenger capacity, it offers plenty of expeditions on a fleet of black rubber zodiacs. Trip highlights include trying to spot the shy snubfin dolphin in the Buccaneer Archipelago’s clear waters, visiting the Lacepede Islands where green turtles breed, admiring

ancient Aboriginal rock art galleried across sandstone rock faces, and witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the King George Falls.

New from Viking Cruises is a 22-day expedition from the Caribbean to the Amazon on the stylish, adults-only Viking Sea. Setting off from San Juan in Puerto Rico, it covers eight countries (including Barbados, Brazil and Antigua) and explores the legendary South American river. There’s also an onboard snow grotto – complete with falling snowflakes – in which to relax.

Take Uniworld’s Grand European Discovery cruise along the Rhine and Danube rivers. It’s a 15-day extravaganza from Cologne to Vienna that is the epitome of grandeur.

Travel ideas

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Marvels Mekong of the

EXPLORE VIETNAM AND CAMBODIA ON A RIVER CRUISE AND ENJOY RELAXATION, CULTURE AND ADVENTURE Words: Brian Johnston

RIVER CRUISING

Travel ideas

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Locals create delicious food on the streets.

Mad motor-scooter traffic, crowded streets and the energy of an economic boom collide with leafy colonial boulevards and incense-smoky temples: Ho Chi Minh is a city with character. I plunge into covered Ben Thanh Market, slurping noodles and bargaining for lacquer bowls.

Then I take a guided tour of the nearby French-style Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica Cathedral, wonderfully ornate post office and disturbing War Remnants Museum.

After two hotel nights, excitement builds as I head into the rice-lush Mekong Delta, where I drive past fish farms and roadside eateries. With about 90 other passengers, I board Travelmarvel’s trim colonial-style ship RV La Marguerite in My Tho and get my first look at the Mekong, muddy and tangled with water lilies. The ship is surprisingly spacious, with large colonial-style cabins that feel like rooms in a boutique hotel.

Over the next week, I spend hours watching flotillas of rice barges and boats as kids ‘halloo’ from bridges. Ports along the Mekong offer an insight into everyday

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Ta Prohm at Angkor Wat is a mysterious temple complex.

Vietnamese life: At Cai Be an entertaining guide takes us to a family sweet factory, where young girls sit twisting caramels into plastic wrappers and rice is popped in vast woks. I’m happy to buy some bags of the nougat-like sweets that provide the workers in this backyard business with an income. Later, in Cambodia, we visit a Travelmarvel-sponsored local school at Koh Ouk Nha Tay village. The kids, who sing and practice their English questions, are full of endearing enthusiasm.

I also enjoy stops at Angkor Ban, with its venerable wooden farmhouses, and multicoloured Wat Hanchey, a temple complex high on a hilltop above the Mekong, providing a new angle on the river from above.

As we sail, I’m entertained onboard with fruit-carving classes and dance performances, while fellow passengers provide plenty of friendly banter over meals.

I enjoy the ship’s food, especially the local dishes such as soup noodles and greenmango salad. The Cambodian curries are the highlight; I find myself tucking in almost daily.

RV La Marguerite cruise ship.

Local school kids like to practice their English with cruise guests.

RIVER CRUISING

Explore the other great rivers of Asia

Locals work on the river at Cai Be.

There are many views of local farmers from the Mekong River.

Photos: Getty Images, iStock, Travelmarvel

Ports along the Mekong offer an incredible insight into everyday life in Vietnam.”

Early one morning the ship sails into Phnom Penh. The sky is pink and retirees in pyjamas practice tai chi on the waterfront. The Cambodian capital is elegant in places like Sisowath Quay and the Royal Palace, and Central Market provides an Aladdin selection of jewellery and clothes. In contrast, the afternoon tour of the Killing Fields and the Khmer Rouge’s infamous S-21 jail is confronting.

Our excellent guide, Pisith, makes it personal by talking about the experience of his family, who lost two uncles and his 13-year-old sister to the Killing Fields.

He comes from a family of intellectuals, among the most persecuted of groups.

“I want you to be a witness to our history,” he says with quiet dignity.

It’s lovely at the end of the day to get back to the calm air-conditioned order of the ship for a gushing shower and a cold beer.

Finally, we leave the Mekong for a coach transfer to the bustling tourist centre of Siem Reap so we can visit Angkor Wat. This is a vast temple complex, and while Angkor Wat itself is the most famous, I find others even more appealing. Bayon Temple is decorated with smiling Buddha carvings, and Ta Prohm, made famous by Angelina Jolie in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, is a fabulous tangle of fallen-down walls from which giant fig trees sprout – and it’s the highlight of a cruise with many great moments.

Irrawaddy River, Myanmar Big river-cruise companies such as APT, Avalon Waterways and Scenic have lately started operating in Myanmar (Burma). Cruises generally sail between Mandalay and Yangon, but some now explore the tributary Chindwin River too. Highlights are the 880-yearold temple ruins at Bagan and the ancient capital of Amarapura, but the riverbanks provide a spectacle of daily life, from villages to processions of orange-robed monks, mahogany forest to gleaming gold-leaf temples.

Ganges River, India APT, Travelmarvel and Uniworld are among the companies that sail the Ganges River and the tributary Hooghly, which leads into Kolkata (Calcutta). The revered river is characterised by rice paddies, spice plantations and mango orchards, dotted between which are Hindu temples, crumbling Mughal fortresses and colonial-era towns.

Yangtze River, China This mighty river cuts through central China, with cruises usually starting in Yichang and sailing to Chongqing, though some take in longer sections. APT, Avalon Waterways, Scenic, Uniworld and Viking Cruises all offer sailings on the Yangtze, with land extensions to Shanghai, Beijing and Xi’an; a highlight is the dramatic Three Gorges.

Getting there

Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice and the latest deals on river cruising in Asia. Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours.

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S O U T H PAC I F I C Photo portfolio

Gems of the South Pacific ISLAND GETAWAYS DON’T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS Words: Emma Lee

New Caledonia

The sunlit water glimmers in a thousand shades of aquamarine and turquoise in the lagoons that encircle the islands of New Caledonia, including the Isle of Pines. The reef diversity of the lagoon is a phenomenon that grants it World Heritage status, and diving or snorkelling offers a journey through a wonderland of vivid marine life. Explore hidden beaches and deserted atolls, or enjoy gourmet cuisine shaded by palm trees – just one aspect of the country’s delicious French and tropical fusion.

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Photo: Getty Images

S O U T H PAC I F I C

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S O U T H PAC I F I C

Charmingly low-key and vibrant with culture, the archipelago of Tonga is a destination where immersion in daily life is the main attraction. Island time is a given, tourist traps are nonexistent, and the friendly locals are more than happy to demonstrate how to relax into their leisurely pace of living. The region’s volcanic history is evident in Tonga’s stunning sea caves, where scuba diving is a must. Float free through crystal water, where you might be lucky enough to meet a sea turtle or hear the whale song of the local humpbacks.

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Photos: Getty Images

Tonga

French Polynesia

French Polynesia’s islands are flung like a scattering of jewels across the waters of the South Pacific, each more beautiful than the last. Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea hardly need an introduction; the scenes of enchanting overwater bungalows and luscious waterfalls feature in the daydreams of many.

Meanwhile, the archipelago’s far-flung islands, like Taha’a and Raiatea, present the opportunity to get off the beaten path while lingering in paradise.

Vanuatu

The chic resorts and restaurants of Port Vila offer an intriguing contrast to the traditional ambience of the outlying islands, but it’s a distinction that ensures there’s something for everyone in Vanuatu. Smoking volcanos are a common backdrop to scenes of island splendour, and the experience of getting up close and personal with the molten magma of Mt Yasur is an encounter you’ll never forget.

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S O U T H PAC I F I C

Fiji

Fijians traditionally use dance and song to relay stories in a practice known as meke. The performance could be a graceful fan dance or a heartpounding war whoop from fearsome warriors – but don’t let the latter fool you. Fijians are known as the friendliest folk in the world, and beaming smiles and joyful cries of ‘bula!’ will accompany you throughout these exquisite islands.

There is only a slight scattering of low-key accommodations on offer in the Solomon Islands – just one aspect that makes this island paradise a haven of authentic experiences for travellers.

Adventurous souls can hike, surf and dive to their heart’s content, with no crowds to disturb their exploration of dormant volcanoes situated not so far from gorgeous reefs. Insights into traditional culture are easy to come by and cast everything into wonderful perspective.

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Photos: Getty Images

Solomon Islands

Samoa

Dazzling beaches are just the beginning; Samoa’s islands boast a paradise of jungle terrain perfect for exploration. These dense, emerald forests conceal waterfalls that plummet from magnificent heights into rock pools. Visit Savai’i and be thrilled by the power of the Alofaaga Blowholes, or swim in the waters of the To Sua Ocean Trench, a beautiful swimming hole. The cheerful locals are fiercely proud of their traditions and happy to teach others of ‘the Samoan way’.

Easter Island

Enigmatic stone figures dot the hills of Easter Island, some buried to the neck and others up to 10 metres in height. No-one knows why the ancient Rapa Nui people erected the moai statues, but today their mystery, plus a little island splendour, is why people come. Although tourism is on the rise, the island retains a blissful seclusion.

The fantastic snorkelling, diving and surfing options offer a powerful drawcard, but the island’s mystical atmosphere is what makes it unforgettable.

Island itineraries

Visit your Flight Centre for South Pacific cruising advice.

Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours.

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Cruising Tweens WITH

TRAVELLING BY SHIP IS THE PERFECT WAY FOR THE YOUNG ONES TO ENJOY FREEDOM IN A SAFE AND FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT Words: Tiana Templeman

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Photos: Getty Images, iStock, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises

F A M I LY C R U I S I N G

F A M I LY C R U I S I N G

C L O C KW I S E F R O M OPPOSITE

Tweens can enjoy the view from a cruise ship just as much as adults can.

The pool is an eternally popular spot on ships for both kids and tweens.

Activities like da Vinci treasure hunts in Rome are common in many ports.

Tropical cruises allow for cool breezes and palmshaded beach visits.

Tweens can make friends while their parents share the supervising load with ship sta.

Take your tween snorkelling in reef hotspots.

Many dining options oer great flexibility for families cruising together.

Cruising is a great way to see stunning scenery and wildlife.

Cruises offer the flexibility for tweens to enjoy time with their parents.

Kids’ club and organised activities allow for downtime for Mum and Dad.

No longer kids but not quite teenagers, tweens are the perfect cruising companions.

They’re old enough to enjoy some independence yet still young enough to enjoy hanging out with Mum and Dad. Our 12-year-old son likes to meet friends for dinner at the buffet followed by karaoke before wrapping up the night with us at an evening show. For the past year he has been allowed to sign himself into and out of the kids’ club, which has helped him develop a new level of responsibility within the safe and controlled onboard environment.

“Will you two be okay to have dinner on your own?” he asked on our last cruise, doing a remarkable impression of the sophisticated man about town, provided you ignored the Pokémon T-shirt. It was a reminder that he won’t be a tween for much longer.

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Learning while having fun You will never hear the dreaded words “I’m bored” on a cruise ship. Along with activities like roller-skating and talent shows, cruising offers tweens the opportunity to meet fellow kids from across the world and master new skills.

Tweens can learn how to create films using stop-motion animation with P&O Cruises or join a National Park Service Junior Ranger Program on Holland America Line’s Alaskan sailings. Princess Cruises has childrens’ cooking classes for budding young chefs, and Celebrity Cruises’ scavenger hunts encourage tweens to overcome shyness by fulfilling challenges such as “Find a crew member from a country that is different to yours and say hello”.

Making time for family Tweens love hanging out with newfound friends, but family time is important too.

Instead of nagging your tween to spend time with you, why not set a family challenge?

Each person chooses an onboard activity that everyone in the family has to try, even if they aren’t keen. My attempt at scaling the climbing wall on P&O’s Pacific Eden is probably best forgotten, but our son’s choice of activity – zip-lining – was everybody’s holiday highlight.

Dining is another way to spend quality time together. As much as my husband and I enjoyed our date nights at sea, we insisted our son join us for lunch each day. We got to enjoy some time together and, as most cruise ship kids’ clubs close from midday to 2pm, he didn’t miss any scheduled activities.

F A M I LY C R U I S I N G

Activities on board include learning to cook, like on Princess Cruises’ ships.

Photos: Holland America Line , iStock, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises

Tweens love hanging out with newfound friends, but family time is important too.”

Port days offer a great way to connect with your tween. Making your own arrangements for tours and activities generally works better than joining a ship’s shore excursion, as these tend to be aimed at older adults, although that’s changing.

Cruise lines are beginning to offer tours that help parents and their kids uncover the rich history of cruise-ship ports. Some lines, such as Celebrity Cruises, even have a shore-excursion program designed especially for families, featuring activities such as a Flamenco dance-off in Spain and a da Vinci treasure hunt in Rome.

Setting the ground rules It’s a good idea to set ground rules before your cruise. Do you expect your tween to join you for dinner? Can they get treats

at the buffet between meals? Are they allowed to charge items like soft drinks to their cruise-ship card? Discussing these things beforehand can help prevent misunderstandings that might spoil the holiday mood.

More tweens equals more fun While some parents prefer to avoid busy school-holiday sailings, these can be ideal for tweens who revel in the opportunity to socialise. Some tweens will insist they are “too old for the kids’ club”. However, even if your tween says they aren’t sure if they will join the program, encourage them to attend on the first day, as this is when friendships are formed in the group. If your child skips this session but decides to join in later, it can be harder for them to make friends.

Signing in and signing out Most cruise ship kids’ clubs allow children aged nine and over to sign themselves into and out of the kids’ club program with parental permission. Consider starting with a limited amount of freedom at first, such as allowing them to sign out at an agreed time and meet you in the cabin, to help them gain confidence and earn your trust. Walkie-talkies are a handy way to keep in touch onboard and can provide extra peace of mind.

If you foresee this potentially causing arguments, or simply think they’re not ready, Holland America Line could be a good choice. Unlike most other cruise lines, children have to be 13 to sign themselves into and out of their kids’ club, Club HAL.

Hit the high seas with the family

Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice from our experts about cruising with tweens and deals on cruises. Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours.

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Magnificent THIS AUTONOMOUS REGION OF CHINA OFFERS ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS OF A BIG CITY PLUS A UNIQUE CULTURE TO DELIGHT TRAVELLERS Words: Tara Young

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Macao The true essence of Macao is hard to convey in words. Only by visiting will travellers get a true impression of the destination. This former Portuguese colony embodies glitz and glamour, and it just so happens to be the perfect way to enrich a cruise through Hong Kong.

A foray into Macao rewards luxury seekers with many ways to indulge.

Macao is situated just across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong, and an easy 55-minute ferry ride will reveal this destination of beautifully preserved colonial ruins, surprising cuisine and eyepopping opulence in the form of high-end resorts and hotels.

Macao has rightfully earned a reputation as one of the world’s hottest culinary destinations, and the local food is one of its key attractions. Feed the inner foodie with Macanese cuisine involving a fusion of spices and food cultures from Africa, India and the coast of Malacca, brought to Macao by the Portuguese and is prepared with Chinese ingredients and cooking style. This unique taste has been enjoyed by travellers for decades.

For retail devotees, there are sleek shopping centres filled with international luxury brands, independent fashion boutiques and specialised Chinese antique

shops. Or be pampered to your heart’s content at one of the many luxury day spas. Each evening, travellers can enjoy a selection of extravagant shows, or wake in the morning to an exclusive breakfast with the DreamWorks gang.

Going beyond the luxury of 5-star stays and renowned restaurants, Macao takes travel to the next level with attractions that delight travellers of all types. Think of the world’s largest wave pool and rapid ride, and the world’s highest figure-eight Ferris wheel, the Golden Reel. Or there’s Macau Tower, the 10th-tallest freestanding tower in the world. Ascend to its lofty height to savour panoramas or add a dose of adrenaline with a stroll on the Skywalk X, a heart-stopping 233 metres high.

For those who prefer their feet firmly on the ground, rich and diverse history is all around. Discover glimpses of Macao’s colonial era in pockets of boutique accommodation, hidden cobblestone lanes, mansions, art deco buildings and tranquil parks, all done in a fusion of Chinese and Portuguese motifs.

No matter how travellers decide to experience Macao, this beautiful gateway to Asia promises a holiday to remember, and a stopover that will add glamour, luxury and excitement to any cruise itinerary.

CITY STOPOVER

C L O C KW I S E FROM OPPOSITE

Photo: Getty Images

Macao’s city skyline including Macao Tower.

Busy, bright and bustling downtown Macao.

The Ruins of St Paul’s is an iconic site in Macao, evidence of European influence.

A street scene in the historic centre of Macao.

Luxury travellers will love Galaxy Macao Resort.

Senado Square, showing the city’s mix of architectural styles.

Incense burns in the mouth of a stone lion at a temple in the city.

Moving and cruising FOR THE ACTIVE TRAVELLER, THERE ARE EXCITING ADVENTURES ON OFFER THAT ARE ANYTHING BUT CRUISY Words: Gwen O’Toole

Photos: Getty Images

ACTIVE CRUISING

Get o your ship for active adventurs like kayaking in Alaska; hiking through a desintation is becoming more popular.

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THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE: Kayak under the Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard in Provence; cycling through French vineyards; Bingham am Rhein in Germany; many cruise lines offer cycling excursions; kids can get active too.

While a cruising holiday certainly allows travellers to relax and indulge, there’s an increasing trend of active travellers seeking something livelier on their voyages.

Although fitness centres and exercise classes are commonplace on ships, cruise passengers keen for an adventure can now get even more from their holidays thanks to forward-thinking operators such as APT, Avalon Waterways and UnCruise, which are jumping on board with new itineraries designed specifically for the energetic.

Imagine pedalling your way through Europe’s historic cities, including Vienna, Cologne, the ruins of Dürnstein and the like.

From 2017, passengers on one of APT’s newly added tours can get on their bikes and do just that. The 15-day Cycling Magnificent Europe trip and the eight-day Bordeaux By Bicycle itinerary fit guests with their very own touring or road bike from the start of

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Energetic cruisers keen for an adventure can now get even more from their holidays.”

the journey. You certainly don’t have to be an expert cyclist to enjoy the experience; all the tours are led by a team of specialists, and if there’s a hiccup along the way, a support vehicle is never too far away.

If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, the eight-day Bordeaux tour is geared towards adept cyclists, with four different experiences on offer: cycle the Roger Lapebie path in Bordeaux, bike-ride to cheese and wine tastings in Pauillac, follow the Dordogne, explore the vineyards of Bergerac.

Meanwhile, Avalon Waterways has introduced its Active Discovery on the Danube cruises, offering passengers a new perspective of their port of call as they hike, bike and canoe their way across Europe. Fancy lacing up your runners for an early morning jogging tour along the grand boulevards of Vienna? Yes, you can

Photos: Alamy, Avalon Waterways, Getty Images, iStock

ACTIVE CRUISING

do that. All activities are included in the fare and guests can participate in additional experiences, such as canoeing along the Danube, cycling through the apricot orchards and vineyards of Durnstein, or trekking secret Budapest routes and underground tunnels created by smugglers during World War II. This tour will start operating from July 2017.

With cruise passengers consistently looking for new ways to experience their destinations, the small-ship adventure-cruise experts at UnCruise offer active travellers the opportunity to do exactly that. Guests can explore a range of destinations that are ideal for the adventurous, such as Alaska, the Galápagos and Costa Rica. Guests on UnCruise’s small ships regularly enjoy excursions such as hiking through the wilderness, sea kayaking, snorkelling,

stand-up paddleboarding, diving into icy water for an exhilarating ‘polar bear plunge’ and venturing out on expedition vessels or yachts. Depending on the destination, guests can also spot whales and plenty of local wildlife, and if you’re travelling with family, there are child-friendly excursions that make fun alternatives to the onboard kids’ club.

UnCruise’s river-cruising options take passengers on explorations through North America’s western frontier as the ship navigates along the Columbia and Snake rivers. It’s a softer style of adventure that’s ideal for wildlife-spotting, jet-boating in Hells Canyon and visiting Oregon’s tallest waterfall, the 186-metre Multnomah Falls.

Travellers who thrive on the idea of hiking (and wine tasting) their way through riesling vineyards with an expert naturalist can do so on Uniworld’s 10-day Rhine Discovery & Prague tour. Or perhaps it’s a guided cycling adventure along the Inn River that takes your fancy, in which case it’s time to book a spot on the 10-day Delightful Danube & Prague tour. Keen for more? Take a kayak journey in southern France along the Gardon River, soaking up the best views of 2,000-year-old Roman aqueduct Pont du Gard on the eight-day Burgundy & Provence tour, or hang on tight for a camel ride between the pyramids of Cairo on a 12-day Splendours of Egypt & the Nile tour.

Most of Uniworld’s European tours have bicycles on the vessels that passengers can borrow to explore city ports on their own itinerary. Those keen on staying fit have plenty of other options, too, as all Uniworld voyages offer an onboard wellness coach to assist with workouts, fitness centre access and yoga classes.

And to really get the heart pumping, you can’t beat a TRX workout on the deck with a personal trainer. With scenery such as the UNESCO World Heritagelisted Alto Douro wine region in Portugal as a potential backdrop, who wouldn’t want to work out in the fresh air?

Ready to move?

Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice on active travel and the latest cruise deals.

Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours.

Ship-shape at sea Cruising on an ocean liner? It’s easy to stay fit with jogging tracks, weights and gym equipment as well as fitness classes available on most major cruise liners.

With Princess Cruises, take lessons in ballroom, salsa and linedancing, work out in a Zumba class or find your zen with tai chi and yoga.

Popular with kids, Royal Caribbean has added rock-climbing walls to its new ships, and the brandnew Ovation of the Seas features skydiving simulator iFly and surfing simulator FlowRider. The same ship also offers SeaPlex, with facilities the whole family can enjoy such as bumper cars, a circus school and a roller-skating rink.

Last year, Olympic triathlete Courtney Atkinson cruised on board P&O’s Pacific Eden. Here, he shares his top five tips for keeping fit while holidaying at sea.

1. RUN While cruising, my goal was to jog every second day for about 40 minutes. Easy while docked but, for a challenge, try the treadmills when there’s a decent swell hitting the ship, as this will work out your core and test your balance.

2. SWIM When Pacific Eden docked at Loyalty Islands, the Pacific waters were perfect for a dip. Getting out for a snorkel and to check out the reefs is great exercise.

3. USE THE STEPS Walking up and down the internal steps instead of riding the elevators raises the heart rate and doubles as a great strengthening exercise.

4. EXPLORE BY FOOT We took some local off-shore driving tours on our trip, but my favourite stops were when we got off the beaten track by foot and the kids got to do some adventure trekking.

5. DO FLOOR EXERCISES To make the most of the ship and family time, I completed a quick yet quality body-weight circuit inside the room, focusing on core, balance and triathlon sports strength.

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Luxe IT UP

CRUISE COMPANIES ARE LAUNCHING VESSELS THAT ASTOUND, AIMED AT PROVIDING ULTIMATE COMFORT Words: Sally Macmillan

Luxury cruise lines are going into overdrive, launching lavish new vessels and spending hundreds of millions of dollars upgrading their existing fleets. Here’s a quick look at what’s on the horizon.

Crystal Cruises Not only is Crystal building six new river ships for Europe’s waterways, the ever-expanding company’s first ‘luxury super-yacht’, Crystal Esprit, set sail in December 2015. Esprit will be joined by Crystal Endeavor in August 2018; the 200-guest mega-yacht will be equipped with

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submarines, helicopters and underwater scooters along with all the luxuries Crystal clients expect in the way of facilities and service. In 2019, the first of three new 1,000-guest ocean-going Exclusive Class ships will join Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony; these will boast 48 privately owned Crystal Residences.

Ponant The French line launched Le Lyrial, the fourth of its stylish, nearly identical 224-passenger luxury expedition ships in 2015. Such has been the demand

for Ponant’s soft-adventure and Polar expedition cruises that the first of four new 184-passenger luxury yachts – featuring the cruise world’s first underwater viewing lounge – will debut in 2018.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises Seven Seas Explorer, the most expensive cruise ship ever built (per berth), was christened in a ceremony in Monaco in July 2016. Its Regent Suite has attracted the most attention; the 131.6sqm balcony spans the width of the ship, and the suite has its own spa and a US$250,000 (almost

LU X U RY C RU I S I N G

The ultra-luxe Regent Suite on Seven Seas Explorer.

See incredible polar sights in luxury with cruise lines like Ponant.

AU$330,000) custom-built Steinway grand piano. A similar-sized ship to Explorer will join RSSC’s fleet of four vessels in 2020.

Scenic Renowned for its modern Space-Ships on Europe’s waterways, the super-successful Australian company is now building its first ocean-going ship. The 228-guest ‘discovery yacht’ Scenic Eclipse will be launched in August 2018 and will carry two helicopters and a mini submarine. The much-talkedabout Eclipse will sail to most ports of the globe and is ice-rated for Polar regions.

Seabourn Seabourn Encore will be gracing Australian waters soon after its January 2017 christening in Singapore, becoming the youngest, most luxurious ship to sail Down Under. The elegant 604-guest Seabourn Encore is slightly larger than its three Odyssey-class sisters, and Seabourn Ovation will follow in 2018. Both Encore and Ovation will offer The Retreat, a glamorous sanctuary on the top deck that will feature a bar, aspa cabana, private cabanas, a central whirlpool and concierge service.

See the sights in comfort from aboard ships like the Seabourn Encore.

Silversea Due to launch in April 2017, the ‘simply divine’ 596-guest Silver Muse will be the largest in the line’s fleet of 10 ships, four of which are expedition-class vessels. It promises to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, although replacing the main dining room with three intimate restaurants – Atlantide, Indochine and Kabuki – is definitely different. Silversea’s partnership with the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group continues with Silver Muse’s MaDame restaurant.

Windstar Cruises ships’ carry no more than 310 guests each.

Viking Ocean Cruises Another highly successful river-cruise line that has taken to the high seas, Viking has launched two ocean-going ships – the 930-guest Viking Star and Viking Sea – since May 2015. The contemporary adultsonly vessels are already winning awards, and three more are set to debut by 2018. In January 2018, Viking Sun will visit Australia and New Zealand on its world cruise – a first for the Nordic cruise line.

Windstar Cruises Owning six ships that carry no more than 310 guests each, Windstar Cruises lives by the ‘small is beautiful’ maxim. Three of its fleet are sailing ships and three are boutique motor-yachts. The company has spent more than US$21.5 million upgrading the 212-guest Star Pride, Star Breeze and Star Legend since 2014 and the experience is now akin to sailing on your own private yacht. Between them, the six ships sail to more than 150 destinations worldwide.

Scenic Eclipse carries two helicopters on board.

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O FO

D SAFAR

I

Culinary cravings CRUISES ARE CATERING TO OUR APPETITE FOR FULLY IMMERSIVE FOODIE EXPERIENCES. Words: Kris Madden

The perfect paella (served in Barcelona, of course), the sweetest sauternes (hello, Bordeaux) and street food cooked in front of your eyes (good morning, Vietnam!) – culinary voyages are one of the best ways to immerse yourself in a country’s local culture.

Just as dining at sea has become more sophisticated with the spate of celebrity chefs joining ships, cruise

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lines are now also serving up a long menu of epicurean shore experiences for gourmets.

Driving these trends is a new breed of ‘cultural consumers’ who seek the authenticity of the places they visit through food. They recognise the value of gastronomy as a means of socialising, exchanging experiences and, of course, generating hundreds of Facebook and Instagram posts.

C L O C KW I S E FROM OPPOSITE

Photos: APT, Getty Images, iStock, Rémy Martin, Seabourn

Search for truffles on a farm near Lyon, in the south of France.

Culinary cruises, just like a fine dining meal, are best paired with a delicious drop of wine.

Shop with a chef during a culinary cruise to Barcelona with Seabourn.

Stop in at the famed Rémy Martin cognac distillery and you’ll get to taste Michelinstarred cuisine.

Luke Nguyen has been an ambassador for APT’s cruises for several years, and cruises with them twice a year.

A benefit of cruising is super-fresh seafood.

Experience both culture and cuisine in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Picturesque views dot the coast of New Zealand, also a foodie destination.

From the rich and historic wine regions of France to Mayan cooking classes in Mexico, on a gourmet-themed cruise you may find yourself sipping real champagne in a French chateau, indulging in a fine feast by a Michelin-starred chef, pulling Alaskan crab straight from the pot or learning about the five elements of Vietnamese cuisine.

Many leading and luxury cruise lines offer cruises for connoisseurs and casual tasters alike so there’s usually a tour for foodies on any budget. Here’s a selection to whet your appetite.

EUROPE

M U S T- T RY:

The wines of Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Digging for truffles in France.

Eating a meal crafted by a Michelinstarred chef.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Cruise through Spain for a chance to taste a delicious dish of paella; stop in to some of Australia’s wine ports, like Adelaide, close to the Barossa and Adelaide Hills; a fresh dish of tasty seafood; on cruises, travellers sometimes get the chance to see cooks in action.

AMERICAS

Not just hamburgers and fries, cruises in South, Central and North America offer a tantalising taste of some of the world’s most diverse cuisines.

On Holland America Line’s Alaska cruises, for example, you can experience a Ketchikan Crab Feast, which involves (voluntarily) pulling Dungeness crab pots from the wilderness and digging into an all-you-can eat crustacean spread. On the Alaska Salmon Bake adventure in the city of Juneau, eat your fill of wild Alaskan salmon barbecued over an open fire, served with rare accompaniments such as reindeer sausage.

Celebrity Cruises offers a range of Chef’s Market Discoveries, including in Mexico, where you’ll scour the local markets, taste chocolate at a cacao company and participate in a traditional Mayan cooking class.

Silversea’s Epicurean Adventure Along the Humboldt Current is a fascinating 14-day expedition that follows the west coast of South America, from Guayaquil to Valparaiso, and includes culinary experiences such as dining at one of Lima’s best restaurants, Restaurant Huaca Pucllana, and a meal in the hall of 16th-century Santa Catalina Monastery in Arequipa, as well as sampling superb wines in Chile.

M U S T T RY:

Crab, lobster and salmon pulled fresh from Alaskan waters.

Tasting chocolate in the region where it originated.

Adding some of the best Chilean wines to your cellar.

Photos: Alamy, Getty Images, iStock, South Australia Image Gallery

European cruises by river or sea undoubtedly offer the chance to experience some of the world’s best food and wine.

Uniworld’s Connoisseur Collection Burgundy & Provence cruise is a foodie’s pilgrimage from Avignon to Lyon, and includes tastings in some of France’s greatest wine regions, a cooking demonstration at internationally renowned Institut Paul Bocuse, and a search for ‘black diamonds’ on a truffle farm.

Certain sailings on Scenic’s Bordeaux itineraries fulfil food lovers’ fantasies with visits to exclusive estates and chateaux in Bordeaux as well as a lunch created by a Michelin-starred chef at the famed Rémy Martin cognac distillery.

If you’ve always wanted to know how to properly prepare Spanish paella, Seabourn’s Shopping with the Chef program in Barcelona (where else?) will teach you the secrets of the famous dish.

Travelling elsewhere with Seabourn?

Thankfully, Shopping with the Chef outings are offered in a range of ports.

Or imagine a foraging tour and Greek cooking class in Argostoli, or strolling along the streets of Crete savouring pastries, breads, coffee and olive oil. Oceania Cruises’ Culinary Discovery Tours have a range of gastronomic daytrips in 26 different ports. Word to the wise: wear stretchy pants.

FOOD SAFARI

ASIA

APT’s river cruises in Asia have a strong culinary focus thanks to the operator’s long-term relationship with chef Luke Nguyen. Each year, Nguyen escorts two APT Mekong River cruises, taking guests on immersive city tours, where meals at his favourite local restaurants in Vietnam and Cambodia are all a part of the tantalising equation.

In Siem Reap, take part in a traditional Khmer cooking class. In Ho Chi Minh City, get in on a cooking class at Grain Cooking Studio, where Luke will impart some of his culinary wisdom.

Royal Caribbean’s Spice of Southeast Asia voyages offer the chance to follow the Penang food trail and indulge in local delicacies (think aromatic Malay dishes, delectable Chinese delicacies, spicy Indian fare and exotic street food).

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

Some of the world’s best wines are found in Australia and New Zealand – and food in the antipodes is pretty darn good too.

Princess Cruises’ Hawke’s Bay Wine Country and Wines of Marlborough tours visit leading estates in New Zealand’s North and South islands, such as Ngatarawa Wines in Hawke’s Bay and the historic Mission Estate Winery in Napier. P&O Cruises offers a Seafood Masterclass excursion at Eden on New South Wales’ South Coast, wine tasting on Kangaroo Island and tours of Australia’s oldest continuously operating brewery, the Cascade Brewery in South Hobart.

Silversea invites oenophiles to experience the vineyards of Australia’s most famous wine region, the Barossa Valley in South Australia, or to taste the award-winning wines and cheeses of the Hunter Valley in New South Wales.

In addition to the Barossa, Royal Caribbean visits McLaren Vale and the Adelaide Hills, while the Wallabies and Wine port excursion in Melbourne provides the chance to sample Victorian wines and Yarra Valley produce.

M U S T T RY:

Cruising to the world-class wineries of Australia and New Zealand.

A tour at Australia’s oldest brewery.

Appreciating Australia’s bounty of fresh regional produce.

Culinary cruising

Visit your local Flight Centre for more advice on gourmet travel and the latest cruise deals.

Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours.

M U S T T RY:

Sampling delicious Vietnamese cuisine like the locals do – on the street.

Learning the yin and yang of Vietnamese cuisine and why it is so healthy.

Tasting an authentic assam laksa in Penang.

Some of the world’s best wines are found in Australia and New Zealand.”

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EXPERT GUIDES

Cruise companion Our ex p e r t s reve a l a l l abo u t t h e many t y p e s of cr uis ing.

Celebration cruises

Multi-generational cruises

Cruising with friends

Insider tip

Insider tip

Insider tip

There’s no easier way to celebrate an important miletsone with loved ones than on a cruise.”

Alisha Thomson, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Claremont, WA

Cruises create the perfect atmosphere for your kids to have fun meeting people and making lasting friendships.”

Paul Pearman, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Ballarat, Vic

Cruises are great for groups with different interests.”

Kerri Corbino, Travel Expert, Flight Centre North Essendon, Vic

Why mark a milestone on a cruise?

Going on a cruise has the effect of making you feel special – it’s such a memorable, romantic experience and you’ll feel so spoilt.

What are the benefits?

For one, you only have to unpack once. Plus, it removes the fuss and work in creating your own celebration at home.

What kind of milestones do people celebrate on cruises?

Special birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons, family reunions, hen’s parties, celebrating graduation or the beginning of retirement – and it’s also possible to get married on a ship.

Can cruise lines make special arrangements, like gifts?

Definitely! They can help you with flowers or chocolates, make and deliver a cake or fruit platter, bring up a bottle of Champagne and even decorate your cabin as a surprise for that special someone. You can also purchase gifts onboard – day-spa experiences are popular.

Where should we go to celebrate?

Three-night round-trip cruises heading into the ocean from Australia are great for large groups. For something a bit longer, seven- to 12-night cruises through the South Pacific or around New Zealand are fabulous for families. Individuals and couples should consider destinations like the Mediterranean, Alaska and the Caribbean.

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Are there cruises that specialise in multi-generational groups?

It’s a growing market so cruise lines try to cater for every type of guest. Some river-cruise companies are expanding their options for families, and some luxury cruises are offering more sailings where children are welcome.

What are the benefits?

Cruise ships offer something for all generations; the children have kids’ clubs, Mum and Dad can have some R&R and grandparents can enjoy the range of activities and classes offered on cruises.

Which cruise ship suits both older people and children?

I get great feedback from kids and their parents about Disney Cruise Line. Many family groups enjoy ‘sun and fun’ destinations rather than the more cultural ports, but that also depends on the ages of the children.

Why is cruising a good way to travel with the whole family?

There’s something for everyone. Almost every cruise ship has something on board that each generation will love to do, either on their own or with the rest of the family.

Are there discounts for larger groups?

It’s possible, depending on the numbers. Most families don’t have enough people to qualify for a group discount. Cruiseabout offers multicabin discounts for balcony cabins or above.

Where can I cruise with my friends?

The best destinations for cruising with friends are islands. Whether that’s the South Pacific or the Caribbean, islands offer many group activities, like a day on a private yacht or even beach quad biking.

What are the benefits?

Some of the best onboard memories are made when a bunch of friends participate in fun and sometimes random activities.

Are there discounts for larger groups?

You can get a multiple cabin discount for booking several categories. Group bookings can also come with more onboard credit and other benefits.

What are some cruises that balance active and cultural experiences?

A New Zealand itinerary allows you to explore the natural wonders of the country, such as volcanoes and mountains. It also has rich heritage and Maori culture.

Are there cruises designed to suit certain age groups?

For our younger, more active cruisers, we can offer skydiving at sea, rock climbing and waterslides. For party people, there are dress-up parties and two-storey nightclubs.

We also have cruises designed for relaxation and solitude; find your nest on a hammock bed and read a book while the crew attend to your needs.

cruise companion

Cruising with kids

Insider tip Guests of all ages will enjoy the reduced travel time and transport that comes with holidaying on a cruise.”

Shae Solomon, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Ballarat, Vic

Photos: Disney Cruise Line, Getty Images, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Tourism New Zealand, photographer Miles Holden

What are the benefits of cruising with as a family?

Everything is taken care of. There is no need to move everyone and their luggage between cities and modes of transport. Even better, food is included – that’ll definitely satisfy fussy toddlers and hungry teens.

Someone also miraculously cleans your cabin twice a day.

Can I take my newborn on a cruise?

Most cruise lines welcome children from the age of one, while some shorter cruises welcome babies from six months. Royal Caribbean and Carnival are particularly suited for younger children.

Will my kids get bored?

There is no chance of any kid getting bored.

Every night they will be sent a list of activities for the next day and they can choose what interests them. Usually there are swimming pools, a sports deck, plenty of shows to see and games to take part in as a family. They will also learn about each port they visit, and there are plenty of activities to choose from in each destination.

Is there a kids’ club on cruise ships?

Most large cruise lines offer free access to the onboard kids’ club. Programs are organised by age, experienced carers look after the kids, and the dedicated zones are well-equipped with toys, games and books.

Solo cruising

Couple cruising

Insider tip

Insider tip

Cruise outside of school holidays – there are better fare options and there’ll be more adults on board.”

Tori Roby, Travel Expert, Flight Centre Hurstville, NSW

Cruising takes away the stress of land travel, allowing couples to connect.”

Briony Thomas, Travel Expert, Flight Centre North Essendon, Vic

What’s great about cruising solo?

What’s great about couple cruising?

Is solo cruising uncommon?

Are cruises romantic?

You’re more likely to meet people and make friends. Fellow passengers seem to be friendlier towards solo travellers; they’ll come up and talk to you, invite you to sit with them for a meal or to go to shows with them.

Not at all – there are lots of solo travellers out there. There are many group activities and public spaces like bars and cafes for socialising. That said, you’ll always be able to find a quiet corner to yourself, too.

What are some other benefits?

You call the shots and do what you want, when you want. Go on shore or hang around the pool deck as you please. Be social and party or curl up on a couch and read a book.

I was recently a solo traveller on Windstar Cruises’ Wind Spirit and loved it.

What advice would you give someone wanting to take their first solo cruise?

Pick the right cruise line, itinerary and cruise ship for your personality. Big ships are great if you like to party and do activities. Small ships are tailored to intimate experiences.

What cruises suit lone travellers?

Solo travellers come in all shapes and sizes, just like cruise ships and itineraries.

It’s important to understand what type of experience you’re after and chat with your travel consultant to find an itinerary that suits.

All the important things are taken care of, and there’s something to interest each of you, whether a Broadway-style show, fine dining or relaxing under the stars. You’ll also get to see the world’s best destinations on your cruise.

Cruises can be as romantic as you’d like them to be. Have Champagne and flowers delivered to your room, go for dinner in a fine restaurant, or go for cocktails after having professional photos taken together.

What ship should we book?

All cruise lines cater to the couple’s market.

What will make a difference is the size of the ship you cruise on. Smaller ships are intimate and have high attention to detail and service.

Should we honeymoon on a cruise?

Everything is taken care of, including food, travel and entertainment – so you’ll have all the time in the world to focus on the most important element: each other.

Are there cruises just for couples?

Small luxury liners cater perfectly to cruising couples. They focus on the beautiful experiences couples often may not get in everyday life. The vessels of Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and Celebrity Cruises are all excellent options for couples who cruise.

Travel ideas

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The CHALLENGE DO YOU WANT TO CRUISE BUT ARE UNSURE OF WHAT TO GO FOR? WE ASKED TWO FLIGHT CENTRE TRAVEL EXPERTS FOR THEIR ADVICE ON BOTH VALUE AND LUXURY CRUISES

Luxury cruising $$$$

Many cruise lines claim to offer a luxury experience, but the true definition of luxury cruising is defined by the level of inclusions.

While most cruise lines include accommodation, entertainment and most main meals in the upfront cruise fare, luxury cruise lines offer many extras, adding tremendous value for money.

Beverages: Many luxury cruise lines include all drinks (including wine and beer, soft drinks, tea, coffee, cocktails and spirits), which can mean significant savings and prevent the bill shock at the end of a cruise when all those rounds of drinks appear on your final account.

Fine dining: Luxury cruise lines include a variety of different dining venues, including specialty restaurants at no additional cost.

Oceania Cruises, for example, offers up to seven all-inclusive dining venues on its ships.

ANNALISA NEVILL, TRAVEL EXPERT, FLIGHT CENTRE COLLINS STREET, VIC

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Gratuities (tips): Most mainstream cruise lines do not include gratuities (tips) for the waitstaff and housekeeping in the upfront cruise fare – instead they add these to the shipboard account at a set rate of between $10 and $20 per person per day. Luxury cruise lines have this amount already built into the fare, therefore saving additional onboard charges.

Shore excursions: Guests who wish to explore each port a cruise ship visits will soon find that

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the shore excursions offered by cruise lines can add up quite quickly. A number of luxury cruise lines (in particular, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Viking Cruises) include one or more shore excursions in each port, adding several thousand of dollars in value.

Guest-staff ratio: Due to the smaller size of most luxury cruise lines (often fewer than 500 passengers), the guest-staff ratio is often almost 1:1. This means more attentive service, less queuing and a more personal experience.

Accessibility of smaller ports: Most luxury cruise lines operate smaller vessels, which allows access to smaller ports and the ability to sail closer to the town centres, therefore eliminating the need to spend hours in shuttle buses to reach a destination.

Adults-only options: Many luxury cruise lines cater predominantly to adults and have passenger age restrictions. This creates an exclusive atmosphere that invites tranquility and relaxation.

Hit the waves

There are plenty of luxury ships and itineraries to choose from, so chat to a Flight Centre Travel Expert today about finding the the best luxury cruise holiday for you.

Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours.

FROM FAR LEFT: Cruises can be both luxurious and value for money; cruises offer dining options aplenty; relaxing on deck; taking a cooling swim; meet new friends; visit tropical destinations

Value cruising $$

Cruise more often: One of the beauties of value cruising is that, everything considered, it’s one of the most affordable ways to travel.

There’s no need to worry about flight prices or taxes or high accommodation costs – and you can put your saved pennies towards your next cruise.

Photos: iStock

Bigger ships offer more: Value cruising tends to be associated with bigger ships, and bigger ships mean more – more departure ports, more variety in the destinations on offer, more shows and entertainment to experience, more dining options. Large-ship cruising aims to be very inclusive and there are plenty of fun programs available for all ages and interests. Each day there is something new to do, no matter whether you’re eight or 80.

GABRIEL GALLARDO, TRAVEL EXPERT, FLIGHT CENTRE COLLINS STREET, VIC

Plenty of activities: Passengers’ days will never be empty: they can be spent working out at the gym, indulging in a spa treatment, taking a cooking class, playing a round of mini-golf, or anything, really. Large ships are perfect for those who like to fill their days as there is always something to do onboard.

Evening entertainment: Just because it’s night doesn’t mean all is quiet: grand venues, such as casinos and nightclubs, are pumping come sundown.

Children’s activities: If you’re travelling with children, large ships are well suited due to the extent of children’s programs offered on board.

Privacy: Should you want a bit of peace and quiet during your cruise, many ships have adults-only areas featuring a pool and oh-socomfortable loungers.

Food: There is an amazing selection of restaurants and dining options so that you can choose what best suits your budget, from 24-hour room service to smorgasbord buffets and formal dinners.

Knowing what you’re up for: The big benefit of value cruising is that when you book you know that your cabin, meals and entertainment are included, so all you need to do is budget what you want to spend on the extras – whether it’s a drinks package, shore excursions or onboard shopping. You can choose how you spend your dollar – and there’s plenty to spend it on if you so choose.

All aboard!

If you’re keen to get cruising, your local Flight Centre Travel Experts are the people to see. They can help you choose a good value itinerary and get the best deal on flights and cruises. Go to flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours.

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Q&A

Travel clinic

WHEN IT C O M E S T O H O L I D AY QUERIE S , L ET O U R E X P E R T S SHOW Y OU TH E WAY

I’m looking for a super-luxurious cruise experience. How can I find the right cruise for me?

At super-luxury level, cruisers really are spoilt for choice as to the number of ships offering what is practically a six-star experience. This level of cruising offers travellers the ultimate luxurious experience, with spas, pools, restaurants, entertainment and superior rooms with private balconies as well as a 24-hour butler service – cruising companies like Seabourn, Uniworld and Scenic all fall into this cruising category.

My personal favourite luxury cruise line is Oceania Cruises, especially for the incredible (and awardwinning) dining experiences offered to passengers at sea.

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Being a foodie, the most important thing for me while travelling is being offered the best food and wine, and Oceania is a cruise line that definitely delivers.

An added benefit for travellers who prefer the luxury cruising standard is that cruise lines regularly pair with celebrated chefs who design innovative and unique menus especially for that cruise line’s passengers, while the attentive staff members cater to every whim.

ANNALISA NEVILL, TRAVEL EXPERT, FLIGHT CENTRE COLLINS STREET, VIC

Will everything be included in the cost, or will I have to pay more on board?

Cruise fares cover all meals and entertainment, and you can opt for different beverage packages that will take care of your drinks, so the only outlays will be onboard shopping and onshore excursions.

River cruising offers a large number of included excursions, but onshore excursions aren’t usually included in the fare on ocean cruises – and prices vary depending on the region.

Tipping is usual for many cruise lines, so if tips are not included in your fare, you will receive an envelope in your cabin on the last day of the cruise. However, some cruise lines have a no-tipping policy.

BREE JOHNSON, TRAVEL EXPERT, FLIGHT CENTRE BIRKDALE, QLD

I prefer to travel in a small group. Are there any cruises that suit smallgroup travel?

Small-ship travelling is the perfect style of cruising for small groups as there are fewer passengers on board than on the larger oceancruising liners, and often fellow cruisers tend to share many of the same travelling interests.

Smaller ships are also at a more general advantage as their size enables them to cruise to shallower or narrower waterways, gaining access to very special and unique destinations.

Onshore excursion options are plentiful with this type of cruise since travelling to destinations that are off the beaten track is essentially about exploring diverse ecological terrains and cultural wonders.

MELANIE TRANI, TRAVEL EXPERT, FLIGHT CENTRE BUNDABERG, QLD

Do you have a travel question? Tweet it to @FlightCentreAu on Twitter.

Help on hand

Holidaying doesn’t have to be complicated.Visit flightcentre.com.au or call 131 600 24 hours for advice.

Photo: Getty images

Enjoy travel with family in small groups on a cruise.

CRUISE GUIDE

G O - TO G U I D E

Your directory S O Y O U WA N T T O C R U I S E . . .

NOW, WHICH CRUISE LINE TO TRAVEL WITH?

56 Avalon Waterways 57 Azamara 58 Carnival international 59 Carnival domestic 60 Murray Princess 61 Celebrity 62 Croisi

80 Ponant 81 Princess 82 Regent Seven Seas 83 Royal Caribbean 84 Scenic Tours 85 Scenic Boutique Ship 86 Seabourn 87 Silversea 88 Tauck River Cruising 89 Travelmarvel 90 UnCruise Adventures 91 Uniworld 92 Viking River Cruise 93 Viking Ocean Cruise 94 Voyages to Antiquity 95 Voyages of Discovery 96 Map

Photo: iStock

46 Why cruise?

48 Choose your cruise 50 Choose your ship 52 Choose your cabin 53 American Queen 54 APT Small Ship 55 APT River Cruise

63 Crystal 64 Cunard 65 Disney Cruise Line 66 Dream Cruises Line 67 Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines 68 Hapag-Lloyd Cruises 69 Holland America Line 70 Hurtigruten & Bentours 71 Katarina Line 72 Locaboat Holidays 73 MSC Cruises 74 Norwegian Cruise Line 75 Oceania Cruises 76 P&O Cruises 77 P&O World Cruising 78 Pandaw 79 Peregrine

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CRUISE GUIDE

WHY SET SAIL?

There are so many reasons to cruise

The number of cruise-goers is rising rapidly every year – and it’s easy to see why. A cruising holiday ticks all the boxes

Did you know that Australia is currently recognised as one of the leading cruise markets in the world? If you simply chat to friends and family, you’ll soon realise that cruising is one of the most popular ways to travel.

With a choice of more than 300 ships – small, large and everything in between – and about 2,000 ports of call across the world, there is a perfect cruise for everyone.

Cruising allows you to immerse yourself in the life around you – different cultures and countries – with the perk of only having to unpack once.

On a cruise, you can see the world, unwind completely, experience diverse cultures, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn new skills, make new friends and bond with your family.

The possibilities are endless, and the benefits are plentiful…

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Value for money: Whatever type of cruise you choose, it will include your accommodation, food, travel, entertainment and, often, other additions.

Discover new locales: Waking up in a different place nearly every day is a definite bonus. Explore different regions easily and comfortably.

Unpack once: When you board the ship, you really have arrived at your home away from home, and you won’t need to pack again until the end of the cruise.

Experience different cultures:

Cruising offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in various cultures.

By visiting different countries, you will be able to learn, absorb and explore the world around you.

Shore excursions: One of the greatest ways to experience the very best of your ports of call is to participate in your cruise ship’s shore excursions. These could include cultural walking tours, cooking schools, shopping tours and many adventures, including helicopter rides, mountain biking, canoeing, whitewater rafting and trekking.

Book these prior to your cruise or at the beginning so you don’t miss out.

Foodies’ heaven: Variety is the spice of life, and this is especially true for the culinary choices on cruises. From poolside barbecues to five-course meals, foodies will love what’s on offer. Most ships have self-service buffets and casual eateries. Formal nights are common too (men should wear a suit while women should opt for a cocktail dress).

Then there are specialty restaurants where, for a fee, you can indulge in

CRUISE GUIDE

FROM FAR LEFT: Cruises are one of the best ways to relax on holidays; see incredible wildlife; dining is an important part of cruising.

Does cruising really suit everyone?

Any budget

Cruises are great for those on a budget and also for people wanting the most luxurious experience on water. With so many options available, you can choose a cruise based on your price point.

Families

Photos: Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours

Most cruise lines offer a huge range of age-appropriate child and teen facilities and activities supervised by experts. With the children entertained, adults will have time to relax without the young’uns.

world-class cuisines and at celebrity chef restaurants. Bookings can be made once on board or pre-booked online, depending on the company.

Plenty of onboard activities: Many ships have great programs on board and often include options such as swimming, fitness classes, computer training, art auctions, photography classes, dance lessons, cooking, basketball and tennis, to name a few. Talks on the culture, history, flora and fauna of the region you’re cruising are popular, and reputable guest speakers frequently join cruises to conduct these special talks.

Entertainment extravaganza: Every

night on a cruise ship is an entertainment spectacular. Consider your ship a floating capital city, with nightclubs, movies, live

music, themed parties, magic, comedy, cabaret, Broadway- and West End-style shows, and casinos. There are options for those who want to sit back and watch, and also for those looking to participate in interactive entertainment.

Top-notch facilities: Larger oceangoing cruise ships are fitted out with an array of facilities for everyone to enjoy. They often house day spas, gyms, wave pools, cinemas, ice-skating rinks, mini-golf courses, tenpin bowling alleys and rock-climbing walls, to name a few.

Sensational spas: Many cruise ships

have lavish spas with extensive treatment menus, which can be quite a rejuvenating way to chill out. Handy hint: keep an eye out for spa sales in the ship newsletter on larger liners.

Couples

Strolls under the stars, exotic port stops, spa services and intimate dinners make cruising the ideal choice for couples.

Want to make it even more memorable? Chat to your Flight Centre consultant to see how the cruise team can help organise a proposal.

Singles

Cruising is a great way to meet people, and if you prefer to keep to yourself, that’s easy to do too.

Large groups

Generations of families and groups of friends travelling together will enjoy cruising because of the wide choice of activities on offer. Keep the day for yourself, then catch up with everyone at night.

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CRUISE GUIDE

W H I C H ON E ?

Choose your cruise

From massive ships that navigate across the seas to vessels that glide down scenic rivers, choosing your itinerary is half the fun

Ocean cruising

Ocean cruises give you the opportunity to see the whole world, with endless possibilities at your disposal.

These days, highly competitive prices mean it now suits young families wanting a fun-filled experience as well as groups, couples and singles wishing to circumnavigate the globe in high style.

Resort-style ships are the biggest cruise ships, and because of this they house just about everything. Diversity and choice are both huge benefits of choosing an ocean cruise. Onboard facilities include – but are not limited to – casinos, pools, saunas, rockclimbing walls, ice-skating rinks, kids' clubs and entertainment centres. Activities range from 4D movies, destination-based lectures and fitness and cooking classes to dining with the captain and indulging in lavish spa treatments.

The most difficult part of ocean cruising is choosing which one to take. Do you want to shop for a bargain in Singapore, listen to the steel drums of the Caribbean, marvel at centuriesold European architecture or laze on a white-sand beach on an Asian island? With the right ocean cruise, you can do it all.

WHY CHOOSE AN OCEAN CRUISE? A different sight and port nearly every day: Ocean cruises can touch every continent of the world, and onshore excursions and visits are extensive and educational.

Showbiz: Entertainment is world-class, with shows, live music, themed parties, comedy shows and nightclubs on offer.

Take to the big blue with an ocean cruise.

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Cuisine: From casual dining and buffets to specialty restaurants and themed nights, your tastebuds will also be taken on a global tour.

Only unpack once: No other kind of holiday allows you to visit different countries with the convenience of only unpacking once.

Adventure and small-ship cruising Adventure and small-ship cruising allows you to journey to some of the most remote regions of the world. Live life under billowing sails, take part in scientific expeditions and participate in unique experiences and seminars.

This type of cruising often comes down to the choice of destination and, generally, there are fewer passengers on board than on the larger ocean-cruising liners, with numbers starting at fewer than 50 and climbing to about 500.

Smaller ships are at an advantage as their size enables them to cruise to more shallow or narrow waterways, gaining access to unique destinations.

Onshore excursion options are plentiful with this type of cruise, as travelling to destinations that are off the beaten track is essentially about exploring diverse ecological terrains and cultural wonders.

Many adventure and small ships have inflatable Zodiacs that transport passengers into the depths of the environment that is being explored. Traversing spectacular icebergs and watching wildlife, camping out on an ice-shelf or snorkelling with sea lions in the Galápagos Islands are just a few of the options available with adventure and small ship cruising.

WHY CHOOSE AN ADVENTURE OR SMALL-SHIP CRUISE?

Off-the-beatentrack destinations: Accessing fascinating places allows you to discover and learn more about your destination.

Onboard experts: Specialist guides assist in making your cruise as wondrous as possible, with informative lectures, interactive classes and in-depth briefings all part of the inclusions.

Responsible travel: Responsible travel is demonstrated by hiring local guides and working with local businesses.

Discover the wild in comfort: Amenities often include state-of-the-art equipment, such as satellite navigation, medical facilities, gourmet cuisine and comfortable cabins.

CRUISE GUIDE

River cruises are conducted on smaller ships.

River cruising

Intimate, exciting and beautiful, exploring the world’s great rivers, lakes and canals offers a spectacular way to see a country up close, especially since towns and cities are often peppered along the edges of waterways.

River ships are smaller than their ocean-going sisters, typically holding 100 to 250 passengers, offering intimacy and comfort.

They cover considerable distances, allowing you to see a great deal of the countries you are visiting. Only having to unpack once is a benefit, particularly as you are able to explore so many different cities on most cruises. Smaller vessels also allow admittance to areas larger ships cannot access.

Cruising through the heart of a destination, whether it’s magical Budapest in Hungary, the Nile in Egypt or the fascinating Mekong Delta in Vietnam, is a great way to observe local village life. Ships are often docked in the centre of cities and towns during stops – a dream for any sightseer.

Photos: Norwegian Cruise Line, Scenic

WHY CHOOSE A RIVER CRUISE? Engagement: Embarking on a river cruise is about immersing yourself in your surroundings, which is easy to do because of the proximity of most river cruise ports and shore excursions.

Divine dining: River cruise chefs take great pride in using – and showing off – produce that’s local to the area the ship is cruising in.

Easy border crossings: Visas and border patrols are taken care of, so all you have to do is enjoy the journey while someone else sees to the finer details.

Spectacular service: With smaller ships and fewer passengers, the attentive and courteous staff members on board a river cruise feel more like friends.

Luxury cruising

Luxury cruising can be likened to an extravagant floating resort, filled with everything your heart desires. Those who appreciate a first-class travel experience will undoubtedly enjoy cruising aboard a luxury cruise liner, where spacious surroundings, art collections, flawless personal service, extra stateroom amenities, quality linens and onboard enrichment programs are just a few of the inclusions.

Cuisine is creative, fine dining is a highlight and connoisseur wines and premium spirits take centre stage on luxury cruises.

Luxury vessels can carry anywhere from 500 to 1,000 guests and offer a high passenger-space ratio.

These ships sail to ports that are chosen based on what sophisticated travellers desire.

WHY CHOOSE A LUXURY CRUISE? Top-quality amenities: Luxury cruise liners offer a more luxurious experience with their spas, health clubs, pools, restaurants, lounges, entertainment and casinos.

Shore excursions in style: Whether you are exploring the Chilkoot Trail in Alaska or sipping on a fine Chianti in Florence, luxury shore excursions are always designed around comfort and service – just like your onboard experience.

Spacious elegance: Generally, accommodation on a luxury cruise will offer more space and more features.

Some rooms feature in-room spas, private balconies, 24-hour butler service and flat-screen televisions.

Fine dining at its best: Dining is understood to be an integral part of luxury cruising.

Celebrated chefs design innovative menus, while the attentive staff members cater to every whim.

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CRUISE GUIDE

A L L A B OA R D

Choose your ship Never have there been more vessels exploring the world’s waterways than there are now

When it comes to ships, there are choices ranging from intimate yacht-like vessels with as few as 50 passengers to massive mega-ships stretching longer than three football fields and carrying more than 6,000 people.

Although ships vary greatly in size, they all offer the same ingredients: accommodation, entertainment, activities, great food, attentive service and exciting ports of call.

When choosing your ship, you need to consider: The number of passengers: Do you want to meet and socialise with lots of people, or would you prefer quiet time with your partner?

The personality of the cruise: Selecting the cruise line that best matches your personality is crucial. So, what kind of cruiser are you?

The kind of service you want: Are you seeking personalised service and an intimate feel, or a resort out at sea?

Location, location, location: Do you want an adventure across the oceans or a meander along a river? Ships come in three principal categories, and are measured in gross registered tonnes (GRT) and by the number of passengers they carry.

Large resort ships 1,200–6,000+ PASSENGERS 90,000–220,000 GRT

Think of these cruise ships as resorts at sea, where entertainment, cuisine, social activities, facilities and amenities are plentiful. Large-ship cruising offers an extensive range of entertainment and has exciting programs available for all ages and interests. Each day there is something new to do.

BENEFITS INCLUDE: Plenty of daytime happenings: Days can be spent working out at the gym, indulging in a spa treatment, taking a cooking or cocktail-making class, playing mini-golf, bingo or trivia. Large ships are perfect for those who like to fill their days, as there is always something to do on the ship.

Evening entertainment: Grand venues, such as casinos and nightclubs, are pumping once nightfall hits, or head to a theatre to watch Broadway-style shows.

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Children’s activities: If you are travelling with children, large ships are well suited due to the extent of children’s programs offered on board.

Privacy: Many ships feature adults-only areas, should you want a bit of peace and quiet.

Food: There is an amazing selection of restaurants and dining – from 24-hour room service to smorgasbord buffets and formal five-course dinners.

CRUISE GUIDE

Mid-size ships

Boutique & river ships

Somewhere between larger resort-style ships and small ships, mid-size ships tend to offer a premium cruise experience.

You can easily find your way around, and there is still a range of activities and excursions to participate in.

If you are seeking an intimate cruise experience with personalised service, a small ship holiday will probably suit you best. With small-ship cruising, you could find yourself on the deck of some of the world’s most exclusive ships – think coastal vessels, river cruise ships, sailing ships or expedition ships that take you on nature-based journeys to Antarctica and along the Amazon, for example.

500–1,200 PASSENGERS 30,000–90,000 GRT

Photos: Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Ponant

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Superior access: Mid-size ships are very well suited to smaller ports, due to their ease of manoeuvrability.

This allows many cruise lines to operate itineraries that aren’t accessible to large or boutique ships, such as some around-the-world cruises and longer journeys that take in many exotic locales.

Happy medium: Neither too big nor too small, the size and facilities of these ships generally strike a happy

balance. You can easily find your way around, and there is still a range of activities and excursions to participate in.

Full of variety: While mid-size ships don’t offer as wide a range of facilities as large ships, they do offer a greater variety than small ships – more than enough to keep everyone entertained, particularly when taking into account the ratio of passenger numbers to available facilities.

50–500 PASSENGERS 5,000–30,000 GRT

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Relaxation: If you enjoy a quiet, relaxed cruising experience with fewer passengers, facilities, entertainment and dining options than large ships, this will be ideal.

Unique experiences: Boutique and small-ship cruising is perfect for those looking for a more unique adventure or an educational

journey that provides a rather intimate ambience, often with expert speakers on board.

Access to off-the-beatentrack ports: Large ships generally aren’t able to access every port. Smallship cruising allows you to experience culturally rich and unique destinations, with exclusivity in your shore excursions.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Regent Suite aboard the Regent Seven Seas Explorer includes its own spa facilities – ultimate luxury.

E AT, S L E E P, P LAY

Choose your cabin

Your home away from home has to be impeccable, so choosing the right room is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when booking your holiday INSIDE CABINS

If you’re working with a budget, the cabins located in the internal section of the ship are the least expensive and, depending on the ship, they may even have windows looking into the atrium.

These cabins are ideal for passengers who intend on being out and about a lot and don’t mind not having a view.

Talk to your travel consultant about the price difference between an inside and outside cabin, as the margin may be quite small.

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OUTSIDE CABINS

Generally, outside cabins are almost identical in size and inclusions to inside cabins, with the only difference being the sealed window or porthole to the ocean, offering natural light into the cabin. Porthole cabins are on the lower decks and are generally the least expensive in this category.

Most modern ships have large picture windows rather than portholes, but these windows may not be opened, so if you’d like a sea breeze in your room, you’ll need a balcony cabin.

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BALCONY CABINS

The balcony cabin is the next step up from outside cabins, generally offering the same amenities but with the added advantage of sliding glass doors that are designed to give you access to the outside world – which allows more space to sit and enjoy the view, dine in your room or even have a massage in your cabin. Chat to your consultant about the price of a balcony cabin, as it sometimes won’t cost you much more than an outside cabin.

LUXURY CABINS

If you want to travel in true luxury, there is a range of options that offer more space and facilities than other cabin categories, encompassing suites, penthouses and villas.

These luxury cabins come in all shapes, sizes and locations.

Some have private balconies, others offer interconnecting cabins for families and may accommodate groups of up to 14 passengers. Spa cabins are another plush option – these suites offer direct access to the ship’s spa facilities.

CRUISE GUIDE

The American Queen Experience

A cruise aboard the American Queen on the Mississippi or the American Empress in the Pacific Northwest is unlike any other, with each voyage offering unique, unforgettable history, culture and landscape. Step aboard and experience luxurious modern amenities, gracious service and endless authentic experiences. Introducing in June 2017: American Duchess the first all-suite river boat.

Dining

Every meal is an affair to remember. The celebrated American chefs draw their inspiration from the great US heartland to create a movable, delectable feast for you to indulge in. On these river cruises, you’ll enjoy everything from piping-hot beignets and bananas foster French toast for breakfast to succulent five-course dinners. Every day celebrates the culinary senses.

Entertainment

Night after night, top entertainers take centre stage and deliver high-calibre performances worthy of Broadway. Boasting a rich decor and comfortable seating, the warm ambiance on board provides the perfect setting in which to enjoy rousing musical revues and high-energy cabaret from the exceptional cast.

A collection of staterooms

Outside Stateroom

• Queen or twin beds • View windows • Flatscreen TV • Alarm clock • Bathtub/shower • Mini refrigerator • Safe

*Terms and conditions apply.

Activities

Stroll the deck, relax with a book or enjoy a beverage in one of the unique bars. If your’e sailing the Mississippi River on the American Queen, take advantage of the gym with panoramic windows, or a relaxing treatment at the spa.

STOP PRESS

American Duchess – the first all-suite US paddlewheeler. 2017 itineraries and fares available now.

Verandah Stateroom

• Queen or twin beds • Doors open onto the veranda • Flatscreen TV • Alarm clock • Bathtub/shower • Mini refrigerator • Safe

Highlights ONBOARD LECTURE PROGRAM

As history plays such a large part of your cruise experience, a Riverlorian is on board for each voyage to impart the history and lore of the river on which you are cruising.

SHORE EXCURSIONS INCLUDED

Included on every voyage are shore excursions – your ticket to experience great ports with selected admissions, narrated tours and a fleet of hop-on, hop-off motorcoaches.

MORE ONBOARD INCLUSIONS

Verandah Suite

• Queen or twin beds • Doors open onto the veranda • Flatscreen TV • Lounge area with sofa • Desk and alarm clock • Bathtub/shower • Mini refrigerator • Safe & Keurig coffee maker

Choose from multiple, specialty dining options, all at no additional charge, along with complimentary bottled water and soft drinks throughout your cruise, and complimentary wines and beers at dinner.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The APT Small Ship Experience

APT’s Small Ship cruises offer a new way to explore the world’s most enticing destinations.

Whether it be APT’s Adventure and Expedition cruises exploring remote regions far from the mass touring circuit, or whether you’re after a unique new take on some of the world’s most breathtaking coastlines, you’ll enjoy an all-inclusive, unforgettable journey.

Dining

Highlights PERSONAL SERVICE

As APT’s Small Ship Cruises carry just a small number of guests, the attentive onboard staff and APT Expedition Leader will ensure a truly personalised experience for all.

Using local produce and discovering the local flavours of each region, the exquisite gourmet cuisine is sure to be a highlight on your APT Small Ship cruise. Each ship has a relaxed and friendly onboard atmosphere, and a selection of house wine, beer and spirits is included throughout your journey, as well as impeccable service.

Entertainment

APT prides itself on bringing each unique destination to life. As such it has an onboard Expedition Team of hand-picked naturalists, historians and ecologists on all Adventure and Expedition cruises, while the Soft Expedition cruises offer the insights of expert guest lecturers and experienced local guides.

Activities

With all shore excursions and expertly guided sightseeing included, you will enjoy unrivalled discovery of all the must-see sights as well as some hidden gems. In addition to this, APT provides a collection of hand-picked experiences that ensure a genuine immersion into many of the unique destinations through which you cruise.

FLEXIBLE CRUISING ROUTES

While setting sail with an itinerary, APT ships have the freedom to wander where the adventure draws them, with the Captain at times taking you beyond the realm of ordinary travel.

ONBOARD ZODIACS

On selected APT Small Ships, you can take advantage of the 10 onboard Zodiac boats for greater exploration of remote, hardto-access areas.

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A sample of suites on APT Small Ship Cruises

Standard Suite

• Double or twin bed • Ensuite bathroom • Large wardrobe • TV & DVD player • Sitting area • 244 square feet

Premium Balcony Suite

• Double or twin bed • Ensuite bathroom • Large wardrobe • TV & DVD player • Private balcony • Sitting area • 277 square feet

Owner’s Corner Suite

• Double or twin bed • Ensuite bathroom • Large wardrobe • TV & DVD player • Private balcony • Two forward-facing portholes • Sitting area • 303 square feet

CRUISE GUIDE

The APT River Cruise Experience

Holiday like royalty with APT’s range of luxurious European River Cruises, exclusive Royal Experiences and new Special Interest themed cruises raising the bar yet again for 2017. Having once more been crowned the Best River Cruise Operator at the 2016 National Tourism Industry Awards, cruising Europe’s waterways with APT is sure to be a truly unforgettable holiday experience.

Dining

APT prides itself on delivering the finest onboard dining experiences of any river cruise operator in Europe, with an unrivalled choice of restaurants, including the exclusive Chef’s Table Restaurant. With all meals and selected beverages included on APT’s Royal Collection cruises, you can relax as you savour the delicious European fare.

Entertainment

After spending your days discovering picturesque landscapes and iconic cities, your evenings will be filled with enriching performances from local entertainers, artisans and historians. Offering a magical insight into their home towns, the onboard entertainment is the perfect complement to your day’s discovery.

Activities

In addition to the small group shore excursions escorted by expert local guides, APT’s exclusive Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Sightseeing Inclusions bring Europe’s sights to life, offering an unparalleled cultural immersion and lifelong memories.

Highlights THE MAJESTIC IMPERATOR TRAIN

Enjoy an exclusive day trip, travelling like an emperor aboard the opulent Majestic Imperator train – a replica of the Habsburg train built from the original plans.

NAMEDY CASTLE

Explore Germany’s incredible Namedy Castle, home to Princess Heide von Hohenzollern, with a tour and lavish private banquet.

A sample of suites on APT River Cruises

VIENNA’S CITY PALACE

Panoramic Balcony Suite

• Queen-size bed • Ensuite bathroom • Large wardrobe • TV & personal computer • Complimentary Wi-Fi • Individual climate control

Twin Balcony Suite

• Queen-size bed • Ensuite bathroom • Large wardrobe • TV & personal computer • Complimentary Wi-Fi • Individual climate control

Owner’s Suite +

• Queen-size bed • Ensuite bathroom with bath • Large wardrobe • TV & personal computer • Complimentary Wi-Fi • Lounge area • Individual climate control

Visit the newly renovated City Palace in the heart of Vienna for a cocktail reception and a private soiree, featuring members of the acclaimed Mozart Boys’ Choir.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Avalon Waterways Experience

Seeing the Old World doesn’t mean cruising on an old ship. Avalon’s award-winning fleet is the newest on European waterways, which means every Avalon ship delivers the largest staterooms, innovative technologies, inspired designs and highly desirable features. With more than 59 itineraries that span the globe, there’s an abundance of choice for you.

Dining

Highlights THEMED CRUISES

Avalon offers special themed cruises based on wine appreciation, wellness, golf and festive time, just to name a few. Take part in activities and hear presentations by experts to fully enrich your experience, all at no extra cost.

With Avalon, every dining experience brings your destination to life. Culinary artisans craft each meal with fresh ingredients. Included on every cruise is a full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine, a lunch buffet with pasta and carving stations, four-course a la carte dinners with regional wine and beer, plus afternoon tea and night fares.

EXCURSIONS AT EVERY PORT

Entertainment

Avalon’s onboard experience is as captivating as your time on shore. Get behind the scenes as you tour the galley and bridge.

Join in at special events or movie nights. Attend exclusive Local Favourites activities, like beer and wine tastings, or demonstrations by local artisans. Avalon even brings local entertainers on board.

Activities

Avalon Waterways lets you truly experience each destination, without waiting in queues.

Take part in guided sightseeing at every port (complete with headsets), biking excursions, daily port lectures and VIP access into key destinations.

Immerse yourself in rich culture and history, thanks to highly skilled cruise and tour directors.

A sample of staterooms on Avalon Waterways

Join guided sightseeing tours in the morning and personalise your afternoons as you wish. The choices are endless with Avalon.

PICTURESQUE VIEWS

Wall-to-wall and floor-toceiling windows in Avalon’s Panorama Suites mean you can wake up to glorious views without getting out of bed.

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Deluxe Stateroom

• 172 square feet • 2 bay windows • Full-size bathroom • Premium L’Occitane bath amenities • Comfort Collection beds • Flatscreen TV with movies • Nightly turndown service • Free Wi-Fi

Panorama Suite

• 200 square feet • Open-air balcony • Full-size bathroom • Premium L’Occitane bath amenities • Comfort Collection beds • Flatscreen TV with movies • Nightly turndown service • Free Wi-Fi

Royal Suite

• 300 square feet • Open-air balcony • Full-size bathroom • Premium L’Occitane bath amenities • Comfort Collection beds • Flatscreen TV with movies • Nightly turndown service • Free Wi-Fi

CRUISE GUIDE

The Azamara Experience

Longer stays, more overnights and night touring is what sets Azamara apart from other cruise lines today. Equally inspiring is the experience on board its two intimate, recently revitalised, boutique-style ships. Here, you will find staff who are genuinely friendly, plus lots of inclusive amenities that enrich every day of your voyage.

Dining

Azamara offers a choice of six distinctive dining options, including room service and two exquisite specialty restaurants: Prime C and Aqualina. You’ll love the quality reflected in the fresh ingredients, careful preparation and variety of menu choices.

Entertainment

Enjoy live performances, including professional fullstage musical revues, classical soloists, bands and much more.

A highlight for many guests is the poolside buffet and party.

Colourful decor, a fabulous buffet feast and boutique wines on the house make this an event like no other.

Activities

To add to your cruising experience, Azamara offers a wide variety of onboard enrichment programs and activities. Learn about the history, culture and highlights of every port of call with seminars and lectures by onboard experts. Or take part in wine tastings and culinary demonstrations with the acclaimed food and beverage team.

A sample of staterooms on Azamara

Oceanview Stateroom

• 24-hour room service • Fresh flowers • Fine linens • French bath products • Stateroom attendant • Afternoon tea

Balcony Stateroom

• Private balcony • 24-hour room service • Fresh flowers • Fine linens • French bath products • Stateroom attendant • Afternoon tea

Highlights AZAMAZING EVENING EVENTS

On your cruise, you’ll enjoy a complimentary evening of entertainment. It could be the ballet in St Petersburg, a private concert in Tuscany or a magical evening exploring Ephesus in Turkey.

ALL-INCLUSIVE

Every Azamara Club Cruises voyage is packed with complimentary, highvalue amenities, such as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Suite

• English butler service • Priority check-in • Welcome sparkling wine • Daily afternoon tea • Complimentary dining in specialty restaurants • Spirits and mixers included

DESTINATION IMMERSION

With longer stays in port and more overnights, you’ll have extra time to get beneath the surface and explore what makes each destination unique.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Carnival International Experience

The future of fun has arrived, with the all-new Carnival Vista. Carnival’s most innovative ship to date, with spectacular ocean views and dedicated family-friendly accommodations, it’s a cruise experience like no other. Keep an eye out for Carnival’s new-build Carnival Horizon, debuting in 2018.

Dining

Highlights THE FUTURE OF FUN TAKES THE INDOORS OUT

Sportsquare features SkyRide, Carnival Cruise Lines’ new pedal-powered open-air aerial attraction, allowing you to cycle your way around a suspended track, high above the deck, with spectacular panoramic views.

On Carnival Vista, treat your taste buds to family favourites including Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina and Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse*.

Foodies will also love new, mouth-watering dining options including The Chef’s Table to indulge in a series of delectable plates; and Horizons Restaurant – gather for a sit-down meal with a fresh design twist.

Entertainment

In the Sportsquare, you can enjoy SkyCourse, mini-bowling, basketball, golf and soccer.

Then watch 3D films at Thrill Theatre, part of the Carnival Mulitplex featuring IMAX. Don’t forget Carnival WaterWorks, which features a splash-tastic water tube attraction, Kaleid-OSlide. For some larger-than-life and bright, coloured fun, pop into Dr. Seuss Bookville for a whimsical adventure.

Activities

There’s a reason Carnival’s ships are called the “Fun Ships”. Filled indoors and out with imaginative features and unique experiences. Challenge your friends to a live game in HASBRO, The Game Show, or find a cozy spot on the deck, grab some popcorn and a blanket and watch your favourite movies on the huge screen of Dive-In Movies.

A sample of staterooms on Carnival Cruise Line International

THE FUTURE OF FUN TASTES INCREDIBLE

Seafood Shack – where a good seafood dish is quite the catch, complete with a side of ocean view.

THE FUTURE OF FUN TAKES YOU EVERYWHERE

Every one of Carnival’s 25 ships features its own unique twist on fun. You’ll return home with oversized memories and amazing experiences made to be shared.

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Havana Cabana Suite, Carnival Vista

• VIP check-in • Priority embarkation & disembarkation • Mini bar or refrigerator • Deluxe bathroom featuring whirlpool tub & hair dryer • Private outdoor patios, lounge chairs & hammocks • Telephone, safe & TV

Family Harbour Cabin, Carnival Vista

• Dedicated family zone • Exclusive 24-hour spot with breakfast, snacks & concierge service • Free evening of Night Owls babysitting service • Mini bar or refrigerator • 24-hour room service • Telephone, safe & TV

Cloud 9 Spa™ Suite, Carnival Breeze

• Spa-branded bathrobes, slippers & toiletries • Priority spa reservations • Free fitness classes • Unlimited access to thermal suites & Thalassotherapy pool • 24-hour room service • Telephone & television • Safety deposit box & hair dryer

*Charges apply.

CRUISE GUIDE

The Carnival Experience

Carnival Cruise Line is the largest cruise line in the world, with a fleet of 25 ships and more than four million guests travelling every year. The first ship to be based outside of the US, Carnival Spirit sails from Sydney year-round. She is joined by her sister ship, Carnival Legend, over the summer months.

Dining

There are endless dining options, from a casual meal in the International Food Plaza to formal a la carte dining in the main Restaurant. Specialty restaurant Nouveau* offers a 5-star dining experience, Bonsai Sushi* has fresh sushi, while new additions to Carnival Spirit include BlueIguana Mexican Cantina and Guy’s Burger Joint. Pizza and ice-cream are available 24/7 on both ships.

Entertainment

Every night there is a variety of entertainment across 16 bars and lounges, including live bands and vocalists, comedy shows and even karaoke. Watch your favourite board games come to life with Hasbro, The Game Show; plus amazing musical productions from Playlist Productions, now on Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend.

Activities

There are more than 45 daily activities spanning 12 decks of fun. Experience Green Thunder, the steepest and fastest water slide at sea; relax in the adultsonly Serenity Retreat; or catch a game in the sports bar. Kids will enjoy Carnival Waterworks and Seuss At Sea, which brings to life the magic of Dr. Seuss for little kids and big kids alike.

A sample of staterooms on Carnival Cruise Line

Ocean View Stateroom

• Twin, triple or quad configuration • Window with a view • Interactive flatscreen with movies • Mini-bar fridge & a couch • Spacious king bed or king singles • Beach towels refreshed daily • Wardrobe with soft robes • Twice-daily room service

*Charges apply.

Balcony Stateroom

• Twin, triple or quad configuration • Private balcony • Interactive flatscreen with movies • Mini-bar fridge & a couch • Spacious king bed or king singles • Beach towels refreshed daily • Wardrobe with soft robes • Twice-daily room service

Highlights THIRSTY FROG SUMMER ALE

Carnival has teamed up with the iconic Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel in Sydney to create its own craft beer, Thirsty Frog Summer Ale, which is available exclusively on Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend.

THE BOOMERANG BURGER

Suite

• Private balcony • Spa bath & mini-bar fridge • Large sitting area with couch • Interactive flatscreen with movies • Beach towels refreshed daily • Wardrobe with soft robes • Twice-daily room service • Priority check-in & disembarkation

Available exclusively on Carnival Spirit at Guy’s Burger Joint, the Boomerang Burger comes with all the Aussie favourites including beetroot, pineapple and tasty cheese.

DR SEUSS

The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss comes to life with Seuss at Sea with the Seuss-a-Palooza parade, story time and Green Eggs and Ham breakfast*.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Murray Princess Experience

The PS Murray Princess is the largest inland paddlewheeler in the Southern Hemisphere.

Operating from Mannum, one hour from Adelaide, the PS Murray Princess offers a choice of three-, four- and seven-night cruises, providing a true outback river adventure for up to 120 guests through towering sandstone gorges, ancient red gum forests and flood plains.

Dining

Highlights EXCITING NEW 7-NIGHT UPPER MURRAYLANDS CRUISE

Exciting new seven-night Upper Murraylands Cruise, which will explore the northern area of the Murray River from Mannum to Morgan. This cruise will depart once a month from Friday 21 April 2017. This cruise has a diverse itinerary that offers something for everyone. It includes visits to historic towns and guided walks on shore, including visits to historic museums; wine tastings at wineries and a visit to the Banrock Station wetland; a visit to the significant archaeological site at Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve; as well as enjoying the varied wildlife and birdlife along the river.

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All meals are included with delicious table d’hote menus and buffet dining. Enjoy the generous spread at the buffet breakfasts and table hop to get to know your fellow passengers.

The signature dining event is the Captain’s Dinner and is a show in itself that’s not to be missed.

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Entertainment

Onboard presentations, nature walks and interpretive tours are favourites with guests. The unique Murray River Cup is a lot of fun and there is live entertainment so you can sing and dance the night away.

Activities

Visit historic ports and lush vineyards. You can hike around a boardwalk trail, join a guided nature walk, visit the Aboriginal site of Nguat Nguat, or take a small boat safari. Explore local villages and enjoy a country barbecue. Sample the local produce, or take a camera and catch some memorable scenes of the abundant birdlife (check your itinerary). Free Wi-Fi is available on board.

A sample of cabins on PS Murray Princess

Inside Cabin

• Portholes facing the outside • Private bathroom ensuite • Air-conditioning • Electric blankets • Soaps, shampoo & towels • Twin or double options

Outside Cabin

• Door opens onto the outside deck • Picture windows • Private bathroom ensuite • Air-conditioning • Electric blankets • Soaps, shampoo & towels • Double, twin or triple options

Stateroom

• Door opens onto the outside deck • Fridge & minibar • Tea- & coffee-making facilities • Private bathroom ensuite • Air-conditioning • Electric blankets • Soaps, shampoo & towels • Double, twin or triple options

CRUISE GUIDE

The Celebrity Experience

Welcome to a unique holiday at sea that is luxurious, unexpected and unforgettable. Experience award-winning dining, exceptional entertainment and activities, world-class spa and fitness facilities and truly extraordinary accommodation. Step aboard and discover why Celebrity Cruises is Australia’s highest-rated cruise line.

Dining

Savour an entirely new holiday dining experience in a variety of world-class, globally influenced restaurants where every meal is just as delicious as its artful presentation suggests.

Fresh ingredients, unexpected combinations and perfect wine pairings combine in a culinary experience that’s sure to leave you wanting more.

Entertainment

Discover entertainment options and venues you didn’t even know you could experience on land or at sea, from musical spectaculars and captivating aerial shows to comedians and magicians. Live music is never far away with talented string quartets, jazz bands, guitarists and a cappella groups on board.

Activities

Let your passion for living lead the way with a range of exciting activities happening from morning until night. Discover how to create the finest culinary masterpieces with the help of top chefs, learn how the right wine glass can enhance your favourite merlot, and get fascinating insights from expert speakers about the destinations on your itinerary.

Highlights UNIQUE VENUES

From the half acre of real grass on the top deck to the ice-topped martini bar, there are plenty of unique spaces to discover on board.

CANYON RANCH SPA CLUB

Experience one of the largest and most comprehensive spas at sea, offering a range of exclusive services and treatments and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.

A sample of staterooms on Celebrity

SUPERLATIVE SERVICE

Balcony Stateroom

• Private balcony • Twice-daily service • Complimentary room service • Interactive flatscreen TV • Bathrobes • Custom-blended bath products • Private safe • 100% pure Egyptian cotton sheets

Concierge Class Stateroom

• Priority check-in • Welcome sparkling wine • Expanded room service menu • Canapes & hors d’oeuvres • Restaurant seating preferences • Pillow menu • Free shoeshine service

AquaClass Stateroom

• Concierge • Healthy room service • Private restaurant, Blu • Premium ship location • Free access to Persian Garden • Plentiful in-room amenities • Daily delivery of teas

With nearly one member of staff for every two guests, Celebrity’s personal service anticipates your every need so every aspect of your cruise turns out just the way you want it.

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CRUISE GUIDE

Croisi – Dare to Compare

Forty years of operation on Europe’s rivers speaks for itself. This family-owned and -operated river cruise line has more experience than any other on the waterways of Europe. Croisi Europe has more river itineraries than any other operator and with its European heritage and flair, it should be your preferred option. No other operator can match the Croisi Value Proposition, so book now.

Dining

Highlights EUROPEAN FLAIR

European flair is part of the Croisi promise, ingrained in the cuisine, service, history and planning of every Croisi cruise. To achieve this promise it certainly helps if you live there.

INNOVATION

Every meal on board with Croisi is an experience, using local produce and crafted by the chefs who have a passion for their profession. Breakfasts are normally buffet style to provide flexibility, while lunch and dinner are table service 3 or 4 courses served with Complimentary wine. The menus highlight the European Heritage of the Croisi operation and are innovative, tasty and generous.

The new shallow-draft paddlewheelers Loire Princess and Elbe Princess navigate where other vessels cannot go including both downtown Berlin and downtown Prague. The only choice to make.

VALUE

Croisi is not matched by any other operator.

Drinks are included on all summer cruises, with exquisite European menus and exceptional service by knowledgeable Europeanbased crew.

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Entertainment

Australians travel to see other places, experience other cultures and learn along the way. By joining a Croisi Europe cruise, often your cultural experience will include your fellow guests.

Many speak excellent English and will assist you when in local markets and towns. It adds to your enjoyment and experience to mix with folk from other countries.

Activities

Croisi knows Europe best – it is its home – so the shore excursions provide excellent value, are well planned and often include other hidden gems. English-speaking guides ensure that nothing is missed and you do not have to listen to other languages being presented during the excursion.

Coaches are all air-conditioned for your comfort.

A sample of staterooms on CroisiEurope

MS Cyrano de Bergerac – Main Deck Cabin

• Each cabin is equipped with private ensuite facilities, satellite TV, hair dryer and safe • Beds can either be separated into two singles or used as a double bed • Main deck cabins have either portholes or small windows

MS France – Middle deck cabin

• Middle deck cabins have picture windows • Each cabin is equipped with private ensuite facilities, satellite TV, hair dryer and safe • Beds can either be separated into two singles or used as a double bed • Disabled cabins available on request

MS Gil Eanes – Suite with balcony

• Some newer CroisiEurope ships offer Suites with private balcony • Each Suite is equipped with private ensuite facilities, satellite TV, hair dryer and safe • Beds can either be separated into two singles or used as a double bed

CRUISE GUIDE

The Crystal Experience

The Crystal experience is the epitome of luxury and value, supported by more World’s Best awards than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history. From shining seas to the rivers of Europe, Crystal Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises and Crystal River Cruises offer voyages that balance iconic destinations with idyllic discovery.

Ocean Cruises

Aboard worldwide voyages, discover the ultra-luxe spaces of 6-star Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony from accommodations and ambience to dining, bars and lounges. Travel to taste the world with seven dining options including cuisine of world-renowned master chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa.

Yacht Cruises

A boutique hotel on water, taking you to the very doorstep of the world’s most stunning destinations including the sun-soaked Mediterranean and Indian Ocean. Intimate, elegant and able to navigate the most exclusive harbours, enjoy high-adrenaline water sports directly from the yacht’s marina platform, offering everything from snorkelling to a submarine.

River Cruises

An unrivalled new fleet of luxurious, all-suite river yachts exploring the grand waterways of Europe on journeys distinguished by abundant overnight stays in port and cultured experiences ashore. Featuring 7-, 10- and 14-day itineraries, Crystal River Cruises offers allinclusive amenities and highly personalised experiences.

A sample of staterooms on Crystal Cruises

Highlights ALL EXCLUSIVE

Crystal®’s unparalleled standards of all-exclusive luxury with all-inclusive excellence. Presenting moments of a lifetime, every day. This is the new Crystal: modern, sophisticated and classically luxurious.

Ocean, yacht or river, the Crystal Experience™ reinvents luxury travel.

SERVICE

Deluxe Veranda Suite

• Private veranda • Seating area • Sumptuous queen or twin bed • Aveda bathroom amenities • Complimentary select beers, wine and spirits • 24-hour room service • Daily housekeeping and turndown • Bathtub/shower combination

Esprit Suite

• Butler service • Seating area • Sumptuous king, queen or twin bed • ETRO bathroom amenities • Glass-enclosed shower • In-suite room service • Daily housekeeping and turndown • Complimentary pressing

Mozart Suite with French Balcony

• Butler service • French balcony • Seating area • Sumptuous king or twin bed • ETRO terry robes and slippers • Glass-enclosed shower • 24-hour room service • In-suite hors d’oeuvres

STOP PRESS: Inaugural river cruises for Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler from June and August 2017 respectively. *Terms and conditions apply.

With the highest staff-toguest ratio, the Europeantrained staff hail from more than 40 nations and are selected for their winning personalities and expertise in providing 6-star service.

INSIGHTS

Crystal Adventures shore excursions provide enriching insight and privileged access to fascinating destinations.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Cunard Experience

Cunard is all about the finer details. In 2016 Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 was remastered.

The multi-million-dollar refurbishment has ushered in a new chapter of innovation and design on board, from major changes like the transformed Kings Court and the beautiful Grand Lobby, to the smaller details, such as the new furnishings in the Princess and Queens Grill Suites.

Dining

Highlights WHITE STAR SERVICE

You will notice that every detail of every cruise has been carefully considered to make sure guests have the most enjoyable, memorable and luxurious experience.

GRILLS SUITES

With an array of places to eat, from healthy to hearty, light bites to haute cuisine, the challenge is deciding what to eat and where. Whether it’s one of the main renowned restaurants, an unforgettable culinary experience at the Veranda restaurant, the Golden Lion Pub’s ever-popular English fare or traditional High Tea served daily in the Queens Room, you can dine where your mood takes you.

The Grill Suites take travelling to a whole new level of indulgence. Guests enjoy luxuriously furnished, spacious suites, exclusive access to sophisticated Grills restaurants and the personal and attentive service of Cunard’s crew.

AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon tea in the Queens Room is an event not to be missed. Beautifully presented afternoon tea is served with care by attentive white-gloved waiters.

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Entertainment

The full-sized Royal court theatres are the perfect setting for West End-calibre shows.

Be sure to reserve the best seats in the house, with a range of classic dramas, comedy shows and high-stepping musicals.

You may also spot familiar faces including writers, film-makers, scientists, historians and even the occasional astronaut invited to give talks as part of CUNARD INSIGHTS® program.

Activities

Each day on board offers almost endless opportunities to try something new. Hot-foot it to a tango lesson or spend an afternoon at a martini mixology class. Be lifted to another level of relaxation at the onboard spa with a full-body scrub, hot-stone massage or the cleanse of an organic seaweed wrap.

A sample of staterooms on Cunard

Britannia Balcony Stateroom

• 152-243 square feet of space • Sparkling wine on arrival • Bathrobes and slippers • Private balcony • 24-hour room service • Dining in the Britannia club Restaurant

Princess Grill Suite

• 335-513 square feet of space, including separate living area • Private Balcony • Marble bathrooms • Access to the Princess Grill lounge • Sparkling wine and chocolates on arrival

Queens Grill Suite

• Up to 2,249 square feet of space, including a separate living area • Personal Butler service • Marble bathrooms feature a shower, whirlpool tub and exclusive Penhaligon’s toiletries • Expansive balcony • Access to the Queens Grills Lounge • Priority embarkation

CRUISE GUIDE

The Disney Cruise Line Experience

There’s a special place where kids can train to be a pirate with Captain Hook while parents are off lounging the day away at an adult-exclusive pool. It’s an enchanted place where the entire family can dine at a different restaurant each night, laugh and cheer during an original Disneythemed musical, or watch a fireworks show under the stars.

Dining

Guests will experience diverse menus, rotating through three uniquely themed, elegant restaurants with the same wait staff to anticipate your needs and personal tastes. Enjoy expertly prepared dishes from around the world. Options range from upscale table service and casual buffets to poolside dining, snacks and 24-hour room service – all included in the cruise fare.

Entertainment

Delight in extravagant, Disney-themed live shows and entertainment every night that you won’t find anywhere else. Come together for unique deck parties, including an unforgettable fireworks spectacular at sea on most voyages, starring many of your favourite Disney Characters.

Watch first-run and classic Disney movies under the stars or in state-of-the-art theatres.

Activities

Enjoy complimentary, themed kids’ clubs with some of the longest operating hours at sea. Tweens and teens enjoy separate, private getaways in spaces designed just for them – complete with great music and lots of new friends.

And adults can escape to the privacy of exclusive locales and experiences – from exciting nightclubs and an adult pool to fun-filled entertainment.

Highlights CHARACTER GREETINGS

Kids and kids-at-heart can meet some of their favourite Disney characters, pose for a picture, share hugs and collect autographs aboard all Disney Cruise Line ships.

PRIVATE ISLAND PARADISE

Enjoy Port Adventures for every age, and one destination that’s exclusive to Disney Cruise Line guests is Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island paradise in the Bahamas.

A sample of staterooms on Disney Cruise Line

NEW THEMED Inside Stateroom

• Disney Dream • Sleeps 3 or 4 • Queen-size bed • Single convertible sofa • Upper berth pull-down bed (in some) • Bath with tub & shower

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom

• Disney Wonder • Sleeps 3 or 4 • Queen-size bed or 2 twin beds • Single convertible sofa • Upper berth pull-down bed (in some) • Privacy divider • Split bath • Window view

©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd and ©Disney/Marve1. ©Disney. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas

Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah

• Disney Dream • Sleeps 3 or 4 • Queen-size bed or 2 twin beds • Single convertible sofa • Upper berth pull-down bed (if sleeping 4) • Split bath with tub & shower • Veranda

CRUISE EXPERIENCES

In 2017, guests may experience The Force or meet some of their favourite Super Heroes during either Star Wars or Marvel Day at Sea Themed Itineraries on board select Disney Cruise Line sailings.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Dream Cruises Experience

Dream Cruises aims to redefine cruising with inspirational luxury and transformational journeys at sea. Its first ship, Genting Dream, is a vessel designed for your dreams – featuring the comfort of authentic Asian hospitality combined with only the finest experiences from around the world.

Embark from the homeport of Hong Kong for five-night tours and return with new dreams to share.

Dining

Highlights BISTRO BY MARK BEST

Indulge in chef Best’s contemporary Western dishes featuring the freshest ingredients in a variety of settings including an outdoor Grill and private Chef’s Table.

JOHNNIE WALKER HOUSE AT SEA

Imagine you could visit a different country for every meal of the day. What would you do? Where would your taste buds take you? Fortunately, you don’t need to travel far to experience the best Asian and international flavours in both exciting indoor and outdoor venues on Genting Dream.

With 35 different restaurant and bar concepts you will have plenty to choose from.

An exclusive opportunity to appreciate, taste and purchase a selection of the rarest John Walker & Sons variants and single malts that are not available anywhere else, alongside an enriching mentoring experience.

DREAM PALACE

Situated in its own dedicated section of Genting Dream, Dream Palace is the ultimate dream experience, where personalised service and exclusivity are taken to new levels.

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Entertainment

Genting Dream features some of the latest and most unexpected, horizonexpanding experiences on the planet. Explore deep beneath the ocean, dance under the stars at one of the top nightclubs, savour exciting new concoctions created at one of the bar concepts or enjoy some exclusive pampering. And that’s just the beginning…

Activities

Enjoy a wide variety of activities – listen to a guest speaker, enjoy a signature production show, shop till you drop, explore destinations with interesting shore excursions.

Or try one of the many adventure activities including waterslides, a video arcade, a bowling alley, ropes courses, mini-golf and many more. This is where memories are made.

A sample of staterooms on Dream Cruises

Oceanview Stateroom

• Ferragamo bathroom amenities • Complimentary bottled water • Tea & coffee facilities • Custom Comfort mattresses • 32” flat-screen television • Marble bathroom finishes

Balcony Stateroom

• Private balcony • 50% off beverage packages • HKB280pppn food & beverage credit • Ferragamo bathroom amenities • 1 bottle of wine on arrival • Complimentary bottled water • Tea & coffee facilities

Dream Suite Stateroom

• Private balcony • Speciality dinner each night • Speciality beverage package • Dream Palace access • 24-hour European butler service • 1 hr wi-fi per day • Etro bathroom amenities

CRUISE GUIDE

Traditional Friendly Cruising

Each of the four ships has a distinctive character, yet share traditional ambience and the welcoming atmosphere that sets Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines apart. There’s something special about sailing on smaller ships . A warmer, friendlier atmosphere; crew who know your name; and the chance to cruise narrow rivers and waterways, docking right in the heart of thriving cities and peaceful villages.

Dining

Whether it’s a fabulous feast from the Buffet; a luxuriant a la carte menu in the Main Dining Room; al fresco dining at The Grill; or the heavenly accompaniments to afternoon tea – each has been painstakingly planned by the team of expert chefs. Which is why Fred. Olsen received the ‘Britain’s Best Cruise Line for Food’ accolade at the 2015 Holiday & Cruise Awards.

Entertainment

The entertainment program aboard Fred. Olsen features a host of acts and activities.

You’ll find guest speakers and performers, arts and crafts lessons and entertaining quizzes, along with yoga, Pilates and other fitness activities. In the evenings, enjoy a cabaret, comedy or music performance which may include orchestras, string trios, pianists, musicians, entertainers and shows.

Activities

Each Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines itinerary is carefully planned by experienced cruisers. In many key ports an overnight stay is scheduled to ensure there is time for you to experience more of what the destination offers. This is a major benefit when the smaller ships are docked downtown providing more time to explore, dine and enjoy local culture.

• Approx 140 sq feet in size • All Fred. Olsen cabins feature a hair dryer, safe (excl Black Watch), television, tea and coffee facilities and an ensuite with shower • Single travellers can cruise in approx 130 sq feet with all the amenities of a twin-share room, but without the hefty supplement sometimes charged

A-grade Cabin

• Approx 200 sq feet in size • Picture-window cabins • Some Fred. Olsen cabins can accommodate 3rd or 4th passenger • Large Superior Ocean View Rooms also feature a refrigerator and mini-bar • Dedicated Oceanview cabins for single travellers also available

DOC DOWNTOWN

Smaller ships are able dock right downtown in many of the small but thriving cities, towns and peaceful villages included in these itineraries.

Step off the ship into the ambience of the ports you visit.

CRUISE SMALLER WATERWAYS

A sample of cabins on Fred. Olsen

Inside Cabin

Highlights

The itineraries include small tucked-away villages, narrow waterways, smaller fjords and even rivers the larger vessels cannot access. At times it seems you can almost touch the passing parade.

Superior Balcony

• Approx 190 sq feet in size • Smoking is not permitted inside cabins, but passengers can smoke on room balconies • Dedicated balcony cabins for single travellers also available • All Balcony sizes vary and many are under cover (shaded)

ITINERARIES

Each itinerary is planned by an experienced cruiser to ensure there is time to experience the destination.

This provides more time to explore, dine and enjoy the local culture.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Experience Dreaming of a cruise of the highest standard? Whichever ship you cruise with, thanks to the exclusive comfort on board, you will feel right at home with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, even in the farthest flung regions. Expect the highest standards of service and gastronomy aboard 5-star luxury ships, including the only 5-star expedition ship in the world.

Dining

Highlights ENGLISH-SPEAKING CRUISES

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers international (English/ German-speaking) cruises on MS EUROPA 2 and MS HANSEATIC so Englishspeaking passengers feel comfortable on board.

Delicacies are created daily – from classics to culinary innovations. These unforgettable taste sensations are just one part of what makes your time at sea an indulgent treat. There are four restaurants on MS EUROPA, and seven gourmet restaurants on MS EUROPA 2.

AWARD-WINNING

In the Berlitz Guide for 2016, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ luxury ships were awarded as the only 5-star-plus cruise ships worldwide.

MS HANSEATIC was ranked the only 5-star expedition ship.

THEMED CRUISES

Choose from golf cruises, gourmet cruises, music cruises, family cruises, event cruises, sport and wellness, plus world tour and expedition cruises.

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Entertainment

On board MS EUROPA and MS EUROPA 2, expect a wide range of entertainment.

Experience renowned international artists at exclusive concerts on MS EUROPA. On board MS EUROPA 2, enjoy spectacular shows and comedy, readings and exclusive concerts from classical to pop music. Expedition ships MS HANSEATIC and MS BREMEN focus on lectures.

Activities

When it comes to pampering guests, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises is a true expert. From exclusive pre- and post-cruise programs to magnificent golf a la cart arrangements, and from the travel concierge and exquisite butler service to lovingly devised shore excursions, with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, you will experience great moments on board but also ashore (additional cost).

A sample of staterooms on Hapag-Lloyd

Ocean Suite

• Spacious: 35 square metres including veranda • Free mini bar (soft drinks & beer) • Bathtub and separate shower • Natural light in bathroom

Veranda Suite

• Spacious: 35 square metres including veranda • Walk-in wardrobe • Exclusive living area with a chaise longue • Bathtub & separate shower • Free mini bar (soft drinks & beer)

Owners Suite

• Incredibly spacious: 114 square metres including veranda • Separate living & sleeping area • Spacious walk-in wardrobe • Butler service • Free minibar (soft drinks, beer & a selection of high-quality spirits) • Other exclusive service privileges

CRUISE GUIDE

The Holland America Line Experience Step onto one of Holland America Line’s graceful mid-sized ships and be welcomed with a generous amount of personal space. Be treated to award-winning service, with nearly one crew member for every two guests. Choose from quality dining options as diverse as the enrichment programs and onboard activities that suit your every whim.

Dining

You’re invited to dine ‘As You Wish’ to savour Italian cuisine one night and a perfectly grilled porterhouse steak the next.

Take your place in the Dining Room at a time you choose, or be spontaneous and follow your desires. On board, there are restaurants to suit every mood, along with the flexibility to choose a dining style you prefer.

Entertainment

Evenings on board a Holland America Line cruise glitter with choices. Arrive in a lounge to the strains of a lively dance band. Take in a thrilling show on stage in the Showroom at Sea or dance the blues away with the B.B King’s Blues Club in the Queen’s Lounge.

Activities

Every day aboard a Holland America Line cruise ship brings a wealth of cruise activities.

Whether you want to work out in the Fitness Centre, discover a digital workshop, pamper yourself with a massage and spa treatment, or visit the stateof-the-art Culinary Arts Centre complete with a demonstration kitchen, there’s a perfect onboard activity to suit all types.

A sample of staterooms on Holland America Line

Oceanview Stateroom

• Signature Mariner’s Dream Bed • Housekeeping daily • Bath amenities by Elemis • 100% Egyptian cotton towels • Luxurious bathrobes • Salon-quality hair dryers • Flat-panel TV & DVD player • Complimentary 24-hour room service

Veranda Stateroom

• Signature Mariner’s Dream Bed • Teak-lined private veranda • Housekeeping daily • Bath amenities from Elemis • 100% Egyptian cotton towels • Salon-quality hair dryers • Flat-panel TV & DVD player • Complimentary 24-hour room service

Highlights THE PINNACLE GRILL

Refined and luxurious, the Pinnacle Grill represents the pinnacle of exceptional dining. Creative, innovative menus featuring choice sustainably raised beef and premium seafood delight the palate.

AMERICAS TEST KITCHEN

Neptune Suite

• Signature Mariner’s Dream Bed • Teak-lined private veranda • Access to the Neptune Lounge • Telephone concierge service • Bath amenities from Elemis • Flat-panel TV & DVD player • Complimentary laundry service • Complimentary 24-hour room service

Experience America’s Test Kitchens – an enticing array of live onboard cooking shows and hands-on workshops. Learn foolproof techniques and user-friendly recipes for making delectable dishes with confidence.

SUITE LIFE GETS SWEETER

Spacious, light-filled and elegant, a suite is the very definition of lavish comfort at sea. Now they’re sweeter than ever with an inspired renovation and technology.

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CRUISE GUIDE

Discover Your Inner Explorer

Uncover untouched beauty, magnificent wildlife and surreal natural wonders that awaken your inner explorer with an authentic, significant and breath-taking expedition cruise. Hurtigruten and Bentours offer unique explorer voyages and land packages in Norway, Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen and South America and across the Transatlantic.

Dining

Highlights CHASE THE LIGHTS

Witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dance across the dark sky generally between October to March or soak in the warmth of the midnight sun at its peak in July.

BENTOURS LAND EXCURSIONS

After spending your energy exploring and working up an appetite, indulge your taste buds in delicious portions of fine food all day long. Enjoy themed dinners or threecourse meals using fresh local Norwegian foods or produce from the lands you visit and the waters through which you sail and discover the inspiring Nordic cuisine and ingredients.

Go where the great explorers of the past have ventured and experience life on land with a range of shore excursions and land packages. There are 500 excursions to choose from.

YOUNG EXPLORERS PROGRAMME

Hurtigruten has designed a program where the focus is on education, fun and participation for children travelling with adults to ensure young explorers are never bored on board.

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Experiences

Hurtigruten’s unique heritage and diverse fleet of 14 ships, combined with Bentours’ tried-and-tested land packages, enables travellers to embark on authentic nature-based experiences. Witness the Northern Lights, interact with locals or experience unique nature and local food – with Hurtigruten and Bentours one journey means thousands of experiences.

Our Guides

No-one takes you deeper into the Norwegian fjords or closer to the people and incredible culture of the most remote corners of the world than the experienced captains and crew. Hurtigruten’s captains have completed more than 200 expeditions and spent 51,000 hours in polar waters and its guides are knowledgeable and as passionate about the destination as you.

A sample of staterooms on Hurtigruten

Interior Cabin

• 5–10 square metres • Twin beds (one converts to sofa)* • Private facilities^ *Some categories are upper & lower berths. ^Except MS Lofoten and MS Nordstjernen which has shared facilities.

Outside Cabin

• 5–20 square metres • Twin beds or double beds (one converts to sofa)* • Private facilities^ • Porthole/picture window

Suite

• 18–45 square metres • Up to 2 rooms • Bath &/or shower/WC • Seating area & TV • Internet access • Minibar • Some Suites include a bay window • Some Suites include a private balcony

CRUISE GUIDE

The Katarina Line Experience

Katarina Line is a small-ship cruise line departing weekly from the major tourist centres of Opatija, Split and Dubrovnik from the end of April to mid-October. With a fleet of more than 50 ships in four different categories, the cruise line caters to all ages and budgets, offering the chance to explore the natural environment, Mediterranean towns and sun-kissed islands. Experience the true Croatia.

Dining

Breakfast is offered in an open-seating arrangement with buffet-style meals (Deluxe and A+ categories), and a continental breakfast is served for A category. Lunch is a beautiful three-course meal. For dinner, explore the many restaurants and wine bars in port and experience the finest local cuisine (dinner is an additional cost).

Entertainment

Relax onboard back on the ship after dinner or head out to experience the exciting nightlife that Croatia has to offer. From intimate cocktail bars serving the best of Croatia’s locally produced wines to lively nightspots, coffee houses and street-side gelato shacks, you’re guaranteed to find the perfect nightcap.

Activities

Relax on the sun lounges on board, or enjoy swimming, snorkelling or hiking, or hire a bike from a local vendor.

Optional shore excursions, such as river rafting, zip-lining and wine tasting, are also available (optional shore excursions are an additional cost).

Highlights HIDDEN GEMS

Witness spectacular coastlines and natural landscapes as you explore the many hidden islands and bays of the Dalmatian coast in Croatia.

HISTORIC SITES

Discover the cultural and historical aspects of Croatia.

On your Katarina Line cruise, you will experience centuries-old palaces and man-made islands as you make your way along this stunning coastline.

A sample of staterooms on Katarina Line

Deluxe Stateroom

• English-speaking tour manager • Included excursions, transfers & a Captain’s farewell dinner • Dining area offers sweeping panoramic views of the surroundings • Spacious, air-conditioned ensuite cabins • Double or twin beds

A+ Stateroom

• Dining area offers sweeping panoramic views of the surroundings • Includes a Captain’s farewell dinner • One guided sightseeing excursion • Newly built steel-hull ships with air-conditioning • Spacious ensuite cabins • Double or twin beds

A Stateroom

• Traditional wooden ships • Dining area offers sweeping panoramic views of the surroundings • Cabins with private shower/toilet • 3rd bed available on request • Air-conditioned dining area

INTIMATE EXPERIENCES

Katarina Line is a small-ship cruise line, specialising in small group travel and offering luxury intimate vessels for a more bespoke experience.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Locaboat Holidays Experience

Be the captain of your cruise holiday. Locaboat Holidays has been a European self-drive river cruise and canal boat hire specialist for almost 40 years. With a fleet of 380 boats and 25 starting bases in France, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Poland, Locaboat Holidays offers varied itineraries and a new way of discovering unspoilt regions your way. New in 2017: Locaboat Holidays is pleased to announce it has opened a new base in Brittany, ‘Melesse’, allowing more opportunities for one-way cruises.

Dining

Highlights CHOOSE YOUR CRUISE

The best of food and wine, cities and culture, heritage and history, swimming and nature – choose your ideal cruise itinerary.

Experience the local cuisine and purchase cheeses, wine and fresh produce as you discover these beautiful regions.

You can stock up on supplies in almost every canal or riverside village. Alternatively, dine in the sensational regional restaurants.

NO LICENCE REQUIRED

Your self-drive hire boat cruise is all about peace and tranquillity while you remain as active as you want to be. On board your Pénichette, you are in charge of what you do, where you go, and when.

You go at your own pace.

TAKE YOUR PICK

Locaboat offers 200 different cruises on the canals and rivers of Europe.

You can search by region, length of trip, start date and a one-way or a return trip.

Discover Europe from this new perspective.

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Entertainment

Enjoy the pleasure of navigating your own boat – you are the captain. You decide what you want to do, at your own pace, and discover amazing locations while on the move. It is the unique experience, combining adventure, freedom, serenity and immersion in the local culture.

Activities

The navigation charts and the river guide will provide you with key information about restaurants, places to visit and where to refill water tanks. You could also go on a hike or bike ride, visit a castle or church, and stroll in the countryside or go swimming or fishing.

A sample of boats on Locaboat Holidays

Pénichettes® Classique – 935/935W

• These self-drive boats are perfect for couples, families or small groups of friends • Forward cabin with double bed, hanging cupboard and storage and fitted kitchen • Boat capacity: 2–5 persons

Pénichettes® Flying Bridge – 1020FB

• The most recent series of Pénichette ® • Perfectly suited for families and friends, these self-drive boats can host 2–12 people depending on the model and the level of comfort required • Boat capacity: 3–5 persons (based on a 1020FB model)

Europa Boats – 400

• Maritime & contemporary design • Spacious interior with the most advanced technology • Light wood furniture, dual helm system and teak rear deck, provide an outstandingly comfortable self-drive boat.

• Boat capacity: 2–4 persons

CRUISE GUIDE

The MSC Experience

MSC Cruises’ European ambience embraces you from the moment you are welcomed aboard. The family-owned cruise line offers traditional Mediterranean hospitality, state-ofthe-art facilities and authentic Mediterranean and international cuisine. At MSC Cruises, the Mediterranean is more than their home; it’s a spirit they take with them wherever they sail.

Dining

MSC Cruises chefs take great pride in ensuring guests enjoy authentic Italian, Mediterranean and international cuisine on board. Specialty restaurants incorporate the services of MSC’s highly experienced sommeliers, ensuring each dining experience is a gastronomic delight.

Entertainment

Try your luck at the casino, make friends at the sports bar or relax in the cigar lounge.

There is also a range of bars, lounges, international Broadway shows, pool parties, sports simulators, disco nights, jazz bands, and kids’ clubs up to teenage clubs on board for all to enjoy.

Activities

Enjoy shopping galleries, libraries, internet cafes, hair salons, theatre, cabaret, live music, a casino, a 4D cinema, mini golf, gymnasiums, pools and whirlpools on board. The Aurea Spa will add world-class health and wellbeing indulgence to your holiday.

Highlights FASCINATING POMPEII

Enjoy a guided walk around the archaeological site, showing a city preserved under volcanic ash. Stroll city streets and discover temples exposed after years of excavations.

CULTURAL ST PETERSBURG

A sample of staterooms on MSC

Oceanview Bella or Fantastica

• Double or two single beds • Ensuite bathroom • Interactive TV • Telephone • Safe • Minibar • Hair dryer • Air-conditioning

Aurea Balcony or Suite

• Double or two single beds • Ensuite with products & bathrobe • Interactive TV & telephone • Safe, minibar & hair dryer • 1 free massage in the Spa • Free Time dining in Main Restaurant • 24-hour unlimited drinks • Air-conditioning

Admire Peter & Paul Fortress, Holy Trinity Bridge and Nevsky Prospect before exploring the Hermitage. This museum offers three million works by Italian, Dutch and French artists.

Yacht Club Suite

• Dedicated check-in & embarkation • 24-hour butler & dedicated concierge • MSC Yacht Club restaurant • Drinks included in all bars & restaurants on board • Exclusive Lounge, Pool & Bar • Private lift to MSC Aurea Spa • Luxurious suites with minibar • Pillow menu & marble bathrooms

CHARMING CITIES

Discover history and architecture on a city tour of Barcelona. Enjoy a view of the city from Montjuic Hill, visit the Gaudí cathedral and then do some shopping.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Norwegian Cruise Line Experience Discover Hawaii, Europe, Australasia or Alaska on this award-winning fleet. With Norwegian Cruise Line’s Feel Free concept, it’s all about you. Experience superb dining with no fixed dining times or pre-assigned seating, spectacular entertainment and the widest range of accommodation. Discover for yourself what it means to Feel Free.

Dining

Highlights THE HAVEN BY NORWEGIANTM

Hidden away at the top of the ship is The Haven, an exclusive enclave with the most well-appointed and spacious accommodation.

You’ll enjoy the personal service of a concierge and 24-hour butler.

Today, with as many as 27 different dining options offered on board its ships, including casual eateries to 5-star dining, Norwegian Cruise Line leads the way with the hottest culinary trends at sea. Only Norwegian offers the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Dining, which means no fixed dining times or preassigned seating.

THE WATERFRONT

The Waterfront is a revolutionary outdoor experience designed to connect you to the sea. Dine oceanside, watch the sun set with a mojito and savour every moment outdoors.

MAKE A BIG SPLASH

From swimming pools and hot tubs, to actionpacked multi-slide aqua parks, plus complimentary youth programs, there’s something to suit every age group on board.

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Entertainment

Where imagination meets innovation, Norwegian Cruise Line blows everything you ever thought you knew about entertainment at sea right out of the water. With Rock of Ages and the steamy Burn the Floor to the hilarious musings of stand up comics and unicycle-riding jugglers inside Stardust Theatre, it’s showtime – all the time.

Activities

From top to bottom and from bow to stern, there is a range of onboard activities to fill every minute of your cruise holiday. Indulge in a refreshing swim or cocktail. Work out in the Fitness Centre and look forward to entertaining evenings. If relaxation is your style, enjoy a pamper session at Mandara Spa®. You’re free to do just whatever makes your day.

A sample of staterooms on Norwegian Cruise Line

Ocean View Stateroom

• Ocean view with window • Two lower beds convert to queen • TV • Telephone • Safe • Mini fridge • 24-hour room service

Balcony Stateroom

• Ocean view with balcony • Two lower beds convert to queen • TV • Telephone • Safe • Mini fridge • 24-hour room service

The Haven Deluxe Owners Suite

• Wrap-around balcony • Separate living room & bedroom • Living room with dining area • King-size bed • Bathroom with whirlpool tub • Butler & concierge service • Access to courtyard area • Bedding for 2 extra guests

CRUISE GUIDE

The Oceania Cruises Experience

Oceania ships radiate warmth and character alongside their true elegance. All boast exquisite appointments and details one would only expect to find in a luxurious, private estate.

Oceania’s mid-size, elegant ships cater to just 684 or 1,250 guests on board and offer an elegant casual ambiance.

Dining

Oceania Cruises is most renowned for offering the finest cuisine at sea. Executive Culinary Director Master Chef Jacques Pépin keeps a watchful eye over the 5-star menus that are all prepared and served à la minute. Dine where, when and with whom you choose in up to six distinctive open-seating gourmet restaurants – all offered at no additional charge.

Entertainment

The variety of entertainment on board ensures your interests will be constantly indulged.

Enjoy one of the esteemed guest lecturers, eager to share insider knowledge. Onboard musical performances include a live pianist, a classical string quartet, dynamic vocalists and spectacular headliners. In the evening, you may wish to try your luck in the elegant casino.

Activities

Enrich your mind with a travel book or novel from the wellstocked library. Experience hands-on instruction in the new Culinary Center^ or create arts and crafts in the Artist Loft~. Take part in a wine tasting or enjoy a massage at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

Enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea or lie by the pool with a cocktail.

Highlights CULINARY CENTER

Immerse yourself in the joy of cooking gourmet cuisine in the world’s first hands-on culinary studio at sea under the tutelage of a master chef in a professional kitchen atmosphere.

INDEPTH DESTINATION-

A collection of staterooms on Oceania Cruises

Oceanview Stateroom

• Floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows • Marble & granite-clad bathroom • Cotton towels, robes & slippers • 1,000-thread-count linens • Wireless internet access • Water & soft drink in minibar • Safe • Bulgari amenities

Verandah Stateroom

• Private teak veranda • Marble & granite-clad bathroom • Cotton towels, robes & slippers • 1,000-thread-count linens • Wireless internet access • Water & soft drink in minibar • Safe • Bulgari amenities

^Available onboard Marina and Riviera only. ~Available onboard Marina, Riviera and & Insignia only.

ORIENTED EXPERIENCES

Oceania has an unrivalled collection of land tours available before, during or after your cruise, ranging from one to four nights in length.

Concierge Verandah Stateroom

• All Verandah Stateroom features plus: • Access to private lounge • Welcome bottle of Champagne • Access to private Spa Terrace • Priority noon ship embarkation • In-room Bulgari toiletries • Free tote bag & shoeshine • Discounts on Internet usage plans

ENRICHMENT

Take part in unique voyages exploring culinary, wine, music, health and wellness themes. Enjoy seminars, hands-on classes, concerts, wine tastings and more.

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The P&O Cruises Experience

There’s nothing like having a world of opportunities at your fingertips and choosing to do nothing at all. On a P&O Cruises holiday, it’s all up to you. Wake up at noon, eat dinner under the stars or spend your time losing track of it. It’s your holiday and you can do what you want. Get ready to experience freedom like you’ve never felt before.

Dining

Highlights SALT GRILL BY LUKE MANGAN

For an unforgettable dining experience that’s sure to be a highlight of your holiday, try Salt grill by Luke Mangan – the first Australian celebrity chef at sea.

There’s nothing better than food, glorious food, and that’s why P&O has created 16 modern dining experiences across the fleet. Let the whole family dine together at The Pantry, where you’ll never have to eat the same thing twice. Or head out for date night to the exclusive Chef’s Table experience.

Entertainment

Fill every hour with fun or get in the chill zone and relax the days away. There are choreographed production shows to suit the whole family, themed parties that everyone is invited to or endless activities on deck for all.

On a P&O cruise, the activities are endless, so it’s up to you how you spend your time.

Activities

Adventure lovers, rejoice.

P&O offers more destinations than any other cruise line from Australia. Explore a world of culture and history at exclusive destinations, or squeeze a lot of fun into a three-night getaway on a Sea Break cruise. With so many options, it’s hard to pick just one cruise.

P&O EDGE ADVENTURE PARK

Fun reaches new heights with up to 19 gravity-defying activities to choose from.

Climb high above the top deck on the rock-climbing wall or soar over onlookers on the sky-high zip-line.

A sample of staterooms on P&O Cruises

WATERSLIDE & WATERPARKS

P&O is taking excitement up a notch with an all-new waterpark and waterslides, introduced to Pacific Dawn in March 2017 and Pacific Explorer in June 2017 – get ready to splash the day away.

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Oceanview Room

• Window or porthole • Ensuite bathroom • Twin beds that convert to a queen • Flatscreen TV • Wardrobe & dressing area • Safety deposit box & fridge • Room serviced daily

Balcony Room

• Private balcony with furniture • Ensuite bathroom • Twin beds that convert to a queen • Flatscreen TV • Wardrobe & dressing area • Safety deposit box & fridge • Room serviced daily

Mini-Suite

• Priority embarkation • Private balcony with furniture • Separate living area • Bathroom with shower & bath • Twin beds that convert to a queen • Flatscreen TV • Wardrobe & dressing area • Safety deposit box & fridge

CRUISE GUIDE

The P&O World Cruising Experience

The horizon has never looked so good with P&O Cruises World Cruising ships making waves around the world. As the pioneers of cruising P&O is the trusted cruise expert. With a history spanning more than 177 years, P&O knows British cruising and what its guests are after.

Dining

If food fires your imagination as well as fuels your belly, we have some seriously tasty morsels on board to truly whet your appetite. Whether you hanker after a touch of spice, need an international flavour fix or want to experience a new take on a British classic, be spoilt for choice with the main restaurants, buffets and grills or specialty restaurants.

Entertainment

There’s never a dull moment with West End musicals, Broadway shows , thrilling displays by dance troupes and cabaret acts. But don’t leave the dancing to the entertainers; on black-tie nights dress to impress, kick up your heels and hit the dance floor. Let the good times flow with live music, comedy shows or cooking demonstrations, or try your luck at the roulette table.

Activities

Whether you’d like to rest and relax or make the most of every minute it’s easy to find your own pace. Sink in to a whirlpool or be pampered in total relaxation at the onboard spa. Even at sea you can keep active with sports courts and fitness facilities.

And don’t forget to pick up a little memento with some retail therapy.

A sample of staterooms on P&O World Cruising

Highlights FOOD HEROES

P&O has partnered with top chefs to develop fabulous menus to accompany exquisite surroundings, great company and conversation.

The five food heroes Marco Pierre White, James Martin, Olly Smith, Atul Kochhar and Eric Lanlard bring their striking personalities to the plate for a foodie heaven.

EVENT CRUISES

Balcony Stateroom

• 16-22 square metres of space • Twins beds convert to king bed • Balcony with table and chairs, floor to ceiling glass sliding door • TV & radio • Refrigerator • Toiletries pack

Mini Suite

• 22-23 square metres of space • Twin beds convert to a king bed • Separate sitting area • Floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors • Balcony with table and chairs • Bathrobe and slippers

Suite

• Up to 29 square metres of space • Butler service • Twin beds convert to a king bed • Balcony with table and chairs • Flatscreen TV • Fruit basket • Toiletries pack • Flowers, Champagne and chocolates on arrival

Join in and experience the unmistakable buzz of the Monaco Grand Prix, New Orlean’s Jazz festival or Madeira’s Flower Festival.

DAY SPA

Pamper yourself in the expansive spa, which includes a large hydrotherapy pool and a thermal suite complete with fragrant aromatic showers.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Pandaw Experience

Pandaw offers the widest choice of luxury river cruises in Asia, with stunning colonial-style cruises on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin in Burma; the Mekong in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and China; Halong Bay; the Kapuas River in Kalimantan, Borneo; and the Red River in northern Vietnam.

Pandaw offers superb value for money with a variety of inclusions on its luxury river cruises.

Dining

Highlights CULTURAL PERFORMANCES

On selected cruises, you’ll get to experience an onboard cultural performance, such as the Royal Khmer Ballet in Cambodia or Marionette Theater in Burma.

Created by a team of ex-pat chefs, the onboard dining is largely an alfresco experience and one of the highlights of a Pandaw trip. Choose from Asian or European dishes, and vegetarian and other diets are well-catered for. All meals are served or semi-served.

Unlimited soft drinks, local beer and local spirits are included in the price of your cruise.

PANDAW CHARITY

The Pandaw Charity supports projects in Southeast Asia, mainly in Burma. On your cruise, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Pandaw Charity projects and interact with local communities.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY CRUISES

Pandaw offers a selection of departures especially for families. Burma and Indochina are great destinations for a family adventure and the ships are ideal of family groups.

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Excursions

Excursions ashore are a key part of any Pandaw river expedition. These may be a good walk through the countryside and villages; further explorations by speed boat going deeper into jungle or up river; horse cart rides in Burma; or cyclos in Cambodia.

New for 2016 – quality mountain bikes are now available to book on any Pandaw cruise.

Activities

All excursions and onboard lectures are included in the price. Guests can also enjoy cooking, fruit-carving and napkin-arrangement demostrations; explore the local markets with onboard chefs; view film presentations (selected cruises), including local history and culture documentaries as well as movies; tour the ship; and try many more activities on board.

A sample of staterooms on Pandaw

Main & Upper Staterooms

• 17 square metres • French doors with river view • Private bathroom

• Ample storage space • Twin or double bed • Spa-branded amenities

• Kimonos & slippers • Hair dryer & safe • Unlimited mineral water

CRUISE GUIDE

Adventure Cruising with Peregrine

Introducing Peregrine’s newest way to discover the secrets of a destination – on a premium small-ship adventure cruise. Whether you’ve travelled with Peregrine on a small group tour or on a larger cruise ship, this is an exciting, immersive and alternative way to see some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, coasts and islands.

Dining

The onboard meals reflect the area you’re travelling in, and can be enjoyed in the spacious dining area or on deck. All trips include either half or full board, as well as an unforgettable ‘local’ night, where the ship’s experienced chefs dish up a feast of exceptional regional fare. When on shore, your cruise director or local leader can provide you with tips on the best places to eat and drink in town.

Entertainment

No bowling alleys or nightclubs here; Peregrine doesn’t even have a pool. Instead, the glittering waters of the Adriatic or Costa Rican coast are at the doorstep.

These ships have a platform or ladder at the back of the boat allowing you to get into and out of the water with ease. Use the snorkelling equipment (some boats also have kayaks and canoes) or just relax with a drink from the bar and a good book.

Activities

While big ships need to anchor in deep water, Peregrine is able to dock in small ports, allowing you to walk onto and off the boats at your convenience – no security checks and no waiting in queues. From the cosmopolitan port of Mykonos and waterfalls in Iceland, to secluded coves and archaeological sites, you’ll have ample time each day to truly immerse yourself.

Peregrine Voyages DALMATIAN COASTAL CRUISING

8 days, Dubrovnik to Sibenik (or reverse) CUBAN PANORAMA CRUISING

8 days, Cienfuegos to Havana (or reverse) CRUISING SPAIN & PORTUGAL

8 days, Malaga to Lisbon (or reverse)

A sample of staterooms on Peregrine

THE ICELANDIC

8 days, Reykjavík to Akureyri (or reverse) ANTIQUITY TO BYZANTIUM

8 days, Athens to Athens Galileo

• • • • •

49 guests in 25 cabins Crew of 16-18 Indoor lounge with American bar Elegant dining room Sundeck with sun beds, deck chairs and shaded areas • Shady outdoor bar and lounge with sea views • Available on Greek Island Cruising

*Terms and conditions apply.

Pegasus

• 44 guests in 21 cabins • Crew of 16-18 & onboard naturalist • Outdoor restaurant and indoor dining room with sea views • Library • Zen mini spa on lower deck • Platform allows you to swim right off the boat if conditions permit • Available on Cruising in the Seychelles

Royal Eleganza

• 31 guests in 16 cabins • Friendly Croatian crew including a Peregrine local leader on board • Spacious sun deck with sun lounges • Upper deck with barbecue and bar • Half Board Meal Plan • Snorkelling equipment • Available on Dalmatian Coastal Cruising – Dubrovnik to Sibenik

CRUISING IN THE SEYCHELLES

8 days, Mahé to Mahé JEWELS OF THE CYCLADES

8 days, Athens to Athens CLASSICAL GREECE

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Ponant Experience

Sailing on one of Ponant’s yachts is a chance to experience a different and exclusive type of cruise and a concept of travel that is intimate, luxurious and authentic. With a modern fleet of elegant yachts and a sailing ship, Ponant is a true polar specialist for a 5-star expedition.

Dining

Highlights POLAR SPECIALIST

Access exceptional sites in 5-star comfort with ships specially designed for icy conditions and polar cruises.

5-STAR EXPEDITIONS

Take part in excursions in Zodiac inflatables guided by Ponant’s expedition team, taking you as close as possible to wildlife and places only a few have visited.

Gastronomy and the art of French-style living lies at the heart of Ponant dining.

Inspired, sophisticated and varied cuisine, supplemented with seasonal fresh produce sourced at local markets, is sure to tempt your palate. Meals are accompanied by a selection of wines chosen by expert sommeliers as well as guests enjoying an open-bar service on board the yacht.

Entertainment

Live music and dancing are just a couple of ways you could spend your evenings on board. Most importantly, you can go at your own pace and experience the unrivalled pleasure of a private cruise.

Enjoy unforgettable moments of relaxation on board elegant yachts of character.

Activities

Enjoy top-quality lectures, turn to expert guides for advice and take part in an array of daily activities. Relax in the wellness centre and discover a new way of experiencing a spa – Ponant has joined forces with French beauty house SOTHYS to bring you the ultimate in wellbeing.

A sample of staterooms on Ponant

THE FRENCH TOUCH

Experience the French way of living – that subtle blend of relaxed elegance and conviviality. You’re assured discreet yet attentive service.

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Deluxe Stateroom

• 24-hour room service • Wi-Fi access • Bathrobes • Desk with stationery • Flatscreen satellite TV • Minibar • iPod player • French bath products

Suite

• Butler service Deck 6 • 24-hour room service • Wi-Fi access • Bathrobes • Desk with stationery • Flatscreen satellite TV • Minibar • iPod player • French bath products

Wellness Centre

• SOTHYS Spa • Fitness room • Hair salon • Soothing massages • Cocooning treatments • Tailored beauty treatments • Total relaxation

CRUISE GUIDE

The Princess Experience

A holiday should be about more than just getting away. You should return rejuvenated and renewed– with new memories, new perspectives, possibly even new friends. At least that’s how Princess® sees it. Make each port your own and experienice it the way you always imagined – discovering best-kept secrets and meeting locals. Join Princess® on a voyage from Australia, New Zealand or Asia, and remember what it means to expand your own horizons and come back new™.

Dining

The talented team at Princess® is passionate about fresh, regionally inspired food and handcrafted recipes.

The highly trained waitstaff are always on hand to offer recommendations, like SHARE restaurant by award-winning chef Curtis Stone+.

Entertainment

Endless entertainment ranges from street performers in the Italian-inspired Piazza to dazzling production shows by the creator of Wicked®, Stephen Schwartz. Bars and lounges offer fine wines, an array of whiskies and a great place to enjoy live music or top-40 tunes.

Activities

Each day, you’ll have endless possibilities – learn about your next port in an engaging presentation, get a manicure+, go shopping, head to a tasting of New Zealand wines, then decompress in the Lotus Spa®+or work out in the state-of-the-art fitness centre.

Highlights PRINCESS LUXURY BED

This new ultra-premium bed has been developed by ‘The Sleep Doctor’ Dr Michael Breus to deliver the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had.

MOVIES UNDER THE STARS

This 28-square-metre, 39,000-watt poolside movie theatre brings you contemporary feature films, classics, sporting events and concerts.

A sample of staterooms on Princess

CHOCOLATE JOURNEYS

Oceanview Stateroom

• 14-16 square metres • Picture window for memorable views • Spacious closet • Refrigerator • Hair dryer • TV • Bathroom with shower • Wardrobe

Charges apply.

+

Balcony Stateroom

• 15 square metres • Balcony with fine patio furniture • Spacious closet • Refrigerator • Hair dryer • TV • Bathroom with shower • Wardrobe • Sitting area with desk

Mini Suite with Balcony

• Welcome glass of Champagne • 40-63 square metres • Separate sitting area & balcony • Luxury mattress & pillows • 2 flatscreen TVs • Spacious closet • Bathroom with massage showerhead • Refrigerator • Sofabed & desk

Created by master chocolatier Norman Love, the Chocolate Journeys™ program promises delectable desserts, specialty chocolate cocktails and more.

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CRUISE GUIDE

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Enjoy the world’s most inclusive luxury experience. Aboard Regent’s 6-star fleet, guests enjoy impeccable personalised service, an elegant casual lifestyle and all-suite accommodations. Four mid-sized, all-suite ships, for 490 to 750 guests, offer ideal settings to more than 350 worldwide ports with free, unlimited shore excursions in every port to maximise your onshore experience.

Dining

Highlights UNLIMITED SHORE EXCURSIONS *

Only Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers free, unlimited shore excursions* in every port of call at every destination. Experience the history, culture and cuisine of the many exciting destinations.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers up to four gourmet restaurants, including steakhouse Prime 7, authentic Italian restaurant Sette Mari at La Veranda, haute French cuisine at Signatures, and Classic Continental dining at Compass Rose. You can also enjoy casual dining at La Veranda and the alfresco Pool Grill or 24-hour room service with no service charge for any of the restaurants.

FREE WI-FI

Book a suite onboard a Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship and receive free Wi-Fi for the length of your voyage.

Entertainment

Enjoy enriching onboard entertainment brought to life through spectacular Broadway-style shows, virtuoso performances, culinary demonstrations and wine tastings and informative lectures.

Evenings offer the sophisticated fun of a nightclub or cabaret, late-night dancing, or a quiet cocktail in a plush lounge. There is also free Wi-Fi throughout the ship for your convenience.

Activities

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers valuable activities as part of your all-inclusive fare.

Enjoy free, unlimited shore excursions* – you have the choice to do as many or as few as you like. While on board, discover a series of expert guest lecturers, theatre performances and fitness programs. Or for something a little more special, enjoy an optional treat at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

A sample of staterooms on Regent Seven Seas Cruises

ACCOMMODATION

All-suite accommodation provides a wonderful place to refresh, relax and plan your next adventure ashore.

You will feel completely at home as every imaginable amenity is included.

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Deluxe Suite

• Marble bathroom • Personalised minibar set-up • L’Occitane amenities • Walk-in closet with safe • All-private balcony (97% on Seven Seas Navigator) • Sitting area • Interactive flatscreen TV

Concierge Suite

• Personalised minibar set-up • L’Occitane amenities • Walk-in closet with safe • All-private balcony • Sitting area • 1-night pre-cruise accommodation* • Priority shore excursion bookings

Upper Suite

• Personal butler • Daily canapes • Hermès amenities • Complimentary use of iPad ® • Private balcony / sitting area • 1 night pre-cruise accommodation* • Priority shore excursion bookings

*Terms and conditions apply.

CRUISE GUIDE

Live the Royal Life

Royal Caribbean invites you to live the Royal Life and experience a cruise holiday like no other.

With an incredible collection of onboard experiences including the North Star viewing capsule, the first ice-skating rinks at sea, sky-diving simulators and more all included in your cruise fare, take a look around and you’ll understand why a Royal Caribbean holiday is filled with a lifetime of memories.

Dining

Forget what you know about dining on a cruise. Royal Caribbean has reimagined the dining experience across its fleet with a huge choice of complimentary and specialty dining restaurants, each with its own distinctive cuisine and ambience. With dishes prepared to order using only the freshest ingredients, Royal Caribbean’s innovative chefs will take your palate around the world.

Entertainment

Take yourself on a journey to the entertainment capitals of the world with the most spellbinding shows at sea. Only on Royal Caribbean can you experience high-flying aerialists in the transformative Two70SM entertainment venue, join in a parade with all your favourite DreamWorks characters, or watch a spectacular ice show the whole family will enjoy.

Activities

Only on Royal Caribbean will you discover 10 first-at-sea innovations and activities for every level of thrill-seeker. Surf the high seas on the 12-metre-long FlowRider® surf simulator, learn to ice-skate, or see the world from a breathtaking 90 metres above sea level in the North Star jewel-like observation capsule.

Whatever you choose to do each day, life onboard Royal Caribbean couldn’t be more inspiring.

A sample of staterooms on Royal Caribbean

Highlights RIPCORDSM BY iFLY® SKYDIVING SIMULATOR

Take your onboard experience to new heights with Australia’s first ever skydiving simulator at sea.

BIONIC BAR

On board the all-new Ovation of the Seas, mixology meets technology as the Bionic Bar’s robotic barmen mix you supercool cocktails in minutes.

DREAMWORKS EXPERIENCE

Interior with Virtual Balcony

• Experience real-time views • Sitting area with sofa • Dresser area • Private bathroom • Minibar • Royal king bed • TV • Wardrobe

Oceanview Stateroom

• Window with ocean views • Sitting area with sofa • Dresser area • Private bathroom • Minibar • Royal king bed • TV • Wardrobe

Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How To Train Your Dragon, Turbo and all related characters and properties ®2016 DreamWorks Animation LLC

Balcony Stateroom

• Private balcony • Sitting area with sofa • Dresser area • Private bathroom • Minibar • Royal king bed • TV • Wardrobe

Set sail with all your favourite characters from Shrek®, Madagascar® and Kung Fu Panda™. Enjoy parades, 3D movies and so much more.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Scenic Space-Ship Experience

Intimate and friendly with every comfort, Scenic’s state-of-the-art Space-Ships were designed with you in mind. Both on board and on shore, luxury comes as standard with Scenic. With transfers and tips, exclusive Enrich, Freechoice and Tailormade excursions, a minibar, sumptuous meals and all-day beverages, including spirits, everything is covered for your trip of a lifetime.

Dining

Highlights PRIVATE BUTLER FOR ALL GUESTS

By offering a butler to every guest, Scenic provides an exceptional level of service that combines 5-star quality with personal attention to detail. They won’t be happy unless you are.

With a choice of six dining options from degustation to fine dining to more relaxed fare, highlight evenings or unwinding with new friends, there’s a venue and menu to suit every occasion. The chefs draw inspiration from the countries you’ll pass through with authentic cuisine, plus extensive complimentary all-day beverages too.

Entertainment

The all-inclusive luxury experience extends to extraordinary onboard cultural and entertainment highlights.

From colourful traditional musical performances to fascinating natural history presentations, there is something for everyone. Your evening entertainment is also designed to complement the region you are sailing through.

Activities

Freechoice offers a diverse range of sightseeing, activities and dining to choose from.

Whether you’re after a relaxed pace or you want to fit in as much as possible, you only see what you want to see. From history to culture, food to nature, do what you want to do, at a tempo that suits you. And of course, it’s all included.

ENRICH EXPERIENCES

Hand-picked, multi-sensory moments that add a deeper dimension to your cruise, from gala dinners to classical concerts in beautiful places, you’ll enjoy unforgettable experiences, exclusive to Scenic.

TAILORMADE

Explore further with exclusive Tailormade GPSguided tours. From culture, architecture, art or off the beaten track, Tailormade tours are available in more than 140 locations.

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A sample of staterooms on Scenic Space-Ships

Standard Stateroom

• Queen-size Scenic Slumber Bed • L’Occitane amenities • Individual climate control • Nightly turndown service • Mac mini infotainment system • 24-hour room service • Complimentary daily minibar • Scenic Riverview GPS commentary

Private/Deluxe Balcony Suite

• Private Scenic Sun Lounge balcony • Prime location at front of ship • In-suite breakfast • Butler valet service • Nightly turndown service • Mac mini infotainment system • 24-hour room service & minibar • Scenic Riverview GPS commentary

Royal Panorama Suite

• Prime location & views • Spacious bathroom with bath • Separate lounge & dining area (available on some ships) • Bottle of French Champagne • In-suite dining • Private transfers • Complimentary laundry • $300 wellness centre credit

CRUISE GUIDE

The Scenic Boutique Ship Experience

Scenic’s brand-new, custom-built 5-star boutique ships are the most spacious and luxurious on the Mekong and Irrawaddy rivers. Every innovative feature and suite offers style and luxury.

With an almost one-to-one staff-to-guest ratio and a host of indulgent amenities at your disposal, including complimentary laundry facilities, this is the ultimate river cruise experience.

Dining

On board your Scenic boutique ship, the chef’s menus feature dishes inspired by the region, as well as a range of Western fare. Guests can dine across a collection of venues, including the enticing Teppanyaki Bar, the all-day River Café and the elegant Crystal Dining and Bamar Dining. And, of course, there’s an extensive selection of complimentary beverages all day too.

Entertainment

Inspired by the rich cultural tapestry of the countries you’ll travel through, Scenic has compiled a range of onboard entertainment to ensure you can immerse yourself in the destinations you travel to.

From cooking classes to cultural lectures and gala dinners, Scenic has carefully selected a host of activities to delight, inform and entertain you throughout your time on board.

Activities

Freechoice offers a diverse range of sightseeing, activities and dining to choose from.

Or simply relish the high level of service and luxury to be found on board. A resort-style pool and open-air cinema, or the quiet library, beauty salon and tranquil wellness centre offer a range of places to escape for a little privacy and indulgence.

A sample of staterooms on Scenic Boutique Ships

Highlights ALL-INCLUSIVE

With transfers and tips, exclusive Enrich and Freechoice experiences and even your minibar, you won’t have to worry about money. You won’t even need your credit card at checkin. Scenic has thought of everything, including bottled water on shore.

ENRICH EXPERIENCES

Deluxe Balcony Suite

• 32 square metres • Private Scenic Sun Lounge Balcony • Queen size Scenic Slumber Bed • Private butler service • Complimentary laundry facilities • Personal transfer service • 24-hour room service • Complimentary minibar refilled daily

Grand Deluxe Suite

• 40 square metres • Private Scenic Sun Lounge Balcony • Prime location on Diamond Deck • Complimentary daily laundry service • Private butler service • In-suite canapes and petit fours • Personal transfer service • Complimentary minibar refilled daily

Royal Panorama Suite

• 80 square metres • Welcome bottle of Champagne • Oversized bathroom with tub • Private terrace with daybed and Jacuzzi • Unlimited laundry service • Private airport transfers • $150 wellness centre credit

From traditional cultural performances to spiritual temples and ancient ruins, these truly unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime Enrich experiences are unique and exclusive to Scenic.

FREECHOICE

From history and culture to food and nature, the unique Freechoice program has something for everyone throughout your journey.

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The Seabourn Experience

It begins the moment you first step aboard. Seabourn’s crew is passionate about crafting the perfect experience for you, and with everything included — all-suite accommodations, extraordinary cuisine and fine wines and spirits served anytime. All you need to do is relax, enjoy and explore.

Dining

Highlights SHOPPING WITH THE CHEF

On selected itineraries, you’ll enjoy an insider’s look at unique regional markets with the Seabourn chef as your guide.

VENTURES BY SEABOURN

In select ports of call, discover a series of excursions guided by the expedition team. You’re invited to explore spectacular destinations on sea-level adventures. Launch from the unique fold-out Marina aboard the fleet of Zodiac inflatable boats or paddle in double sea kayaks.

Seabourn has a variety of options to suit your mood of the moment, and all offer open seating. Choose the sophisticated fine dining ambiance of The Restaurant, or the casual Colonnade – an indoor/outdoor venue. Inspired by the classic American chophouse, The Grill by Thomas Keller focuses on updated versions of iconic dishes like Lobster Thermidor and creamed spinach, presented a la carte.

SEABOURN CONVERSATIONS

Join luminaries of particular interest on board who bring fascinating insights, expert opinions and delightfully entertaining diversions to the conversation.

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Entertainment

Enjoy a sophisticated cabaret one night and a game of blackjack in the casino the next.

You can dance the night away at The Club or enjoy listening to piano music at the Observation Bar. Some of Seabourn’s signature events take advantage of the night, including dancing to live music at an Evening Under the Stars. Consider a nightcap at the Sky Bar.

Activities

Work out in your ship’s well-equipped fitness centre, including exercising your core with complimentary Pilates classes. Expand your horizons at a port lecture or at one of Seabourn’s many inspiring enrichment programs. Indulge your need for pampering at the spa, or pamper your palate at a food or wine tasting.

A sample of staterooms on Seabourn

Veranda Suite

• Comfortable living area • Fine Egyptian cotton linens • Glass door to private veranda • In-suite stocked bar • Bath products by Molton Brown • Flatscreen TV with movies • 24-hour complimentary room service • Spacious bathroom with tub

Penthouse Suite

• Separate bedroom & living area • Fine Egyptian cotton linens • Glass door to private veranda • In-suite stocked bar • Bath products by Molton Brown • 2 flatscreen TVs with movies • 24-hour complimentary room service • Spacious bathroom with tub

Wintergarden Suite

• Glass-enclosed solarium with tub • Fine Egyptian cotton linens • Espresso machine • Spacious bathroom with whirlpool • Bath products by Molton Brown • 2 flatscreen TVs with movies • Complimentary Internet service • Return car transfers from airport to ship

CRUISE GUIDE

The Silversea Experience

Silversea Cruises is a recognised innovator in luxury cruising, with five ocean-going ships and three expedition ships across its award-winning fleet. Silversea’s extensive collection of itineraries spans seven continents, visiting more than 800 destinations and offering large-ship amenities on intimate, all-suite vessels designed to offer a convivial atmosphere and elegance.

Dining

Boasting partnerships with internationally renowned leaders in the culinary sphere, Silversea offers up to eight dining options aboard, including Kabuki, for the freshest sushi and teppanyaki; Silver Note for small-plate selections in a jazzbar atmosphere; and Le Dame, the only Relais & Chateaux restaurant at sea. Plus, why not enjoy a specialty culinary or wine voyage?

Entertainment

Entertainment takes on new forms on a voyage with Silversea. The onboard enrichment offering includes a bridge program, wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, destination experts and lectures.

Or, indulge your passion with specialty expedition voyages to enrich your understanding of leisure pursuits.

Activities

A seamless journey to shore is a given on Silversea voyages, with an extensive shore excursion program that ranges from the moving and authentic to luxe, bespoke experiences. Aboard a Silversea Expedition voyage, Zodiac and shore excursions bring you up close to endemic wildlife and rugged landscapes, always accompanied by an expert expedition team.

• Large picture windows with panoramic ocean views • Butler service • Marbled bathroom with full bath • Personal bar with your beverage preferences • Pillow menu & Pratesi linens • Bvlgari or Ferragamo bathroom amenities

GALÁPAGOS ALL-INCLUSIVE

All 2017 Galápagos voyages on Silver Galapagos will include flights between Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, transfers, pre and post hotel nights and National Park entrance fees.

SILVER MUSE

A sample of staterooms on Silversea

Vista Suite – Silversea Classic Fleet

Highlights

Owners Suite – Silver Muse

• Two plush bedrooms • Sized at over 1389 sq ft • Ocean views & panoramic windows • Butler service • Marbled bathroom with full bath • Personal bar with your beverage preferences • Pillow menu & Pratesi linens • Large teak veranda with furniture

From April 2017, Silver Muse will welcome 596 guests and redefine ultra-luxury cruising.

Proudly offering the finest and widest culinary bespoke experience at sea, Silver Muse will be simply divine.

Explorer Suite – Expedition Fleet

• Ocean views • Butler service • Marbled bathroom • Bvlgari or Ferragamo bathroom amenities • Flatscreen TV • Personal bar with your beverage preferences • Preferred mid-ship location

SILVER CLOUD EXPEDITIONS

Silver Cloud will become a part of Silversea’s Expedition fleet from November 2017. The refurbished 1C ice-class ship will offer five dining options, 18 Zodiacs and a 19-strong expedition team.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Tauck River Cruising Experience

How you see the world matters. On Tauck’s river cruises, you’ll be welcomed to an onboard experience characterised by the Tauck Difference – all-inclusive, personalised cruising enhanced by those ‘little Tauck touches’. With special access, you’re assured to have experiences as memorable as the places you visit – not simply what others see and do.

Dining

Highlights UNLIMITED BEVERAGES

Enjoy complimentary beverages including regional wines, beers, premium spirits, speciality coffees, water and soft drinks on board.

Showcasing the best local flavours in the area, Tauck’s onboard dining features meals prepared with the freshest local produce to offer the chance to ‘taste’ a destination. With open seating, flexible dining times and a choice of dining venues, guests will enjoy the spectacular views and passing scenery from the finest restaurants on board.

Entertainment

Folkloric performances add to the authentic local flavour that guests experience throughout their holiday. These engaging performances and presentations from local artists and experts offer the chance to discover the specialities that make each destination unique.

Activities

Tauck’s all-inclusive shore excursions are unlike any other.

Their magic lies not only in the landmarks you visit, but in the places you discover off the beaten path, through experiences you can’t get on your own. You will discover a destination like an insider, talk with the locals, and experience their passion and local traditions.

MEALS INCLUDED

Most meals are included in your fare, covering dining opportunities at local restaurants, castles and speciality dining venues.

A sample of staterooms on Tauck River Cruising

GRATUITIES INCLUDED

Gratuities for Tauck Cruise and Tour Directors, ship staff, drivers, local guides and experts are all included.

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Category 1 Cabin

• Jewel & Inspiration Class Ships • No single supplement on any cruise • 150 square feet • Included minibar • Sumptuous bedding • Private bathroom with shower • Luxury toiletries

Category 3 Loft Cabin

• Inspiration Class Ships • Brand new innovative design • 225 square feet • Extended window into next deck • Loft seating area to maximise light • Windows that open to allow air flow • Included minibar • Private bathroom with shower

Category 7 Cabin

• Jewel & Inspiration Class Ships • 14–22 suites available • 300 square feet • Two French balconies • Included minibar • Sumptuous bedding • Private bathroom with shower • Luxury toiletries

CRUISE GUIDE

The Travelmarvel Experience

Travelmarvel is a worldwide leader in providing life-enriching holidays at exceptional value, offering more freedom and flexibility to explore Europe at your own pace. And as part of the globally recognised APT Group with more than 20 years’ cruising experience, you can be certain you will receive first-class service from the world’s best-value premium Europe river cruise line.

Dining

On board, you’ll discover why Europe is famous for its fine food and wine, with casual yet attentive service. Providing you an exceptional dining experience, chefs use fresh produce to create a range of culinary delights with all onboard meals and selected beverages with lunches and dinners included throughout your cruise.

Entertainment

Throughout your relaxing journey, you will enjoy listening to an accomplished musician paying homage to Europe’s revered music in the ship’s Main Lounge. In addition to this, on many nights local performers will step aboard to provide a delightful journey into the musical traditions and culture of their home towns.

Activities

In addition to the included small group shore excursions with local guides, Travelmarvel also offers a number of Insider Experiences for a deeper insight into the local cultures.

With a keen focus on balancing these inclusions with ample free time, you will enjoy the flexibility to personalise your journey and discover the sights at your own pace.

A sample of staterooms on Travelmarvel

Window Stateroom

• Queen- or twin-size bed • Spacious ensuite • Large wardrobe • Desk with vanity & chair • Individual climate control • Flatscreen TV • Minibar

French Balcony Stateroom

• Floor-to-ceiling French balcony • Queen- or twin-size bed • Spacious ensuite • Large wardrobe • Desk with vanity & chair • Individual climate control • Flatscreen TV • Minibar

Highlights SMALL GROUP SHORE EXCURSIONS

When you step off your ship, Travelmarvel ensures you are truly immersed in each destination, with small groups and expert local guides bringing each destination to life.

INSIDER EXPERIENCES

Owner’s Suite

• Floor-to-ceiling French balcony • Queen bed • Sitting area • Spacious ensuite • Large wardrobe • Desk with vanity & chair • Individual climate control • Flatscreen TV

To further enhance your journey, Travelmarvel’s Insider Experiences offer a range of authentic local experiences that take you behind the scenes and away from the tourist trail.

PART OF THE APT GROUP

As a proud member of the APT Group, Travelmarvel offers guests the resources, expertise and experience of APT in delivering premium journeys at truly exceptional value.

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CRUISE GUIDE

UnCruise Adventures Experience

Since 1996, UnCruise Adventures’ small group experiences have combined discovery, impeccable service and expertise with a fleet of nine vessels carrying 22 to 88 guests. Explore waters inaccessible to larger ships and create lifelong memories in Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, the Columbia and Snake rivers, the Pacific Northwest, Costa Rica and Panama, and Mexico’s Sea of Cortes.

Dining

Highlights UNMATCHED EXCLUSIVITY

On small-ship experiences, you can go where large ships cannot and enjoy unique and flexible itineraries, off-the-beatentrack explorations, unspoiled nature and cultural encounters.

Every meal is handcrafted by the executive chefs to ensure innovative, nutritious and delectable dining experiences that highlight flavours of the local region. Premium spirits, wine and beer are included in the cruise price on all vessels starting in 2017.

UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCES

Expect all the well-appointed amenities and service that flows from personalised attention, from a high crewto-guest ratio to state-of-the art equipment and a casual and relaxed atmosphere.

UNCOMPROMISING DEDICATION

UnCruise Adventures ships are helmed by licensed onboard crew and trained guides who follow ‘leave no trace’ practices to create positive impact in the local communities you visit.

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Entertainment

Activities

During evenings on board you can relax, rejuvenate and engage with your fellow adventurers. Each day offers a cocktail hour followed by a delicious and healthy meal, plus there are opportunities to learn from locals and the Expedition and Heritage Leaders and guides.

Your fare includes all fromthe-boat adventure activities, hiking*, kayaking*, snorkelling*, stand-up paddle boarding*, a hot tub, fitness equipment and exploring by inflatable skiff *. Expedition and Heritage Leaders and guides will share their knowledge and introduce you to the wildlife, culture and geography of the places you visit, both on shore and on board.

A sample of staterooms on UnCruise Adventures

Master

• Fixed queen or fixed twin beds with view window or portholes • Desk & chair • Flatscreen TV/DVD • Air-conditioning • Private bath with shower • Generous storage & closet space

Captain

• King or twin beds with view windows • Desk and chair • Flatscreen TV/DVD • Private bath with shower • Air-conditioning • Generous storage & closet space

Commodore Suite

• King or twin beds with French doors & step-out balcony • Sitting area & refrigerator • Private bath with jacuzzi tub & shower • Flatscreen TV/DVD • Air-conditioning • Desk & chair • Generous storage & closet space

*Except SS Legacy.

CRUISE GUIDE

The Uniworld Experience

When unrivalled luxury, exceptional service, extraordinary cuisine and nautical excellence come together, the result is unmistakably Uniworld. Offering an all-inclusive river cruise experience on innovative, one-of-a-kind ships, Uniworld’s attention to detail and personalised experiences allow guests to simply relax and enjoy sailing along Europe’s waterways.

Dining

Uniworld’s culinary journeys experienced on board every cruise are rich, varied and flavourful. Working the freshest, highest-quality local ingredients, the chefs bring to life the unique character of each region and season. Uniworld offers a Travelling Lite menu with healthy eating options and caters to a number of dietary requirements.

Entertainment

Cultural and art historians share their knowledge of the regions in Uniworld’s onboard Signature Lectures, while local artisans and musicians provide captivating entertainment so guests will gain a greater understanding of – and appreciation for – each place visited.

Activities

Recognising that every guest is unique, Uniworld provides a broad range of onshore experiences with more personalisation than any other river cruise line in Europe. With fully hosted Choice is Yours, Go Active, Gentle Walking, Do as the Locals Do and Village Day programs, guests are treated to immersive experiences in the destinations visited.

A sample of staterooms on Uniworld

Category 1 Stateroom

• French balcony or full balcony • Marble bathroom • Cosy bathrobes & slippers • L’Occitane en Provence products • Savoir of England bed • Menu of pillow choices • Generous built-in closets • Flatscreen TV & infotainment centre

Suite

• French balcony or full balcony • Marble bathroom • Generous built-in closets • Menu of pillow choices • Fully stocked minibar • Nespresso coffee machine • Daily fruit & biscuit plate • In-suite special butler service

Highlights A FLOATING BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Each one-of-a-kind, exquisitely appointed ship is a work of art designed to be as unique and inspiring as the destination visited, combing highly personalised touches, beautiful artistry and world-class amenities.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

With an average capacity of just 130 guests and the highest staff-to-guest ratio of all river cruise lines, staff go above and beyond to create an extraordinary onboard experience.

Owner’s/Royal Suite

• French balcony or full balcony • Separate spacious living room • Bathroom with rain shower & tub • Generous built-in closets • Fully stocked minibar • Nespresso coffee machine • Daily fruit & biscuit plate • In-suite special butler service

TRULY ALL-INCLUSIVE

All-inclusive river cruising combines unsurpassable luxury with remarkable value, with all meals and beverages, gratuities, onshore excursions, wellness programs and more included.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Viking River Cruise Experience

Inspiring destinations, thoughtful itineraries, immersive cultural explorations, state-of-the-art ships, fine cuisine, excellent service and remarkable value – all crafted with personal attention to every detail. When you cruise with Viking, you sail with the world’s leading river cruise company and you benefit from a level of expertise that is second to none.

Dining

Highlights EXCELLENT VIKING SERVICE

Viking owns and operates its ships, so no detail escapes its attention. It’s why guests return again and again. And why Viking is the most awarded river cruise line worldwide.

Much of the joy of travel lies in the discovery of new and exciting dishes and the places they represent. Locally sourced ingredients, such as Provençal lemons, Hungarian paprika and dill from the onboard organic herb garden, inspire Viking’s chefs to create authentic regional dishes bursting with flavour.

Entertainment

Viking’s bespoke Culture Curriculum is an enriching program of both onboard and onshore entertainment that includes presentations, cooking demonstrations, regional dance and music performances. These experiences are an essential part of discovering more about the places you cruise to and each activity is planned specifically to each itinerary.

Activities

Viking knows that you travel to explore, to learn, to understand – to gain more insight than can be obtained from simply passing through. Whether it is castles, museums or markets, or a UNESCO World Heritage Site, when it comes to showing you the world, Viking is dedicated to delivering the extraordinary – with the opportunity to explore your way.

PRIVILEGED ACCESS

While they deliver the expected and iconic, Viking also goes beyond. Its itineraries include a local life experience as well as privileged access that’s specially curated by Viking.

AQUAVIT TERRACE

Revolutionary in design, this outdoor seating area is perfect for having a casual meal, meeting friends for drinks or reading, all while enjoying the view and basking in fresh air.

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A sample of staterooms on Viking River Cruises

French Balcony Stateroom (D)

• 135 square feet • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors • Doors open to a French balcony • Hotel-style beds 79 x 63 inches • Private bathroom with shower • Telephone, refrigerator, safe & hair dryer • Bathrobe & slippers available • Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV

Veranda Stateroom (B)

• 205 square feet • Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors • Doors open to a full-size veranda • Hotel-style beds 79 x 63 inches • Private bathroom with shower • Telephone, refrigerator & hair dryer • Bathrobe & slippers available • Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV

Veranda Suite (AA)

• 275 square feet • 2-room suite • Full-size veranda off living room • French balcony in the bedroom • Hotel-style beds 79 x 63 inches • Large private bathroom with shower • Telephone, refrigerator & hair dryer • Sony 40-inch flat-panel TV • Space under bed for suitcases

CRUISE GUIDE

The Viking Ocean Cruise Experience

Join Viking as it ushers in a new era of ocean cruising by taking the innovative thinking behind the award-winning river cruises and bringing it to the epic setting of the sea. This cruise experience is inspired by the tremendous compliments of Viking’s river cruise passengers.

Viking has crafted the ultimate kind of ocean cruise – one focused on destinations.

Dining

Food is an integral part of travel and few things say as much about a destination and culture as its cuisine. On a Viking cruise, you’ll celebrate dining both on shore and on board.

Three new ocean vessels put the spotlight on fine dining, from classics to regional specialities – often from the very places you’re sailing.

Entertainment

Whether you seek to expand your palate, your knowledge or your circle of friends, you’ll enjoy a unique onboard experience to ensure you can explore in comfort. Take part in enrichment lectures that breathe insight into your destination and cooking classes that bring forth the cuisine of the destinations you visit.

Activities

Travel should be so much more than just a trip and Viking believes the best way to understand a country is through enrichment. On a Viking cruise, you’ll truly explore your destination – through its food, culture and customs. Perhaps you can accompany the ship’s chef to a market, go behind the scenes at a theatre, or even view private collections at a museum.

Highlights ALFRESCO DINING

Enjoy more alfresco dining than on any other ship.

Be surrounded by aweinspiring views in the Aquavit Terrace, World Cafe or The Restaurant.

INFINITY POOL

Relax in the water while being surrounded by stunning views of each destination in a glassbacked infinity pool, cantilevered off the stern.

A sample of staterooms on Viking Ocean Cruises

THE SPA EXPERIENCE

Veranda (V)

• 270 square feet • 46-square-foot veranda • King-size Viking Explorer bed • Large flatscreen LCD TV • Luxury toiletries • Wi-Fi • Interactive TV movies on demand • 24-hour room service

Deluxe Veranda (DV)

• 270 square feet • 46-square-foot veranda • Priority excursion reservations • 1 priority restaurant reservation • Priority dining room reservations • King-size Viking Explorer bed • Large flatscreen LCD TV • Luxury robe, slippers & toiletries

Penthouse Veranda (PV)

• 338 square feet • 58-square-foot veranda • Priority excursion reservations • 2 priority restaurant reservations • Priority dining room reservations • King-size Viking Explorer bed • Large flatscreen LCD TV • Luxury robe, slippers & toiletries

Try the ultimate complimentary Scandinavian tradition with an onboard Snow Grotto and sauna. Or, truly unwind with a massage in The Spa.

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CRUISE GUIDE

The Voyages to Antiquity Experience

Voyages to Antiquity has created a unique cruise experience that combines comfort and service with meticulously planned itineraries to exciting destinations, with more history, culture and natural wonders of the ancient world. Aegean Odyssey is a small ship, offering outstanding value and impeccable service, while the lecture program connects you with the places you’ll visit before your even go ashore.

Dining

Highlights GUEST SPEAKER PROGRAM

Guest speakers will enlighten and entertain you throughout your cruise.

Onboard experts will share their knowledge with you and accompany you on shore excursions.

SHORE EXCURSIONS INCLUDED

The Marco Polo restaurant is the most elegant of the ship’s restaurants. It has a casual country-club ambiance, open-seat dining and a Mediterranean-influenced menu. The Terrace Café offers a combination of indoor and outdoor dining. Choose from mouth-watering appetisers, delicious seafood, hot dishes, salad and a variety of pizzas.

Escorted sightseeing is included at most ports of call – and where it’s not, it’s because your time ashore is best spent exploring on your own.

Entertainment

Enjoy a drink in the Charleston Lounge, take tea at sea or watch the sun go down from The Terrace. Take in a lecture from a guest speaker about the places you’ll visit the next day, or enjoy a string trio, pianist or vocalist performance. In some ports, you’ll experience local entertainment, which is always well received.

Activities

Attend lecture programs led by celebrated guest speakers, whose informative talks bring to life the wonderful port sites you visit. The onboard library houses a well-stocked collection of literature, or you can relax on the sun deck and cool off in the outdoor pool. Pamper yourself at the Athena Health Spa and take part in an early morning yoga session.

A collection of Aegean Odyssey’s staterooms

CITY & OVERLAND TOUR HOTELS

The perfect way to begin or end your cruise, these hotel stays and overland tours really allow you to get to know the city and local area before you embark, or after you disembark.

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Outside Cabin

• 130–150 square feet • Twin or double bed • Plush bedding • Bath/shower or walk-in shower • Fully air-conditioned • In-room safe • Flatscreen TV • Hair dryer

Deluxe Balcony Stateroom

• 275 square feet • All the features of an Outside Cabin plus: • Sitting area • Private balcony • Welcome bottle of Champagne • Robe & slippers • Priority sightseeing boarding • Molton Brown toiletries

Junior Balcony Suite

• 310 square feet • All the features of a Deluxe Balcony Cabin plus: • Marble bathroom • Walk-in closet

CRUISE GUIDE

The Voyages of Discovery Experience

Voyages of Discovery’s small ship Voyager sails into ports larger ones can only pass by, bringing you to the beating heart of each destination and giving you more time to explore. Voyages of Discovery has taken a simpler, more relaxed approach to travelling the world, creating an inviting range of unique cruises at surprisingly great value.

Dining

With imaginative menus full of fresh ingredients and mouthwatering flavours, try dishes from the destinations you’re visiting or enjoy favourites from home. The Discovery and Explorer restaurants offer an ever-changing four-course menu or, for casual dining, Veranda restaurant serves a buffet. Each cruise includes two glamorous gala dinners and offers open dining every day.

Entertainment

Entertainment is different every time Voyager sails – enjoy a pre-dinner drink while listening to a cocktail pianist or classical recital, or simply admire the views from the Lookout Lounge.

Let the Darwin Lounge’s resident theatre company wow you with a fantastic show, or take to the dancefloor in the Sunset Club or at one of the deck parties where you can dance the night away under the stars.

Activities

There’s always plenty happening on board, from watercolour workshops, photography classes and cookery demonstrations to live music and dancing. Visit the spa therapists or participate in fitness classes for everything from water aerobics to yoga.

Join in as much as you like; it’s all included in your fare – just like the lido pool, gym, sauna and library.

A sample of staterooms on Voyages of Discovery

Interior Cabin

• Minimum 142 square feet • Bathroom with shower • Flatscreen TV • Hair dryer • Safe • Air-conditioning • Premium toiletries

Outside Cabin

• Minimum 122 square feet • 2 portholes • Bathroom with shower • Flatscreen TV • Hair dryer • Safe • Air-conditioning • Premium toiletries

Highlights INSPIRING DESTINATIONS

On every cruise, you’ll visit a carefully chosen selection of destinations, from iconic sights to off-the-beaten-track treasures. They’re amazing places you’ll love exploring, so Voyager stays in port longer to let you do just that.

EXCITING SHORE EXCURSIONS

Discover the best each destination has to offer with optional shore excursions.

Expertly planned and executed, they take all the hard work out of exploring so you can relax.

Suite

• Minimum 257 square feet • Sitting room (1 sofa) & window • Tea/coffee-making facilities • Bathrobes & slippers • Premium linens, towels & toiletries • Daily complimentary mineral water & canapes • Champagne, fruit basket & flowers on arrival

GUEST SPEAKER TALKS

Talks from great Guest Speakers and Port Lecturers will allow you to get to know the destinations better. This program is considered one of the best at sea and is all-inclusive.

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Chongqing Yangtze

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FRANCE Venice Florence Marseille Rome Barcelona Naples SPAIN Palma

Mt Jiuhua

Shibaozhai Jingzhou

Bratislava

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Glasgow Copenhagen Belfast Dublin Holyhead Amsterdam Harwich Southampton Le Havre

SLOVAKIA Danub

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Hobart Wineglass Bay Port Davey

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Caribbean European rivers Hawaii Mediterranean LUXURY

Mexico Norwegian fjords Scandinavia & Baltic South America

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Cruising is fun year-round, but here are some seasonal suggestions on the best months to travel.

DESTINATIONS

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sail away.

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