December 2014 Issue 92 Price $8.25 (Incl Gst)

17TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION ESTABLISHED 1998

DECEMBER 2014 ISSUE 92 PRICE $8.25 (INCL GST)

Voyager of the Seas arriving in Sydney Pages 32-33

Pacific Dawn in new livery Page 4

Featuring a comprehensive coverage of Global Cruising for Cruise Passengers, the Trade and the Industry www.cruisingnews.com cruıspassengere cruıspassengere 3FBEFSTh$IPJDF 3FBEFSTh$IPJDF AWARDS AWARDS #20 2014 2014 Experience Movies W R WI R INNE NNE Under The Stars® BEST BEST FOR PREMIUM WELLNESS CRUISE LINE & SPA with complimentary MUST-DO fresh popcorn. ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRINCESS CRUISES

16 Watch the night-time 50 27 Set a course for the 34 Taste authentic regional 39 Visit the Batu Caves in 42 Immerse yourself in spectacle of an original ultimate adventure onboard cuisine - from Côte de Kuala Lumpur where long- Asian culture at the first Princess® musical Sea Princess®’ 104-night Boeuf to New Zealand tailed macaque monkeys Japanese Bath on any production, featuring world- Round World Cruise. double lamb chops. will greet you as you climb cruise, on board class performers. 28 Browse the art gallery 35 Take a course in the 272 steps leading into Diamond Princess® 17 Participate in oceanview and bid on a piece at the destination photography, the temple cave. 44 Get a portrait created by fitness classes ranging from Champagne Art Auction. then try out your new skills 40 Discover backyard the talented photographers yoga and Pilates to cycling at your next destination. wonders, including in our Platinum Studio. and Body Sculpt Boot Camp. 29 Indulge in irresistible freshbaked pastries at the 36 Treat yourself to the Great Barrier Reef, 45 Order room service 18 Steal peace-and-quiet International Café. delectable cuisine at which you can explore 24 hours a day, for when time in our spa-inspired by snorkelling or from a Sun Princess® in Milford Sound, 30 Take in live music in traditional sushi bar, you just don’t feel like Sanctuary, just for adults. catamaran. New Zealand. the Atrium, a bustling Kai Sushi onboard Sun leaving the comfort of your 19 Go for a jog and revel in the destination onboard Princess® and Diamond 41 Enjoy our complimentary stateroom. panorama of ocean and sky. your ship. Princess®. soft-serve ice cream on the 46 Yell Bingo! Win prizes 2 Get into the spirit at themed 9 Explore unchartered pool deck—with sprinkles! parties such as Mardi Gras, caves and over 300 miles 20 Experience Movies 31 Test your vocal skills at 37 Celebrate our “Love and meet other passengers Carnival, and Oktoberfest. of complex tunnels in Under The Stars with Princess® Pop Star karaoke. Boat®” heritage at a top- who love to play, too. complimentary fresh Papua New Guinea. deck party. 47 Excite your kids with 3 Kick back on your popcorn. 32 Attempt to figure out balcony and contemplate 10 Savor the freshly the tricks of our renowned 38 Watch the sun set over Jr.CHEF@Sea cooking the amazing views of a baked “Best Pizza at Sea,” 21 Gain intriguing insights illusionists. the ocean from the Aft classes, sports and about ports you’re visiting Deck. videogame tournaments, constantly changing world. according to USA TODAY. 33 Join our Creativity@Sea at Destination Expert #43 and activities that teach program and craft unique 4 Raise a toast at our 50th 11 Laugh it up with presentations. Get a massage about the places and keepsakes to bring home Anniversary Dinner, headliner comedians ® cultures they encounter. featuring famous dishes who’ve starred 22 Join our Zumba Around with you. at Lotus Spa , enjoyed by passengers over on Comedy Central and the World class for an voted “Best Spa 48 Pamper yourself with

#I the decades. late-night TV. exhilarating workout set a facial, nail treatment, Indulge in chocolate to global music. on a Cruise Ship” or hair styling at the 5 Enjoy a bird’s eye view of 12 Take the ultimate by Spafinder Lotus Spa. desserts, chocolate Maui from Haleakala Crater, shopping trip along 23 Don an `aqua helmet’ and wine tastings, rising over 3,000 kilometres Singapore’s famous and view colourful coral and Wellness 365. 49 Join our chefs for a above the Pacific Ocean. Orchard Road. tropical fish without getting culinary demo, followed by and chocolate spa your hair wet in Bora Bora. a tour of the ship’s galley. treatments—all 6 Celebrate a birthday, 13 Explore behind the anniversary, reunion—even scenes on our exclusive 24 Try our distinctive 50 Cruise by Fiordland created for “Princess a wedding—on board! “Ultimate Ship Tour.” new Seawitch craft beer, National Park’s wondrous Chocolate Journeys” created exclusively for our peaks and check Milford 7 Shop duty-free in the 14 Compete in exciting by master chocolatier 50th Anniversary. Sound off your travel elegant boutiques, voted game shows and test bucket list. Norman Love. “Best Onboard Shopping your knowledge with the 25 Join the Princess Book 2008–2013” by Porthole Princess Trivia Challenge. Club and explore a library that holds over 1,500 books. Magazine. 15 Dine at Crown Grill or 8 Enjoy original musical The Sterling Steakhouse, 26 Try your luck in our productions exclusive to voted “Best Cruise Ship Casino at the slots or table games— even get free #36 Princess, featuring world- Steakhouses” by USA Treat yourself BOOK NOW! Visit your Travel Agent | 1300 385 631 | www.princess.com class performers. TODAY. lessons! BOOKBOOKBOOK atNOW! Kai Sushi NOW!NOW!Visit yourVisitVisit Travel youryour TravelAgentTravel Agent Agent | 1300 || 385 13001300 631 385385 | 631 631www.princess.com || www.princess.comwww.princess.com cruıspassengere cruıspassengere 3FBEFSTh$IPJDF 3FBEFSTh$IPJDF AWARDS AWARDS #20 2014 2014 Experience Movies W R WI R INNE NNE Under The Stars® BEST BEST FOR PREMIUM WELLNESS CRUISE LINE & SPA with complimentary MUST-DO fresh popcorn. ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PRINCESS CRUISES

#I the decades. late-night TV. exhilarating workout set a facial, nail treatment, Indulge in chocolate to global music. on a Cruise Ship” or hair styling at the 5 Enjoy a bird’s eye view of 12 Take the ultimate by Spafinder Lotus Spa. desserts, chocolate Maui from Haleakala Crater, shopping trip along 23 Don an `aqua helmet’ and wine tastings, rising over 3,000 kilometres Singapore’s famous and view colourful coral and Wellness 365. 49 Join our chefs for a above the Pacific Ocean. Orchard Road. tropical fish without getting culinary demo, followed by and chocolate spa your hair wet in Bora Bora. a tour of the ship’s galley. treatments—all 6 Celebrate a birthday, 13 Explore behind the anniversary, reunion—even scenes on our exclusive 24 Try our distinctive 50 Cruise by Fiordland created for “Princess a wedding—on board! “Ultimate Ship Tour.” new Seawitch craft beer, National Park’s wondrous Chocolate Journeys” created exclusively for our peaks and check Milford 7 Shop duty-free in the 14 Compete in exciting by master chocolatier 50th Anniversary. Sound off your travel elegant boutiques, voted game shows and test bucket list. Norman Love. “Best Onboard Shopping your knowledge with the 25 Join the Princess Book 2008–2013” by Porthole Princess Trivia Challenge. Club and explore a library that holds over 1,500 books. Magazine. 15 Dine at Crown Grill or 8 Enjoy original musical The Sterling Steakhouse, 26 Try your luck in our productions exclusive to voted “Best Cruise Ship Casino at the slots or table games— even get free #36 Princess, featuring world- Steakhouses” by USA Treat yourself BOOK NOW! Visit your Travel Agent | 1300 385 631 | www.princess.com class performers. TODAY. lessons! BOOKBOOKBOOK atNOW! Kai Sushi NOW!NOW!Visit yourVisitVisit Travel youryour TravelAgentTravel Agent Agent | 1300 || 385 13001300 631 385385 | 631 631www.princess.com || www.princess.comwww.princess.com 17TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION ESTABLISHED 1998 DECEMBER 2014 ISSUE 92 PRICE $8.25 (INCL GST) Seasons Greetings to All We would like to wish you, your family and friends a fun and safe Festive Season and the very best for 2015.

From the entire Voyager of the Seas arriving in Sydney World Wide Cruising News & Pictorial Team Pages 32-33

Pacific Dawn in new livery Page 4

Featuring a comprehensive coverage of Global Cruising for Cruise Passengers, the Trade and the Industry www.cruisingnews.com

Front Cover Photos – Royal Caribbean International and P&O Cruises – Australia It has been another sensational year for the Global Cruise Industry. The growth in passenger numbers continues Sting Aboard Queen Mary 2 ...... 7 and Asia is poised to register a cruise boom. China is Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa...... 10 tipped to become the second largest global cruise market Refurbishment for 3 Ships...... 14 by 2017. New Innovations & Plush Finishes. . . . .16 Seven new cruise ships are scheduled for delivery in 2015 New Production Shows...... 18 along with at least 25 river cruise vessels, with 14 for Regal Princess Christening...... 22 delivery to Viking River Cruises. Costa’s New Cruise Ship...... 24 From 2016 through to 2020, 28 ships are already on order and more are expected......

This issue This Photo Gallery 30 Two will come from the Virgin Group, the Branson family-owned branded investment Carnival Legend ...... 34 group, who have announced the formation of Virgin Cruises, its new cruise line River Cruise News...... 48-50 business. The company will be headquartered in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area and plans are to design and construct two new world class cruise ships. Voyager of the Seas has just returned to Australia following a $US100 million revitalisation in Singapore. It is a big and beautiful ship and certain to be popular with families. P&O Australia have unveiled the livery that will be rolled out on their ships in 2015 with Pacific Dawn looking good following a dry-dock in Sydney. We are proud that the magazine continues to provide up to date coverage of this great industry. Our web site has come alive with the placement of video reports. In 2015 we move into our eighteenth year of publishing as we work our way to issue 100 in April 2016. We thank our readers, advertisers, contributors and the industry for your continued support. Kerry and I extend Seasons Greetings and look forward to providing our usual Halloween comprehensive coverage of the cruising industry in 2015 and the years ahead. 7 Happy Cruising!

New Look Pacific Dawn Brisbane-based Pacific Dawn is wearing the cruise line’s new livery, which will be introduced across all five ships over the coming months. Featuring navy and white on the ship’s side, the livery will be a striking new look for the cruise line as it sails into a new era of Australian cruising. The mammoth task of adding the new livery during a recent 10-day dry dock in Sydney saw a group of nine people working to crop off dozens of welded An Innovative lugs under the bow before washing the area to create a salt free surface and Design Approach 20 applying the sleek new graphic design. The funnel was fully scaffolded and coated with white paint before having its new P&O vinyl graphic attached like a giant sticker. More in our next issue.

Quantum of the Seas in New York 28

Plus the latest news and Proudly Published in Australia by John Treacy & Associates. information on Global Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Passenger Cruising Every effort is made to ensure the information published is correct. Countdown is on One year out from its historic five of cruising and, in this new realm, big ship spectacular in Sydney Harbour, entertainment attractions are likely P&O Cruises has revealed that to happen anywhere onboard,” Mr entertainment across its expanded Myrmell said. fleet will take a bold new direction with Fresh from scouring US entertainment dreamlike party nights and innovative capitals for inspiration, P&O Cruises new offerings set to transform each Entertainment Director Brett Annable ship into a thriving entertainment said he was exploring ways to precinct. implement cutting edge special Charged with the multimillion dollar effects that made audiences feel as though they were part of the show. assignment of coming up with a whole new dimension employing onboard offerings to fit P&O Cruises’ “We’re looking at how we can bring techniques and special effects that ‘Like No Place On Earth’ positioning, the latest mind-blowing technology will have the whole ship buzzing for our Sture Myrmell, Vice President Hotel from Las Vegas and Broadway to guests.” Operation for Carnival Australia, which sea, which is very much in keeping represents P&O Cruises, said the next with P&O Cruises’ reputation for With one year to go until the generation of onboard entertainment innovation,” Mr Annable said. expanded five ship fleet makes a would have the ships pulsing to a new “Big production shows, which have spectacular entry to Sydney Harbour beat. “New party nights that make been synonymous with P&O cruising, on 25 November 2015, P&O Cruises use of more great areas around each will still feature in the entertainment kicked off the countdown with a ship will add to the dreamlike quality line-up but we will be taking them to special cake. Sirena to Join Sister Ships Insignia, Regatta and Nautica Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings day, $40 million refurbishment in Ltd. has announced a definitive Marseille, France to elevate the ship agreement with Princess Cruises, Ltd. to to the Oceania Cruises’ standard of purchase Ocean Princess for its newly elegance. Drawing on the recent acquired Oceania Cruises brand. transformation of Insignia as inspiration, The 684-passenger ship joins Oceania the ship will feature Oceania Cruises’ renowned specialty dining restaurants, Cruises’ trio of award-winning sister Toscana and Polo Grill, along with ships Insignia, Regatta and Nautica. more recent additions to the fleet such The new addition will be named Sirena. as Baristas and the cook-to-order grill Upon delivery in March 2016, Sirena at Terrace Café. The ship will welcome will immediately undergo a 35- her first guests in late April 2016. The Renewed MSC Armonia MSC Armonia has been re-launched after being enlarged and enhanced under the €200 million Renaissance Program. As part of her enhancement, a pre-built mid-ship section has been inserted, allowing for approximately MSC Armonia 200 additional cabins, 94 of which are balcony cabins, as well as New areas, new comforts, new attractions new entertainment spaces and technological enhancements.

® Kids LEGO Area Kids Area Starlight Disco Pool Area NEW NEW With a total investment of 200 million euro, MSC Cruises launches the NEW 7/11 years 12/14 years NEW Le Piscine NEW Whirlpool bath Renaissance Programme, a two-year initiative of major upgrades to Spray Park Palm Beach Teen’s Area Kids Chicco® Area Cabins & Suites four of the ships in the fleet: Casinò 15/17 years 0/2 years MSC Aurea Spa Inside Sport Center Kids LEGO® Area Power Virtual Game Steam Bath Ocean view Basketball 3/6 years Balcony Walking Circuit Gym • MSC Armonia, delivery November 2014 Tennis Court Relaxation room Suites Volleyball Massage rooms • MSC Sinfonia, delivery March 2015 Minigolf NEW Beauty Parlor with Shuffleboard • MSC Opera, delivery July 2015 Solarium Hairdresser and Beautician • MSC Lirica, delivery November 2015 Top 13 Buffet Restaurant La Brasserie Taking advantage of the engineering expertise of Fincantieri, the project involves the creation of new cabins, new public areas and exciting new leisure facilities for guests of all ages, as well as the installation of The Library & the Card Room updated technology and significant improvements to furnishing and Outdoor Restaurant interiors. Il Girasole

Armonia Lounge Environment & Technology Photo Gallery Optimising fuel consumption reduces the ship’s environmental impact, thanks to Restaurants NEW Bars measures including voyage monitoring, hull treatment to reduce drag, La Pergola Bar del Duomo Excursion variable speed drive inverter and redesigned propeller blades. Marco Polo Music Lounge The Red bar Caffè San Marco office Shopping Area The White Lion San Marco Il Lido Bar Reception Cigar Room The Mini Mall Logo Shop For further information, please visit msccruises.com Jewelry shop MSC Business Center Internet Café La Fenice Theatre

NEW DINING THAT SUITS YOU NEW COMFORT THAT SUITS YOU NEW WELLNESS THAT SUITS YOU NEW ENTERTAINMENTwww.cruisingnews.com THAT SUITS YOU NEW5 ENTERTAINMENT THAT SUITS KIDS & TEENS • Marco Polo Restaurant: featuring International à la carte breakfast, lunch and • 94 new cabins with balcony: beautifully • MSC Aurea Spa: more space for massages, • Bar and Music Lounge: 20 hours of captivating Dedicated to the activities of the 5 mini-clubs: dinner menu appointed balcony cabins with glass balustrades with new massage rooms for individuals and entertainment per day, a wide variety of activities for all • Baby Club (6 months-2 years) by Chicco® for an even better ocean view couples ages and 6 spectacular shows per week, tailored to each • Mini Club (3-6 years) by LEGO® • La Pergola: Aurea Experience and balcony cabin guests can enjoy the itinerary and inspired by its destinations Pronto Bistro menu at lunch and time-flexibleMy Choice Dining for dinner • Every cabin refurbished: redesigned to offer our • Top 13 Solarium: exclusive new relaxation • Juniors Club (7-11 years) guests total comfort and style, with new carpets area on the top deck, ideal for soaking up the • Young Club (12-14 years) • Buffet restaurant: open 20 and upholstery, new duvets and bed runners, and sun in style • Teens Club (15-17 years) hours a day, including new LED TVs Burger Paradise, Pasta and Pizza Station with • Spray Park: a brand daily thematic specialities new play area equipped with • Food is also available in amazing water sprays many Bars & Lounges for a for hours of family fun quick bite whenever you feel hungry Cruise Passengers Spend A$371 a Day A landmark study of the passengers and domestic passengers report also found the cruise industry value of cruising has during a cruise ($366 and $187 generated $1.59 billion in value added revealed that cruise respectively). contribution, $940 million in wages passengers spend an Commissioned by peak cruise industry and employed 14,000 people across average of $371 a day in body Cruise Lines International Australia last year.

Australian ports, helping Association (CLIA) Australasia, the New South Wales accounted for 75 push the cruise industry’s total independent study provides the most per cent of the national economic economic contribution in Australia to comprehensive insight yet into the contribution by the cruise industry, an impressive $3.2 billion last year. value of Australia’s booming cruise Queensland 15 per cent and Victoria 5 Topping the list of big spenders industry. It follows a separate CLIA per cent. report earlier this year that found are international passengers who Prepared for CLIA Australasia by Australia was the world’s fastest ring up an average $756 a day on Business Research & Economic growing cruise source market, with accommodation, shopping, dining Advisors (BREA), the report used and transport before they board their passenger numbers soaring 20 per cent to reach a record 833,348 in 2013 a global methodology adopted ship. During their cruise they spend for economic impact statements $204 a day in the ports they visit, mostly and a population penetration rate of 3.6 per cent. on cruise tourism in the US, UK and on shopping and tours. Europe. CLIA Australasia Chairman According to the new study, the cruise Australian cruisers also like to splurge, Gavin Smith described the report industry’s economic output in Australia spending an average $450 a day in 2013 reached a massive $3.2 billion, as a landmark study which clearly before they board their ship as well with direct expenditure by passengers, captured the far-reaching benefits of as $156 a day in ports they visit during crew and cruise lines accounting for a growing cruise industry. “This is the their cruise. $1.72 billion of this figure. Indirect and first independent report to draw on With cruise passengers spending more induced economic output accounted cruise line data and passenger surveys than $700 million across Australia for the remaining $1.49 billion. The to show us how much cruise lines, last year, the study found Sydney, study found that cruise companies’ passengers and crew spend across the Fremantle and Melbourne topped the four biggest operating expenses were country,” Mr Smith said. “It’s a valuable list in terms of highest daily spend for fuel, food and beverages, travel snapshot which should demonstrate to international passengers pre-cruise agent commissions and port charges governments and businesses around ($762, $669 and $612 respectively). with agent commissions totalling the country the enormous value that Meanwhile Cairns attracted the $121 million in 2013. In addition to every cruise ship brings to their local highest spend from both international the $3.2 billion economic output, the economy.” Major Happenings Joe Slattery has been Norwegian Cruise Line has announced 2007. “I can’t thank Gerry promoted to the position that hospitality veteran Drew Madsen enough for his tireless of senior vice president, has joined as president and chief efforts both as CFO of global marketing and operating officer of Norwegian Cruise Carnival Corporation and sales for Holland America Line. Madsen was president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Line. In this newly created chief operating officer at Darden Lines,” said Micky Arison, role, Slattery will oversee marketing Restaurants, Inc., the world’s largest chairman of Carnival Corporation & and distribution in all worldwide full-service restaurant company. plc. “While we would always feel his markets, developing and executing initiatives that support Holland America Gerry Cahill, president and retiring is premature, we understand Line’s revenue growth objectives. CEO of Carnival Cruise and support his decision. His leadership Slattery – a 21-year company veteran Lines has announced his and passion, along with his honest and – will continue to report to Richard retirement after 20 years of frank views will be missed, and we will Meadows, Holland America Line’s service. He has been CEO always have a deep appreciation for executive vice president, sales, of Carnival Corporation’s Gerry’s tremendous contributions to marketing and guest programs. largest cruise brand since Carnival Corporation.” Memo of Understanding Signed Carnival Corporation & plc has signed a shipbuilding joint venture that could cruise ship. a memorandum of understanding become a three-way arrangement “This is really a breakthrough day for all (MOU) with the China State Shipbuilding involving Fincantieri of Italy, the world’s of us at Carnival, as well as our friends at Corporation (CSSC) to explore the largest cruise ship building company, in the CSSC and all Chinese travellers who possibility of a joint venture aimed at support of the Chinese government’s are increasingly turning to cruises for accelerating the development and plans to grow the cruising industry in their vacation experiences,” said Arnold growth of the Chinese cruise industry, China and meet escalating demand for Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. expected to be one of the largest cruise cruises from Chinese travellers. “This landmark agreement enables markets in the world with 4.5 million As part of the possible shipbuilding joint us to work closely with our partners at passengers by 2020, according to the venture, Carnival Corporation would the CSSC to fully explore the possibility Chinese Ministry of Transport (MOT). work closely with CSSC and Fincantieri of forming a joint venture to further Becoming official at a signing ceremony to help define the first-ever, world- develop China into a leading cruise at the Ninth China Cruise Shipping and class cruise ship built in China. Under market, supporting local economic International Cruise Expo in Tianjin, the joint venture concept, Carnival development and bringing vacation the MOU outlines the framework for Corporation would provide its ship enjoyment to millions. We look forward exploration of a partnership between design and shipbuilding expertise to getting to work and lending the Carnival Corporation and the CSSC to create the vision, definition and expertise of many talented people that includes the possibility of forming overall specifications for the China-built across Carnival Corporation.”

6 December 2014 Halloween In the spirit of the day guests onboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ Australian- based ships were treated – or tricked – to a “Frightfully Fun” celebration of Halloween. Dressed-up ghosts, witches and zombies of all ages onboard Carnival Legend and the aptly-named Carnival Spirit were thrilled by a night of frights including Frightfully Fun Trivia, face-painting, a dress-up costume parade and spooky cocktails like Green Goblin or Vampire’s Kiss. There was also trick-or-treating fun for the whole family, with maps provided to guide spooks to candy stations Photo by James Morgan hidden around the ship, while a gala Halloween-themed dance party to top off the fun with a hair-raising menu including Scary Cheesecake and R.I.P. Chocolate Pumpkin Pate. For adults keen to get into the Halloween spirit at home, follow this recipe to create Carnival Cruise Lines’ Witches Brew cocktail: 40mLs Bacardi white rum, 15mLs Dekuper Razzamatazz (raspberry liqueur) and 90mLs ginger ale. Combine all ingredients with a wedge of lime and serve over ice for a chilling sensation! Pictured are: Carnival Spirit crew members ‘Giggles’ and Dessi Kostova dressed for the Halloween Party, Scary Cheesecake and R.I.P. Chocolate Photo by Kevin Mazur Pumpkin Pate Sting Brings Songs Aboard Queen Mary 2 Sixteen-time Grammy award-winning of growing up next to the Swan musician Sting performed songs from Hunter shipyard. Over the years, 15 his latest album, “The Last Ship” and of Cunard’s ships were built at the new Broadway musical of the same yard, including the four-funnelled name in New York on board Cunard’s Mauretania, once the biggest ship in flagship, Queen Mary 2. The one-off the world. performance took place in front of an invited audience in the ship’s Royal Sting will also perform songs from “The Court Theatre just two days after Last Ship” in the UK next year on 24 the musician made his official debut and 25 April 2015 to benefit the Sage as a Broadway composer. Set in his Theatre Gateshead 10th Birthday hometown of Wallsend on Tyneside Appeal. The two performances, in the North East of England, ‘The sponsored by Cunard, swiftly sold out Last Ship’ draws on Sting’s memories when tickets went on sale this summer. Celebrity Cruises Orders Two New Ships Celebrity Cruises has taken a bold “Our new class of ship will set the step in ship design with the signing standard for premium world travel of a letter of intent for a new class and deliver the next generation of of vessels, Royal Caribbean Cruises modern luxury experiences that our Ltd. and French shipbuilder STX guests know and love,” said Michael France announced today. The two Bayley, president and chief executive 2,900-guest, 117,000-gross-registered- officer of Celebrity Cruises. “STX France ton ships, developed under the designs and builds some of the most project name EDGE will build upon innovative and stylish cruise ships in the modern luxury experience of the the world, and project EDGE offers brand’s Millennium and Solstice class them the opportunity to again set vessels. At 984 feet long, 123 feet wide a new standard for modern iconic and 190 feet high, Project EDGE will deliver small ship itineraries with large architecture.” ship amenities, a perfect vacation The company expects delivery of the experience in step with today’s first ship in 2018, with the second vessel premium vacationer. delivered in the early part of 2020.

www.cruisingnews.com 7 New Audio Tour Widely recognized for curating one of extensive list. The package is priced at the more exquisite art collections at US$42.50 per bottle, including gratuities, sea, Oceania Cruises has announced when guests select seven or more the debut of their Art Collection Audio bottles. Tour onboard the award-winning New Menu in La Reserve by Wine Marina and Riviera. Narrated by Spectator – Oceania Cruises has Oceania Cruises Founder, Chairman introduced the “Odyssey Menu” for the and CEO Frank J. Del Rio and Co- La Reserve by Wine Spectator tasting Founder and Vice-Chairman Bob room onboard Marina and Riviera. Binder, the complimentary tour This one-of-a-kind culinary experience provides stories and descriptions Melbourne Cruise features seven gourmet courses paired behind many of the more than 2000 with the finest wines from around the Season Launches original works adorning the mid-size world. Highlights of the new Odyssey As the popularity of cruising surges ships. The collection of museum-worthy Menu include Maine Lobster Cassolette across Australia, Princess Cruises kick- art was personally acquired by Del Rio with Tarragon and Sea Urchin Bisque started Victoria’s busiest cruise season and Binder over a period of years and paired with Mer Soleil Chardonnay from with the arrival of Dawn Princess. The includes well-known stars as well as the Santa Lucia Highlands in California. ship will be based in Melbourne for the hidden gems – reflecting the way the Another pairing features Portobello next six months, headlining a summer line approaches itineraries. As they stroll Mushroom Risotto with Smoked Ricotta cruise season which will see 28 ships about the ship admiring the collection, and Black Truffle accompanied by the make 78 calls to the city between guests will be entertained by Del Rio Tenuta Guado Al Tasso Il Bruciato from October 2014 and April 2015. This and Binder’s recorded commentary Bolgheri, Italy. represents an increase of 16 per cent with behind-the-scenes tales of the art Guest Chefs Revealed on 180-Day on the 67 visits made during the 2013- acquisitions found on the ship. Voyage – For the upcoming Around the 14 season, and a 34 per cent increase Oceania Cruises Presents New Culinary World in 180 Days voyage departing on the 58 visits the season prior. Offerings January 2015, Oceania Cruises’ Insignia With three Princess ships – Dawn Oceania Cruises is now expanding will feature a number of guest chefs, Princess, Diamond Princess and Sun its palate-pleasing offerings. The line including Chef Olivier Desaintmartin of Princess – making 24 calls this summer, is introducing a “by the bottle” wine Philadelphia’s French bistro Caribou including Dawn Princess’ 14 turnaround Café and Jean-Louis Dumonet, package, a new food and wine visits, the cruise line will account for executive chef of The Union Club in pairing menu for La Reserve by Wine almost a third of the mega Melbourne New York City and president of the Spectator, and a visiting chef program season and is set to contribute Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. Guests for Insignia’s world cruise. more than $18 million into the State will have the opportunity to attend economy between October and April. Wine by the Bottle Package – Guests cooking demonstrations and Q&A that enjoy a glass or two of wine to Dawn Princess alone will carry more sessions, as well as other exclusive accompany their gourmet meals or than 30,000 holidaymakers on cruises culinary events. In addition, the Grand while relaxing on their veranda can from Melbourne this summer, with Dining Room will spotlight a special many of them spending time in the city now participate in a new “Wine by signature dish by each chef. pre and post cruise. the Bottle Package” available across the Oceania Cruises fleet. Over 50 Princess Cruises’ spokeswoman Meg bottles selected by the line’s master Koffel said the cruise line had been sommeliers include a selection of a driving force behind the city’s whites, reds, champagnes and emergence as a cruise hub in recent sparkling wines. The Hess Select years, with more plans for growth on Cabernet Sauvignon, Rodney Strong the horizon. Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc and “We’ve been cruising from Melbourne Domaine Saint-Roch Vin de Pays for seven years, offering Melburnians are among the many values on the the chance to see the world from their doorstep. Next year, we’re thrilled to Fly to the Fun be bringing Golden Princess down Travel agents will now find it easier than ever to send their clients straight to under for the first time and basing it in the fun, with Carnival Cruise Lines introducing air-inclusive bookings for its Melbourne. The 108,000-ton Golden local cruises. The launch of Carnival CruiseAir packages follows an increase in Princess will be the largest cruise ship interstate bookings for Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend, as well as the debut ever to be deployed in the Victorian of the cruise line’s new fly-cruise options to Singapore and Hawaii along with capital and will see our capacity in other new itinerary offerings. Announcing the move, Carnival Cruise Lines Vice the State increase by 23 per cent next President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said CruiseAir would make it easy for year,” Ms Koffel said. agents to book cruises and flights from 63 different cities across Australia and Ms Koffel said guests on Dawn Princess New Zealand. enjoy fresh Victorian produce and “CruiseAir is a one-stop shop which offers a variety of benefits for agents and their wine. “Our shopping list ranges from clients,” Ms Vandekreeke said. “With CruiseAir, guests can choose their airline, Goulburn Valley to King Valley and class and seat, with the system providing agents with side-by-side pricing options includes thousands of kilograms of for flexible and restricted fares. It offers immediate flight confirmations and all fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products, packages include one piece of check-in baggage per person. “CruiseAir also meat and, of course, Victorian wine. In gives peace of mind with ‘next port’ protection, which means that if there’s a fact, we stock more wine from Victoria flight delay or service disruption we’ll get guests to their next appropriate port of than any other wine region in Australia call. Plus it offers post-cruise protection – so if a cruise is late into port and a guest across our four locally-based ships,” Ms misses their return flight, we’ll work with the airline to re-book the flight and ensure Koffel said. our guest gets home,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

8 December 2014 White Star Service.

Service as immaculate as a pair of white gloves. We pride ourselves on a service that goes above and beyond your expectations.

To book visit cunard.com, call 13 24 41 or contact your travel agent. Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa will ingredients including bring his internationally acclaimed toro tuna, paired with expertise aboard Crystal Cruises’ champagne and 12 July ultra-luxury European cruise rare, specially-crafted from Lisbon to London. The planned Hokustsu “Northern special dinners, sake tastings and Snow” Sake and celebrations set to feature Nobu’s Ongaku-shu “Musical famous Peruvian-infused Japanese Sake”. The US$250 per fare will only enhance the already person dinners also festive atmosphere on board, as offer guests a complimentary signed the sailing celebrates Crystal’s 25th cookbook and photo with Nobu and Anniversary, and is hosted by Crystal’s an extravagant, US$1,000-per-guest president and COO Edie Rodriguez. Ultimate Vintage Room dinner, with a Throughout the 13-day voyage, Nobu specially designed menu complete – whose signature cuisine is featured with champagne and wine pairings for in Crystal’s onboard Silk Road and The just 12 guests. Sushi Bar – will share his talents and Nobu’s Japanese-Peruvian fusion Pilgrimage to France famously personable panache during has been served complimentary in P&O Cruises’ ship security officer cooking demos, book signings and Silk Road and The Sushi Bar on board Dave Yates has returned from a Sake tastings with Sake Master Hazu. every Crystal Symphony and Crystal pilgrimage to France where he took There are more exclusive and Serenity sailing since 2003 and 2008, the opportunity to lay a wreath of indulgent experiences planned for the respectively. Nobu personally trains red poppies on behalf of his Carnival voyage including: Two omakase, or all chefs, designs all menus, and Australia colleagues. Mr Yates, a former chef’s choice dinners in Silk Road, with frequently visits the ships for ongoing UK police officer who regularly journeys menus by Nobu featuring Connoisseur refinement. to battlefields on the Western Front in France and Belgium with other serving New Queensland and New Zealand Summer Cruises and retired London police officers, was inspired to take his pilgrimage a step further after witnessing the way P&O Cruises’ guests commemorate Anzac Day during onboard dawn services. With 2014 marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the war, Mr Yates felt this year’s visit taking in the Pozieres battle field would be an ideal opportunity to lay a wreath on behalf of Carnival Australia at the memorial to troops of the First Australian Division. Carnival Cruise Lines is ramping up December 2015 with calls at Bay of the fun factor for guests next summer Islands, Auckland, Tauranga and The accompanying message on with new cruises to Queensland and Napier during the 10-night cruise. the wreath read: ‘Carnival Australia New Zealand. The cruise line, which Carnival Spirit will depart Sydney on 12 honours troops of the First Australian February 2016 for an 11-night cruise to Division for their sacrifice and service last sailed to New Zealand in 2013, has New Zealand, calling at the nation’s at Pozieres in the Great War. These been inspired to head back across the capital Wellington, as well as Napier, Australian sons never to be forgotten – ditch on two cruises to the country’s Tauranga, Auckland and Bay of Lest We Forget’. North Island following feedback from guests. Islands. Ms Vandekreeke said the new CMV welcomes Magellan cruises would make the most of New “Clearly New Zealand is a destination Zealand’s storied reputation for great that has captured the hearts of adventure, enticing Maori culture and our guests,” Carnival Cruise Lines memorable food and wine. Vice President Australia Jennifer The cruise line has also launched Vandekreeke said. “We’ve been a new 11-day Christmas cruise on inundated with requests to sail to New Carnival Legend to Queensland’s Zealand again so we’ve decided to Great Barrier Reef. Departing Sydney offer two great new summer itineraries on 20 December 2015, the ship will for New Year 2015 and February 2016.” CMV has announced the addition call at Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) of Grand Holiday, from the Costa Carnival Legend will be the first to and Yorkey’s Knob (Cairns) as well as Crociere cruise line, as its new flagship cross the Tasman on a New Year Port Douglas on Christmas Day and vessel. The 1250 passenger, 46,052grt cruise departing Sydney on 30 Brisbane. ship will be renamed Magellan, after the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Star Clippers launches sailing program Magellan, and will operate as an adult Tall ship sailing specialist Star Clippers has launched its 2015/16 program featuring only (16 years and over) ship. She cruises from three to 24 nights on its true sailing ships with sailings from November becomes the biggest ship in the CMV 2014 to March 2016. The three ships will sail in the Caribbean in the winter (Star ocean fleet, joining the 620-passenger Clipper from St Maarten, Regal Clipper from Barbados and Star Flyer from Cuba) Astor, the Marco Polo (800 passenger) and in the Mediterranean and Aegean in summer. In addition there are one-off and Azores (550 passenger). Magellan sailings between Barbados and Panama (on Star Flyer); transatlantic crossings on is scheduled to begin operating all three ships and mini-cruises in the Mediterranean from three to five nights in itineraries out of the UK in 2015. addition to the longer sailings.

10 December 2014 GO FOR A SURF MEET AND GREET YOUR BE INSPIRED BY CHOOSE FROM ONBOARD OUR NEW FAVOURITE DREAMWORKS® BROADWAY-STYLE SPECTACULAR FLOWRIDER® CHARACTERS ENTERTAINMENT DINING OPTIONS

LOYALTY ISLANDS KUALA LUMPUR LIFOU SINGAPORE SYDNEY NOUMEA MALAYSIA AUSTRALIA ISLE OF NEW PINES NEW AUSTRALIA ZEALAND CALEDONIA MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA DARWIN PERTH SYDNEY ADELAIDE WELLINGTON WHITSUNDAYS MELBOURNE PICTON SYDNEY BRISBANE AUSTRALIA DUNEDIN SYDNEY HOBART MILFORD, DOUBTFUL & DUSKY SOUND

PACIFIC ISLAND GETAWAY ASIA & EAST COAST TREASURES TASMANIAN EXPLORER SOUTH COAST & NEW ZEALAND 8 nights 14 nights 7 nights 16 nights Dep 3 Dec 2015, 31 Jan 2016 Dep 22 Oct 2015 Dep 28 Nov 2015 Dep 13 Nov 2015 Cruiseship: Radiance of the Seas Cruiseship: Voyager of the Seas Cruiseship: Voyager of the Seas Cruiseship: Explorer of the Seas

ROYALCARIBBEAN.COM.AU | 1800 754 500 VISIT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT |

Amenities vary by ship. Exact itineraries are subject to change at any time. ABN 541 5026 3086.

J9183_RCI_WWC_Ad_December2014_Press_210x297_FA.indd 1 4/12/2014 2:40 pm Final Caribbean Season For their last season sailing under the Caribbean” for the next six months Seabourn banner, Seabourn Spirit and before being transferred to their Seabourn Legend will return to where new owners in Europe in April 2015. it all began more than 20 years ago – Seabourn Spirit is offering 18 seven- the Caribbean. The final voyages will day cruises alternating between St. incorporate the signature Seabourn Maarten and Barbados with the ship’s events that helped pave the way for final voyage under the Seabourn luxury small-ship cruising including the banner, a 13-day transatlantic voyage line’s iconic “Caviar in the Surf” and from St. Maarten to Barcelona on popular Marina Day. 21 March 2015. Seabourn Legend is “Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn sailing a series of alternating seven-day Legend have delivered countless voyages between St. Maarten and unforgettable memories and special Aruba and ends its Caribbean season ‘Seabourn Moments’ over the years,” with three seven-day roundtrip cruises Seabourn President Richard Meadows from St. Thomas. said. “We invite our guests to celebrate Both ships will visit a bevy of chic towns these fine ships and come back one and popular islands including St. Kitts, more time to where it all began in the Antigua and St. Barts, and call at Caribbean.” smaller ports and island yacht harbours As you enjoy the buzz of the festive & holiday Sister ships Seabourn Spirit and such as Mayreau in the Grenadines’ seasons, here at MSC Cruises our rush of Seabourn Legend will cruise the azure Tobago Cays; Le Marin on Martinique anticipation is mounting as an MSC ship heads waters of Seabourn’s “Uncommon and Îles des Saintes on Guadeloupe. to our shores. Already discovering the beauty of the Arabian Peninsula currently, MSC It’s the Sail of the Century! Orchestra is cruising Dubai visiting some MSC Cruises has launched a limited stunning ports of call including Muscat and series of themed cruises, bringing Khasab in stunning Oman, the beauty of Khor al Fakkan and the history of Abu Dhabi before shopping lovers to the Mediterranean’s an overnight return in Dubai. MSC Orchestra finest boutiques and retailers during will then leave these shores and begin her the sales, from the immaculate chic journey to Australia on 21st February 2015. of Rome’s designer stores to the bustle and barter of a Tunisian souk. Cruising India, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia The seven-night Shopping Cruises, and Bali before her first Australian port of entry, Cairns on the 13th March 2015. We are departing from Genoa, Italy, on 11, excited to be able to showcase her in Brisbane, 18 and 25 January 2015, will call at Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle Civitavecchia (Rome), Palermo, and we are look forward posting the digital La Goulette (Tunis), Barcelona and imagery via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Marseille. And MSC Cruises will throw in Instagram as she glides into and out of your an excursion to one shopping hotspot, local ports to honour this historical event. If depending on your embarkation port: you have a great shot or video of the event for those joining in Genoa it’s La Roca please don’t forget to share it with us too. awaits. Besides the exciting shopping Village, near Barcelona, while for those opportunities along the way, guests Another exciting ship feat and one you will who board in Barcelona, Marseille will of course have the chance to enjoy viewing now was the relaunch on 19th and Civitavecchia, the vast choice encounter the countless cultural and November 2014 in Genoa Italy of MSC of Genoa’s Serravalle designer outlet historical sites on offer. Armonia after 11 weeks of a stunning Renaissance program. She sailed out with 90 Magical Memories at Sea new balcony cabins, new restaurants, shops and bars and all new carpets, paint and stylish MSC Cruises and the class global brand that showcases interiors. If you haven’t already seen this LEGO Group have excellence in this field”, says Lynne amazing video please visit: joined forces to Clarke, MSC Cruises Managing www.msccruises.com.au and click on MSC create the shipboard Director. “MSC Cruises has been Armonia Renaissance programme. LEGO® playrooms offering the LEGO toys on all 12 ships and entertainment in the fleet, but this is an opportunity Finally to celebrate the season we have placed options for families our stunning cruises on a festive sale with your with children. Under to bring MSC guests more dedicated next cruise in 2015 offering a gift choice products and areas for our younger between on board credits, VIP cabin packages the agreement, travellers”. and/or shore excursions dependent on the the LEGO Group cabin type you choose, so don’t wait and book has designed new Among a raft of enhancements to a gift today! play areas on MSC create unforgettable, fun and stress-

Armonia which was free family cruises, the Renaissance Wishing you the best of the Holiday Season, renewed and lengthened under MSC stay healthy and safe, and we look forward to ships will have separate clubs and Cruises’ Renaissance Programme. the excitement of MSC in 2015. facilities for five age groups, namely The LEGO Group has supplied a Baby (under 3s); Mini (3-6); Junior (7- Warmest regards, broad selection of its world-famous 11); Young (12-14) and Teen (15-17). Lynne Clarke. construction toys and games, which are certain to capture the creative A two-metre LEGO mascot, called imagination of the young and young- Sailor Walkabout, will join the MSC at-heart, from 0 – 99 years old. Cruises crew to meet and greet “This agreement will bring a new youngsters and add fun to onboard level of family enjoyment with this top parades and events. E&OE. MSC Cruises (Australia) Pty Limited ABN 55 003 526 725. General sales Agent for MSC Crociere S.A. ATAS Accredited No. A10954. Experience modern luxury with Celebrity Cruises® Highest rated cruise line in Australia

Auckland to Sydney Sydney to Auckland Australia & New Zealand Celebrity Solstice – 12 nights Celebrity Solstice – 12 nights Celebrity Solstice – 18 nights Dep 2015: Nov 14, Dec 16 Dep 2015: Nov 2, Dec 4† 2016: Feb 2† Dep 2016: Feb 14

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND Bay of Islands Bay of Islands AUSTRALIA Sydney Sydney NEW ZEALAND Auckland Auckland Tauranga Tauranga Perth Sydney Bay of Islands Adelaide Auckland Wellington Wellington Melbourne Tauranga Wellington Hobart Akaroa Hobart Akaroa Akaroa

Dunedin Dunedin Dusky Sound Dunedin Dusky Sound Milford Sound Doubtful Sound Doubtful Sound Doubtful Sound Milford Sound Milford Sound Dusky Sound †Itinerary varies.

Austalia’s Top End South Pacific South Pacific & Fiji Celebrity Solstice – 17 nights Celebrity Solstice – 8 nights Celebrity Solstice – 12 nights Dep 2016: Mar 3 Dep 2015: Nov 26, Dec 28† 2016: Apr 1 Dep 2015: Oct 21 2016: Mar 20† FIJI INDONESIA LOYALT Y Lautoka ISLANDS Bali Lifou Suva Darwin Noumea LOYALT Y Isle of ISLANDS Pines Lifou Cairns Noumea Whitsundays AUSTRALIA NEW CALEDONIA Isle of Pines AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA Brisbane NEW CALEDONIA Perth Newcastle Sydney Sydney Sydney

†Itinerary varies. †Itinerary varies.

Departure Port Scenic Cruising Celebrity Cruises ships are rated highest in Australia by the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2014. Exact itineraries are subject to change at any time. ABN 541 5026 3086.

To book contact your travel agent. Call us on 1800 754 500. Visit celebritycruises.com.au facebook.com/celebritycruisesausnz

J9185_CEL_Dec_Press_210x297_FA.indd 1 1/12/2014 5:28 pm Black Watch, Braemar and Balmoral – Refurbishment Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ three ships During the dry dock, Black Watch had Black Watch, Braemar and Balmoral 27 cabins on Lido Deck 7 fitted with have all undergone refurbishment at balcony terraces. the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg, During their dry docks, Balmoral Germany during November and and Braemar also followed on from December 2014, in preparation for the Boudicca and Black Watch by having forthcoming 2015/16 cruise season. This Unlimited Free Internet Fred. Olsen’s popular ‘Café Venus’ is the first time that so many Fred. Olsen installed on board, serving high-quality to All-Inclusive Offerings ships have undergone refurbishment coffee and luxury chocolates. The Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ brand within such short succession. Work new Café was created on Balmoral of all-inclusive luxury is expanding to started with 804-guest Black Watch on Lounge Deck 7 by reconfiguring include unlimited internet access. arriving at the shipyard on 4 November the Library area. On Braemar, Café For all voyages setting sail after 1 2014 and returning to service on Fred. Venus was installed on Lounge Deck 5 January 2015 guests booked in Master, Olsen’s first-ever sellout ‘Mystery Cruise’ Grand, Seven Seas, Horizon, Mariner, of 14 nights which sailed from Tilbury on by reconfiguring the Library area, with Navigator and Voyager suites will 15 November. the Card Room moved and integrated receive unlimited complimentary with the Arts and Crafts Centre on Braemar was next arriving in Hamburg internet access. The free internet Atlantic Deck 3. on 12 November 2014 with the access is available for the duration 929-guest ship departing on a three- of the cruise and is accessible in all night ‘France Mini-Cruise’ from public spaces and suites via the ship Southampton on 20 November 2014. wide Wi-Fi system. The addition of free unlimited internet access for upper Balmoral, which carries 1,350 guests, suites coincides with the completion rounds off the planned dry dock works. of a multimillion-dollar upgrade to The ship arrived on 9 December and internet systems on all Regent Seven will be ready for a two-night pre- Seas’ ships. Christmas ‘France Mini-Cruise’ from While top tier suites will enjoy unlimited Southampton on 19 December. internet access, guests booked in The Blohm+Voss schedule for the three Penthouse and Concierge suites will Fred. Olsen cruise ships comprised SCANDINAVIAN ARTISTIC continue to receive complimentary various engineering works, general internet time based on the cruise refurbishment and interior and exterior TREASURES DISCOVERIES length. painting.

EBRATIN EL G The Ultimate Kimberley C

Expedition Cruise Years in 2015 10 Nights Darwin to Broome or v.v Book Now for your

Kimberley Cruise in 2015! 10 DAYS | MARINA 11 DAYS | RIVIERA With Australia’s Coral Princess Cruises you’ll discover DEPARTING 17 JUNE 2015 DEPARTING 25 JULY 2015 all of the icons of the Kimberley Coast over 10 days STOCKHOLM TO COPENHAGEN VENICE TO BARCELONA cruising between Darwin and Broome. Discover * * majestic King George River and mysterious Bradshaw VERANDA STATEROOM FROM $3,200 VERANDA STATEROOM FROM $4,180 * * Paintings. Travel ashore on the Mitchell Plateau, cruise CONCIERGE VERANDA FROM $3,400 CONCIERGE VERANDA FROM $4,400 * * mighty rivers and the remarkable tidal phenomenons PENTHOUSE SUITE FROM $4,000 PENTHOUSE SUITE FROM $5,500 of Montgomery Reef and the Horizontal Falls. Choose to cruise aboard Oceanic Discoverer or Coral Princess BONUS: US$100~ SHIPBOARD CREDIT BONUS: US$200~ SHIPBOARD CREDIT and be assured of a unique adventure. Excursions PER STATEROOM PER STATEROOM ashore are made easy aboard our unique ‘Xplorer’ excursion boat and fleet of zodiacs, allowing access

to must see icons on the Kimberley inaccessible to TERMS & CONDITIONS: *Cruise offers expire 31 March 2015. Fares listed are in AUD, per person twin share based on lowest available category as at 28 November 2014 & include non commissionable port taxes, government fees and onboard gratuities. Fares displayed reflect all promotional savings. Valid for new bookings, subject to availability, not combinable with other offers, are capacity controlled other travellers. With Coral Princess Cruises you’ll and may be withdrawn without prior notice. ~Shipboard credit is in US$ per stateroom as specified, cannot be redeemed for cash or used for further discount off cruise fare. It may only be used for onboard services. Any unused credit will be forfeited at the end of the cruise. Oceania Cruises reserves the right to correct error or omissions. Further terms and conditions can be found at oceaniacruise.com. discover more of the Kimberley, and experience it all in total comfort and unrivalled style.

REQUEST A BROCHURE: INFORMATION ONLINE: TO BOOK: ✆ 02 9959 1300 (Option 5) OceaniaCruises.com Contact Your Travel Agent

AWARD-WINNING MID-SIZE SHIPS • DESTINATION SPECIALISTS • FINEST CUISINE AT SEA COUNTRY CLUB-CASUAL AMBIANCE • EXTRAORDINARY VALUE 14 December 2014 SCANDINAVIAN ARTISTIC TREASURES DISCOVERIES

10 DAYS | MARINA 11 DAYS | RIVIERA DEPARTING 17 JUNE 2015 DEPARTING 25 JULY 2015 STOCKHOLM TO COPENHAGEN VENICE TO BARCELONA

* * VERANDA STATEROOM FROM $3,200 VERANDA STATEROOM FROM $4,180 * * CONCIERGE VERANDA FROM $3,400 CONCIERGE VERANDA FROM $4,400 * * PENTHOUSE SUITE FROM $4,000 PENTHOUSE SUITE FROM $5,500

BONUS: US$100~ SHIPBOARD CREDIT BONUS: US$200~ SHIPBOARD CREDIT PER STATEROOM PER STATEROOM

TERMS & CONDITIONS: *Cruise offers expire 31 March 2015. Fares listed are in AUD, per person twin share based on lowest available category as at 28 November 2014 & include non commissionable port taxes, government fees and onboard gratuities. Fares displayed reflect all promotional savings. Valid for new bookings, subject to availability, not combinable with other offers, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without prior notice. ~Shipboard credit is in US$ per stateroom as specified, cannot be redeemed for cash or used for further discount off cruise fare. It may only be used for onboard services. Any unused credit will be forfeited at the end of the cruise. Oceania Cruises reserves the right to correct error or omissions. Further terms and conditions can be found at oceaniacruise.com.

REQUEST A BROCHURE: INFORMATION ONLINE: TO BOOK: ✆ 02 9959 1300 (Option 5) OceaniaCruises.com Contact Your Travel Agent

AWARD-WINNING MID-SIZE SHIPS • DESTINATION SPECIALISTS • FINEST CUISINE AT SEA COUNTRY CLUB-CASUAL AMBIANCE • EXTRAORDINARY VALUE Captain of Viking Star Viking Ocean Cruises has announced position was captain that Captain Gulleik Svalastog will of Color Line Cruises. be at the helm of its first ocean ship, Svalastog is currently a the 930-passenger Viking Star, which member of the team will take on its first guests in April 2015. overseeing the final Leveraging his experience as a cruise stage of outfitting captain in Norway, Captain Svalastog and interior build-out will command and oversee the for Viking Star, which operation, crew and safety of the ship touched water for the in its maiden season in Scandinavia first time in June 2014 at Fincantieri’s PICK YOUR and the Baltic and the Western and Marghera shipyard and will be Eastern Mediterranean. christened in May 2015. GIFT Svalastog brings 45 years of sailing “We could not ask for a better CRUISING IN 2015 experience to Viking Ocean Cruises. captain for our first ocean ship,” said He has held a variety of senior Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking ship management positions and Cruises. “Captain Svalastog brings Book a BELLA CABIN has worked as superintendent for an impeccable record that will and choose: Norwegian Cruise Line and Crystal undoubtedly guide Viking Star and her guests though a successful maiden $50pp Onboard Credit Cruises and as Lead Auditor for Det Norske Veritas (DNV). His most recent season.” OR Bottle of Prosecco & fruit Tobacco Road’s New Home basket in your cabin Miami landmark, Tobacco Road and Norwegian Cruise Line have partnered Book a FANTASTICA CABIN to bring the Tobacco Road experience and choose: onboard Norwegian Escape, which will begin sailing from Miami in November $100pp Onboard Credit 2015. OR “We are thrilled to be able to preserve Allegro Drinks Package a piece of Miami’s history and provide this famous Miami institution a home at sea on board the incredible new Book a AUREA Norwegian Escape,” said Kevin or YACHT CLUB CABIN Sheehan, president and CEO of and choose: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Located within 678 Ocean Place, $150pp Onboard Credit the new location of the celebrated In celebration of Norwegian OR tavern will incorporate elements of the Escape’s one year to launch 2 Shore Excursions original Tobacco Road, including the milestone, Norwegian Cruise Line iconic neon sign, memorabilia and has announced that Miami’s oldest photographs that will showcase the and most legendary bar, Tobacco history of Miami through the lens of Road, will find a new home aboard MEDITERRANEAN the line’s newest and largest vessel. events and happenings at the bar over CRUISES The acclaimed establishment, which the past century. 7nts pp* was issued Miami’s very first liquor Norwegian Escape will begin weekly license, is closing its original location seven-day cruises from her year-round FROM $779 after 102 years in business. In an effort homeport of Miami to the Eastern to preserve the tradition of this iconic Caribbean on 14 November 2015.

GRAND New Innovations & Plush Finishes MEDITERRANEAN Crystal Symphony recently emerged CRUISES from a two-week, US$20 million-plus dry 14nts pp* dock redesign with lushly reimagined spaces, indoors and out. Guests have FROM $1,688 been greeted by contemporary and elegant new designs in the Crystal Plaza and adjacent Crystal Cove NORTHERN EUROPE Bar area – the ship’s main activity CRUISES “hubs”. There is a new outdoor 7nts pp* “Fitness Garden” spanning three FROM aft decks; top of the line indoor $1,239 fitness equipment; redesigned spa travellers’ desire,” says Crystal President and casino spaces; additional PURE and COO, Edie Rodriguez. “The new allergy-friendly staterooms; and features and spaces added during this technological upgrades throughout dry dock are astounding, and offer the ship. “We continue to invest our guests the relaxed, yet luxurious *Conditions apply. Must be booked by 17 Jan 2015. Prices are AU$ per person twin share subject to availability at time of in creating a contemporary and comfort that they have come to booking. For more information visit: www.msccruises.com.au sumptuous environment that meets the expect and enjoy on Crystal Cruises.” E&OE. MSC Cruises (Australia) Pty Limited ABN 55 003 526 725. General sales Agent for MSC Crociere S.A. | ATAS Accredited No. A10954. AD59 8 Dec 14 Unique Themed Cruises Choose your cruise experience with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines during 2015 aboard a selection of themed cruises. POISON, MURDER HIGHLAND FLINGS & MYSTERY cRUISE AND IRISH JIGS

20 night fly, cruise & stay 16 night fly, cruise & stay Departs Australia • 7 July 2015 Departs Australia • 20 August 2015 from $8485*pp twin share from $4849*pp twin share Enter Date here Imagine a Experience part of the Cowal cruise created International Edition and Dunoon Highland Games^ around mystery, and the Royal Edinburgh th 10 Octobermurder, 2014 poison, Military Tattoo^ on a 16 night secrecy and Highland Flings and Irish Jigs fly, suspense. cruise & stay package from Australia. A cruise that INSIDE THIS EDITION: With airfares, 2 nights in London lets you, if you plus transfer, and 10 nights cruising NEWS wish,UPDATE… become aboard Braemar from Dover, you directly involved have the opportunity to immerse  ‘Tisin the a season mystery for festive yourself in the diverse and cruising…extravaganza as multicultural Royal Edinburgh  Poison,it evolves. Murder & Mystery Military Tattoo - a once in a Cruise For cruise enthusiasts and POISON,murder mysteryMURDER fans, & lifetime experience for which there ‘Poison, Murder and Mystery’ is a 24 day fly, aren’t quite words to describe the cruise & stay package departingMYSTERY from Australia. CRUISE In jubilant atmosphere. addition to airfares, train travel between London DEALS UPDATE… See inside this week’s International From the port of Greenock in and Edinburgh, 2 nights stay in Edinburgh, and 2 Scotland, you can travel onward to Focus pack for full details on this  Topnights 10 Best staySellers in London, the 16 night mystery themed both Cowal and Dunoon for the largest Highland unique and exciting cruise  Newcruise Special aboard Offers Boudicca lasts the duration of the Games, to view a mix of Highland dancing, pipe cruise, where guests have the chanceexperience. to immerse bands, traditional wrestling, heavy athletics and themselves by participating as a character. There ceilidh music. are also a number of shore tours included in the price, and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines are offering a prize of a World Cruise to the guest who can solve To view an online version of the latest brochure the murder mystery! From ports around the uk to destinations worldwide visit www.cruiseabroad.com.au [email protected] Online – F.OCAL www.fredolsencruises.com – Amadeus Cruises Ph: 1300 669 369 PLUS (02) 9900 7200 FILM STARS & FAST cARS [email protected] See famous movie locations, spot stars at the Terms & Conditions *Prices are AUD$ per person based on twin share and are subject to availability at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change due to currency Cannes Film Festival and be a spectator at one fluctuation and may be withdrawn at any time. All airfare/taxes are due in full 24 hours from reservation and cancellation/change fees apply. Air taxes included in package of the famous motoring events in the world – the prices are based ex Sydney and subject to change until paid in full. Ships gratuities are Monaco Grand Prix^. payable on board and will be charged at £4 per person per day. The amount can be varied via the Ships Reception. Please refer to Fred. Olsen Cruises Worldwide 2015/2016 15 night cruise aboard Boudicca roundtrip from brochure for full conditions prior to booking. Conditions apply. ^Entry to the Edinburgh Tattoo and Highland Games is not included in the package price Dover • Departs 16 May 2015 and is at the discretion of guests to arrange prior to departure from Australia. ^Entrance to the race track in Monaco is not included in the cruise fare but may be purchased from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines at the time of cruise booking. New Production Shows Guests on Silversea are to enjoy music A grand ballroom is the elegant recorded exclusively for Silversea backdrop for this signature show, a by London’s Royal Philharmonic 45-minute tribute to popular operatic Orchestra. All-new, visually exciting arias and classical crossover music; musical experiences are coming to Mind the Gap – Mod fashions and the stages of Silversea Cruises’ five the iconic imagery of a London tube ultra-luxury ships. The new production station propel this lively journey back shows will feature live singing, to the 1960s and the British Invasion complemented with musical tracks that conquered the airwaves with recorded exclusively for Silversea by such legendary pop and rock stars as with a total of four full-scale musical such renowned artists as London’s the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Lulu, productions on each sailing. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Tom Jones, and more and Don’t Stop additional shows include Caliente, the Music where guests are welcome Seven different shows, featuring rich a Latin-inspired production, costuming, imaginative set designs, to don their best retro dancing shoes encompassing tunes from Spain and and special visual effects, will spotlight to join in this foot-tapping, sing-along South America; Shaken Not Stirred, the talents of an international homage to the disco era’s pulsating ensemble of accomplished vocalists, rhythms and colourful funky fashions – celebrating the intrigue, glamour, known collectively as the Voices and then take to the dance floor when and sophistication embodied in 50 of Silversea. The three principal the ship’s DJ steps in to keep the party years of James Bond films; Première, a production shows that will be rolling. chronological musical tribute to some performed in the main Show Lounge, Four additional shows will be rotated of the world’s greatest movies; and fleet-wide are: Musica Maestro – among the ships to provide guests Amore, featuring timeless love songs. Volendam makes maiden visit to Port Arthur A commemorative plaque mounted on a convict brick was presented to the Captain of MS Volendam to mark her maiden visit to the Port Arthur Historic Site on Thursday 20 November, 2014. The Holland America Line cruise ship brought around 1400 passengers to the historic site, which also marked the opening of the cruise season at Port Arthur. Passengers enjoyed a range of tours and activities as they explored Port Arthur and the nearby Coal Mines Historic Site, both of which are on the World Heritage list. Port Arthur’s newly commissioned tender jetty made transferring the passengers ashore a safe, straightforward and enjoyable process for all concerned. A further ten cruise ships are scheduled to call at Port Arthur by mid-March. Astor’s Northbound Voyage to the UK 16 Mar 2015 – 38 nights Special offers

Limited availability SUMMER SAIL

Guest 1 Guest 2 Interior from: $4,569* $2,284*

Oceanview from: $4,949* $2,474*

Like Astor Cruise Ship on Facebook www.cmvaustralia.com 2TA001284 *Prices are cruise only per person in AUD based on lead in twin share including all discounts, port charges, gratuities, Government Charges (including GST) and Indonesian Visa fee where applicable. Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. Prices are governed by terms and conditions listed in the current CMV Australia brochure March 2014. Cabins booked on guarantee basis. Cabins subject to availability, not applicable with any other discount or offer. Valid until sold or withdrawn. Valid for new bookings only.

18 December 2014 2015 & 2016 INTRODUCING VIKING OCEAN CRUISES

Join us as we usher in a new era of ocean cruising by taking the innovative thinking behind our award-winning river cruises and bringing it to the epic setting of the sea. This cruise experience is the one our river passengers inspired us to create. We have asked our Guests, listened, observed — and now crafted the ultimate kind of cruise: one focused on destinations. And in 2015, we will take destination cruising from the rivers to the ocean with the maiden season of the beautiful Viking Star®. With demand far outpacing availability on Viking Star®, we are pleased to announce that in 2016 she will be joined by two equally beautiful sister ships, Viking Sea® and Viking Sky®.

Call 1300 062 326 (AU) or 0800 447 913 (NZ)

Visit www.vikingcruises.com.au/oceans or see your local travel agent

Ad_World Wide Cruising19_A4.indd 3 1/08/2014 10:27 am Premiere Sailings in the Mediterranean When Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam sets sail in February 2016 the ship will head to the waters of the Mediterranean on a seven-day Premiere Voyage and continue on a series of 12-day Premiere Sailings through early May 2016. Following its repositioning to Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, ms Koningsdam will sail a seven- day Premiere Voyage roundtrip from Civitavecchia departing 20 February to Dubrovnik, Croatia; Kérkira (Corfu) and Katakolon (Olympia), Greece; and Naples, Italy. After the Premiere Voyage, from the end of February through early May ms Koningsdam will cruise a series of six 12-day Premiere Sailings on two alternating itineraries roundtrip from Civitavecchia. The first itinerary An Innovative Design Approach calls at Katakolon, Piraeus (Athens), When Holland America Line welcomes “When guests come aboard ms Rhodes and Crete, Greece; Istanbul ms Koningsdam to the fleet in February Koningsdam they’ll know they’re (overnight) and Kusadasi (Ephesus), 2016, the ship will debut a new era on a Holland America Line ship, but Turkey; and Naples, Italy. The other itinerary visits Naples, Italy; Palermo, in design approach for the line. As they’ll see we’re taking a forward- Sicily; Cagliari, Sardinia; Gibraltar, the first ship in the Pinnacle class, the thinking approach to many of the British Territory; and Cádiz, Málaga, 2,650-guest ship will have an interior design elements,” said Stein Kruse, CEO of Holland America Group. Cartagena and Barcelona (overnight), that blends a fresh, contemporary Spain. styling in perfect harmony with the “Revealing the first renderings and video of ms Koningsdam enables us line’s renowned classic elegance. PONANT launches fifth ship to give future guests an advance PONANT’s fifth luxury cruise ship Le Future guests, travel agents and ship look at the stunning interiors and Lyrial, ordered from Fincantieri, was fans can now get the first look at select over the coming months will reveal launched on 23 October at the interior renderings on Holland America innovative new features along with Ancona shipyard in Italy. The ship Line’s website, www.hollandamerica. our classic hallmarks that will create a is to be delivered in the northern com. The story of the ship will unfold cruise experience for the travellers of spring 2015. After Le Boréal (2010), online over the coming months tomorrow.” L’Austral (2011) and Le Soléal (2013), through vibrant renderings, engaging Over the coming months, more the launch of Le Lyrial concludes videos, ship facts and more details innovative features and detailed this unique series of four beautiful about the interiors created by Adam renderings of ms Koningsdam will be yachts loyal to the PONANT spirit. The D. Tihany and Bjørn Storbraaten. released. ceremony was attended, amongst others, by Jean-Emmanuel SAUVÉE, CEO of PONANT, Véronique SAADÉ, the company’s Deputy CEO, and the ship’s godmother Virginia GOHAGAN, Thomas P. GOHAGAN’s wife, CEO of Thomas P. Gohagan & Company, a long-standing travel partner of PONANT in the USA. For her first cruise, Le Lyrial will call into Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Hvar and Rovinj departing from Venice on 9 May.

20 December 2014 THOUSANDS OF YEARS OF HISTORY DESERVES A LITTLE MORE TIME

With longer stays in port, you’ll have extra time to explore the unique sights, sounds and flavours of every destination. The difference between a 5pm and 11pm departure is like night and day.

ADRIATIC & SUMMER BALTIC GREEK ISLES GREEK ISLES VOYAGE RUSSIA VOYAGE SUMMER HOLIDAY VOYAGE Azamara Journey – 11 nights Azamara Quest – 12 nights Azamara Journey – 9 nights Departs 12 Jun 2015 Departs 1 Aug 2015 Departs 21 Jul 2015

Contact your travel professional, call 1800 754 500 or visit azamaraclubcruises.com

J9028_AZA_Press_210x297_FA.indd 1 2/10/2014 11:52 am Regal Princess Launched in Star-Studded Ceremony Princess Cruises, the cruise line made celebration, followed by the breaking famous as the backdrop of the of a giant Nebuchadnezzar-size 51st iconic Love Boat television series bottle signifying Princess Cruises’ has christened its newest ship Regal continued success into the future. Princess with a tribute to the show as all Frequent show guest-star Florence six of the original cast members served Henderson served as the Master of as the ship’s godparents. Ceremonies and celebrities walking The star-studded Love Boat themed the 50th Anniversary gold carpet festivities, which also launched the included: Loni Anderson, Joyce DeWitt, line’s 50th anniversary, celebrated Jamie Farr, Pam Grier, Christopher the role the show played in Princess Knight, Diane Ladd, Lorenzo Lamas, Cruises’ five-decades-long history and Carol Lawrence, Rich Little, Kristy featured 25 of the shows past guest McNichol, Lee Meriwether, Don Most, stars. All six Love Boat cast members – Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing), Tracy Nelson, Mackenzie Phillips, Doris Fred Grandy (Gopher, the chief purser), Roberts, Marion Ross, Frank Sinatra Jr., Ted Lange (Isaac, the bartender), Charlene Tilton, Joan Van Ark, Dick Bernie Kopell (Doc, the ship’s doctor), Van Patten and Adrian Zmed. The Lauren Tewes (cruise director Julie) guest star with the most number of and Jill Whelan (Vicki, the captain’s appearances on the show, Charo, daughter) – pulled a lever that first sent entertained the guests with a classical a record-breaking 50 champagne guitar number and Jack Jones, who bottles smashing against the ship’s hull sang the original version of the Love as a nod to the company’s anniversary Boat theme, reprised the famous song. HRH Princess Anne visits Vanuatu Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, dispensary on Aneityum, located in the international president of Save the most southern chain of Vanuatu’s the Children received a briefing islands, is underway and will provide a in Vanuatu on the P&O Pacific range of health services for the local Partnership which is helping to fund community. vital health and education projects In Vila to update Princess Anne on for island communities. Receiving a the progress of the P&O Pacific royal reception with the entire village Partnership, Carnival Australia of Siviri turning out to meet her, Princess Corporate Communications Manager Anne took the opportunity to see how David Jones said it was a thrill to see programs such as the P&O Pacific the whole village turn out to greet Her Partnership with Save the Children are Royal Highness including excited local benefiting locals. children who will be the beneficiaries of Save the Children projects in the Established nearly two years ago, the years to come. To mark the occasion, P&O Pacific Partnership with Save Mr Jones presented Princess Anne the Children, in which the cruise line’s with some handmade blankets and a guests have contributed more than Born to Knit kit which passengers can $500,000, has already funded the purchase onboard to knit woollen construction of two kindergartens and squares that are fashioned into an aid post. blankets for newborn babies at the Vila The biggest project to date, a $270,000 Central Hospital.

22 December 2014 THE GREATEST WAY TO SEE THE WORLD

Book these World Cruises deals now. See your travel agent or call P&O Cruises World Cruising on 13 24 28 Costa’s New Cruise Ship The christening of Costa Diadema, the fifteenth ship and new flagship of Costa Cruises fleet, took place in Genoa on 7 November. It is the 12th cruise ship built in Italy by Fincantieri for Costa. Costa Cruises has invested a total of around 550 million euro in the construction of the Costa Diadema. The project has involved approximately 1,000 shipyard workers plus another 2,500 subcontractors and about 400 contracted suppliers, most of which are Italian firms, engaged Celebrating 30 Years of Cargo Cruising for the fitting-out of the interiors of the Thirty years ago, Tahiti freighter Aranui the anniversary during Aranui 3’s 25 cruise ship. At 132,500 gross tons, more 1 became the first modern ship to April departure. than 300 meters long and 37 meters carry cruise passengers and cargo Aranui’s Regional Representative wide, Costa Diadema has 1,862 guest across the South Pacific marking the Australia New Zealand Laurent Wong cabins and will be an Ambassador of beginning of a long-running cruise said while the onboard product had Italy’s finest offering the best of Italian lifestyle, entertainment, gastronomy operation which has seen 44,750 evolved a lot in the past 30 years, and hospitality. passengers and 484,900 tonnes of the spectacular destinations were as freight carried between Tahiti and untouched and beautiful as when the remote Tuamotu and Marquesas Aranui 1 made her historic first calls Islands. The Wong family, which back in 1984. “For 30 years, Aranui has runs the Aranui freighters through been offering discerning travellers the Compagnie Polynesienne de Transport adventure of a lifetime across three Maritime (CPTM), has offered a cargo French Polynesian archipelagoes service since 1954, occasionally – the Marquesas, Tuamotus and providing passage to Tahitians who Society Islands – and with transport, slept on the main cargo deck under the stars and sheltered under a meals, accommodation and tours all tarpaulin during the day. included, it’s still one of the best value ways to see Tahiti,” Mr Wong said. Sensing a market for a soft adventure cruise experience in the region, the In 2015, Aranui’s 14-day roundtrip company spent several years in the cruises from Papeete will visit Nuku early 80s modifying its freighter to a Hiva, Ua Pou, Tahuata, Fatu Hiva, mixed cargo and passenger vessel Hiva Oa, Ua Huka in the Marquesas, with the introduction of 12 cabins, a Takapoto and Rangiroa in the new galley, dining room, dormitory Tuamotus and the famed Society and other basic amenities. On 22 Island of Bora Bora. November 1984, Aranui 1 made its first In late 2015, the 256-passenger Aranui historic passenger cruise, departing 5 is set to replace Aranui 3 which from Papeete with 24 international and has been in service for more than a local passengers, and cargo, bound decade. (There won’t be an Aranui for the northern Tahiti archipelagoes. 4 as the number is considered bad Thirty years and three ships later, luck by the Chinese-owned cruise Aranui has announced it will celebrate company.)

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24 December 2014 2015 GRAND VOYAGES THE GRAND TOUR VENICE TO VILLEFRANCHE FLY FREE 15 NIGHTS DEPARTING 20 MAY 2015 AND ENJOY...

P Return flights from Australia* P 2 night hotel stay in Venice P 13 nights aboard Aegean Odyssey P Full included shore excursion program ^ P Complimentary transfers P Expert guest speakers PREMIUM INSIDE OUTSIDE DELUXE OUTSIDE CABIN from CABIN from CABIN from $5,385* $7,130* $8,110* NEW ITINERARY!

AEGEAN ODYSSEY - IN A CLASS OF HER OWN Classically elegant, but far from stuﬀ y & formal, oﬀ ering boutique-style cruising designed for the sophisticated traveller. With tastefully understated interior. Aegean Odyssey provides gracious public rooms, a choice of restaurants and stability in inclement weather.

TEL: (02) 9959 1333 EMAIL: [email protected] www.voyagestoantiquity.com

TERMS & CONDITIONS: :* Fares listed are per person in AU$ share twin based on inside cabin (Cat L), Outside Cabin (Cat H) and Deluxe Outside Cabin (Cat F) and are subject to availability & capacity controlled as at 28 November 2014. A deposit of up to 12.5% of your total cruise fare may be required to secure your cruise reservation. Fly free offers may require additional funds be paid to ensure air ticketing conditions are met, please enquire at time of booking for any additional funds required and conditions. Fly Free offers are ex Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane or Adelaide only. Flights can only be booked once dates are made available by the airline. A Surcharge may apply if increase in airfare tax occurs, introduction of fuel surcharge, or if different airline, routing or dates of travel are required. The Fly Free Offer cannot be combined with any other fares or offer. ^Single cabin rates shown here apply only to dedicated single cabins and only in categories shown. Once Single Cabins are sold out, a limited number of double cabins are available at additional supplements, please enquire at time of booking. Cancellation penalties and conditions apply. Airline cancellation penalties and amendment fees may apply, please check with your travel agent. All fares and taxes are subject to change without notice up until full payment is received. Voyages to Antiquity reserve the right to change, correct errors, withdraw from sale any or all fares, itineraries and fees at any time. For full terms and conditions please refer to the Voyages to Antiquity website www.voyagestoantiquity.com.au Offer is valid to 28 February 2015 unless withdrawn earlier. Existing bookings on these promotional sailings that cancel and rebook do not qualify for these offers. National Geographic Orion Renovations

Renovations were carried out on 20 per cent of space that now Lindblad Expeditions-National Lindblad Expeditions-National enables seating for all guests and the Geographic launched the 102-guest Geographic Orion during dry dock in expedition team at once. National Geographic Orion in March September. The two public spaces, The The Lounge features a “circle of 2014, previously the Orion. While she Lounge (main) and the Observation truth” in the centre (as on National has retained all of her state-of-the-art Lounge, were redesigned to better Geographic Explorer), and this serves comforts, the ship was equipped with a serve the dynamic, learning-oriented as the focal area for all presentations full roster of exploration tools including community for guests and the staff and recap discussions by the ship’s tandem kayaks, an innovative ROV aboard. The Observation Lounge expedition team and experts. The bar (remotely operated vehicle reaching underwent a complete refurbishment was redesigned as well as an updating and layout change and now features of all furnishings and carpets. There depths up to 1,000 feet), snorkelling an intimate library, nautical chart table was also an upgrade of all audio gear for all guests, a dive master, and a self-serve beverage station. and visual functions including large scuba gear that can accommodate The current library was removed from high definition flat screens and a up to 24 divers at a time and a glass the Lounge, providing an additional contemporary audio system. bottom boat.

New Partnership Jetstar and Cruise Guru have cruise. With 18 of the world’s most and create more benefits for our announced a new partnership that popular cruise lines available to book, guests. P&O Cruises is the first Australian will connect even more Australians to Cruise Choice technology powered by cruise line to be promoted by Jetstar the fastest growing market in the travel Cruise Guru will offer Jetstar customers Cruises, highlighting our important industry – cruising. endless choice, full online support and position as the booking engine’s Jetstar customers are now able to instant confirmation at the click of a largest cruise line partner.” book their cruise holidays online button.” at Jetstar.com using the unique Head of Product at Jetstar, Carly technology of Cruise Choice, powered Povey added, “We’ve watched by Cruise Guru. the increasing trend of cruising and Holidaymakers can choose from a full wanted to be able to make this unique range of domestic and international travel experience accessible to our cruise itineraries with live availability customers. We have great flexibility and instant confirmation. with the cruises at Jetstar.com, from The partnership was officially short trips within Australia to longer announced at a media briefing in cruises around South East Asia to suit a Sydney on board Pacific Jewel. range of budgets.” Joint Managing Director of Cruise Tammy Marshall from P&O said “As Guru Justin Montgomery, said: “This Australia’s favourite cruise line, we’re partnership is a game-changer for proud to partner with like-minded Australian families and travellers national tourism brands, Jetstar and looking to enhance their holiday Cruise Guru, which are perfectly experience with a truly unforgettable positioned to grow the cruise business

26 December 2014 EXPLORE THE UNIQUE BEAUTY OF

The ports of Scandinavia entice from Copenhagen’s Tivoli gardens to the battlements of Hamlet’s Helsingor Castle. With overnights in St. Petersburg, a glorious revolution of the senses awaits, from the grand palaces of the Tsars and iconic cathedrals to the Hermitage, offering some of the most profound works of art ever revealed to the global traveller. The 700-guest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager is the most luxurious way to explore this region of the world and, as a mid-sized ship, offers the ideal setting for impeccable personalised service, international dining and generous included amenities. Northern Take advantage of sailing our six-star fleet where almost everything imaginable is included in your value-packed cruise fare: Unlimited Shore Excursions* in every port; one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel package* Europe for Concierge Suites and above, including breakfast and transfer from hotel to pier; FREE WiFi for Concierge Suites and above of up to 500 minutes per suite#; onboard prepaid gratuities; unlimited beverages including fine wines, premium spirits, bottled water and soft drinks; 24- hour room service and no charge for specialty restaurants. 2015 sailings

CRUISE FARE PER DESTINATION PERSON FROM*

18 June | 8 Nights Copenhagen to Stockholm Ports: Copenhagen, Berlin (Warnemünde), US$5,299 Tallinn, St. Petersburg˚, Helsinki, Stockholm (CAT G) UP TO 34* FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS

26 June | 10 Nights Stockholm to Copenhagen Ports: Stockholm, Tallinn, St. Petersburg˚, US$6,599 Helsinki, Riga, Klaipéda, Berlin (Warnemünde), Copenhagen (CAT G) UP TO 44* FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS

26 July | 10 Nights Copenhagen to Stockholm Ports: Copenhagen, Berlin (Warnemünde), US$8,779 Klaipéda, Riga, Helsinki, St. Petersburg˚, (CAT G) Tallinn, Stockholm UP TO 44* FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS

5 August | 12 Nights Stockholm to London (Southampton) Ports: Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg˚, US$9,599 Tallinn, Riga, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, (CAT H) Bruges (Zeebrugge), London (Southampton) UP TO 51* FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS

29 August | 12 Nights London (Southampton) to Stockholm Ports: London (Southampton), Bruges US$9,599 (Zeebrugge), Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Riga, (CAT H) Tallinn, St. Petersburg˚, Helsinki, Stockholm UP TO 51* FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS

10 September | 10 Nights Stockholm to Copenhagen Ports: Stockholm, Tallinn, St. Petersburg˚, US$8,079 Helsinki, Riga, Klaipéda, Berlin (Warnemünde), (CAT H) Copenhagen UP TO 44* FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS

˚Two nights in port attractive fly/cruise airfares available

FORFOR A BROCHURE A BROCHURE AND AND FURTHER FURTHER INFORMATION INFORMATION CONTACT CONTACT Wiltrans Wiltrans international international ON ON1800 1800 251 251174 174 | www.wiltrans.com.au | www.wiltrans.com.au

*Terms and conditions: Cruise fares subject to review 1 January 2015. At the time of your purchase, fares may be higher. For current fares and promotional offers, please contact Wiltrans International. Fares listed are in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy in accommodation category as stated and are subject to availability. All fares and offers are for new bookings only, are capacity controlled and subject to availability, may not be combined with other offers and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Fares are based on published Full Brochure Fares; fares may not include Personal Charges, Optional Facilities and Services Fees as defined in the Terms and Conditions of the Guest Ticket Contract. The bonus one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel package applies for guests 1 and 2 only in Concierge Suites and higher only. Bonus Luxury Hotel Package is not available for new bookings made within 60 days of departure. For existing bookings, guests may not transfer to alternate hotel within 60 days of departure. Hotels are subject to change without notice. FREE Unlimited Shore Excursion reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and number of shore excursions are subject to availability. Restrictions apply and cancellations received 36 hours prior to shore excursion start date may incur penalties. # The number of FREE WiFi minutes received will be based on the length of the voyage. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares or promotional offers at any time. Further terms and conditions may apply. Please contact Wiltrans International for full details. Ships’ Registry: Bahamas ©2013 Regent Seven Seas Cruises®. www.cruisingnews.com 27 The World’s First Smartship – Quantum of the Seas Arriving In New York Harbour Described as smart, fashionable, tech The official naming ceremony for savvy and incredibly adventurous and Quantum of the Seas took place on poised to bring the cruise industry into Friday, 14 November during the pre- the 21st century, Royal Caribbean inaugural celebration hosted by the International’s newest cruise ship ship’s godmother, Kristin Chenoweth. Quantum of the Seas arrived into her Quantum of the Seas spans 16 guest homeport of Cape Liberty Cruise Port decks; encompass 168,666 gross in Bayonne, NJ bringing with her a registered tons; carry 4,180 guests at wave of unprecedented first-at-sea double occupancy; and feature 2,090 features and amenities. Superfast staterooms. wireless connectivity, the world’s first robotic bartenders, a skydiving The ship will sail from New York harbour simulator, bumper cars, futuristic to the Bahamas and the Caribbean for entertainment, and partnerships with her inaugural season before departing celebrated chefs Jamie Oliver, Michael for her new homeport of Shanghai Schwartz and Devin Alexander, are just (Baoshan), China, in May 2015. Sister- a small sample of what the modern ship Anthem of the Seas will debut age of cruising looks like onboard in Southampton in April 2015 and sail Quantum of the Seas. Mediterranean itineraries.

28 December 2014 www.cruisingnews.com 29 PhotoGALLERY

2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7.

8. 9.

10. 11. 12.

Photos – 1. Explorer of the Seas (Mike Bartlett), 2. Seabourn Sojourn (Jan Young), 3. Island Sky, 4. Ryndam, 5. Norwegian Spirit following Ryndam, 6. MSC Splendida, 7. ‘Peace Boat’ Ocean Dream former Pacific Star, 8. Azamara Quest (Trevor Chatterton), 9. SUPERSTAR Virgo (Mike Ristuccia), 10. Aegean Odyssey, 11. Ocean Majesty, 12. Grand Celebration, 13. Seven Seas Mariner and 14. Celebrity SILHOUETTE (Trevor Chatterton). 13. 14.

30 December 2014 G C R U I S E T R AV E L ’ S L E A D I N A G E N C Y R A L I A A U S T

Bonus Points

Earn 1 Extra Bonus Point per dollar spent 2016 americanexpress.com.au/more

ID# 21464 BRITISH OPEN 20 NIGHT CRUISE TOUR Join us in 2016 for a golfers holiday of a lifetime on our 20 night fully escorted cruise tour which incorporates a memorable weekend at the British Open to be played at Royal Troon. Our tour commences on the 4th of July with a stopover in Dubai. On the 6th we will ﬂ y to CLUB Dublin where the golf adventure starts with INTERIOR $13,839p/p* 5 nights at the famous KClub. Combining CLUB 11 nights onboard Azamara Quest, 9 nights VERANDA p/p* of deluxe hotel accommodation, 8 rounds of $14,999 golf at various courses, including the famous Royal County Down Golf Club and Royal Liverpool to name a few plus entry to the British Open, city tours, transfers and return Book before airfares. The tour is limited to 30 people so get in quick! 30 DEC 2014 & receive a Chocolate Covered Fruit Platter & Wine Package onboard

INCLUDES 8 11 9 BRITISH ROUNDS CRUISE HOTEL OPEN OF GOLF NIGHTS NIGHTS ENTRY For a full list of inclusions, itinerary or to book your cruise call 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel/open2016

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Cruise Tour is exclusive from Ecruising.travel and limited to 30 people. Golf courses are only confi rmed 12 months prior to the event. Offer: Chocolate Covered Fruit Platter & Wine Package (2 Bottles) onboard is valid for bookings made before the 30 Dec 14 but may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices are per person in Australian Dollars based on twin occupancy and inclusive of all discounts, taxes and port charges (which are subject to change). Prices & itinerary are correct at the time of printing 28/11/14, but subject to change without notice due to currency fl uctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Cruise itinerary is subject to change without notice. Air taxes are included in this product based on departing SYD/BNE/MEL/ADL/PER unless otherwise stated using the most direct route with no stop overs. Prices may vary until full payment is received, please ask your consultant for details. Conditions apply. Surcharges may be imposed on credit card transactions. Updates and corrections may be found on our website www.ecruising.travel. See our website for full terms and conditions License # 2TA 5076. American Express Membership Rewards Bonus Points Offer Terms and Conditions: Offer commences 1 April 2014 and ends 30 June 2015. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available at https://www.americanexpress.com/australia/bonus-partners/index.html. Membership Rewards Bonus Point offers are valid for purchases made in Australia and charged to an eligible Membership Rewards enrolled Australian dollar American Express Card. Enrolment in Membership Rewards is required (an annual fee may apply). Transactions processed by third party processors such as PayPal are not eligible for Bonus Points. Please allow 8 to 10 weeks for Bonus Points to be credited to your account. The Bonus Points offer excludes Qantas American Express Cards, American Express Velocity Cards, David Jones American Express Cards, Business Cards affi liated with a wholesale partner and Cards not issued by American Express. FEATURE STORY

Voyager of the Seas Returns to Australia after 40 day Refit

Voyager of the Seas has returned to Australia after undergoing a 40 day, $US80 million revitalisation in the Sembawang Shipyard in Singapore and now offers a host of incredible new features including the regions first and only FlowRider surf rider at sea, new industry first virtual balcony staterooms with real time virtual views, three new specialty restaurants, a giant poolside screen, 24 new panoramic staterooms with wrap-around floor to ceiling windows for seaviews and more. A further $US20 million was spent in Brisbane 6 containers of provisions of up to 150-square metres. 70 percent the marine areas including Azipod were waiting to be loaded and when of all cabins offer sea views, and 80 maintenance and modification, the ship reached Sydney a further 11 percent of those have balconies. All Thruster and Stablisher maintenance, containers were awaiting. 1,642 staterooms come complete with Hull inspection and paintings, a new At 311m long, 38m wide and with a flat-screen TV, telephone, private tender and other work whilst the ship 15 passenger decks, Voyager of the bathroom and 24-hour room service. was in dry-dock. 3,100 contractors Seas is almost double the size of most A hit on board was the Flow Rider –the worked on the ship and each day 20 ships currently based in the region Captain led by example. Passengers containers of rubbish was removed and is host to 3,284 guests at double of all ages took up the challenge to from the vessel. It is amazing how the capacity in her 1,642 staterooms. conquer this exciting surf rider. workers managed to do so much in the Voyager of the Seas has given new Studio B is the first ever ice skating forty days – around 8,000 items were meaning to rooms with a view with on the work list to be carried out. 40 rink at sea. When professionals are three unique types of staterooms not practicing for or performing in people at head office in Miami started onboard. The design of Voyager planning the refit 2 years ago spectacular ice-skating shows, the 700- of the Seas first introduced the seat rink is open for guests to enjoy. It is The first of five ships in Royal cruising industry to inside cabins that also home to other onboard activities, Caribbean’s Voyager Class, Voyager have a view with generously-sized like game shows, onboard parties, of the Seas entered service in 1999, interior cabins overlooking the Royal cooking demonstrations and more. and became the world’s largest cruise Promenade. Now she carries on the ship, weighing in at 137,276 tonnes. tradition of innovation with another The ship’s other state-of-the-art at Before her latest revitalisation, she was industry first concept from the newest sea facilities include a full-sized sports refurbished in 2004, 2009 and again in Quantum class of ships. Virtual court for basketball and volleyball April 2012. Balconies provide guests in selected games; a nine-hole mini-golf course; a During the Singapore to Sydney interior staterooms with real-time sights jogging track; a 9-metre rock climbing cruise chefs worked around the clock and sounds of the sea, displayed wall soaring 61 metres above sea every day preparing around 20 to on an 80-inch, high definition screen level; three swimming pools and six 25 thousand meals. Food supplies framed to look like a real balcony. The whirlpools. for twelve days are carried on every ship features Interior, Oceanview and Voyager of the Seas also offers cruise. When the ship arrived in Balcony staterooms, as well as Suites guests an adults-only solarium area

32 December 2014 with its own swimming pool plus a views. The Viking Crown Lounge scheduled and supervised all-day 1,400-square metre Spa & Fitness converts to a club after-hours and activities in three age-tiered curricula: centre with beauty salon. there is the Diamond Lounge for Crown Aquanauts (ages 3-5), Explorers (6-8) There are a number of eating options & Anchor guests to enjoy plus the new and Voyagers (9-11); while those aged on board. The main dining room – sports bar – The Tavern. On deck and in 12-17 have a dedicated lounge to the Sapphire Dining Room – spans 3 the Star Lounge The Latitude Band and hang out with those in their own age decks and offers an elegant dining the Kinetic provided popular music group. Activities include shipbuilding experience. Seating 1,920 people that was much appreciated. regattas, talent shows, scavenger in total, the main dining room is the Of course the Casino Royale offered hunts and movies. Royal Caribbean largest restaurant in Australasia. For entertainment for both experienced offers Adventure Ocean dining and an additional cost there are the new players and beginners. fountain soda packages, and on restaurants – guests can enjoy meals Each night guests could take in the selected nights, the Youth Staff also at the Tuscan style trattoria Giovanni’s glitz, glamour and special effects of a host dinners in the casual restaurant Table with classic Italian dishes made Broadway-style stage production in the which allows parents some time to from the freshest ingredients; elegant 1,461 seat La Scala Theatre. It spans themselves. dining restaurant Chops Grille for the five storeys from its orchestra pit to The Royal Promenade is the first-of- finest meat and seafood grilled dishes; domed ceiling featuring original shows its kind onboard “street”, lined with Japanese fusion restaurant Izumi’s and by Royal Caribbean Productions, places to eat, drink and shop where there is the all-American 50s inspired which range from stage productions to guests can stroll up and down as they Johnny Rockets where guests can Las Vegas-inspired floorshows, as well would on land. The four-storey area enjoy classic milk-shakes, burgers and as guest performances from headline stretches the length of a football field fries and the performance from singing musical acts or live comedy shows. through the middle of the ship and is a and dancing waiters. Comedian Ian McLaren from the Gold hub of activity onboard. Other casual dining venues include Coast had the passengers in laughter the Windjammer Café that offers as he told one joke after another. The Voyager of the Seas boasts a host of breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. theatre is bigger than the famous new up-to-the-minute technologies While guests are strolling along the Piccadilly Theatre in London. thanks to her revitalisation including Royal Promenade they can also dine Kids and teens are well catered for on bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service for even free of charge at the very popular board Voyager of the Seas. It offers better coverage than ever before Cafe Promenade with a selection guests an exclusive at-sea DreamWorks (great for social media addicts), new of sandwiches, pizza and pastries to Experience. “Celebrity” characters digital signage to help guests find their choose from. from films such as Shrek, Kung Fu way around the ship and to find out On board you will find some 14 Panda and Madagascar engage what’s happening onboard, and flat lounges, bars and clubs. There are guests of all ages, day and night, panel televisions in every stateroom. several themed lounges throughout with unique experiences, including Royal Caribbean provides the glasses the ship including the Star Lounge, exclusive special events and parades, and the action in the onboard 3D High Notes and Crow’s Nest. The pool interactive character breakfasts in movie theatre – all guests have to do bars are ever-popular or if an English the main dining room, and plenty is sit back and prepare to be wowed pub takes your fancy, the Pig & Whistle of photo opportunities. As well as as new releases from DreamWorks and serves up a variety of imported ales days and nights filled with plenty of other studios come to life in stunning and beers. Performing at the Pig sporting options, kids and teens have 3D! Plus, the ship also features a & Whistle during the Singapore to a dedicated area of the ship on Deck 220-square foot outdoor movie screen Sydney cruise was Ian Miller, son of Irish 12 with an Adventure Ocean Club, a by the pool. Rover founder Joe Miller. Raised on video arcade that features a variety of songs and stories he entertained an games for the whole family and Optix Perched on the very top deck of enthusiastic crowd every night. disco for teens to hang out. Voyager of the Seas is the Skylight Chapel, a peaceful, light-filled space Additionally, there are Royal Adventure Ocean is Royal Caribbean’s which can seat approximately 40 Caribbean’s signature bars and award winning youth program that people, where guests can renew their lounges: the retro-chic R Bar, allows children to participate in a channelling the sophisticated 1960s range of planned activities perfectly vows or say ‘I do’. There is also a library era complete with iconic furnishings designed for every age, starting with and card room, and an internet café. and signature cocktails created Royal Babies (ages 6–18 months) and The ship is big and beautiful and so by savvy mixologists; the engaging Royal Tots (18-36 months) which invites easy to find your way around. We Schooner Bar where Will Bailey parents to accompany their children enjoyed our six night cruise from Darwin entertained and the light-filled Viking for enriching interactive classes. to Brisbane. More of our experiences in Crown Lounge with 360-degree sea Younger cruisers, aged 3-11, have our February 2015 issue. JT/KT

www.cruisingnews.com 33 01 Circle “C” 10 Splash Zone 02 Arcade 11 Green Thunder 03 Camp Carnival 12 Carnival’s Twister Waterslide 04 Sports Court 13 Serenity Retreat 05 Mini-Golf 14 Main Restaurant 06 Pool & Spa 15 Atrium & Lobby Bar 07 Sliding Sky Dome, Main Pool & Spa 16 Casino 08 Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ Restaurant 17 RedFrog Pub 09 Nouveau Restaurant 18 The Main Show Lounge

11 04 05 10 07 06 12 08 01 13 09 03 02 18

17 16 15 14

Carnival Legend “Aussiefied” Carnival Legend is now sailing a series The major renovation included adding in the wardrobe. Food always plays of between 8 to 12 day cruises, with the Green Thunder slide, Splashdown an important role in any cruise. the exception of a three night cruise in children’s waterslides and drenching The main restaurant, Truffles, was February 2015 and a four night cruise bucket, Serenity Retreat for adults, great – excellent menu with a good in April 2015, to the Pacific Islands from Bonsai Sushi restaurant, RedFrog Pub variety of meals and the service was Sydney. The ship leaves Sydney on 20 and new Aussie beers (including the first class. Do be prepared for some April 2015 on an 18 night repositioning specially-crafted Thirsty Frog Summer entertainment each night from the cruise to Honolulu. It is due back in Ale) and the Cherry on Top candy staff. Breakfast and lunch was the usual October 2015 for another period of store. The fitness centre and several of buffet style – you couldn’t complain seasonal cruising; however we may the public areas were also refurbished. about the choice or the main see the vessel fulltime if there is the Australian power outlets were added dining room was open. A specialty demand for another Carnival vessel in staterooms. Onboard there are 12 restaurant Nouveau should be visited fulltime to join Carnival Spirit. passenger decks, 16 lounges, and at least once during a cruise or some The ship was built by Kvaerner Masa- indoor and outdoor promenades. passengers tended to visit more often. Yards in their Helsinki shipyard in Finland Eighty percent of the staterooms have It is a steak and seafood/lobster venue and delivered to Carnival in August ocean views and eighty percent of with a $40 per head cost with wine 2002. It is 88,500 tons and carries 2,124 those have private balconies. extra. It is well worth the experience. passengers (2,680 at full capacity). In Once onboard I found the ship easy early 2014, the ship underwent a US$47 to navigate. My balcony cabin was Carnival Legend will provide an million refurbishment in readiness for roomy, the bathroom with a shower enjoyable cruise for most, however is its debut into the Australian market. adequate and good hanging space well suited as a family ship. JT

34 December 2014 SeaDreaming from Dubrovnik to Athens NEVER-forget highlights of two Mediterranean northern summer sailings next year with SeaDream Yacht Club from Dubrovnik to Athens include Itea for the opportunity to visit the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Delphi, Kusadasi for Ephesus that has the most Roman ruins in the Eastern Mediterranean and nearby the House of the Virgin Mary, and through the tight-fit 6.3km Corinth Canal started by Emperor Nero in 67AD and eventually opened in 1893. Other Greek ports on these week-long voyages include the picturesque little resort town of Parga, the tiny island of Hydra where parts of Boy on a Dolphin (Alan Ladd, Sophia Loren, Clifton Webb) were filmed, Hurtigruten and Evergreen Partner Patmos where St John wrote the Book In 2015 Hurtigruten has partnered over 60 locks. The first part of the trip of Revelations, and volcanic Santorini. with Evergreen Tours to create the will finish in Amsterdam with a night The mega motor-cruiser SeaDream I ultimate 22 day river and sea cruise to enjoy in this happening city where will sail this itinerary on 4 July and 15 holiday, combining the very best Van Gogh meets Heineken and canals August 2015. cruising along the Danube, Main and connect vibrant neighbourhoods. Rhine Rivers between Budapest and The following day the journey involves Amsterdam and along the Norwegian a flight to Bergen, Norway to board Coast, through the fjords of Western your Hurtigruten ship. Hurtigruten has Norway, the Arctic Circle and beyond. been a vital link between Norway’s The river cruise is over 15 days on cities, towns and hamlets, carrying board Evergreen’s Emerald ‘Star Ship’ local passengers, freight and guests to Amsterdam, visiting the cities of from all over the world since 1893. The Bratislava, Vienna, Nuremberg and Hurtigruten crew are local Norwegians Cologne, as well as the medieval who know every corner and hidden towns of Bamberg, Miltenberg, treasure of the spectacular coastline. Durnstein, Rudesheim and Wurzburg travelling through the beautiful Wachau Valley and Rhine Gorge with their countless castles and vineyards, and the Main-Danube canal, a technical masterpiece combining

Trifecta of Ships In a winning trifecta for Melbourne, 31. Carnival Spirit has an eight-night three cruise ships spend three days cruise departing Sydney on 30 October berthed at Station Pier for the Spring 2015. Carnival, marking the single biggest P&O Cruises will also be sailing to injection of punters to the Melbourne the Australian Open in January Cup. P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel and offering its inaugural cruise to and Pacific Pearl joined sister line Melbourne’s Food and Wine Festival in Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Spirit. March 2015. Between them the three ships carried about 6000 guests, accounting for an Photos estimated 10 per cent of all people Sending P&O Cruises’ ships off to the visiting Melbourne for the Cup, Melbourne Cup in style, and add and about 5 per cent of total race a little horse power to Pacific Pearl attendees. Almost half of P&O Cruises’ before it raced to the Cup, two guests (1650) opted to upgrade from miniature horses became the first general admission to a VIP package. to trot onto a cruise ship in Sydney Some 130 buses were hired to transport Harbour posing with reigning Myer the thousands of punters to and from Fashions on the Field winner Chloe Flemington. Moo and Carnival Australia CEO Ann In 2015 for the Melbourne Cup Pacific Sherry. Jewel and Pacific Pearl will offer a six- And from Carnival Spirit’s departure night roundtrip itinerary from Sydney on from Sydney some of the Carnival sales 31 October 2015, while Pacific Dawn team in silks – (left to right) BDM Sissel will cruise on a seven-night roundtrip Way, Director of sales Anton Loeb and itinerary from Brisbane on 31 October BDM Lance Dye.

www.cruisingnews.com 35 The Rob Henderson Doug Cremer& Collection

The original PACIFIC PRINCESS arriving in Sydney in December 1975 – the first time a Princess Cruise ship arrived in Australia. These images are significant in this being the 50th Anniversary of Princess Cruises. The PACIFIC PRINCESS arrived in Sydney on 18 December 1975 and remained to undertake a highly successful season of cruising from Sydney until May 1976.

36 December 2014 WORLD TRAVEL Cruising the Lakes of Switzerland by Tom Koppel & Photos by Annie Palovcik

The whistle blows as the vintage towns, quaint villages, picturesque of time to savour these delicacies while 1914 paddlewheeler Savoie gets up islands and impressive castles. Stately sipping glasses of chardonnay. We are steam. Our waiter serves “Captain’s steamers and simple diesel ferries traversing the entire lake, nearly four Cocktails,” champagne with shots of come and go all day and evening. hours. Others board for much shorter apricot brandy, followed by appetizers We can head out on one sailing and legs of the sailing, from one landing of creamy rhubarb mousse. The dining return on a choice of later ones. Using along the lake to the next. They bring room is bright and cheery, with picture the Swiss Pass, which also covers our bikes, backpacks and baby carriages. train travel between the lakes, we just windows, white tablecloths and Some of the brief stops are at iconic comfortable wicker chairs. Tucking hop on and off as we like. It could not places central to Swiss history. into lobster ceviche, my wife Annie be simpler or more convenient. Ours is and I watch the sun begin to sink a deluxe trip, first class all the way, but Ruetli, a lakeside meadow, is where slowly over a hilly shore. Next comes many fellow travellers go second class a legendary oath was taken in 1291, risotto with mussels and clams, then quite comfortably and bring along establishing the Swiss Confederation. fillet steaks in a morel mushroom sauce picnic-style food and drink. Every August 1, the national holiday, the oath is re-enacted. A plaque on with asparagus and potato puree, all Our travels begin on Lake Lucerne, board explains that in late July 1940 accompanied by fine wines. A lovely, where we board the Stadt Luzern, relaxed meal. By the time we put away an elegant steamer that has hosted Stadt Luzern carried the top Swiss dessert and espressos, the sun has set. countless notables, including Queen commander, General Henri Guisan, On a cruise ship, we might now take Elizabeth and Prince Philip. The ship is and his staff to Ruetli for a landmark in some late-night entertainment, or large and steady, its engines quiet and speech. Switzerland was surrounded simply retire to our stateroom. But we smooth. Passengers can look down by Nazi German and Fascist Italian are not plying the Mediterranean or through plexiglas into the spotless, forces. Guisan described the “urgency one of Europe’s great rivers, and there gleaming engine room, with polished of the situation” to his fellow officers. are no overnight accommodations. brass controls, as the pistons thrust “The survival of Switzerland is at stake.” We are enjoying a gala dinner cruise in and out. On each side, huge red He outlined the carefully prepared on Lake Geneva. Once back at paddlewheels toss off sparkles of spray “redoubt” strategy in case of an the quay, we simply return to our as they drive us forward at 14 knots. invasion. It called for retreating into luxurious Geneva hotel for the night. For lunch, I have homemade cheese heavily armed, well-stocked mountain (See “Doing Geneva in Style”) We dumplings with button mushrooms and fortresses, and defending the narrow are touring Switzerland’s spectacular zucchini. Annie tries the salad of mixed passes, rather than surrendering. Alpine lakes on a series of delightful greens with strips of smoked ham, At Vitznau, adjacent to the Rigi day trips. Alpine cheese, tomatoes, eggs and a mountain cog railway, one of The boats cruise past historic cities and creamy chive dressing. There is plenty those fortresses was blasted deep

www.cruisingnews.com 37 into the peak and kept secret until fondue in celebratory fashion. With decommissioned after the Cold War. flags flying and sporting military caps, Visitors can now explore the caverns his waitresses follow. A sign in English and tunnels where munitions were promises “Sun, Sex and Cheese.” stored and troops were garrisoned, Our final two lake outings are in the or spend the night in a unique fortress Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, hotel. The Rigi-Bahn, built in 1871, was south of the Alps, a balmy region of the world’s first rack and pinion railway, vineyards, red tile roofs, sultry breezes climbing 5900 feet to the summit. and palm trees. Although adjacent to Nearby, an elaborately decorated Italy, and sharing that country’s flair chalet-style building, the House and vibrant lifestyle, it is also decidedly of Treib, stands at the base of a Swiss. The streets are immaculately steep funicular railway. This is where clean. Trains and buses run like delegates from the original five clockwork. There is little labour strife or cantons of the Swiss Confederation government corruption. met 72 times over the centuries. Small wonder that Ticino long First mentioned in 1482, the present attracted artists, writers and building dates to 1658. Now a tavern intellectuals, especially between the and restaurant, it is also a national world wars, when Mussolini and Hitler historic site with the old meeting room were on the rise. They gravitated to open for viewing. this mild and mellow oasis of security, Our cruise ends in German-speaking peace and political tolerance. Lucerne, truly one of Europe’s most Among those who left their mark were beautiful cities. We stroll across the Hermann Hesse, Carl Jung, Paul Klee, 14th century covered wooden bridge, Isadora Duncan and Franz Kafka. explore the massive old city walls and We spend one night in the charming watch dusk settle over the lake. former fishing village of Ascona, on The following day, in French-speaking sinuous 43-mile-long Lake Maggiore. Geneva, our guide shows us that it Our boutique hotel is tucked into the is much more than just a modern old town, a warren of cobblestone business and banking city, or a centre alleyways and art galleries. The car- for UN agencies and the Red Cross. free, pedestrian-only lakefront is lined The old town was a focal point of the with colourful and lively cafes. Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, when John Calvin was the A day boat takes us out to the Brissago dominant figure. So many refugees Islands, where a manicured botanical from Catholic persecution poured in, garden features over 1000 varieties of especially Huguenots from France, that subtropical trees, shrubs and flowering extra storeys were added to many of plants from around the world. All set the buildings. In a ten year period, 5000 among pools, fountains, sculptures asylum-seekers arrived. The population and tranquil trails. Fast hydrofoils carry doubled, and Geneva flourished, visitors farther south into Italy itself. becoming a centre for publishing, Ticino features distinctive restaurants, clock-making and gold-smithing. The or “grottoes,” located in caverns or old artisan shops make fascinating tucked away in secluded gardens. viewing. They are informal, fun places for dinner. Our dinner cruise from Geneva At Grotto Baldoria, in Ascona, people showcases the south-western end of share long tables and are served a the 45-mile-long lake. We tour the far scrumptious set menu by the proprietor. north-eastern end on a lunch cruise We are joined by a fascinating local departing from Vevey. Good fortune painter, Doriano Pissoglio, who later has us there on the day of the annual takes us to see his studio and work. naval parade. Six classic Belle Epoque The next evening, at an underground steamboats cruise past each other, grotto in Lugano, we drink wine from saluting with their whistles, against a traditional ceramic bowls. backdrop of glacier-clad peaks in Lake Lugano has several arms one direction and sloping vineyards that extend into Italy. The city of in the other. Our sailing takes us past Lugano, although much larger than the town of Montreux to beautifully Ascona, has the same laid back restored 12th century Chillon Castle, Mediterranean ambience. Dappled which we explore on a shore excursion. sunlight filters through the lindens and Vevey is where Charlie Chaplin horse chestnuts along the waterside spent his later years. A bronze statue promenade. Near our lodgings is pays him homage. Our night there a resort area called Paradiso, a includes dinner at a riotous fondue neighbourhood of Victorian-era grand place, Trois Sifflets. Every time a table hotels, carousels, fountains and parks orders the melted cheese specialty, displaying public art. Residents fish, Patrick, the proprietor, puts on march swim and sunbathe. A gravity-defying music and tramps out to deliver the funicular leads up to a chapel atop Mt.

38 December 2014 San Salvatore, affording fabulous views once housed an incomparable art Afterwards, there is a tough choice. over the lake. From the Paradiso dock, collection. We disembark at tiny We can walk back to Lugano along boats head out at all hours. Some cross Gandria, a breathtakingly quaint the scenic Olive Path, skirting a hillside to an Italian enclave with the largest vertical village without streets or cars. of centuries-old olive trees. Or we can casino in Europe. Vertigo-inducing stairs and footpaths be lazy and catch the next boat back take us up from the landing between We board a boat, appropriately to Paradiso. Either way we win. And named the Lugano, that follows a ancient stone houses with intimate the name says it all. steep shore studded with stately courtyards. From a high restaurant homes. A Swiss passenger points out patio, over cold beer and snacks, Yes, we tell ourselves. Paradise is the mansion of the late tycoon Baron we watch a skillful wind surfer swoop spending long, lingering days on the Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza, which through the whitecaps below. glorious Swiss lakes.

Doing Geneva in Style by Tom Koppel & Photos by Annie Palovcik

My wife Annie and I decide to do Geneva in style, staying at the glamourous lakefront Hotel des Bergues, the city’s oldest and finest hostelry. With all the features of a grand hotel, it is also intimate, like a large private villa. Built in 1834, and under Four Seasons management since 2006, it has been renovated to world-class perfection. Of only 115 rooms, 40% are suites. Service is impeccable, with discreet concierges ensuring tranquillity. Rooms and hallways feature marble floors, original paintings, ornate columns, sculptures in recessed alcoves, and spectacular floral displays. Our suite is palatial. Iron-railing balconies look across Lake Geneva to the famous fountain and Mont Blanc, beyond. The master bathroom has a creamy marble jacuzzi and huge walk- in closets. A skylit rooftop lap pool and hot tub adjoin a state-of-the-art exercise room and soothingly appointed spa, where expert hands give Annie an unforgettable massage and reflexology treatment. The breakfast buffet is a kaleidoscope of enticing colours and delectable flavours. The main restaurant, featuring cuisine, known as Nikkei. (Peru had a sashimi with chili peppers; salmon in Italian cuisine, has earned a Michelin large Japanese immigration a century spicy mustard miso sauce; lobster salad Star. Among the memorable dishes ago.) We love Japanese food, but this with baby spinach and a truffle sauce. we try are: scampi with white beans; tops it all for delicacy and creative And finally, shrimp tempura in a spicy lobster risotto with rice and a truffle originality. For spiciness, peppers sauce with shrimp and coriander rice. emulsion; and sea bass on artichokes, stand in for wasabi. The presentation Absolutely sublime. all paired with excellent wines. makes every dish a work of art. We The smaller restaurant, Izumi, truly blows savour: tartar of raw tuna with hot Geneva is a fascinating city, but us away. Set on a high open-air patio, pepper sauce and crispy rice; octopus we would go back for the Hotel des it offers Japanese-Peruvian fusion carpaccio with rocket; yellowtail tuna Bergues alone.

www.cruisingnews.com 39 FEATURE STORY Grande Dame Part II: Back in the Homeland by Jonathan Crabbe

In the previous part of this two-part article on Holland America Line’s former flagship, ss Rotterdam, we traced the ship’s life from construction in the late 1950s to layup in the Bahamas following the collapse of Premier Cruises in 2000. In this second part, we follow the ship’s passage to preservation and take a look at her new role as a hotel and entertainment venue in her namesake port in the Netherlands. After delighting seagoing guests for over forty years, the Grande Dame now welcomes a new generation of visitors to experience life aboard a mid-twentieth century transatlantic liner. Following her sale to the Rotterdam of a dove grey hull with gold piping. that the ship may be sold to interests Drydock Company in May 2003, On 4 August 2008, thousands of locals in the Gulf state of Oman. Fortunately, preparations were made for turned out to witness the Grande ownership and management was Rotterdam’s return to Europe. It Dame make a triumphant return taken over by established Dutch hotel would be over a year, however, to the city of her birth and former group WestCord Hotels in 2013. Family- before she was ready to begin the homeport. Rotterdam’s arrival in run WestCord operates a chain of long journey home. Rather than the Netherlands represented the hotels in Holland, and ss Rotterdam steaming across the Atlantic in a culmination of almost eight years of will undoubtedly benefit from the matter of days, Rotterdam would be tireless lobbying, negotiating and group’s extensive experience and making her final crossing under tow planning – much of it on the part of ability to market the ship throughout from a seagoing tug – a delicate the Steamship Rotterdam Foundation, the country. In addition, the Steamship three-week operation requiring a volunteer organisation formed in Rotterdam Foundation remains active careful planning and execution. 2001 to promote the ship’s return to the in the ship’s ongoing care. One of the After nearly four years in layup, the Netherlands. Foundation’s current projects is the ship departed Freeport on 17 June Work continued quayside in Rotterdam construction of four lifeboats in the 2004 bound for Gibraltar, where the to prepare the ship for her new original 1950s style, to be mounted first phase of her preservation would static role. This included connecting where the ship’s tenders were once take place. Plagued by delays, gangways and securing the vessel to located. disputes and cost blowouts, the two purpose-built mooring posts in the My visit to ss Rotterdam came well over restoration process dragged on as Maas River. After five and a half years a decade after originally intended. Rotterdam slowly weaved her way and a staggering 257 million euros, Conscious of the fact that the back to the Netherlands, making the Grande Dame opened to the calls in Cadiz, Spain; Gdansk, Poland; public on 15 February 2010. Despite the ship’s sailing days were numbered, I and Wilhelmshaven, Germany for enormous investment in returning the booked a September 2000 Canada/ additional work. While in Cadiz, the ship to the Netherlands, Rotterdam’s New England voyage of the then ship was dry-docked and repainted future in her homeland was not entirely Rembrandt. in her original 1950s livery, consisting assured. In 2012, rumours circulated Just days before I was due to join

40 December 2014 the ship in Montreal, I received word and consists of 254 hotel rooms divided back home, where she belongs. from home of the collapse of Premier into six categories according to layout For Holland America fans, a stay on Cruises. The cruise preceding mine and location. Cabins have been board is an ideal pre- or post-cruise turned out to be the ship’s last, modernised to meet the requirements accommodation option. The line now having been abruptly terminated in of a contemporary hotel room and offers regular summer sailings from Halifax when the company’s creditors come in three themes relating to Rotterdam on ms Rotterdam or nearby stepped in. While travel insurance periods in the ship’s history: Original, IJmuiden (the seaport for Amsterdam) covered my financial loss, it could not Manhattan, and Bahamas. My cabin, on Prinsendam. I joined Prinsendam compensate for the disappointment located on Lower Promenade Deck, for her 20-night North Cape and of so narrowly missing the opportunity was decorated in the Original theme Spitsbergen Explorer voyage, but as to sail on the legendary ship. Little and was spacious and comfortable. enjoyable as the cruise was, I couldn’t did I know that fourteen years later For those wishing to explore the help wondering what the same I would have a second chance to ship in greater detail, a number of voyage might have been like on the step aboard the great lady. Gazing tour options are available. With the magnificent ss Rotterdam. up at the 55-year old liner from the exception of the engine room, tours While Rotterdam’s days of roaming quay, I was immediately impressed by are self-guided using multilingual the seas may be behind her, she how superb she looked. Her flawless audiophones. Among the many continues to offer a unique opportunity exterior paintwork positively glowed in interesting locations guests can to experience the history and romance a rare display of brilliant Dutch summer visit are the foredeck, bridge, and of an authentic mid-twentieth century sunshine. Aesthetically pleasing and captain’s cabin. As I strolled the decks, transatlantic liner. Under the joint solidly constructed – they simply don’t I wondered how many past passengers care of the Steamship Rotterdam build ships like this anymore. and crew had come to visit the old Foundation and WestCord Hotels, the On board, the Grande Dame is equally girl to rekindle their memories. Many Grande Dame is in excellent hands impressive. The ship is renowned for parts of the ship have changed little and seems set to enjoy a long and her magnificent public rooms, which since her sailing days, and it is easy to successful future in her homeland. have been lovingly restored to their overlook the fact that she is no longer Attempts have been made to preserve former glory. While many of the in active service. Peering down from other ships of Rotterdam’s vintage in a most impressive rooms, including the the port bridge wing, I could picture similar manner, but to date none have Grand Ballroom (former Ritz Carlton), the Grande Dame slipping her lines, eventuated. Ambassador Lounge, and La Fontaine gradually pulling away from the pier, Rotterdam is unique and truly fortunate and Odyssey rooms, cater exclusively and with three blasts of her whistle, – an indication of just how well to conferences and events, five venues steaming off to her next port of call, loved she is. Throughout her cruising are open to both hotel and walk-on just as she had done so many times career, the ship was adored by her guests. The ship has two restaurants, before. During my stay, the ship’s predominantly American passengers, Lido and the more formal Club Room successor – Holland America’s present but it was the Dutch who saved her (most recently the ship’s casino) and ms Rotterdam – made a turnaround from the breakers and transformed her two bars – Ocean Bar and the newly call in the port. As the newer vessel into the magnificent floating museum created Captain’s Lounge. In addition, sailed out, the two ships saluted one she is today. They can be justly proud, the Lido Terrace on Promenade Deck another with an exchange of whistles. not only of Rotterdam’s rich heritage aft offers a very pleasant open-air It seemed rather sad that the graceful and beauty, but of their achievements location in which to enjoy a drink swan lay idle alongside her permanent in bringing the ship home for future while looking out over the Maas River berth, while the ugly duckling made generations to enjoy. and Rotterdam skyline. For practical her way to the open sea with all the For further information, visit: reasons, certain parts of the ship have excitement and anticipation of a new been modified to suit her new role. cruise. But I reminded myself that the ss Rotterdam (WestCord Hotels): With the exception of the executive Grande Dame has had her fair share www.ssrotterdam.com suites, accommodation is located on of seagoing adventures; it is time for Steamship Rotterdam Foundation: the four decks below Promenade Deck her to enjoy a dignified retirement www.ssrotterdam.net

www.cruisingnews.com 41 PORT NEWS

Mornington Peninsula and the Point Nepean National Park – Another Jewel in Victoria’s Crown by Tim Ryan

The recent decision by P & O Cruises to add the Mornington Peninsula to its SeaAustralia itinerary might just unlock one of Victoria’s best kept secrets being the Point Nepean National Park located at the tip of the Peninsula at the entrance to Melbourne’s beautiful Port Phillip Bay. The Point Nepean National Park is role in shaping the early settlement, of Bass Strait, the Rip and Port Phillip one of Victoria’s most pristine and quarantine and defence of the Colony Bay. The nearby coastal towns of natural landscapes yet it has a rich and later the State of Victoria. The Sorrento and Portsea have become history and has played an important Mornington Peninsula is also famous the summer holiday playground for for its fine range of beaches, vineyards and restaurants while recently the Peninsula Hot Springs at Rye has become a significant tourist attraction in its own right. The Mornington Peninsula is also the only Australian region named as one of the top 20 must see places in the world as recently announced in the prestigious National Geographic Travelers’ 2015 annual best of the world list, joining such distinguished locations as Zermatt in Switzerland, Mont St Michel in France and Choquequirao in Peru. The Point Nepean National Park is located at the end of the Mornington Peninsula which separates Port Phillip Bay at Mornington and Westernport Bay at Flinders and boasts outstanding coastal scenery and panoramic views

42 December 2014 the residents of nearby Melbourne parade ground of former Officer and Portsea overlooking the Bay while since the mid nineteenth century and Cadet School earlier this year on 5 grand hotels, cottages and holiday the area still retains many of the great August 2014. Only three hours after guesthouses were also established in mansions built by the rich and famous war was declared in London on the area bringing in many visitors and during the nineteenth century goldrush 5th August 1914, the first shot of the tourists. which created so much wealth in British Empire was fired from Coastal Much of the Port Nepean area was Victoria during that time. Artillery Gun Emplacement 6 located unknown to many until parts of the With the advent of the goldrush in the at Fort Nepean in order to prevent the German merchant vessel ss Pfalz site were open to the public with the 1850’s, sailing ships from all over the establishment of the Point Nepean world converged on Melbourne with from escaping Port Phillip to the open sea. The Pfalz was captured and the National Park in 1988. Nearby the thousands of treasure seekers keen to vessel was later used as a transport Port Phillip Heads Marine National make their fortunes in the goldfields of taking soldiers of the Australian Infantry Park protects a prolific and diverse Bendigo and Ballarat. However travel Services to the war in Europe. by ship in those early days was not a range of marine flora comparable comfortable experience and at that Today the gun emplacements still exist with many similar habitats elsewhere time migrants were quarantined due to at Fort Nepean and Fort Pearce and in the world. The Marine Park features the prevalence of infectious diseases visitors can also view the memorial a wide variety of shell fish, marine such as cholera, smallpox and measles where Prime Minister Harold Holt invertebrates, dramatic underwater being contracted on board. The ships disappeared at nearby Cheviot Beach gorges, colourful sponge gardens, kelp and their occupants were detained at in 1967. The Harold Holt Marine Reserve forests and emerald sea-grass beds. the magnificent sandstone Quarantine with its spectacular views along Tourist operators also offer a swim with Station at Portsea constructed in 1852 the Bass Strait Coastline hide many the dolphins experience from Sorrento that features 50 heritage listed buildings dangerous rips and breakers and also while a number of dive schools provide submerged rocks upon which many including a museum which now form diving experiences of the beautiful ships have been wrecked over the part of the National Park. underwater world surrounding Port years. The Quarantine Station remained in Phillip Heads. The nearby town of Sorrento was the operation until 1980 and during this Abutting the Point Nepean National time the site was also occupied by first official European settlement in the State of Victoria, with the Lieutenant Park is the Mornington Peninsula the Australian Army from 1952 to 1985 Governor David Collins establishing National Park which extends from as its Officer Cadet School and later a temporary settlement in 1803 at Portsea along the southern coastline of used as the School of Army Health from Sullivan’s Bay. It was not until the 1830’s Bass Strait to Cape Schank and boasts 1985 to 1998. The last ship to use the that the area was occupied when a number of popular surf beaches and Quarantine Station was the Chandris pastoralists, limeburners and fishermen coastal walks and beautiful ocean liner Ellinis which anchored off Portsea arrived to establish a permanent outlooks including London Bridge and in May 1974. settlement. Jubilee Point which are spectacular During the Russian scare of the 1880’s a After the goldrush Sorrento became coastal rock formations located series of military fortifications were built very fashionable as a seaside resort between Portsea’s Back Beach and at Fort Nepean to protect the residents in the 1870’s with much support from Sorrento. of Melbourne and today visitors can the Premier of Victoria Sir Charles P & O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl will offer explore the military forts and tunnels Gavin Duffy and actor, entrepreneur two dedicated cruises from Sydney in while viewing the stunning backdrop of and parliamentarian George Coppin. February and March 2015 with Pacific Bass Strait and Port Phillip. Close to Fort Magnificent limestone buildings Nepean lies Fort Pearce and Eagles were constructed and transport to Eden and Pacific Jewel scheduled Nest, the site of Australia’s largest Melbourne was usually by ship and to visit the region on three occasions disappearing gun. a large fleet of paddle steamers was between January and March 2016. The first allied shots of both World War built to service the trade with the last Visitors will be tendered from the ship 1 and 2 were fired from Fort Nepean vessel the Weeroona being withdrawn to Mornington Harbour from where the and the centenary of the First Shot in 1942. During this time many fine magic of the Mornington Peninsula and commemoration was held at the mansions were built between Sorrento its treasures will unfold before them.

www.cruisingnews.com 43 Melbourne Cup Cruise Ship Bonanza The 2014 Melbourne Spring Racing season culminated with the legendary Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November again this year and no less than three cruise ships crowded Station Pier Port Melbourne with over 6,000 passengers enjoying the festivities. Regulars from P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel were joined by Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Spirit participating in the event for the first time. The following Thursday featured the glamorous Oaks Day event and Carnival Spirit was joined by Celebrity Cruise’s Celebrity Solstice. Next year promises to be the best year yet for visiting cruise ships with Pacific Dawn joining Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel as well as Carnival Spirit to help celebrate the horse race that stops a nation. TR

Special photo from Jonathan Crabbe – Here is a shot of a rare face-to-face meeting of Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel in Sydney at White Bay (24 November 2014). Pacific Dawn was about to enter the dry-dock.

44 December 2014 Katakolon (Olympia), Greece

Continuing our report on places visited during our recent cruise on Silver Spirit. We have arrived in Katakolon described by some as a sleepy, port town and more importantly gateway to Olympia the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Most people on the ship have chosen to go on the 40 minute drive to Olympia, whilst others have either walked into the town or stayed onboard. Ancient Olympia is one of the most celebrated archaeological sites in Greece and is home to a sacred sanctuary dedicated to Zeus. The ruins of many of Olympia’s structures are still visible. More than 3 million people annually visit the site and the Archaeological Museum of Olympia. Cafes adorn the Katakolon waterfront with the side streets and two parallel streets to the waterfront packed with a variety of shops selling handicrafts, ceramics, jewellery, lace, handcrafted sandals, cotton clothing and leather goods. We managed to find some bargains and found the locals very friendly and helpful. JT/KT

www.cruisingnews.com 45 Rethimnon – Crete & Monemvasia – Greece Sharing with you two more places we visited on our Aegean Odyssey cruise. Firstly we anchored off Rethimnon, a picturesque town with a beautiful harbour and massive Venetian fortress. Our tour took us to the Palace of Knossos situated on the northern coast of Crete and about an hour and a half from Rethimnon. Knossos was the ancient capital of the mythical king Minos. The original palace was constructed around 1,900 BC. The palace complex is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete. Next day we arrived in Monemvasia, a town in Laconia, Greece, known as the Gibraltar of the East or The Rock. The town and fortress were founded in 583. Its area consists mostly of a large plateau some 100 metres above sea level, up to 300m wide and 1 km long, the site of a powerful medieval fortress. The town walls and many Byzantine churches remain from the medieval period. There are many souvenir shops and restaurants. JT/KT

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AVALONWATERWAYS.COM.AU New Poland Destination Le Boat has introduced their 2015 flower park in Lisse, and close to the Reserve. canal boating brochure for the town of Gouda (of course famous for In addition upcoming season. The brochure its cheese); New base in Castelsarrasin the brochure includes cruising routes in two new (Aquitaine, France), which provides introduces the bases in France and Holland, the great access for one-way cruising new Le Boat APP. new Poland destination, as well as to the region, and is nearby to the It is developed to showcases the brand new Le Boat world renowned Abby and cloisters at help customers APP. The new look Le Boat brochure Moissac and the mediaeval town of plan their holidays has a fresher design, with a clean Agen and a new region of Poland in and guide them and simple layout highlighting the the Masurian Lakes which are made as they cruise. It maps and possible cruising itineraries up of more than 2000 interconnecting includes maps, for each destination. Some of the lakes, surrounded by lush and geo-localised content, points of brand new product to be featured in unspoiled landscape, where clients interest and detailed information the brochure includes: New base in can visit the 14th Century Lehndorff about their cruising regions. The APP Vinkeveen, Holland, which is close to Palace, the dynamic city of Gizycko is free to download and available on Amsterdam, nearby the world’s largest and the UNESCO listed Luknajo Lake both Android and iOS devices. Now Available Cruise & Maritime purpose-built premium ships Bellejour, cruising the Middle Rhine – Rudesheim Voyages has Belvedere and Bellefleur, along the – Mannheim – Speyer/Germersheim introduced its beautiful Rhine, Danube, Rhône and – Strasbourg/Kehl – cruising the Rhine – 2015 “European Saône rivers. The cruises vary in length Cochem – Bernkastel – Kues – cruising River Cruises from six to 14 nights. the Moselle – Koblenz – cruising the of Distinction” Highlights: Bellefleur – Explore the Middle Rhine – Cologne (overnight) brochure. There beauty of the Rhone River (Lyon – – Düsseldorf) and Belvedere – A are 18 scenic Viviers – Avignon (overnight) – Arles voyage of discovery trough Eastern cruise holidays (overnight) for excursions to Camargue Europe – (Budapest – Mohacs – on offer, with and Marseille – Port St. Louis – Tournon- Osijek – Belgrade – transit the Iron departures from 19 sur-Rhone – Lyon (overnight) for Gates – Giurgiu – Oltenita – cruising April to 9 October 2015, from Frankfurt, excursion to Beaujolais); the Danube Delta – Sfântu Gheorghe Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Lyon, Passau Bellejour – Highlights of Germany’s – Cernavoda – Rousse – Novi Sad – and Budapest. Cruises are aboard the most famous rivers (Düsseldorf – Mohacs – Kalocsa – Budapest). 8 Day Journey along the Danube Viking River Cruises now offers an Vienna to some of the city’s baroque Regensburg, considered one of enchanting eight day journey along architecture, including the Opera Europe’s best-preserved medieval the Danube River. Uncover Vienna’s House, Stephan’s Cathedral and cities. Church spires, bridges, towers imperial architecture, Austria’s riverside Hofburg Palace. On the fourth day sail and patrician houses fill the streets. towns, and Germany’s cobbled streets through the captivating Wachu Valley Day seven is in Nuremberg, which on this romantic river cruise. Embark to the Benedictine abbey at Melk and includes seeing the former Nazi parade in Budapest, a fascinating city where take one of Viking’s all inclusive tours. grounds, the palace of justice and the the old meets the new. Get lost in venerable vestige of the Nuremberg the famous three level market built in Arrive in Passau on day five where trials. there will be a guided walk through the 1897. Enjoy a tour of the Pest side of The tour comes to a close with a walk Old Town along picture book narrow Budapest where you will see 19th and from the imperial castle grounds, winding streets and finished with a visit 20th century mansions, the National past the Albrecht Dürer House and to Stephens Cathedral. Here guests will Opera House, Parliament Building and on to the main market square with its Buda’s Castle District, a UNESCO site. be treated to a special concert played elaborate Gothic fountain. Free time Day three and four of the cruise will be on the 17,000 pipe organ. will also give guests the opportunity to in Austria. Ride along the Ringstrasse in On day six visit the scenic town of further explore. Carnival Australia Congratulates Royal Australian Navy Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry has congratulated the Royal Australian Navy on the commissioning of its new amphibious vessel HMAS Canberra. As the Navy’s largest ship was commissioned with all due pomp and ceremony, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn was a near neighbour as the cruise ship underwent a scheduled dry dock and refurbishment at Garden Island. “In addition to saluting the Royal Australian Navy on such an important day, P&O Cruises has a very strong affinity with the name HMAS Canberra,” Ms Sherry said. “For many years, Canberra was one of the most famous and loved ships in the P&O fleet and was of course a regular visitor to Sydney Harbour. In keeping with HMAS Canberra being commissioned in the Royal Australian Navy fleet, P&O’s Canberra saw high profile military service as a troopship during the Falklands War.”

48 December 2014 Aboard Avalon Vista Cruising the Danube River Following an enjoyable cruise through cupola. Outside there are magnificent stayed on board. Most of the day the picturesque Wachau Valley gardens and from the terrace of the was spent sitting at the bow of Avalon we arrived in Melk, home of the abbey stunning views of the Danube Vista watching the scenery as we magnificent 11th century Benedictine and surrounding countryside. meandered down the Danube to Abbey which dominates the town and Next day we had reached Linz, Passau, located where the Inn, Ilz and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. Austria’s third largest city which lies Danube Rivers converge. Throughout The abbey houses an ornate library on both banks of the Danube. Most the day there were many sightings with over 80,000 printed books and of the guests on board left the vessel of ancient hilltop buildings as well as 2,000 manuscripts. You marvel at for optional full-day excursions to villages located on both sides of the the splendour of the church with its Salzburg or to Eesky Krumlov in the mighty river. An overcast day meant frescoed ceilings, beautiful high altar, Czech Republic, rejoining the ship at many misty river scenes with low cloud marble statues and 64 metre high our next stop. Only about 30 guests adding to the peaceful cruise. JT/KT

Godmothers for 2015 Suite Ships Avalon Waterways has named best- Tranquility II at a ceremony by the offer cruises on the selling US author Diana Gabaldon Rhine in the French city of Strasbourg Rhine, including a and Canadian singer-songwriter Jann on 2 April 2015. brand new itinerary Arden as the Godmothers of its newest for 2015, the 16-day The twin French christenings highlight a Suite Ships launching in 2015. Diana Rhine and Rhône major expansion in France for Avalon Gabaldon, the author of the New Revealed between Waterways, which will double its ships York Times No 1 best-selling Outlander the Côte d’Azur series, will christen Avalon Tapestry II and departures on the Seine and and Amsterdam. at a ceremony on the banks of the Rhône rivers in 2015. Avalon Tapestry At 100m, both ships Seine at Les Andelys in France on 24 II will become the first Suite Ship to have 64 cabins March 2015 and Alberta-born musician operate in France, offering itineraries and give Avalon Waterways a total of Jann Arden, a multi-platinum award- on the Seine between Paris and ten Suite Ships in an overall European winning artist, will then christen Avalon Normandy. Avalon Tranquility II will fleet of 15 vessels.

www.cruisingnews.com 49 Three New Ships in 2015 CroisiEurope will be launching three new ships in April 2015 and they will RIVER CRUISING NEWS cruise on the Loire, Rhone and Douro rivers. Launching on 2 April 2015 the innovative MS Loire Princesse will be the first boat with overnight cabins to operator on the beautiful Loire. Thanks to the innovative paddle wheel technology, the Loire Princesse will be able to navigate the shallow waters of this iconic river – the longest river in France – and visit areas rich in cultural heritage, many of which are listed by UNESCO: Nantes, Saint- Nazaire, Ancenis, Angers, the Castles of the Loire, Saumur, Bouchemaine and Nantes. The three-deck MS Loire Princesse will be 90 metres long and 15 metres wide, feature 48 spacious outside cabins (15m²) accommodating up to 96 passengers. Branded the “Green Ship”, the MS Loire Princesse has been designed to be environmentally and ecologically friendly as possible. Between April and October 2015, The MS Loire Princess will operate six and eight-day cruises along the Loire. Launching on 1 April 2015 the MS Camargue will join the CroisiEurope fleet on the Rhone alongside the MS Mistral and MS Van Gogh. This new premium-rated two-deck ship will be of a similar design to the MS Lafayette which launched earlier this year. Between April and October 2015, the MS Camargue will sail six and eight- day cruises round-trip from Lyon visiting Macon, Vienne, Arles, Avignon, Viviers and Tournon. The MS Gil Eanes will be launched on 17 April 2015 and join three other CroisiEurope ships – the MS Infante D. Henrique, the MS Fernao De Magalhaes and the MS Vasco Da Gama – on the popular Douro. This three-deck ship will be 80 metres long and 11.4 metres wide and will have 66 cabins measuring 14m2. Between April and October, the MS Gil Eanes will sail eight-day cruises round-trip from Porto visiting Regua, Vega de Teron, Ferradosa and Pinhao.

River Cruise ships spotted in Europe Scenic Jade, Bolero, Avalon Vista, A’rosa Mia, River Navigator, Rousse Pyce, Bellejour and Viking Bestla

50 December 2014 Celebrating the 10 year anniversary! On 20 November, representatives Events Queensland representatives from the Whitsundays’ tourism industry at the function were: Rick Hamilton, and guests from Local Government Group Executive Partnerships and and Tourism and Events Queensland Racheal Klitscher, Destination Director gathered to celebrate 10 years of The Whitsundays and The Mackay voluntary service by the Cruise Ship Region. Trophies and certificates Ambassadors. Whitsundays Marketing were presented to 40 Cruise Ship and Development Limited (WMDL) Ambassadors. Executive Director Jeff Aquilina The Whitsundays is the hub of the said it was an important night to Great Barrier Reef and a special place acknowledge the fantastic work done for cruise ship passengers. Visitors can by the Cruise Ship Ambassadors. “Over explore everything from the marine the past years, cruise ship arrivals life, secluded beaches, the soft, white have grown from around a dozen to sand at Whitehaven Beach, the unique over fifty in the Whitsundays and the heart reef formation, the coastal town cruise ship industry has become a of Airlie Beach and the rainforest. sustainable pillar of our local tourism The crystal clear waters, the tropical industry, injecting millions into the local climate and the steady breezes make economy,” Mr Aquilina said. “Led by the destination a perfect cruising Judi Dunn, the Ambassadors go out of their way to ensure passengers feel holiday. The best of the Whitsundays welcome, have all the information can be explored within short time they need, and are pointed in frames and operators are offering the right direction. The feedback special cruise ship packages to suit the passengers’ needs. from both cruise ship passengers souvenirs. Passengers can indulge in and cruise companies is that the Other highlights include: Strolling delectable food and wine, mingle personal welcome and information through the boutiques on the main service for cruise ship passengers is street of Airlie Beach, the foreshore with the locals, and enjoy live music a highlight that continues to make a markets featuring local arts and entertainment whilst soaking up the lasting impression,” The Tourism and crafts, fresh produce and Whitsundays laid-back tropical atmosphere.

CLIA News Taking an Alaskan Cruise! The Board of Directors of Cruise Lines Chairman Rama Rebbapragada, has Australia’s’ Bob Wood Cruise Group International Association (CLIA) spearheaded local cruising growth has added a new division to its has appointed Adam Goldstein as since it was formed in 2009. operations with a focus on Canada Chairman as of 1 January 2015. In a CLIA Southeast Asia will be chaired and established a brand new normal rotation of duties, Goldstein, by Carnival Australia CEO, Ann Sherry company, Cruise Tour Escapes. Bob President and COO of Royal and Royal Caribbean’s Managing Wood directors Tyler Wood and Jay Caribbean Cruises Ltd., will take over Director Singapore and Southeast Asia, McKenzie have joined with Seattle from Howard Frank, Chairman of Costa Jennifer Yap, will be Secretary for the based business partner Mark Alfano Crociere S.p.A., who has served as new cruise industry body. Carnival Asia to launch the new company. Cruise CLIA Chair since 2010. executives, Paul Chong and William Tour Escapes (CTE) is looking forward “The cruise industry today is a Harber, have joined the CLIA Southeast to the first Canadian ‘Heart of the global industry, and under Howard’s Asia Board. Further strengthening Rockies’ escape, departing in May leadership CLIA became a world-class the influence of CLIA is the support 2015. CTE offers a variety of packages global association,” said Goldstein. of the Hong Kong Tourism Board and that fit with air, rail, cruise or group Also the establishment of CLIA the Singapore Tourism Board as CLIA departures. For cruise passengers the Southeast Asia and CLIA North Global Executive Partners. departures are organised so they end Asia marks a big step forward for in Vancouver on a Friday allowing CLIA North Asia will be chaired by cruising in the region. It represents a travellers to seamlessly book on any Royal Caribbean’s Managing Director significant transition for the Asia Cruise Saturday or Sunday Vancouver or Association which, under the direction Asia and China, Dr. Zinan Liu, and will Seattle Alaska cruise voyage. of General Manager and cruise focus on infrastructure, advocacy industry advocate Kevin Leong, former and the promotion of cruise to travel The itinerary in brief – Day 1 Arrive Chairman Dr. Zinan Liu, and founding industry communities in the region. Calgary/Overnight Fairmont Palliser Hotel, Day 2 Calgary to Banff/ Overnight Fairmont Banff Springs Brett Dudley from ecruising Hotel, Day 3 Banff to Lake Louise/ receives a double gold award Overnight Fairmont Chateau Lake from Royal Caribbean commercial Louise, Day 4 Lake Louise to Jasper/ director Asia-Pacific Sean Treacy in recognition for the company’s Overnight Fairmont Jasper Park contribution to the sales of Azamara Lodge, Day 5 Jasper to Kamloops/ Club Cruises and Royal Caribbean Overnight South Thompson Inn Guest during the record-breaking 2013 Ranch, Day 6 Kamloops to Vancouver/ season. Overnight Westin Bayshore and Day 7 Vancouver – End of tour

www.cruisingnews.com 51 The Value of Cruise in New Zealand Cruise is a relatively new way to travel in Australasia, and has been blamed for replacing the previously ‘bread and butter’ business of coach touring. Naysayers point to the loss of economic impact through the accommodation and to a lesser degree, the coach sectors. From the CDU At Cruise New Zealand, we’ve highlighted that exchange cruises desk: From the are worth 44% more than transits, we’ve highlighted the regional CDU desk: We are spread of the tourism dollar beyond the golden route of Auckland-Rotorua- full steam ahead Christchurch-Queenstown, to well over 16 ports and much more when pre and post cruising are considered, we’ve also highlighted the extension of the typical into the 2014/15 summer tourism season from early October to June. cruise season with More significantly, when for the first time we used credit card data to identify port bookings, cruise ship passengers and to track their spend, we could conclusively say that passenger yes Cruise ship passengers do actually use a cruise around New Zealand as a numbers, regional port calls and reconnaissance for a later return visit. In fact, up to 46% of them have been economic spend all forecast to found to return within the calendar year of their cruise. It was certainly the case increase. in 2009-10. More recently, the percentage has stabilised around the 25% mark. This is still a significant figure and justifies more research to understand where CDU has been engaging with these passengers return to and how much they spend. It is also a good basis from Government on the Coastal Trading which to convince these naysayers to start supporting cruise. Act and the Passenger Movement Kevin O’Sullivan, Chairman of Cruise New Zealand was recently invited onto Tax with an emphasis on increasing a panel at the Tourism Summit, organised by Tourism Industry Association (the awareness of the importance equivalent of the Australian Tourism and Transport Forum), to discuss the value of the cruise sector to port and of cruise. It was a great opportunity to profile cruise to the wider tourism industry, tourism industries and ensuring and highlight the value of cruise. Kevin’s presentation educated many who have not crossed paths with cruise, stimulated some good discussion about cruise and that opportunities to continue the quite possibly provided a more positive profile of cruise. We called the return outstanding growth are not inhibited. phenomena, the “hidden value” of cruise. As an industry, we should really rally Growth this year is expected to be around how we can measure this phenomenon to lift the profile of cruise. around 10% and it is projected that Raewyn Tan – General Manager the industry will contribute close to $3.5 billion dollars in the current financial year. There has been an increase in shorter cruise options, focussing on regional destinations and special events. There are so many itineraries now Photos – Auckland from Debbie Summers available for both international and and Kevin O’Sullivan from Murray Lloyd domestic passengers to explore and experience amazing places, people CLIA News – New Cruise Ambassador Level and produce. With the number of travel agents seeking cruise training at an all- time high, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia The CDU team has commenced has announced it will add another tier to its accreditation planning for our international program. The Cruise Ambassador level will become the second trade mission to the USA in March, tier in CLIA’s training program, positioned between Accredited incorporating the largest cruise Cruise Consultants and Master Cruise Consultants. The new event in the world, Cruise Shipping ranking will be available to agents who have already attained Miami. We will continue to share the their Accredited status, have accumulated 200 accreditation points, undertaken an additional two elective modules and sailed for an additional message that cruising is the best way three nights minimum onboard a ship belonging to a CLIA cruise line member. to experience our vast country. The move comes after CLIA announced it had moved the mandatory Cruise Down Under wishes all Cruising components of its cruise industry training program online. News readers a happy and safe Mr Jardine said the online program – available on tablets as well as desktop Christmas and a cruising New Year. computers – would complement CLIA’s existing classroom training modules for membership accreditation. Further Details – and all media Access to the online accreditation training will be included in members’ annual enquiries: fees, with consultants having direct access to their own password-protected Jill Abel , General Manager, personal profile so they can track the progress of their cruise industry knowledge. Cruise Down Under CLIA will still provide classroom training for elective modules across Australia and Tel/Fax: +61 3 6223 7334 New Zealand. Mob: 0419 511 966

52 December 2014 AUSTRALIA Silver Spirit Feb 27: Deutschland Feb 16/17: Akaroa Darwin Deutschland Feb 28/Mar 1: Crystal Serenity Feb 19/20: Silver Discoverer Dec 21, 23: Celebrity Century Jan 19: Melbourne Asuka II Feb 20/21: Dawn Princess Dec 24: Jan 6, 19: Feb Astor Feb 19: Dawn Princess Dec 16, 29: Jan 11, 24, Amadea Feb 25/26: 6, 19: Pacific Princess Feb 23: 29: Feb 11, 24: Aurora Feb 26: Oosterdam Dec 24: Feb 4, 21, 28: Yorkeys Knob Diamond Princess Dec 16/17: Jan 4/5, Queen Elizabeth Feb 27: Diamond Princess Dec 28: Jan 19, 25: Pacific Dawn Jan 20: 12, 30: Feb 5, 25: Marina Feb 28: Feb 12, 18: Port Douglas Celebrity Century Dec 17: Tauranga Celebrity Solstice Dec 31: Jan 9: Feb Pacific Dawn Jan 21: Celebrity Solstice Dec 24: Jan 16: Dawn Princess Dec 21: Jan 3, 16: Feb 3, 11: Cairns Feb 18: 3, 16: Seabourn Odyssey Dec 31: Jan 12: Rhapsody of the Seas Dec 21/22: Feb Seabourn Odyssey Dec 24: Jan 19, Europa Dec 21: Feb 2, 13: 21/22: 25: Feb 20: Diamond Princess Dec 24: Jan 21, 23: Sun Princess Jan 3, 16: Feb 15: L Áustral Dec 27: Feb 25/26: L Áustral Jan10: Feb 3: Feb 14, 16: Sea Princess: Jan 7, 21: Feb 4: Europa Jan 10: Seven Seas Mariner Jan 18: Oosterdam Dec 28: Feb 8: Seven Seas Mariner Jan 10: Celebrity Century Jan 15/16: Radiance of the Seas Jan 18: Celebrity Solstice Jan 3, 6: Feb 6, 9: Silver Spirit Feb 16: Asuka II Feb 6: Pacific Pearl Jan 21/22: Sea Princess Jan 4, 18: Feb 1: Radiance of the Seas Feb 21: Astor Feb 14: Silver Whisper Feb 1: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 5, 7: Feb 6, 8: Marina Feb 22: Pacific Princess Feb 19: Astor Feb 6: Seven Seas Mariner Jan 5, 7: Crystal Serenity Feb 26: Albatros Feb 22: Carnival Spirit Feb 6: Sun Princess Jan 6, 19: Feb 12: Christchurch Townsville Amsterdam Feb 13: Voyager of the Seas Jan 7, 30: Feb Europa Dec 28: L Áustral Dec 28: Marina Feb 14: 14, 27: Silver Discoverer Jan 31: Seabourn Odyssey Feb 28: Silver Spirit Feb 22/23: L Áustral Jan 21, 23: Feb 14: Timaru Brisbane Pacific Jewel Feb 21, 27: Albatros Feb 7: Europa Dec 29: Sea Princess Dec 19, 30: Jan 13, 27: Hobart Silver Spirit Feb 13: Seabourn Odyssey Dec 30: Feb 1: Feb 10, 21: Celebrity Century Dec 20: Radiance of the Seas Feb 17: Seven Seas Mariner Jan 11: Pacific Dawn Dec 20, 29: Jan 10, 17, L Áustral Jan 12: Feb 1, 5: Crystal Serenity Feb 22: Dunedin Silver Discoverer Dec 22: Jan 7, 30: 24, 28, 31: Feb 7, 14, 28: Radiance of the Seas Jan 16: Aurora Feb 27: Oosterdam Dec 23: Feb 3, 20: Rhapsody of the Seas Dec 26: Feb 26: Seven Seas Mariner Jan 16: Marina Feb 26: Dawn Princess Dec 25: Jan 7, 20: Feb Europa Jan 7: Dawn Princess Jan 27: Amadea Feb 28: 7, 20: Seven Seas Mariner Jan 22: Celebrity Solstice Jan 29: Napier Diamond Princess Dec 29: Jan 18, 26: Marina Feb 9: Carnival Spirit Feb 3: Dawn Princess Dec 22: Jan 4, 17: Feb Feb 11, 19: Astor Feb 11: Diamond Princess Feb 7, 23: 4, 17: Albatros Feb 19: Rhapsody of the Seas Feb 14/15: Europa Dec 30: Europa Dec 23: Celebrity Solstice Dec 30: Jan 10: Arcadia Feb 24: Oosterdam Feb 15: Oosterdam Dec 27: Feb 7, 26: Seabourn Odyssey Feb 25: Marina Feb 17: Feb 2: Voyager of the Seas Dec 31: Sun Princess Jan 2, 15: Feb 16: Radiance of the Seas Feb 28: Silver Spirit Feb 25: Sea Princess Jan 5, 19: Feb 2: Newcastle Deutschland Feb 26: Sea Princess Jan 8, 22: Feb 5: Sun Princess Jan 5, 18: Feb 13: Seven Seas Mariner Jan 12: Rhapsody of the Seas Dec 18: Feb 18: Burnie Seven Seas Mariner Jan 8: L Áustral Jan 2: Celebrity Century Dec 18: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 13, 31: Feb 14: Silver Discoverer Jan 21: Silver Spirit Feb 17: Radiance of the Seas Jan 14: Dawn Princess Jan 25: Silver Spirit Feb 14: Sydney Rhapsody of the Seas Feb 9: Marina Feb 21: Radiance of the Seas Feb 18: Crystal Serenity Feb 27: Sun Princess Dec 16, 29: Jan 11, 24: Silver Spirit Feb 24: Marina Feb 24: Feb 7, 20: Pacific Jewel Feb 28: Crystal Serenity Feb 24: NEW CALEDONIA Carnival Legend Dec 16, 27: Jan 5, Adelaide Voyager of the Seas Feb 28: Noumea 15, 23: Feb 4, 13, 23: Astor Feb 2: Wellington Sun Princess Dec 19: Feb 4: Rhapsody of the Seas Dec 17, 28: Jan Rhapsody of the Seas Feb 14/15 Celebrity Solstice Dec 13: Jan 1, 8: Pacific Pearl Dec 20: Jan 2, 13, 30: 8, 17, 28: Feb 7, 17, 28: Amsterdam Feb 15/16: Feb 4: Carnival Spirit Dec 21: Jan 4, 10, 23: Pacific Pearl Dec 17, 27, 30: Jan 10, Celebrity Solstice Feb 20: Dawn Princess Dec 23: Jan 5, 18: Feb Feb 12, 21: 19, 24, 26/27: Feb 6, 10, 21: Pacific Jewel Feb 24: 5, 18: Pacific Jewel Dec 21, 31: Jan 12, 21, Pacific Jewel Dec 18, 28: Jan 9, 18, Fremantle Europa Dec 24: 31: 25/26, 28: Feb 11, 15, 29: Astor Dec 20, 30: Jan 2, 5, 15/16, 19, Oosterdam Dec 26: Feb 6, 22, 27: Voyager of the Seas Dec 23: Jan 15: Carnival Spirit Dec 18, 30: Jan 7, 19, 24, 27: Diamond Princess Dec 27: Feb 8: 29: Feb 1, 8, 18: Silver Whisper Feb 7/8: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 2, 9: Feb 3, 10: Carnival Legend Dec 24, 31: Jan 9, Diamond Princess Dec 19: Jan 2, 10: Celebrity Solstice Feb 25: Sun Princess Jan 4, 17: Feb 14: 20: Feb 1, 9, 20: Feb 3, 27: Amsterdam Feb 21/22: Celebrity Century Dec 25: Jan 6: Oosterdam Dec 19: Jan 2, 16, 30: Sea Princess Jan 6, 20: Feb 3: NEW ZEALAND Voyager of the Seas Jan 9: Feb 2, 16: Radiance of the Seas Jan 1, 7: Feb 3: Feb 13: Oosterdam Jan 5, 19: Auckland L Áustral Jan 19, 25: Feb 12: Voyager of the Seas Dec 20, 29: Jan Rhapsody of the Seas Jan 11, 31: Dawn Princess Dec 20: Jan 2, 15: Feb Silver Discoverer Jan 22: 12, 22, 25: Feb 5, 19, 22: Pacific Dawn Jan 12: Feb 2, 9: 2, 15: Radiance of the Seas Feb 20: Seabourn Odyssey Dec 20/21: Jan Celebrity Solstice Jan 21: Europa Dec 20: Marina Feb 23: 22: Feb 23: Silver Whisper Jan 26: Diamond Princess Dec 23: Jan 22: Crystal Serenity Feb 25: Celebrity Solstice Dec 21/22: Jan 18, Marina Feb 6: Feb 15: Nelson 27: Feb 16: Amadea Feb 20: Celebrity Century Dec 22: Jan 3, 11: Oosterdam Dec 29: Feb 9, 24: Europa Dec 26: Radiance of the Seas Dec 23: Jan 4, Sea Princess Jan 3, 17, 31: L Áustral Jan 17, 27: Feb 10: Other Ships: N/G Orion, Oceanic 13, 20, 31: Feb 12, 26: Celebrity Solstice Jan 4: Feb 8: Picton Discoverer/Coral Princess, Murray Pacific Dawn Jan 26: Voyager of the Seas Jan 6, 29: Feb Voyager of the Seas Dec 17: Jan 9: Princess, Reef Endeavour, True North L Áustral Jan 3, 4: 13, 26, 28: Feb 1: and Caledonian Sky – Cruising various Europa Jan 4/5: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 6: Feb 7: Silver Discoverer Dec 19, 25: Jan 24: locations throughout the year Seven Seas Mariner Jan 20: Seven Seas Mariner Jan 6: Diamond Princess Dec 26: Silver Whisper Jan 29/30: Sun Princess Jan 7, 20: Feb 11: Europa Dec 27: (Data shown, sourced from cruise line Astor Feb 9: L Áustral Jan 22: Feb 15: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 3, 10: Feb 4, schedules, port schedules and brochures, Amsterdam Feb 10/11: Amsterdam Feb 5: 11: is believed to be correct at time of printing – schedules can change at short notice Silver Discoverer Feb 8: Seven Seas Mariner Jan 9: Marina Feb 11/12: and readers should check dates prior to Pacific Princess Feb 14: Albatros Feb 9/10: L Áustral Jan 18, 26: Feb 11: arriving at the locations to see ships – some Asuka II Feb 14: Pacific Princess Feb 10: Oosterdam Feb 5: ships will visit other locations and dates for Albatros Feb 16/17: Silver Spirit Feb 12: Silver Spirit Feb 15: some ships are incomplete) (Dunedin = Arcadia Feb 21/22: Radiance of the Seas Feb 16: Radiance of the Seas Feb 19: Port Chalmers)

Year-Round Voyages in Tahiti Windstar Cruises has announced was launched in May of 2014 after for our guests,” says Hans Birkholz, plans to sail year-round in the South Windstar’s 10 year hiatus from the Windstar Cruises’ chief executive Pacific, allowing guests to explore the region, as well as a new extended officer. “Now with the addition of our Society and Tuamotu Islands of Tahiti. 10 or 11-day journey including stops Star Breeze and Star Legend power Continuous voyages begin 26 May in the Tuamotu Islands. The Tuamotus yachts, which debut in May of 2015, we’re able to extend our sailings in 2015 aboard the beautifully renovated, are widely known as a diver’s and Tahiti year-round to accommodate 148-passenger Wind Spirit sailing yacht. snorkeler’s paradise. the demand from our customers. We Itineraries will include the seven day “When we returned to Tahiti this year, can’t wait to sail throughout the year in “Dreams of Tahiti” voyage, which we knew it would be a popular choice paradise.”

www.cruisingnews.com 53 Cruising the Kimberley Coast A Coral Princess Cruises small ship Published expedition on the Kimberley Coast has February, April, June, so many highlights it’s hard to know August, October & December where to begin. Your 10-night voyage Publisher/Editor begins from either Darwin – the capital John Treacy city of The Northern Territory, or Broome Associate Editor – famous for its beauty and cultured Kerry Treacy pearls. Both are unique frontier Advertising centres and are the gateways to the John Treacy & Associates magnificent Kimberley wilderness. Ph + 61 7 3349 6788 PO Box 2005, Mansfield You access the Kimberley, one of the You will explore all of the icons of Queensland 4122, Australia world’s most remote areas, aboard the Kimberley, the gorges of the Email: [email protected] your choice of Oceanic Discoverer or Mitchell, King George, Prince Regent Web Site Coral Princess, both purpose-built and and Hunter Rivers. For the more www.cruisingnews.com stylishly equipped for cruising in the adventurous, optional helicopter Design & Layout remotest regions of the world. Shallow flights to the Mitchell Plateau are also Brand Plus, Brisbane draft and manoeuvrability make these available. The enormous amount of small-ships ideal to safely navigate the bird life and native wildlife including Proudly Published in Australia by mighty rivers and scenic inlets of the the salt-water crocodile makes every Kimberley. moment of the expedition unique. Coral Princess’s unique, specially The hundreds of islands in Buccaneer designed ‘Xplorer’ excursion vessel Archipelago, the tidal phenomena and fleet of inflatable zodiacs is more at the Montgomery Reef and the than a match for the strong currents extraordinary Horizontal Waterfalls in ABN 71 083 652 019 | ISSN 1447 - 2112 and dramatic tidal ranges of the Talbot Bay…The Kimberley has it all. Photos this issue – Worldwide Cruise Terminals, Princess Cruises, Kimberley. With two included shore Also Coral Princess Cruises has Carnival Australia, MSC Cruises, CLIA, Holland America, announced details of an expedition to NCL, Cunard, Carnival Cruises Australia, Oceanic Cruises, excursions each day, skillfully led by Crystal Cruises, CMV, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Fred. Olsen an Expedition Leader and two expert witness the total solar eclipse occurring Cruises, Viking Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Ponant, P&O Cruises, in Indonesia on the morning of 9 March Costa Cruises, Lindblad – National Geographic Orion, RCI, Guest Lecturers, when you travel with Evergreen Tours, Hurtigruten, SeaDream Yachts, Le Boat, Coral Princess Cruises you can be sure 2016. More details in our next issue. CrosiEurope, Whitsunday Tourism and Coral Princess Cruises. of making the most of every minute of For more information visit your holiday. www.coralprincess.com.au New Appointment FEBRUARY 2015 Ecruising has appointed Alastair Fernie as Executive General Manager, a newly created role that will see Fernie take overall responsibility for the day- to-day operation of the Australian business. Brett Dudley, Founder and Chairman of the Ecruising group of companies said: “We want to take the company to another level and Slow Run for an with Alastair taking care of the day to day operations; I’ll be focusing on a 15th birthday approaching in January, Atlantic Greyhound number of new opportunities both in we are poised to enter a new phase in Australia and internationally. With our our company’s evolution.” Maritime Executive Database Thompson Clarke is launching a new Maritime Recruitment Database to facilitate high-level executive placements throughout Australia and internationally including the cruising industry. Utilizing its 30-plus year history in placement services to the maritime industry, they are focused on matching executive management and contractor expertise with Australian shipping and logistics Grand Mediterranean companies. “We are in a unique position within the maritime industry to facilitate Cruise on Regal Princess the professional engagement between employer and employee,” said Thompson Clarke managing director Chris Raley. Plus a comprehensive Thompson Clarke has launched the Maritime Executive Placement Database coverage of Global in response to clients’ requests to find the best candidates globally. It is a brand Passenger Cruising new approach for the industry that brokers the relationship between a maritime business and its potential leaders.

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54 December 2014 Now you have read the news it is time to book with your friendly Worldwide Cruise Centres cruise specialist. www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au

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^Based on cruise P544N Kiwi Adventure departing Sydney 26 November 2015 Balcony twin share room priced at $3,299pp. Early booking VIP Package offer is available for bookings made on the advertised Price Breaker Fare launched into the market April 2013 on cruises departing from 1 November 2015 onwards, excluding P&O Main Event cruises. Offer ends 30 April 2015 and is only available to the first 200 guests booked on each cruise. Subject to availability.