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GreatCRUISE Aussie GUIDE OUR FAVOURITE SHIPS, DESTINATIONS AND PORTS CRUISE NEWS CRUISE NEWS
Fans of upmarket cruising will have plenty to choose from this wave season with some of the world best New-wave luxury and premium ships heading luxe our way, reports Bernadette Chua.
uxury seems to be the theme for this year’s wave season. Five-star operators such as Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and L Silversea, along with premium lines such as Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises and Cunard are sending ships our way for another bumper wave season. There will also be some new arrivals. Norwegian Jewel will be the first Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship to be homeported in Australia in 13 years. She will sail a range of itineraries around Australia and to New Zealand. NCL, known for the bright and colourful artwork on the bows of its ships, is also highly regarded for its excellent food and service. The latest offering from Seabourn, Seabourn Encore was launched at the beginning of the year and made a whirlwind trip Down Under after her christening in Singapore. She’ll be here for about six weeks this season, sailing from Asia and stopping along the way in Bali as well as the Great Barrier Reef before setting off on several sailings to New Zealand and the South Pacific. The line is also sending Seabourn Odyssey and Seabourn Sojourn. There’s more luxury headed our way with two Crystal Cruises ships– Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. The ultimate in five-star cruising, expect white-gloved butlers, fabulous all-balcony suites with your favourite beverage of choice, bespoke shore excursions and food from celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Silversea is also returning with Silver Whisper and in early 2019, its newest ship Silver Muse will make her maiden call to Australia. Other notable mentions include Regent’s Seven Seas Navigator. Oceania Cruises, voted by Cruise Passenger’s panel of judges as the Best Cruise Line for Food, will have Regatta in Australia on a 34-night cruise. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Elizabeth will be visiting ports around Australia. It’s just a warm up for Queen Elizabeth which will homeport in Melbourne in early 2019.
2 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 3 DESTINATIONS DESTINATIONS
Where
we love to Jayapura Kavieng Wewak Rabaul cruise Madang Australia is now one of the ADVENTURE SOLOMON BIG SHIPS world’s leading cruise-loving Northern Queensland is the PAPUA NEW GUINEA Sydney's port facilities mean place for adventure lovers. ISLANDS Australia is getting bigger and nations. More than a million Honiara It's also the best place to see better ships. Last year, Ovation Port Moresby of us cruised in 2015 – mostly THE KIMBERLEY the Great Barrier Reef, one of Trobriand Islands of the Seas arrived Down Under. around Australia and the the richest ecosystems in the Norwegian will homeport It's one of the most famous Alotau world. Also, you can explore Cape York Norwegian Jewel here later this South Pacific. The Australian areas in Australia with the Daintree Rainforest, which Darwin Yirrkala year and Princess, P&O and Cruise Association says: thousands of tourists travelling has 1,200 square kilometres of Lizard Island Carnival have ships in Sydney. "The increasing number of from far and wide to see the flora and fauna. Kakadu Cooktown ports and anchorages in wonders of the Kimberley. Port Douglas You'll see waterfalls, pristine National our region highlights the Park Cairns Yorkeys Knob beaches, outback stations VANUATU FIJI extensive opportunities for and wildlife including whales, Broome Port Vila cruising in Australia, NZ and dolphins and saltwater Townsville Whitsundays Suva the South Pacific." crocodiles. Port Hedland NT Airlie Beach The following pages Alice Springs Noumea review our favourite cruise Exmouth Isle of Pines QLD Gladstone destinations. Europe is the Uluru NEW CALEDONIA leading long-haul destination WA Mooloolaba Fraser Island enticing more than Shark Bay AUSTRALIA Brisbane Norfolk Island 100,000 Aussie cruisers. Another 33,000 explored Geraldton Alaska and Asia attracted SA more than 95,000. Perth NSW In our reviews, we have Fremantle Newcastle abbreviated some of Busselton Bunbury Adelaide ACT Sydney Augusta Port Lincoln the cruise lines. They are MARGARET RIVER Esperance Canberra Wollongong Bay of Islands There is something for Albany Batemans Bay Holland America Line (HAL), Kangaroo Island VIC Norwegian Cruise Line everyone in the Margaret Robe Eden Auckland River region, whether you're a Geelong (Norwegian), Azamara Club Tauranga foodie, adventurer or a nature Melbourne Gisborne Cruises (Azamara) and lover. The region has beaches Portland NEW ZEALAND Napier Regent Seven Seas for swimming and surfing, Nelson Cruises (Regent). wineries, brew houses with Devonport Wellington great craft beer and scenic TAS Picton Burnie Kaikoura walking trails. Christchurch Akaroa Wineglass Bay Fiordland FOOD Hobart Port Arthur Dunedin Tasmania has an abundance of Stewart Island wineries, distilleries and food. There are farmers markets featuring the state's best produce. The region produces Australian Cruise Association ports PASSENGERS PORTS top pinot noir and sparkling PORT CALLS Australian Cruise Association anchorages 1,058,781 40 wines as well as gin and 1,015 whisky. Map courtesy of Australian Cruise Association australiancruiseassociation.com
4 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 5 DESTINATIONS: NEW SOUTH WALES
The harbour
NEW NEW WALES SOUTH where icons meet
ailing into Sydney Harbour to the sight of the Stepping off your cruise ship at the Overseas now a museum. From the Opera House, walk through the World heritage area is a 90-minute drive from Sydney. Harbour Bridge and Opera House, in addition to a Passenger Terminal at Sydney’s Circular Quay puts you Royal Botanic Garden to the Art Gallery of NSW, which Visit the Three Sisters rock formation at Katoomba, Sstriking coastline, make New South Wales one of the in the heart of The Rocks, the city’s colonial heritage has a large Asian antiquity collection, fine international indulge in high tea at the newly refurbished Hydro most popular Australian states to cruise to. area. It’s famous for its weekend markets selling arts and Australian art, and regular special exhibitions. Majestic Hotel and explore the vintage shops in Leura. Sydney is the main cruise port for Australia. Major and craft items and local artisanal produce. For cruisers looking for fine dining experiences, nothing Newcastle, two hours north of Sydney, is fast becoming lines such as Royal Caribbean have homeported their The quayside Museum of Contemporary Art houses is more iconic than sitting down for an opulent a cruise hub with lines such as Silversea, Celebrity, Royal largest ships here, including the technologically advanced works from renowned international and local artists. It degustation meal at Sydney’s best restaurant, Quay, which Caribbean, P&O, Princess, Oceania and Norwegian Ovation of the Seas. Norwegian Cruise Line is sending is just a short work to the Museum of Sydney, which is at the Overseas Passenger Terminal. You’ll feast on visiting over the next year. The extensive Hunter Valley Norwegian Jewel to homeport in Sydney at the end of the explains the history of the city, the State Library of gastronomical fare from the kitchen of Peter Gilmore wine region is about a 30-minute drive away and winery year. Carnival, P&O and Princess have several ships NSW, which has a phenomenal collection of first- while you take in the breathtaking sights of the Harbour tours are run from town. sailing from Sydney and luxury cruise brands such as edition books and exhibitions, and The Mint, the Bridge and Opera House. In 2016, Royal Caribbean announced it would be Crystal, Seabourn and Silversea make regular calls. oldest public building in the Sydney CBD, which is For a pre- or post-cruise tour, the Blue Mountains calling at Wollongong, an hour south of Sydney.
// WORDS BERNADETTE CHUA
Sydney Harbour
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NEW SOUTH WALES: PORTS
few. If you arrive on a weekend, Carnival, Celebrity, Oceania, there are some great markets Royal Caribbean, HAL, Cunard, including the Hunt and Gather Princess, P&O. Markets. At Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, the entire family WOLLONGONG can learn about marine life. The Wollongong coastline is Who goes there: Celebrity, dotted with rock pools, ocean A warm Crystal, Cunard, Oceania, baths, sand bars and sheltered Norwegian, P&O, Princess, Royal beaches, including Austinmer, Caribbean, Silversea. Bellambi, Wolli, Wollongong and QUEENSLAND North Wollongong. If you have welcome SYDNEY the time, surf schools conduct The Harbour City is the perfect lessons. The Nan Tien Temple is combination of natural good a sight to behold. The Temple looks, glamour and indulgence. has adopted the Chinese palace year round First stop is the Sydney building style, merging the Opera House, Joern Utzon’s traditional with the modern. The architectural masterpiece. It is Main Shrine has five large serene the venue for performances of Buddhas surrounded by 10,000 all kinds and guided tours are smaller Buddhas. Tours and available. Those with a head for vegetarian meals are available. heights can join a guided climb If you want to get into the water of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. rather than just watch it drift For something completely by, consider a shore excursion different, jump on a ferry to to Jamberoo water park. Rides Taronga Zoo or Manly, a popular include The Funnel Web, Surf Hill, The Grain Store, Newcastle seaside suburb. Beach lovers The Rock and The Taipan. There are spoilt for choice. Apart from is also mini golf and a range of EDEN NEWCASTLE Bondi Beach, Australia’s most rides for younger children. South Halfway between Sydney and Newcastle has a bustling photographed stretch of sand, of Wollongong, you can visit Melbourne, on the beautiful cafe scene and some great swimmers and surfers will enjoy seaside towns such as Kiama, Sapphire Coast, Eden is known restaurants. Take the Epicurean nearby Tamarama, Bronte and Gerringong and Gerroa, where for its humpback whales and Food Tour, led by a Newcastle Coogee beaches. you can swim, kayak, surf or fresh seafood. September to local who will show you Best for: Couples, young families, fish from the beach. Inland, the November is the best time some of their favourite places older cruisers, shopaholics, charming villages of Berry and to spot whales and several and introduce you to local outdoor types, culture vultures, Kangaroo Valley have boutique companies offer whale watching restauranteurs. For something food lovers, surfers, ocean shops, cafes and historic pubs. tours. Eden Smokehouse smokes casual, Scratchleys on the swimmers and history buffs. Who goes there: Royal seafood such as Atlantic salmon, Wharf serves classic seafood Who goes there: Norwegian, Caribbean. mussels and ocean trout, even dishes with a waterfront view. // WORDS: SARAH LOUGHLIN garlic. The Eden Killer Whale Beer fans can sip on a brew Museum has exhibitions about from the FogHorn Brewhouse, ueensland is known for its fantastic scenery, the shore-based whaling which has a bar and restaurant beautiful beaches and superb weather. It is a operations that formed the attached. For nature enthusiasts, Q town’s major industry during the Kooragang Wetlands has year-round cruise destination, popular with the 1800s and early 1900s. For 15 kilometres of boardwalk. families in the holidays and festive periods over spectacular hikes, Ben Boyd For arts and culture lovers, the summer, and a more mature crowd escaping the National Park’s scenery ranges Newcastle Art Gallery has 6,000 cold of the southern states in winter. from sandy beaches with pristine pieces from Australian artists Cruise passengers can experience the waters to coastal forests. such as Arthur Boyd, David underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Best for: Older cruisers, history Boyd, Margaret Olley and Brett the largest of its kind. The vibrant coral and buffs, surfers and beach goers. Whiteley. Newcastle has some of tropical fish can be viewed by scuba diving, Who goes there: HAL, the best surf beaches in Australia snorkelling or a glass-bottom boat. Norwegian, Oceania, – Bar Beach, Cowrie Hole and P&O, Regent. Merewether Beach to name a Bondi to Bronte walk Hamilton Island
8 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 9 DESTINATIONS: QUEENSLAND DESTINATIONS: QUEENSLAND
A popular port of call at the southern end of QUEENSLAND: PORTS the reef, the Whitsunday Islands offer world- class snorkelling, diving, sailing, seaplane flights, white beaches and luxury resorts. BRISBANE FRASER ISLAND great bushwalking and a mix of Cairns is Queensland’s second busiest port The laidback city has a Like nothing else on earth, this land and sea-based activities for and from here you can access the reef or head subtropical climate and access huge World Heritage-listed adrenaline junkies such as quad inland to explore the Daintree Rainforest and to stunning beaches and sand island is the largest on the bikes, parasailing and kayaking. Wildlife is abundant here and attractions such as the Kuranda Skyrail. hinterland. The city itself has planet, and the only place where shops a plenty, riverside dining rainforest grows directly from you can feed wild dolphins from For cosmopolitan sophistication, Brisbane, the island’s resort. has the suave South Bank lined with restaurants, and a year-round program of the sand. Picture 260-metre events and festivals. high sand dunes, more than 100 Best for: Adventure seekers, cafes, galleries and theatres. The state capital also Best for: Shopaholics, foodies fresh-water lakes and miles of first-time cruisers and families. has great shopping on Queens Street, city views and Queenslanders who prefer perfect sandy beach. There is lots Who goes there: P&O. from the Wheel of Brisbane, a giant observation to drive to join a cruise. of unique wildlife on the island Ferris wheel, and historic architecture such as Who goes there: P&O, Royal including wild dingos and birds. PORT DOUGLAS the heritage-listed buildings that make up the Caribbean, Princess, Norwegian, A popular attraction is the wreck An hour north of Cairns, you Treasury Hotel and Casino. Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd, Celebrity, of SS Maheno, washed ashore in have access to the same splendid On either side of Brisbane, the Gold Coast Azamara, Regent, Oceania, a cyclone in the 1930s. assortment of natural attractions and the Sunshine Coast offer miles of white Crystal, HAL. Best for: Adventure seekers and including the Great Barrier Reef beaches, some of the world’s best surfing and nature lovers. and the Daintree Rainforest. On CAIRNS whale watching. Who goes there: P&O, Ponant. top of that, you can enjoy Four As for history, in the Whitsundays you can Despite a fairly rapid expansion, Mile Beach, the yacht harbour Whitsundays Cairns still has a village feel. HAMILTON ISLAND and the local food, boutiques, see ancient cave paintings. From Gladstone, you take a dip at Mooloolaba Beach. WWII remnants and wild koalas, Spend the day meandering along One of the famous Whitsunday and art galleries. Home to can visit the town of Seventeen Seventy, where If you cruise during winter, book the Gold Rush town of Charters the Esplanade, get out into nature islands, this luxury resort offers several luxurious resorts, Port Captain Cook first landed in the state. a whale-watching trip to see Towers, or Australia’s largest with a ride on the Kuranda Skyrail, everything from fine dining to Douglas has been known to the impressive marine mammals national park on Hinchinbrook visit the Daintree Rainforest, or water sports, seaplane rides attract Hollywood celebrities. up close as they migrate up and Island. There is also a wide range take a trip out to the Great Barrier and even a golf course. Want to Best for: Celeb spotters, down the coast. of sports and activities available Reef. Visit the Tjapukai Aboriginal stretch your legs? Walk to the shoppers and adventure lovers. Best for: Beach lovers, families including white-water rafting, Cultural Park to find out more island’s highest point, Passage Who goes there: P&O, Princess, horse riding, bushwalking, golf about the area’s history. Peak, for panoramic views. Celebrity, Royal Caribbean. and couples. and fishing. Best for: Snorkellers, Best for: Families, couples and Who goes there: P&O, Best for: Sun seekers, history divers, foodies and bushwalkers. lovers of all things luxurious. SUNSHINE COAST Seabourn, Carnival. buffs and seafood lovers. Who goes there: Princess, P&O, Who goes there: P&O, Azamara, (MOOLOOLABA) Who goes there: HAL, P&O, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Crystal, Seabourn, HAL. THURSDAY ISLAND White sandy beaches, local Azamara, Regent, Oceania, Cunard, Celebrity, North Star, Sitting in the Torres Strait, boutiques and markets, and Seabourn. Coral Expeditions, Azamara, MORETON ISLAND attractions such as Australia Zoo 39 kilometres off Cape York at Ponant, Silversea, Regent, Just off the coast of Brisbane, and UnderWater World make the northern tip of Australia, Oceania, Crystal, Seabourn, HAL. WHITSUNDAYS (AIRLIE Moreton Island offers world-class this a popular stop. Get into the this tiny island is just 3.5 square BEACH/ WHITEHAVEN) snorkelling and diving with more beach vibe with lunch at the surf kilometres and hosts a range COOKTOWN Snorkelling, bush walking and than 100 wrecks to explore, club, try catching a few waves or of wonderful cultural activities The small town is full of history where you can learn more about breath-taking views abound among the 74 islands that and offers activities such as the Torres Strait Island people, make up the Whitsundays. snorkelling, horse riding, fishing including the Torres Strait Visit world famous spots such and hiking. A cruise is an ideal Historical Museum. as Whitehaven Beach, sail on way to reach this secluded Best for: Culture enthusiasts. location and experience a luxury catamaran, book a Who goes there: Coral untouched lagoons, waterfalls romantic helicopter trip or enjoy Expeditions, Azamara, Regent. and beaches. Cooktown is also a private picnic in a secluded bay. Look out for dolphins, rays, home to Australia’s oldest Botanic TOWNSVILLE Gardens, and its rock-art tours dugongs, turtles and an array are regarded as among the best Townsville is Australia’s largest of other marine life above and indigenous art experiences in tropical city and has more than below the water. the country. 300 dry sunny days a year. With Best for: Water sports enthusiasts, Best for: History buffs and architecture dating back to the thrill seekers and nature lovers. outdoor types. 1800s, a casino and museums, Who goes there: Princess, Who goes there: Regent, Townsville has something for Cunard, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Daintree Rainforest Oceania. Rock art, Cooktown everyone. Visit Magnetic Island for P&O, Oceania, Regent.
10 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 11 DESTINATIONS: VICTORIA
VICTORIA: PORTS
GEELONG The Waterfront esplanade has cafes and restaurants, a boardwalk, a 19th-century carousel and restored art deco style sea baths. Don’t miss out on a seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant VICTORIA Cosmopolitan overlooking the sea. Geelong is a 30-minute drive from Torquay, the eastern end of the Great Ocean Road, and Queenscliff, Mornington Peninsula where ferries depart for the culture short crossing to Mornington Who goes there: Hapag-Lloyd, Peninsula. Oceania, P&O. Best for: Couples and families. Who goes there: Norwegian, PORT MELBOURNE Regent, Seabourn, Oceania. Cruisers who don’t want to head into the city can relax at Port PORTLAND Melbourne beach, play beach Portland was Victoria’s first tennis or take a 30-minute European settlement and stroll along the waterfront to has an abundance of historic Sandbridge Lookout for some buildings. It is fringed by rolling spectacular bay views. Try kart hills to the north, a scenic river racing at Auscarts Racing, a region and a huge expanse of popular racing circuit or explore beautiful beaches and coastal Port Melbourne’s Bay Street, cliffs. Take a tour of the Budj Bim which has an abundance of National Heritage Landscape, cafes and boutiques. Garden one of the world’s earliest sites of City Reserve is a 10-minute walk human settlement. From May to and has shady trees, walking October, Southern Right Whales paths and a playground. swim close to the harbour. Other Best for: Everyone. attractions include the Portland Who goes there: Princess, P&O, Cable Tram, Botanic Gardens, Norwegian, Celebrity, Regent, Portland Maritime Discovery Crystal, Royal Caribbean, Hapag- // WORDS TERESA OOI Centre and Powerhouse Vintage Lloyd, Seabourn, Silversea, Car Museum. Cunard, Azamara, Costa, ictoria’s main cruise terminal is Port Melbourne, The modern architecture of Federation Square divides penguins, visitors can take a boat tour to see local seals. Best for: Families. Oceania, Carnival. but ships also call at Geelong, Phillip Island, opinion – you’ll either love it or hate it. The vibe, Visit Morning Peninsula, an hour south of the city VPortland and Mornington to make the most of the however, is infectious and the choice of restaurants for a relaxing soak in natural hot springs and savour state’s scenery and attractions. extensive. Sporting events, such as the Australian Open, local produce at restaurants, farm gates and cellar doors. Melbourne, the handsome southern capital, is are shown on huge screens in the open public space. Just If you have time, head west to drive along the renowned for its laneways, gastronomic culture, eclectic across the river, the National Gallery of Victoria houses famously scenic Great Ocean Road to see the 12 fashion boutiques and its obsession with coffee. an extensive international collection. Apostles, the amazing rock stacks that rise up from Melbourne also has some of the country’s best art Food is an obsession among Melbournians, reflected the Southern Ocean on Victoria’s dramatic coastline. galleries, quirky hidden bars and great music venues. in the broad range of restaurants. Wine lovers will enjoy the Yarra Valley. Stay overnight Heritage buildings sit alongside cutting-edge architecture, Melbourne also offers easy access to the state’s at a boutique vineyard and take an early morning balloon resulting some striking streetscapes. Collins Street is numerous other attractions. Watch the famous Penguin flight for mesmerising views of the valley. Have lunch at described as the Paris end of town for its branded Parade at Phillip Island Nature Park, 90 minutes from TarraWarra Estate winery and browse the lastest boutiques such as Chanel, Prada and Louis Vuitton. the CBD. As well as visiting the colony of little exhibition at its impressive art gallery.
The Little Mule Cafe, Melbourne Geelong waterfront
12 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 13 DESTINATIONS: WESTERN AUSTRALIA
WESTERN AUSTRALIA: PORTS
ALBANY the Margaret River wine district to sample fine wines, craft beer and The city has beautiful beaches, local cheese and seafood. award-winning wines and farm Best for: Wine lovers, couples fresh yabbies, freshly shucked The wild and and beach lovers. oysters and boutique goats Who goes there: Princess, cheese. Migrating humpback Cunard, P&O, Crystal. and blue whales can be spotted wonderful west from shore or with whale- watching cruises. FREMANTLE Best for: Families with kids. Freo, as it’s affectionately known, Who goes there: Princess, has a lively vibe. The “cappucino Silversea, Azamara, Crystal, strip” is home to coffee bars, WESTERN AUSTRALIA WESTERN Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd, HAL. cafes, pubs and breweries. The fishing boat harbour precinct has BROOME a brewery serving fish straight The 22-kilometre Cable Beach from the fishing fleet. The historic provides a dramatic backdrop Fremantle Markets have 150 for sunset camel rides. Broome’s stalls selling fresh produce, local Margaret River historic Chinatown overlooks eats, jewellery, souvenirs and Who goes there: Royal stripes. Kalbarri National Park, Roebuck Bay, a jumping off point homewares. Ferries to Rottnest Caribbean, P&O, Oceania, two hours to the north, is home for cruises to the local pearl farms. Island leave from the harbour Azamara, Princess, Regent, to ancient red sandstone gorges, Broome Bird Observatory is one and there are beautiful beaches Crystal, Celebrity. dramatic sea cliffs and rolling of the world’s great bird-watching stretching up and down the sand plains. About 500 species destinations. coast. It’s a 30-minute drive or EXMOUTH of wildflowers bloom in the park Best for: Fun-loving couples. train ride into the centre of Perth // WORDS TERESA OOI from August to November. Who goes there: Oceania, or you can take a ferry cruise to The highlights of Exmouth are Best for: Couples and families. estern Australia covers the entire Princess, Silversea, P&O, Noble the city up the Swan River. Ningaloo Reef and the whale Who goes there: Royal western third of the country and is Caledonia, True North, Coral Best for: Families with kids. sharks that visit from April to July. The beautiful coral reef and Caribbean, Princess, P&O, madeW up mostly of the arid outback. It Expeditions. Who goes there: Cunard, colourful fish can be enjoyed Silversea, Crystal, Ponant, Regent. has an incredible diverse coastline which Silversea, Royal Caribbean, BUSSELTON Princess, Oceania, Costa, P& O. by snorkelling right from one stretches over 12,500 kilometres. A cruise of the beaches of Cape Range PORT HEDLAND A gateway to the Margaret of WA will take you on a journey where National Park, which runs up the Flatback turtles nest on the River region, Busselton has a ESPERANCE you will encounter wild dolphins, whales, west coast of North West Cape beaches and visitors can see the 1.8 kilometre jetty, the longest Laze on squeaky white beaches the whitest of beaches and one of the flanked by red rocky gorges and young hatching from October wooden structure in the Southern and explore the untouched country’s most bio-diverse landscapes. sheer cliffs. Boat trips take visitors to March. Follow the Pilbara Hemisphere. Walk or take the Bay of Isles. This is a beach to swim with the enormous Wildflowers trail by road and In the west and north, there are the train along the jetty to the and nature lover’s hideaway and gentle whale sharks. Bird look for Sturt’s crimson-red warm waters of the Indian Ocean with Underwater Observatory, voted with a landscape that fills with watchers shouldn’t miss the bird desert pea and 65 species of the Great Australian Bight and the the best aquarium in the South wildflowers in spring. Swim and hide at Mangrove Bay where a wattle during the winter months. Southern Ocean to the south. The state’s Pacific by TripAdvisor. Visitors snorkel from Blue Haven Beach variety of birds roost and feed on The Staircase to the Moon, best population of almost three million is can sea kayak in Geographe Bay, and Twilight Cove. small fish in the shallow waters. viewed from Cooke Point from concentrated in its fertile southwest explore limestone caves and visit Best for: Families. Best for: Families and nature March to October, is a natural corner, home to the Margaret River wine lovers. phenomenon that occurs when region and the capital, Perth. In the Who goes there: P&O, Silversea, the full moon rises over the north, the Kimberley region is home to Regent, Azamara, Princess, mudflats at low tide, creating ancient Aboriginal rock art, the Bungle Oceania, HAL, Hapag-Lloyd. an optical illusion of a staircase Bungle sandstone domes and Broome. reaching to the moon. Follow the WA offers extraordinary experiences GERALDTON path of the “warlu” or Dreamtime from swimming with whale sharks at Pristine beaches include serpent as it makes its way Ningaloo, to exploring the world’s largest Coronation Beach, which has through the ancient landscapes collection of wildflowers. become a destination for of the Pilbara and Kimberley. international windsurfers. Point Best for: Adventure seekers. Moore Lighthouse stands out Who goes there: Royal Windsurfing off Rottnest Island Cable Beach, Broome with its red and white candy Caribbean.
14 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 15 DESTINATIONS: SOUTH AUSTRALIA DESTINATIONS: NORTHERN TERRITORY Great southern
bites// WORDS BERNADETTE CHUA SOUTH AUSTRALIA SOUTH outh Australia is famous for its wine with extensive vineyards in the Barossa Valley, TERRITORY NORTHERN SCoonawarra, McLaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, Clare Valley and Langhorne Creek. The Barossa is home to large and small wine labels including Penfolds and Henschke, and celebrity cook Maggie Beer has her farm shop there. The Adelaide Hills are dotted with historic towns and are renowned for gourmet food, cool climate-wines and galleries. The state capital, Adelaide is gateway to the outback where pre or post cruise, you can explore the stunning Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, Lake Eyre and Birdsville. To p E n d Ships also call as Kangaroo Island for gourmet and wildlife tours and Port Lincoln // WORDS TERESA OOI on the Eyre Peninsula for underwater adventure adventure arwin enjoys all year cruising. Its proximity to Asia and fine seafood. Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale Litchfield National Park makes it an ideal Australian gateway for visiting Dinternational cruise lines. SOUTH AUSTRALIA: PORTS NORTHERN TERRITORY: PORT This year, Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas visited Darwin, marking a bumper start to 2017. The cruise to October. Visit the Museum terminal is conveniently adjacent to the CBD. Most KANGAROO ISLAND manicured gardens and a Best for: Families, couples, wine Boston Bay wines at the vineyard DARWIN and Art Gallery of the Northern cruise ships spend between six to 12 hours in Darwin. (PENNESHAW) lovers and outdoor types. overlooking the bay. pleasant Mediterranean climate. Enjoying a picnic dinner while Territory to see some great Many cruise passengers head to Litchfield National Best for: Adventure lovers. Swim or walk along the beach Wedged between the Mount Who goes there: Cunard, P&O, watching the sunset at Mindil Aboriginal artworks. To feed fish Who goes there: P&O, HAL, Park, less than two hours’ drive from Darwin. The to see seals and fairy penguins. Lofty Ranges and the St Vincent Princess, Royal Caribbean, HAL, Beach is a special experience. by hand, head to Aquascene Princess, Ponant, Norwegian, national park has rugged sandstone escarpments, Take a guided quad-bike tour Gulf, it provides easy access Hapag-Lloyd, Silversea. Sunset markets are held every where hundreds of fish come Regent. two-metre high magnetic termite mounds and the along bushland trails and across to national parks, vineyards, Thursday and Sunday from April to shore at high tide. The PORT LINCOLN dramatic Florence Falls. Those interested in indigenous grasslands to see kangaroos beaches and the Adelaide Hills. Darwin Waterfront Precinct has art should visit Coomalie Art Centre at Batchelor en and other wildlife. Sample fresh, Highlights include the Central Port Lincoln is one of the best restaurants, bars, a pool with organic food such as local honey, Market, Adelaide Oval, Botanic places to go Shark Cage Diving a beach and a wave pool. It’s route to Litchfield National Park. freshly-caught seafood and Garden, Art Gallery of South or swim with Australian sea lions. connected to the heart of Darwin Darwin is a lively city where summer is hot and cheese made from sheep’s milk. Australia, Adelaide Zoo, home Underwater scenes for Jaws and by a sky bridge. humid and winter is warm and dry. At Parap Village Best for: Intrepid travellers. to pandas Wang Wang and Blue Water White Death were Best for: Couples and families. Markets, the flavours of Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Who goes there: Cunard, P&O, Fu Ni, and the National Wine shot in these waters. Port Lincoln Who goes there: Azamara, Malaysian and Indonesia come to life. Visitors can shop HAL, Norwegian, Oceania, Centre of Australia, housed in a is also Australia’s “seafood Carnival, Coral Expeditions, for fresh produce and pick up some craft handiwork Hapag-Lloyd, CMV, Azamara. striking building on the edge of capital” and visitors can enjoy Crystal, Cunard, HAL, Noble as souvenirs. the Botanic Gardens. There’s a fresh oysters from Coffin Bay as Caledonia, Norwegian, Oceania, PORT ADELAIDE The NT is big. It occupies one sixth of Australia’s total vibrant culinary scene and the well as local bluefin tuna. Glen P&O, Ponant, Regent, Royal land mass and attractions include Kakadu, Katherine Adelaide has tree-lined city is packed with small bars Forest Animal Park has Segway Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, Gorge, Arnhem Land, Litchfield, Alice Springs and boulevards, elegant buildings, and laneway restaurants. rides and putt putt golf. Sample Port Lincoln Mindil Beach Princess. Uluru, offering plenty for visitors to explore.
16 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 17 DESTINATIONS: TASMANIA
TASMANIA: PORTS
BURNIE Burnie, the most westerly city in Tasmania, produces the best milk for cheese making. Some of island’s best brie is made here and most visitors head to The Cheese Shop for a tasting. You can also try Treasures of fresh produce at the farm gate or TASMANIA sip whisky at the cellar door. The Fernglade Platypus Trail is a three-kilometre walk a few minutes’ drive east of Burnie and is the Apple Isle one of the most reliable platypus Dark Mofo viewing spots in Tasmania. Another spot for sightings is the Latrobe Landcare walk, a five- kilometre track along the banks of the Mersey River. The clear rivers and lakes around Burnie are ideal for fly fishing and there are also private farms, which give you a few tips before you cast a line. Visit Sheffield, dubbed Tasmania’s outdoor art gallery, about an hour’s drive away to see the town’s murals. Burnie is the Hellyers Road Distillery, Burnie gateway to Cradle Mountain with preserved Georgian cottages. Beer can visit the Isle of the Dead, an its renowned walking tracks. lovers may want to visit Cascade island cemetery in the harbour. It Best for: Nature lovers. Brewery near the foot of Mount is divided into two sections, the Who goes there: HAL, Regent, Wellington, a five-minute drive higher northern end is the burial Norwegian, Princess, Silversea, from Hobart city centre. Visit ground for respected military P&O. MONA, the Museum of Old and personnel while the lower end New Art, to see the controversial is for convicts. A ghost tour around HOBART private collection. the historic site at night is not for The centre of Tasmania’s You can also explore the historic the faint-hearted. // WORDS TERESA OOI charming capital city revolves convict village of Richmond, a Take a local wilderness cruise round its harbour and the 30-minute drive from Hobart. to see the coastline between rom soaring mountains, serene lakes and waterfront is bustling with Best for: All ages. Port Arthur and Eaglehawk Neck stunning beaches to gourmet food trails restaurants and activity. An easy Who goes there: P&O, Carnival, for spectacular rock formations, Foffering cheese, wine, spirits and exceptional walking tour around the town Princess, Hapag-Lloyd, Celebrity, waterfalls and caves carved by HAL, Royal Caribbean, Azamara, seafood, Tasmania has myriad attractions. It’s no can take in numerous historic thousands of years of sea erosion. Cunard, Silversea, Norwegian wonder the Apple Isle has emerged as a popular buildings including St David’s Bird watchers will be rewarded Cathedral, H.M. Gaol Hobart Line, Ponant, Crystal, Regent, by the frequent sightings of cruise destination with major lines offering a range and the Georgian sandstone Coral Expeditions. sea eagles, albatross, gannets, of itineraries. buildings of Salamanca Place. peregrine falcons and cormorants. The small island state has attracted big names At Salamanca Place, there’s a PORT ARTHUR The Tessellated Pavement at with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Holland America Saturday market, perfect for A former convict settlement, Port Eaglehawk Neck is a formation of and Cunard adding a competitive edge to cruises picking up a few local souvenirs. Arthur Historic Site incorporates rectangular rocks that looks like a offered by P&O, Carnival and Princess. Hobart’s heritage area at Battery more than 30 buildings, ruins mosaic floor. Most cruises to Tasmania are four to five nights Point offers an insight to Hobart’s and restored period homes Best for: History lovers. and call at Hobart, Port Arthur and Burnie. maritime history. You can pop in set in 40 hectares and offers a Who goes there: Carnival, P&O, to see various churches, museums fascinating insight to Australia’s Princess, Azamara, HAL, Cunard, and Arthurs Circus with its well- early European history. Visitors Oceania. Port Arthur
18 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 19 DESTINATIONS: NEW ZEALAND
NEW ZEALAND: PORTS
AKAROA Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Sailing into Akaroa’s sheltered Silversea. bay is magnificent, providing Land of the views of deep inlets and sheep- BAY OF ISLANDS nibbled hills. The region was Waitangi is surrounded by settled by French explorers in indented coastline, offshore 1840, which explains French islands and shimmering long white cloud street names and the patisseries bays, and was the first part that tempt with éclairs and of New Zealand to be settled
NEW ZEALANDNEW macarons. There are 40-odd by Europeans. It combines colonial-era cottages with spectacular scenery and water well-kept gardens, a lighthouse, sports such as sailing, kayaking a history museum and an old and dolphin spotting with French cemetery, plus craft Maori culture and history, shops and art galleries. The including New Zealand’s first eccentric, mosaic-studded capital Russell and the Treaty of gardens of The Giant’s House are Waitangi museum. a delight. Best for: Nature and ocean Best for: Romantics, couples and lovers, history buffs. cafe lovers. Who goes there: Carnival, Who goes there: Azamara, Celebrity, Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd, Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, HAL, Oceania, P&O, Ponant, Cunard, HAL, Noble Caledonia, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, Seabourn, Silversea. Ponant, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn. CHRISTCHURCH (LYTTELTON) AUCKLAND Christchurch is an innovative and forward-looking city striving // WORDS BRIAN JOHNSTON With a magnificent harbour setting and landscape of to overcome its 2010 and 2011 ancient volcanoes, few major earthquakes. View some of the ruise the long, rugged coastlines of our island Auckland. Small-ship expedition lines such as Silversea, scene, and its Te Papa Museum is outstanding. cities offer such wild beauty earthquake-affected zones and neighbour and the scenery never disappoints. Ponant or local company Heritage Expeditions take Auckland has big-city attractions embedded in wild C when arriving by ship. A visitor learn how the city centre is being Also know by the Maori name Aotearoa (land of the more adventurous cruisers off the well-sailed waters by landscapes that create one of the world’s loveliest highlight is the ferry ride to the restored, but don’t imagine long white cloud), New Zealand cruise highlights heading to New Zealand’s windswept sub-Antarctic harbours. And Christchurch, battered some years ago by seaside suburb of Devonport, Christchurch has nothing else include anchoring in Akaroa’s splendid bay and islands such as Campbell Island and the Snares and a series of earthquakes, is bouncing back in interesting or a harbour walk along scenic to offer. It remains lovely along tendering ashore and sailing the Queen Charlotte Sound Auckland islands. and innovative ways, with delightful pop-up cafes and Tamaki Drive to Saint Heliers, the Avon River and in its botanic towards Picton. But all these are surpassed by Milford New Zealand’s port towns also offer good dollops of shops, in addition to old favourites such as its beautiful with splendid island views. The gardens, has a fascinating Sound and its fellow fiords on the South Island’s east culture and history. You can learn about Maori traditions gardens and the International Antarctic Centre. city also has great museums, International Antarctic Centre, coast, some of the most dramatic landscapes you could on shore excursions to Rotorua, or early contact with the The New Zealand cruise season runs from early shopping and dining. As and is alive with small shops possibly enjoy from the comfort of a cruise ship. Europeans at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the October into late April, with December, January and evening falls, Ponsonby Road and eateries. Best for: Shoppers, food lovers Waterfalls, wild cliffs backed by snowy peaks and (more beautiful Bay of Islands region. Akaroa has unusual February the peak months. Few ships visit at other or the redeveloped waterfront and couples. often than not) moody mist make for great photo French colonial influences, Dunedin boasts a castle and times of year, since winters are chilly. New Zealand at Viaduct Basin are favourite choices for a drink or casual Who goes there: Hapag-Lloyd, opportunities. whisky distillery straight out of Scotland, and Napier’s weather can be unpredictable even in summer and with meal. The Viaduct Basin is a short Noble Caledonia, Ponant. Some 30 ships visit New Zealand each season, either 1930s architecture recalls the American jazz age. You’ll 2,813 kilometres to navigate between its northernmost walk from the Queens Wharf as part of trans-Pacific voyages or on New Zealand also find innovative, interactive museums and attractions and southernmost islands, expect temperature changes. cruise terminal. DUNEDIN cruises from Australian ports. If you don’t want to brave – and of course some of the latest in adrenaline sports. The Bay of Islands is subtropical, while destinations Best for: Families, walkers, New Zealand’s fourth-largest the sometimes turbulent Tasman Sea, P&O Cruises’s Wellington combines old-fashioned cosiness with such as Dunedin or Stewart Island lie further south culture fans – and everyone else. city has great restaurants and Pacific Pearl also has New Zealand-only cruises out of avant-garde flair and a terrific, contemporary dining than Hobart. Who goes there: Azamara, shopping and a fascinating Celebrity, Costa, Crystal, Cunard, Scottish heritage – it even Hapag-Lloyd, HAL, Noble boasts a whisky distillery and kilt Caledonia, Norwegian, Oceania, maker. Victorian-era architecture Wharariki Beach, Nelson P&O, Ponant, Princess, Regent, ranges from a landmark railway
20 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 21 DESTINATIONS:RUNNING SOUTH PACIFIC HEAD
NEW ZEALAND: PORTS
inland to the wineries of the admire views, then walk down Marlborough region and the through the Botanic Gardens. Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre. The city’s highlight is the Best for: Scenery and wildlife superlative Te Papa Museum, lovers, wine enthusiasts and with interactive, high-tech walkers. exhibits tracing New Zealand Who goes there: Azamara, geology, history and wildlife. Celebrity, Hapag-Lloyd, HAL, Surrounding excursions take you Noble Caledonia, Oceania, P&O, to wineries and The Lord of the Ponant, Princess, Regent, Royal Rings movie locations. SOUTH PACIFIC SOUTH Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea. Best for: Food and coffee lovers, museum goers, shoppers, TAURANGA families. Ships dock at Mount Maunganui, Who goes there: Azamara a popular beach holiday village. Club, Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Beaches, headland walks, Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd, HAL, saltwater pools and village-style Noble Caledonia, Norwegian, Catlins, Otago shopping are a stroll away. It’s Oceania, P&O, Ponant, Princess, also the jumping-off point for Regent, Royal Caribbean, station to fancy Olveston House Hapag-Lloyd, HAL, Noble Rotorua’s geysers, mud pools, Seabourn, Silversea. and imposing Larnach Castle. Caledonia, Norwegian, Oceania, hot springs and Maori cultural The city also has two excellent P&O, Ponant, Princess, Regent, attractions. STEWART ISLAND contemporary attractions: see Royal Caribbean, Silversea. Best for: Anyone who likes Stewart Island lies off the Paradise how chocolate or ale is made scenery, walking and beaches. south coast of South Island and at Cadbury World or Speight’s NELSON Who goes there: Azamara, features wild beaches, rainforest Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Brewery Heritage Centre. Otago Nelson is a delightful arts-and- and windswept hills. It has Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd, Heritage // WORDS TERESA OOI Peninsula, often visited on crafts town full of galleries, glass- few facilities and passengers close to home Expeditions, HAL, Noble shore excursions, has albatross blowers and fashion designers. must tender from ships. Hiking, Caledonia, Norwegian, Oceania, t’s considered Australia’s backyard, so it’s no colonies. The surrounding region is fishing, kayaking and exploring P&O, Ponant, Princess, Regent surprise the South Pacific is the most popular Best for: Architecture noted for sunny weather, rolling Rakiura National Park and Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Idestination for our cruisers. What’s not to love about enthusiasts, history lovers, vineyards, beer production its unusual flora and wildlife Seabourn, Silversea. island nations such as Fiji, New Caledonia, Samoa shoppers. and mountain scenery. Several (including abundant kiwis) are Who goes there: Azamara, the reasons to visit. and Vanuatu – with swaying palms, pristine beaches, national parks such as Abel WELLINGTON Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Tasman lure adventurous visitors Best for: Nature and wildlife clear blue waters and warm, friendly people. Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd, Heritage for hiking, kayaking and caving. Though a modest capital, lovers. Almost 400,000 cruise ship passengers went to the Expeditions, HAL, Noble Kahurangi National Park features Wellington has plenty of energy Who goes there: Crystal, South Pacific in 2015, and in the past five years, the Caledonia, Norwegian, Oceania, prominently as a backdrop in The and a surprisingly avant-garde Hapag-Lloyd, Heritage popularity of the region has grown by a phenomenal P&O, Princess, Regent, Royal Lord of the Rings movies. attitude. Take the famous red Expeditions, Noble Caledonia, 66 per cent. Caribbean, Seabourn. cable car from downtown to Best for: Shoppers, nature P&O, Seabourn, Silversea. Fiji is the most popular, attracting a total 630,000 enthusiasts and hikers. holidaymakers a year – the same as the rest of the NAPIER Who goes there: Crystal, South Pacific combined. Many put that down to the Napier is especially noted for Hapag-Lloyd, Noble Caledonia, Fijian’s beaming smiles and cries of “Bula!”. its magnificent 1930s art deco Oceania, Royal Caribbean, Vanuatu is famous for its volcanoes, diving hot architecture. The town is centred Silversea. spots and jungle treks to the massive Millenium on fertile farmland, orchards and river valleys and sits in the PICTON Cave filled with waterfalls and bats. New Caledonia is the third largest island in the middle of the Hawke’s Bay wine Scenic sailing in and out of South Pacific, and is home to some of the best coral region. Nearby Cape Kidnappers Picton at the head of the is renowned both for golf and island-studded Queen Charlotte reefs. The French-speaking island has a mix of gannet colonies. Sound has passengers glued Melanesian and French cultures. Best for: Golfers and history to the decks. The town has The Pacific islands are a playground paradise buffs. an interesting little maritime where most Australians cut their cruise teeth (if such Who goes there: Azamara, museum and plenty of craft a thing is possible). Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, shops. Shore excursions head Lake Pukaki, Canterbury Papua New Guinea ILOVECRUISING.COM.AU FAIRCLOTH, TIM PHOTOGRAPHY:
22 cruisepassenger.com.au GREAT AUSSIE CRUISE GUIDE 2017 23 DESTINATIONS: SOUTH PACIFIC
SOUTH PACIFIC: PORTS SOUTH PACIFIC: PORTS
has a small market. laid-back paradise of 170 islands Best for: History buffs. scattered over 70,000 square Who goes there: Crystal, P&O, kilometres of ocean just west of Cunard, Oceania, Princess, Regent. the international date line. Tonga is famous for whales and from SOLOMON ISLANDS July to October you’re almost (GIZO & GUADALCANAL) guaranteed to see humpbacks. Visitors can explore bustling Best for: Beach lovers and whale waterfront markets, WWII spotters. historical sites and museums, Who goes there: Princess, or head inland for lush jungle, Oceania, HAL, Cunard, Costa, P&O, crashing waterfalls and ancient Royal Caribbean, Crystal, Oceania, volcanoes. The capital, Honiara, Celebrity. is on the island of Guadalcanal and visitors receive a traditional APIA, SAMOA welcome ceremony at Kakabona The capital of Samoa (formerly Cultural village. Gizo, the second Western Samoa), Apia is a largest town, is the hub of the modern, bustling waterfront Western Province. Gizo has hub with a number of colonial the island. Shop for souvenirs Caribbean, Crystal, P&O, Oceania, excellent diving with clear water buildings, including Villa Vailima, including sandalwood Princess, Carnival, Norwegian. and brilliant coral. World War II the former home of author products at market stalls along sites can be visited by hiking or Robert Louis Stevenson, which is Kuto Bay. The white-sand beach MYSTERY ISLAND, VANUATU diving wrecks. now a museum on the outskirts of neighbouring Kanumera Bay This little gem at the southern Best for: Divers and history buffs. of town. Make sure you explore is lapped by calm turquoise tip of the Vanuatu archipelago Who goes there: P&O, Princess, further afield as the islands are water and fringed by coral reef can only be reached by ship. Crystal. dotted with pristine beaches, where snorkellers can view Surrounded by clear blue waters waterfalls, swimming holes, colourful fish. and sheltered by coral reefs, it TONGA lush jungles and tiny villages. Best for: Couples and families. is the perfect snorkelling and (NUKUALOFA & VAVA’U) O le Pupu-Pue National Park, the Who goes there: P&O, Carnival, swimming hideaway. Ride a Captain Cook was given such a country’s first national park, is just HAL, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, paddleboard and explore the warm welcome when he landed 20 kilometres south of Apia. Oceania, Princess, Norwegian, surrounding bays. Enjoy a relaxing, in Tonga in 1773 that he named Best for: Nature lovers. Noumea, New Caledonia Seabourn. traditional Vanuatu massage it the Friendly Isles. Not much has Who goes there: Cunard, under a palm tree or in a thatched Carnival, HAL, Norwegian, the city to Notre Dame de Pacific changed since for the population Oceania, P&O, Princess, NADI (PORT DENARAU SUVA, FIJI PORT VILA, VANUATU hut. Get your hair braided at a Seabourn, Regent, Crystal, Costa, lookout, stopping at a couple of of just over 100,000. Polynesia’s HAL, Norwegian, Regent, & LAUTOKA), FIJI Suva is the busiest and largest Port Vila’s bustling downtown beachside village market which Celebrity. swimming hideaways including sole surviving monarchy is a Celebrity. Relax in a thermal mud pool city in Fiji. The Fiji Museum has market is a vibrant spot where also sells trinkets and souvenirs. Lemon Bay beach. in Sabeto Valley and visit the a fascinating collection dating local women in brightly coloured It only takes about 40 minutes to NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA Best for: Families. nearby Garden of the Sleeping back 3,500 years. The Colo-I- dresses shop for fresh produce walk around the island. Who goes there: P&O, Carnival, Giant to see native Fijian plants Suva Forest has hiking trails, Adventure seekers enjoy including king-sized bananas, Best for: Families with kids. Royal Caribbean, HAL, Princess, and an impressive collection swimming beaches and bird- the Mont Koghi Nature trek, papayas and mud-crabs. Who goes there: Royal Celebrity, Oceania, Norwegian, of orchids. The garden also has watching spots. For handicrafts, starting with a four-wheel Handicraft stalls sell scarves, Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Costa, Ponant. a jungle walk and Koroyanitu woodcarving and woven items, drive ride followed by a walk in t-shirts and colourful sarongs. Celebrity, P&O, Seabourn, Crystal. the rainforest. Take a Segway National Heritage Park has visit the Government Handicraft ISLE OF PINES, At Mele Cascades water crashes ride around Parc Zoologique ALOTAU, walking trails through forests Centre or the Bavari Handicrafts NEW CALEDONIA down into small pools, some deep and grasslands as well as market where you can watch et Forestier to see the cagou, enough to swim in. For traditional PAPUA NEW GUINEA a flightless bird which is the Take a boat ride to Turtle Bay traditional villages. local artists making unique culture, visit the Ekasup Village Milne Bay is a lovely spot for symbol of New Caledonia. to see loggerhead and green Best for: All ages. souvenirs. The beautiful Coral to watch demonstrations on the snorkelling in clear water with Amedee Island Marine Reserve turtles, swim in the clear waters Who goes there: Princess, P&O, Coast stretches from Suva to old ways of cooking, singing and myriad fish and other sea life. It is a tiny coral atoll 18 kilometres or simply relax by the beach. Carnival, Captain Cook Cruises Sigatoka, dotted with resorts, hunting. The villagers dress in was also the site of fierce fighting south of Noumea where you can The beautiful Cave of Queen Fiji, Nobel Caledonia, Hapag- villages and beaches. traditional garments made of during WWII and tours take snorkel or see coral reefs and sea Hortense is surrounded by Lloyd, Oceania, Royal Caribbean, Best for: Families. palm leaves and grass skirts. in places of interest including turtles from a glass-bottom boat. rainforest and is one of the Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, HAL, Who goes there: Royal Best for: Families. Wahuhuba Bay where the The Tchou Tchou train traverses largest limestone caves on Seabourn. Caribbean, Oceania, P&O, Princess, Who goes there: HAL, Royal Japanese first landed. Alotau town Fiji
24 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 25 DESTINATIONS: ASIA
ASIAN: PORTS
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Town is delightful with temples, Best for: History buffs. BRUNEI tea-houses and great dim sums. Who goes there: Celebrity, Best for: Everyone. Cunard, HAL, Oceania, Princess, Get a sense of the wealth of Who goes there: Costa, Celebrity, Regent, Royal Caribbean, this sovereign state at the Royal Cunard, HAL, Norwegian, Oceania, Seabourn, Windstar. Regalia Museum where the Sultan Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, of Brunei’s massive coronation Seabourn, Silversea, Windstar. KYOTO (OSAKA), JAPAN ASIA chariot is displayed along with lavish gifts from overseas official Visit some of Kyoto’s two thousand BEIJING (TIANJIN), CHINA visitors. Nearby is the Jame’Asr shrines and temples and the Exotic ports within Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden geisha district (Gion) to learn the largest in Brunei, with a three- City and the 15th-century Temple importance of this traditional life. tonne Swarovski crystal chandelier. of Heaven are high on everyone’s Best for: Photographers. Best for: Families and bling lovers. list. Hit the markets for clothing, Who goes there: Crystal, Cunard, easy reach Who goes there: Azamara, silks, luggage and handbags. With HAL, Norwegian, Princess, // WORDS SALLY HAMMOND Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Hapag- an extra day, visit the Great Wall. Silversea, Windstar. Lloyd, Oceania, Regent, Silversea, Best for: Everyone. sian culture has long fascinated Australians. Windstar. Who goes there: Celebrity, TOKYO (YOKOHAMA), A With the growth of a strong cruise industry Crystal, HAL, Norwegian, Oceania, JAPAN based in Singapore, a relatively short hop away, it SIHANOUKVILLE, Regent, Royal Caribbean, The Imperial City sprawls over an is even more accessible and great value. CAMBODIA Seabourn, Silversea, Windstar. immense area so only plan to see The latest Cruise Lines International This country is regrouping as fast a section of it. Ginza is great for BALI (BENOA), INDONESIA Association figures tell the story. Australians as it can after decades of terrible luxury shopping, nightlife, cafes taking Asian cruises grew by more than 70 per conflicts. There’s a good central Denpasar and its “Gold street” and restaurants. Tsukiji Fish Market cent in 2015, eclipsing old favourites Northern market with unusual fruit and and bustling four-storey market is the world’s largest. The Skytree Europe, the Mediterranean and Alaska and masses of seafood. The beaches is worth seeing, as are the Tower offers extensive views. almost equalling New Zealand. are the best parts of Snooky (as surf beaches, bars, cafes and Yokohama, with waterside parks Some of our favourite cruise lines – Princess, the town is known) and seafood is restaurants at Kuta, or the high- and a silk museum, is 40 minutes Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, have stationed cooked to order over charcoal. end resorts of Nusa Dua. by train from central Tokyo. Best for: Surfers and shoppers. Best for: Everyone. ships in Singapore, and the city-state has two Best for: Beach lovers. Who goes there: Crystal, HAL, Who goes there: Azamara, Who goes there: Celebrity, cruise terminals and a fly-cruise experience. Oceania, P&O, Princess, Regent, Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, HAL, Crystal, Norwegian, Princess, APT, Travelmarvel, Evergreen and Avalon Seabourn. Oceania, P&O, Ponant, Princess, Silversea, Windstar. have put luxury ships on rivers such as the Regent, Royal Caribbean, Mekong and Irrawaddy. HONG KONG, CHINA Seabourn, Silversea. PENANG, MALAYSIA Flights have become cheap and plentiful, with Visit Kowloon, the island CBD, and Wander the UNESCO World full-service carriers vying with the likes of Jetstar the beach villages Aberdeen and JAKARTA, INDONESIA Heritage-listed area of George and Scoot with jaw-dropping bargains. Stanley (with its vibrant sprawling Spend time in Old Batavia with Town, Penang’s capital, with its old market) on the other side. There its tranquil square surrounded by shop-houses. Chinese temples, are great street markets and original 18th-century buildings mosques, churches and Hindu fashion shopping. Victoria Peak from the time of the Dutch East temples are often close together. and the Star Ferry from Kowloon India Company. Jakarta’s spicy Best for: Food lovers and families. to Hong Kong Island are a must. food is available at stalls in the Who goes there: Azamara, Best for: Everyone. square. Shopping is good at large Celebrity, Cunard, Dream, Who goes there: Azamara, modern shopping centres. Norwegian, Ponant, Princess, Celebrity, Costa, Crystal, Cunard, Best for: History and food lovers. Regent, Royal Caribbean, Dream, HAL, MSC, Norwegian, Who goes there: Azamara, Costa, Seabourn. Oceania, Princess, Ponant, Hapag-Lloyd, HAL, P&O, Regent, P&O, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Windstar. KUALA LUMPUR (KELANG), Seabourn, Silversea, Windstar. MALAYSIA NAGASAKI, JAPAN Port Kelang is about an hour from SHANGHAI, CHINA The Peace Park is a gentle entry the sleek and modern Malaysian Pudong’s space-age buildings to the WWII bombing of the city. capital, KL. There are good views are best seen from The Bund river The Atomic Bomb Hypocenter is from the observation deck on the Ha Long Bay, Vietnam esplanade. The 16th-century Old graphic with ruins and memorials. 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers
26 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 27 DESTINATIONS: MEDITERRANEANRUNNING HEAD
ASIAN: PORTS
Azamara, Celebrity, Cunard, HAL, Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Windstar.
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM HCMC is a huge city with chaotic traffic, so be satisfied to only see a little in a day. Take a cooking class, be fitted for a silk dress and haggle at the massive city market. Visit the history-making Reunification MEDITERRANEAN Palace with its basement war rooms and the sobering War Remnants Museum. Singapore Best for: Families and shoppers. Who goes there: APT, but the best city views are from SINGAPORE TAIPEI (KEELUNG), TAIWAN Azamara, Carnival, Celebrity, Menara KL Tower on Bukit Nanas. There’s something for everyone Must-sees in the busy modern Crystal, Oceania, Ponant, Princess, Best for: Families and food lovers. in this absolutely modern city. Taipei are the Chiang Kai-Shek Regent, Seabourn, Silversea, Who goes there: Azamara, The unique three-towered Memorial Hall, Martyr’s Shrine and Windstar. Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Dream, Marina Bay Sands has a huge the National Palace Museum with Norwegian, Ponant, Princess, upmarket shopping mall. Don’t priceless artefacts from China. HALONG BAY, VIETNAM Regent, Royal Caribbean, miss the temperature-controlled Best for: All ages. There are tours of Halong Bay Seabourn, Silversea. conservatories, Gardens by the Who goes there: Celebrity, visiting caves and grottos in the Bay, and the 16-storey Supertrees. Cunard, HAL, Oceania, Princess, YANGON, MYANMAR islands, including the Hospital Singaporean food is famous. Regent, Royal Caribbean, Cave, a secret bomb-proof clinic Myanmar’s largest city was Best for: Families and food lovers. Seabourn, Windstar. used during the American/ isolated for five decades. Who goes there: Azamara, Vietnam War. Hanoi is about three Downtown’s historic streets Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, BANGKOK, THAILAND hours by road. An elegant city , showcase British colonial Dream, HAL, Norwegian, Oceania, Don’t miss the sumptuous Grand where yellow houses echo French architecture. For affordable P&O, Ponant, Princess, Regent, Palace and the Temple of Dawn. colonial times, there are pagodas, shopping, head to the Strand Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Chatuchak Weekend Market has temples and museums – and Ho Europe s or Pansodan Street, and vibrant Silversea, Windstar. more than 15,000 stalls and there Chi Minh’s Mausoleum with his open-air markets. The golden are numerous shopping body on display. stupa Shwedagon Paya is the SEOUL (INCHEON), centres. Best for: Photographers. oldest pagoda in the world. SOUTH KOREA Best for: Foodies Who goes there: Azamara, Best for: Photographers. cruise magnet A delightful and shoppers Celebrity, Crystal, Dream, HAL, Who goes there: APT, Azamara, city with Who goes Norwegian, Oceania, Ponant, // WORDS SALLY HAMMOND Crystal, Hapag-Lloyd, Oceania, welcoming there: Princess, Regent, Seabourn, Ponant, Regent, Seabourn, locals, Avalon, Silversea, Windstar. t’s Australia’s number one long-haul cruise In a region so chock full of great locations, one night in Silversea. temples, destination, encompassing 21 countries and two port may not seem enough. Many use a cruise as a tea houses Icontinents. At least 16 major lines station their best ships “degustation” from which they can choose places they will MANILA, PHILIPPINES and ancient in the Mediterranean between April and October, the return to another time, to stay and enjoy more fully. The Philippines’ modern capital city gates. region’s big cruise months. The region is divided into the Western Med (Spain, has good hotels, casinos and Visit memorials The allure of the Med relies on its stunning Portugal, France and Italy) and the Eastern Med, which shopping malls. Its colonial of the Korean destinations, fascinating history, amazing food and wine includes Greece, Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, Turkey and Spanish history is preserved at War and the huge Intramuros, the 16th-century Namdaemun market. and unique mix of cultures. So many wonderful places are Israel. With such an astonishing spread of cultural icons walled city, once a fortress. Best for: Couples. accessible from the water that this has become the perfect – we’re talking Rome, Florence, Jerusalem, the Acropolis, Best for: History lovers. Who goes there: Celebrity, playground for cruise. Ships tend to travel between ports and heart-stoppingly beautiful locations (the Greek Who goes there: Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, HAL, Norwegian, overnight, so each day is a new destination. islands, Corfu, Sardinia), the Med is a cruise magnet. Crystal, HAL, Oceania, Ponant, Oceania, Princess, Regent, Royal Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, Seabourn, Silversea, Windstar. Windstar. Busan City, South Korea Venice, Italy
28 cruisepassenger.com.au GREAT AUSSIE CRUISE GUIDE 2017 29 DESTINATIONS: MEDITERRANEAN
MEDITERRANEAN: PORTS MEDITERRANEAN: PORTS
ROME (CIVITAVECCHIA), Visit the palace with its priceless Gothic, contemporary and plain ITALY artwork and artefacts, and the tourist driven. Las Ramblas from Monaco Cathedral. Have a flutter the Port Terminal leads to the old Rome’s treasures include the in the casino if you fit the dress- centre and huge central plaza, Colosseum, Vatican City, St code (seriously!). Gaudi’s Basilica is unmissable, Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, Best for: Luxury lovers and as are his many other buildings. Trevi Fountain, Trastavere, the celebrity spotters. See Barcelonetta, an artsy former Spanish Steps and Via del Corso Who goes there: Azamara, fishing village. with its spectacular shopping Celebrity, Cunard, HAL, Best for: Photographers, foodies (think, shoes and handbags, Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, ladies!) and the whole spectacle and architecture buffs. Princess, Regent, Royal that is Rome. Don’t miss great Who goes there: Celebrity, Caribbean, Seabourn, gelati, cafes and restaurants. Cunard, HAL, MSC, Norwegian, Silversea, Viking. Best for: All ages. Oceania, P&O, Princess, Regent, Who goes there: Azamara, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, GIBRALTAR Celebrity, Cunard, HAL, MSC, Silversea, Viking. Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, The huge rock at the entrance Dubrovnik Ponant, Princess, Regent, Royal to the Mediterranean is now MALAGA, SPAIN DUBROVNIK, CROATIA MARSEILLE, FRANCE Best for: Those who like a party! Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea. a British Crown Colony. In the The sweeping bay, 16 beaches, past thousand years it has been winding lanes in the old town Walk the walled medieval town The old port has glam super- Who goes there: Azamara, FLORENCE (LIVORNO), occupied by nine nations. Head and plenty of places to relax with which is crammed with culture yachts, a shore-front market, Celebrity, Cunard, HAL, ITALY for the top of the Rock by cable and history. Laze on Adriatic restaurants (try the bouillabaisse!) Norwegian, Oceania, P&O coffee or good local wine and car, meet the resident Barbary beaches, or enjoy museums and cafes capturing the essence Cruises, Ponant, Princess, Regent, Florence is crammed with some tapas. Granada is about apes and take in the matchless and the vibrant cafe scene. With of Provence. Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, 15th-century history, galleries, two hours away, with fine old view of Europe and Africa. enough time, take a boat to an Best for: Couples, shoppers and Silversea, Viking. palaces, museums and churches. museums, palaces and the star in outlying island. food lovers. Visit one or two in-depth such as Best for: All ages. its crown, the Alhambra, a 14th- Best for: Lovers of art, Who goes there: Celebrity, SANTORINI, GREECE the Uffizi Gallery and El Duomo) Who goes there: Celebrity, HAL, century palace-fortress. architecture, history and sun. Cunard, HAL, MSC, Norwegian, The beauty, the colours, the non- then wander across the River Oceania, P&O, Princess, Regent, Best for: Families and couples. Who goes there: Azamara, Oceania, P&O, Royal Caribbean, stop sunny days, views from the Arno’s Ponte Vecchio with its Royal Caribbean, Silversea. Who goes there: Celebrity, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking. caldera cliffs, the volcano itself, jumble of art and goods for sale. Cunard, HAL, MSC, Norwegian, HAL, Norwegian, P&O, Ponant, shopping, the ruins of Akrotiri, Livorno is an hour from Florence. BARCELONA, SPAIN Oceania, P&O, Regent, Princess, Regent, Royal ATHENS, GREECE or simply sitting still soaking it Best for: History and art lovers. Barcelona’s neighbourhoods Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Caribbean, Oceania, Seabourn, all in – preferably with some fine Who goes there: Azamara, range from hip to historic – History is everywhere and Monaco Silversea, Viking. Silversea, Viking. just recalling the age of the seafood and a glass of local wine. Celebrity, Cunard, HAL, VENICE, ITALY Note: Some lines use Calvi, Parthenon and Acropolis, Delphi Best for: Everyone. MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, Portovecchio, Propriano or (a day trip) and other ancient sites Who goes there: Azamara, Ponant, Princess, Regent, Getting “lost” in the maze of Bonifacio. Split and Zadar are makes your head swim. Despite Celebrity, Cunard, HAL, MSC, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, lanes and bridges over hundreds also important ports of call. the Greek economy, the city’s Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, Silversea, Viking. of waterways. St Mark’s Basilico facelift has added a new buzz. Princess, Regent, Royal Caribbean, and its grand piazza, the Grand AJACCIO, CORSICA, FRANCE Best for: History lovers. Seabourn, Silversea, Viking. NAPLES, ITALY Canal, the arched Rialto Bridge Napoleon’s birthplace is French Who goes there: Azamara, The Greeks, Romans, Normans, are mesmerising and a romantic with an Italian slant. Enjoy great Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, HAL, CAGLIARI, SARDINIA, ITALY Germans, French all had a gondola ride is a must. bread, patisseries and food, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, The terrain is rugged and wild hand in this rough and tumble Best for: Lovers old and young. a relaxed Italian ambience, P&O, Ponant, Princess, Regent, inland, with wild ponies, sheep city. Pompeii, Herculaneum, Who goes there: Azamara architecture and the many sandy Royal Caribbean, Seaborn, and flamingos. The coast can Capri and the Amalfi Coast are Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, HAL, beaches. Visit the main market Silversea, Viking. be achingly chic, with resorts, all nearby. Try pizza where it MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, for gourmet goodies. super-yachts, boutiques and originated. Ponant, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Best for: Foodies and MYKONOS, GREECE designer bikinis. Alghero’s old Best for: Couples, history lovers Seabourn, Silversea, Viking. history fans. Celeb spotting, glitzy venues, walled town is worth a visit. and pizza fans! MONTE CARLO, MONACO Who goes there: Azamara, boutiques, art galleries, Best for: Luxury-lovers. Who goes there: Cunard, Celebrity, Cunard, Oceania, museums, Little Venice with Who goes there: Cunard, HAL, HAL, MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, This tiny principality is packed P&O, Ponant, Princess, Regent, medieval houses once maybe MSC, Norwegian, Oceania, P&O, Ponant, Princess, Regent, with glitz and glamour, from the Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, used by pirates, golden beaches, Ponant, Regent, Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Grand Casino to the super-yachts Silversea, Viking. nightlife, wining and dining. Silversea, Viking. Silversea, Viking. of the Cote d’Azur waterfront. Ponant’s Le Lyrial, Santorini
30 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 31 DESTINATIONS: NORTHERN EUROPE
NORTHERN EUROPE: PORTS
SOUTHAMPTON, UK Who goes there: Azamara, Costa, Crystal, Cunard, Hapag-Lloyd, MSC With some of England’s best- Cruises, Norwegian, Silversea. preserved medieval town walls, Cruise into Southampton Old Town has KIEL, GERMANY more than 90 listed buildings, with medieval wine vaults and Attractions include the oldest churches, and fine Georgian building in the city, St Nicholas culture and history houses and hotels. Church, and the Holstenstraße, Best for: History fans. one of Germany’s longest Who goes there: Celebrity, shopping streets. There are also Cunard, MSC, Oceania, P&0, lakes, parks and two botanical
NORTHERN EUROPE NORTHERN Princess, Royal Caribbean, gardens. The Kiel Regatta, held Norwegian, Carnival. in June and is the largest sailing event in the world. CHERBOURG, FRANCE Best for: Families and sea lovers. An important naval base during Who goes there: Costa, Cunard, the Napoleonic wars, the city has Hapag-Lloyd, MSC. several museums dedicated to its COPENHAGEN, DENMARK residents, including the Muséum Emmanuel-Liais, a museum of Stroll past Denmark’s Tivoli natural history, archaeology and Gardens and along the cobbled ethnography. Foodies can’t go and bike-filled streets where the past the fresh seafood – look for locals are considered to be lemon sole, scallops and mussels. the happiest in the world. See Best for: Maritime history fans. The Little Mermaid sculpture Who goes there: Azamara, at Langelinje Pier and visit Costa, Crystal, Cunard, HAL, MSC, the Church of Our Savior and Norwegian, P&O, Princess, Royal Rosenburg Castle. Stroget in the Caribbean, Seabourn, Viking. heart of the city is one of Europe’s longest pedestrian streets. ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA Best for: Curious travellers. From the ornate Hermitage Who goes there: Norwegian, Museum, the tsars’ former Winter Royal Caribbean, MSC, Seabourn, Palace with a vast art collection, HAL, Princess, Oceania, Silversea. to the Soviet-era austerity of the Russian Museum, St Petersburg STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN is packed with history. The capital of Sweden is known Best for: Couples. for 70s pop stars so don’t miss Who goes there: Viking, MSC, the ABBA museum. The capital is HAL, Princess, Royal Caribbean, made up of 14 islands connected Celebrity, Silversea, Costa. by 50 bridges. Jump on a hop-on, or years, Europe has been Australia’s leading long- small opportunity to catch the Northern Lights in hop-off boat for a tour of the haul destination. More than 100,000 of us cruised summer. The further north you go, the more nights of HAMBURG, GERMANY canals. Go to the Archipelago for Fhere on ocean liners in 2015. Northern Europe alone saw midnight sun you will get. This seaport on the River Elbe is spectacular views of the islands a 22.3 per cent increase with 29,960 extra Aussie cruisers. Other popular ocean cruise destinations include the second largest city in Germany and take a stroll in the old town of The region includes one of the world’s most remote Russia, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK, and has a rich history, stretching Gamla Stan, a bustling area dating itineraries – the Northern Lights and the Norwegian and most of the major lines offer fabulous itineraries, be back to medieval times. Modern back to the 13th century that’s fiords. Here you will be in awe of the ice-capped it on megaliner or a smaller luxury ship. Hamburg is a cultural hub with now packed with restaurants. mountain ridges and jagged architecture of its peaks. Of course, Europe is also a popular river cruise more than 40 theatres, 100 music Best for: All ages. There are more than 1,000 fiords in Norway with seals destination especially on the Danube, Seine, Rhine, venues and 60 museums. For Best for: Royal Caribbean, Costa, and porpoises swimming in the blue inlets. You have a Loire, Rhone and Duoro (see page 74 for more). modern-art lovers, visit the Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, Kunsthalle Hamburg or the MSC Cruises, P&O, Viking, // WORDS TERESA OOI Museum for Art and Industry. Seabourn, Silversea, HAL, River Danube, Budapest Best for: Culture lovers. Regent, Cunard.
32 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 33 DESTINATIONS: CANADA & ALASKA
CANADA & ALASKA: PORTS
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA Historical Park Visitor Center and The largest city in Alaska has the historic Red Onion Saloon. cool pubs (check out 49th State Best for: Wanderers. Brewing), restaurants, shopping Who goes there: Princess, HAL, haunts as well as cultural and Seabourn, Carnival, Norwegian, historic museums including the Royal Caribbean, Silversea. Alaska Native Heritage Center. Best for: Museum fans. CHARLOTTETOWN, CANADA Who goes there: HAL, Princess, The shoreline boardwalk from Crystal. Peake’s Quay to Victoria Park is full
CANADA & ALASKA & CANADA North for adventure of shops and restaurants, be sure JUNEAU, ALASKA to sample the seafood. Anne of // WORDS RODERICK EIME A former gold-rush town, Alaska’s Green Gables fans will love seeing capital can only be reached by air the setting for the books. ailing the Inside Passage is top of the list for most or sea. Activities include whale Who goes there: HAL, Regent, Aussies heading to Canada and Alaska. Bordered watching and zip-lining, the Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Sby stunning mountain ranges with dense forest to the Alaskan Brewing Co and glorious Celebrity, Silversea, Princess. shoreline, the 1,500-kilometre sheltered waterway has walking trails. Take the Glacier been used since early times by mariners trying to avoid Shuttle to Mendenhall Glacier. MONTREAL, CANADA the rough seas of the Pacific Northwest. Best for: Nature lovers. This multicultural city has French During the northern summer, traffic through the Who goes there: HAL, and British colonial roots. Stroll to passage gets pretty hectic with numerous cruise ships Norwegian, Princess, Oceania, museums, such as the Montreal Regent, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, sailing the tranquil waters. The big ships stop Museum of Fine Arts, galleries, Lindblad Expeditions. occasionally at ports such as Ketchikan. The Underground City shopping For a more intimate exploration, Lindblad, tunnels, and enjoy quirky dining. KETCHIKAN, ALASKA Best for: Culture and food lovers. UnCruise and Alaskan Dream Cruises are an With a genuine frontier town Who goes there: HAL, Oceania, attractive option. Excursions by Zodiac allow a dozen feel, Ketchikan is a popular port. Regent, Silversea. passengers and a guide to spot wildlife, birds, plants Wander Creek Street with its and geographic features at leisure. Expedition vessels historic wooden buildings and QUEBEC CITY, CANADA typically carry fewer than 50 passengers into some of explore Tongass National Forest. The only walled city in the US and the most secluded nooks along the passage where you Best for: History and nature fans. Canada, the charming French- can get close to calving glaciers, escorted by pods of Who goes there: HAL, Royal flavoured city is easy to navigate whales and seals. Caribbean Norwegian, Regent, on foot and abundant in culture, A far less forgiving stretch of water, the Northwest Oceania, Princess, Celebrity. art and delightful sidewalk dining. Passage is opening up to cruise ships due to the recent Best for: Culture and history buffs. SEWARD, ALASKA lack of ice. Last year, the luxurious Crystal Serenity Who goes there: HAL, Oceania, made the epic voyage from Anchorage, Alaska all the This busy little port town with its Regent, Silversea, Cunard, Ponant, way to New York across the top of Canada in 32 days. fun, old-looking shopping strip is a Royal Caribbean. Both Ponant and Hapag-Lloyd have done this cool base to explore, kayak or hike around the Kenai Fjords National previously and One Ocean Expeditions regularly runs VANCOUVER, CANADA Park. Visit the Alaska SeaLife Vancouver has a busy waterfront, explorations of the Canadian Arctic, but Serenity is the Center, Seward Brewing Company bustling downtown precinct largest passenger vessel to make the transit. or take a dog sled tour. and numerous museums, many Canada’s eastern provinces of Quebec and New Best for: Nature lovers. catering to kids. Don’t miss the Brunswick are still largely unexplored by Aussie Who goes there: Silversea, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre and cruisers, so if you are looking for new seas to sail, Seabourn, Celebrity, Regent, HAL, the Grouse Mountain Skyride and there are fertile waters around the historic and stately Royal Caribbean. Wildlife Refuge. capitals of Montreal and Quebec City via the St SKAGWAY, ALASKA Best for: Families and art lovers. Lawrence Seaway. Lines such as HAL and Seabourn Who goes there: Princess, HAL, will take you right into the heart of Montreal and It’s the end of the line for most Seabourn, Oceania, Norwegian, continue around to Boston via Nova Scotia and Inside Passage cruises. Don’t miss Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Crystal, Prince Edward Island. the Klondike Gold Rush National Glacier Bay, Alaska Regent, Disney.
34 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 35 DESTINATIONS: SOUTH AMERICA DESTINATIONS: CARIBBEAN
Latin fiesta // WORDS RODERICK EIME
hile not a huge cruise destination, CARIBBEAN the vast South American continent SOUTH AMERICA SOUTH Sail in the sun Wpresents myriad possibilities. The most // WORDS TERESA OOI popular cruises for big ship lovers typically sail between the major capitals of Buenos ast year, the Caribbean maintained heady scent of rum and calypso music. Aires, Montevideo and Rio de Janeiro its position as the world’s No. 1 Trinidad is a natural aviary where you with diversions to Sao Paulo and Ilha cruiseL destination with a third of the can watch the bearded bellbird or the Grande for the “Brazilian Riviera”. market and 26.3 million destination scarlet ibis, Trinidad’s national bird. In Other ocean lines swing by on round- arrivals. But it doesn’t hold the same Dominica, take a hanging gondola the-world itineraries or on longer cruises appeal for Australians. In 2015, the over the Morne Trois Pitonis National out of the USA, while river cruise number cruising in the region fell Park, kayak in St Lucia, swim under a operators including Aqua Expeditions and more than 10 per cent to 31,482. waterfall in Grenada or with the Scenic explore the Amazon. There is no doubt why the dolphins in the Bahamas. You can even South America is best known for Caribbean is so popular globally. There learn to scuba dive in Tobago. James small-ship cruises to Antarctica, are 7,000 islands with blue seas, sandy Bond fans should have a martini at the Galapagos or the Chilean Fjords. The beaches and luscious green forests. Goldeneye Resort in Jamaica where population of Ushuaia swells in the height From bustling Barbados to pulsating Ian Fleming lived. of summer with the crush of tourists Jamaica to St Maarten, it is an The Caribbean’s peak cruise season heading to the Antarctic Peninsula. Rio de Janeiro St Vincent and the Grenadines explosion of colours mixed with the is October to April. SOUTH AMERICA: PORTS CARIBBEAN: PORTS
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA way, stop by the Sambodromo, Silversea, Princess, Crystal, Costa, 90-year-old Palacio Salvo and NASSAU, BAHAMAS capital city of Marigot, which is MONTEGO BAY OCHO RIOS where renowned Samba schools Cunard, Norwegian, Ponant. the renovated Teatro Solís are all filled with chic boutiques. Argentina’s cosmopolitan The largest port in the Bahamas, Duty-free shopping at its best Ocho Rio beach has golden sand perform. within a walk of each other. Best for: Curious travellers. capital is full of atmospheric Nassau attracts about three million especially in the city shopping and crystal clear waters. Behind Best for: Shoppers and LIMA, PERU Best for: History and culture buffs. Who goers there: Princess, old neighbourhoods, European cruisers a year. Most ships dock precinct. Stroll down bustling the beach, colourful market stalls beach bums. Who goes there: Cunard, Celebrity, MSC, Costa, Norwegian, architecture, boulevards and Hang out at fancy restaurants at Prince George Wharf, adjacent Gloucester Avenue with its great sell everything Jamaican. Who goes there: Cunard, and plush hotels in the swanky Norwegian, MSC, Celebrity, Carnival, Azamara, P&O, Royal shops and restaurants. parks. Visit the opulent 1908 Teatro to downtown Nassau. The wharf Best for: Fun-loving travellers. Norwegian, MSC, Celebrity, HAL, Miraflores district, wander through HAL, Crystal, Seabourn, Regent, Caribbean, Silversea, Disney, Best for: Travellers of all ages. Who goes there: Norwegian, Colón, colourful La Boca and the can accommodate seven ships grand Recoleta and Barrio Norte. Crystal, Seabourn, Regent. the historic town centre and visit Princess, Ponant, Silversea. SeaDream. Who goes there: Carnival, HAL, Carnival, HAL, Princess, MSC, at the same time. Atlantis Resort Best for: Culture and history museums and archeological sites. SeaDream, MSC, Princess. Crystal. on Paradise Island is one of the lovers, soccer fans and romantics. SANTIAGO (VALPARAISO), Best for: History and culture buffs. ST THOMAS CHILE world’s famous casino resorts. Who goes there: Norwegian, Who goes there: Princess, HAL, Shop at Charlotte Amalie for duty- Best for: Fun lovers of all ages. MSC, Celebrity, HAL, Crystal, Santiago’s UNESCO-listed ocean Norwegian, Oceania, Regent, free bargains including jewellery, Who goes there: Celebrity, Seabourn, Regent, Princess. port is the gateway to the Andes. Silversea. watches, china and alcohol. Take Santiago, 90 minutes by road, has Norwegian, Princess, Disney, a cable car ride from the Paradise RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL a wealth of museums and historic MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY Regent, MSC, Oceania, Costa, Point tramway for magnificent Silversea, Royal Caribbean. There’s so much to see and do in sites and is enjoying an urban Montevideo has a mix of colonial views of the bay. Rio, try to arrange a day or two culture revival with flash new and modern, art deco and Best for: Travellers of all ages. ST MAARTEN here. From Sugar Loaf Mountain hotels, restaurants and galleries. neoclassical architecture thanks Who goes there: Norwegian, cross the Tijuca rainforest by train, Best for: Culture lovers and to Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, The duty-free island is a shopper’s Carnival, Disney, Royal then climb to Christ the Redeemer history buffs. French and British immigrants. dream. Prices on electronics and Caribbean, Princess, SeaDream, on top of Corcovado. On the Who goes there: HAL, Seabourn, The Museum of Visual Arts, the liquor are low. Walk around the Azamara, Viking. Nassau, Bahamas
36 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 37 AUSTRALIAN FLEET
OVATION OF THE SEAS he Australian market is the third largest in the world Tfor cruising and in 2015 more than a million Aussies cruised either locally or to exotic destinations. Cruise lines are OUR recognising this by sending the best of their fleet Down Under. We’re spoilt for choice with the number of ships that we can Want to start your cruise close to home? There is a huge choice cruise on. From family and mid- of cruise lines and ships on offer. Bernadette Chua reports. range to premium and ultra- Aussie Fleet luxe, check out the ships that homeport and sail to Australia.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE One of the most popular family cruise lines, Carnival’s ships, Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend offer something for the entire family. Carnival Spirit has the largest water park at sea in Australia, mini-golf, two-deck fitness centre, an adults-only area and more. It also has Guy Fieri’s Burger Joint where guests can make their own American diner-style burgers. For the Mexican fiends, BlueIguana Cantina has a taco machine that can make 110 taco shells an hour. Guests can choose from chicken, fish, pork and beef tacos. Carnival Legend has some great features including the Green Thunder water slide and, for the foodies, the RedFrog Pub and Bonsai Sushi. carnival.com.au
P&O CRUISES P&O has the largest fleet in Australia with five ships sailing in the region. The line has taken a new approach with the roll out Pacific Aria and Eden in 2015. The new ships are modern and elegant, filled with beautiful furnishings and great restaurants. Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan has been a long-term partner with P&O and guests can try his signature dishes at Salt Grill, such as liquorice parfait. Launching this June, Pacific Explorer will join the fleet. She’ll have cool new
PHOTOGRAPHY: TIM FAIRCLOTH, ILOVECRUISING.COM.AU FAIRCLOTH, TIM PHOTOGRAPHY: water slides, a water park, new
38 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Cruise Guide 2017 39 AUSTRALIAN FLEET
bars, barefoot bowls, a poolside around Australia and New VIKING OCEAN CRUISES original Queen Mary. The line has REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES Seabourn has also organised lobster and burger bar and more. Zealand. Emerald Princess, Viking Cruises will be sending even have updated the kennels Last year, Regent Seven Seas a number of keynote speakers pocruises.com.au Golden Princess, Dawn two of its ocean ships to for your canine passengers (on launched “the world’s most including former prime minister Princess, Sun Princess Australia and New Zealand next transatlantic sailings) – there’s luxurious ship” – the lobster and Julia Gillard and Pulitzer-prize ROYAL CARIBBEAN and Diamond Princess year. Each ocean ship carries a New York fire hydrant and caviar are on tap. The ship also winning journalists. Also on The arrival of Australia’s largest are homeported only 930 passengers and the lamp post from London for the has a $200,000 bed made out board is a specialty restaurant by ship, Ovation of the Seas, was one here or visit ports in Scandinavian-inspired decor pooches to relieve themselves. of horse tail hair (the Queen of Michelin-starred American chef, of the biggest highlights last year. Australia. Princess is understated and elegant. cunardline.com.au England also has one) and all Thomas Keller. seabourn.com Hailed as the most technologically is famed for its Highlights include all-verandah of the glass on the chandeliers advanced ship, she hosts a range amazing food suites, a retractable-roofed CRYSTAL CRUISES is hand blown. Regent sends SILVERSEA of wonders including the Bionic offerings and infinity pool, cinemas and Ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises, Seven Seas Navigator and Seven White-gloved butlers and Bar where guests can get their impeccable service. specialty eateries including known for its private planes and Seas Voyager to Australia and amazing shore excursions, favourite drinks mixed by a Australia celebrity Manfredi’s Italian. exclusive yachts, sails two of its New Zealand and on board, Silversea has ocean ships that robotic arm, the FlowRider surf chef Curtis Stone vikingcruises.com.au/oceans ships around Australia – Crystal guests stay in all verandah sail to the major ocean ports simulator, North Star viewing pod has partnered with Serenity and Crystal Symphony. suites, sip on top-notch cognac in Australia and New Zealand, and SeaPlex, where guests can the line and created CUNARD On board, you’ll be served in the Connoisseur Club or as well as an expedition ship ride bumper cars. Dining choices SHARE by Curtis Stone It’s always a breathtaking sight champagne and caviar by your watch cabaret shows in the in the Northern Territory and include pasta at Jamie’s Italian, a with a menu designed to see a Cunard ship sail into an private butler, dine on dishes by Constellation theatre. rssc.com Queensland. The 120-guest restaurant born from a partnership around Australian produce NORWEGIAN BREAKAWAY Australian harbour as part of the famous chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Silver Discoverer has all ocean- with the fast-talking British chef and home-style cooking. their long-haul and round the explore ports with Crystal’s SEABOURN view suites as well as 12 Zodiacs Jamie Oliver. At Wonderland, For Broadway fans, Princess has world journeys. The line’s three detailed shore-excursion program The luxury line’s latest ship, for guests to explore isolated diners are given a gastronomical an exclusive show produced Queens – Queen Mary 2, Queen or relax at the Crystal Life Spa. Seabourn Encore was christened shores and wetlands. Silver fanfare of food where nothing is by famed lyricist and Tony Victoria and Queen Elizabeth But if you fancy something a little in Singapore in January, and Whisper has four eateries where quite what it seems. Think liquid award-winning director Stephen have all been refreshed and quieter, Crystal is creating a fleet sailed straight to Australia and guests can dine on continental lobster, cheesecake with apple Schwartz, Magic to Do, on updated. More suites have been of five river ships to sail the Rhine, New Zealand. She’ll be returning and regional food at The and wasabi air, and vanishing selected Princess ships. added and the architects and Rhone, Moselle and Main rivers in to our waters in December. Restaurant or feast on Italian noodles – just to name a few. princess.com with the suites, spa and public neoclassical furnishings, beautiful interior decorators have revived Europe. The first, Crystal Mozart, Designed in rich woods with dishes at La Terrazza. There is also Other ships in Royal Caribbean’s spaces getting a fresh new look. teak and stone work. She has eight QM2 with regal reds and art- is sailing on the Danube River. plush furnishings, Encore is the a spa, library and beauty salon. AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES fleet in Australia include Voyager azamaraclubcruises.com lounges and bars and a state-of- deco furnishings, much like the crystalcruises.com epitome of modern elegance. silversea.com of the Seas, Explorer of the The boutique cruise line is famed the-art fitness and spa centre. Seas and Radiance of the Seas. for its immersive experiences. CELEBRITY CRUISES Oceania marries old with the new. royalcaribbean.com.au Azamara has two ships, Luxury brand Celebrity Cruises Guests can have afternoon tea at CURTIS STONE Azamara Journey and Azamara has a large fleet of small ships as 4pm with a string quartet playing PRINCESS CRUISES Quest, which offer an intimate well as expedition vessels offering softly in the background while Named the best cruise line experience and are small itineraries around Australia and four-tiered pastry carts saunter in Cruise Passenger’s Reader’s enough to navigate smaller and New Zealand, Asia, South Pacific, past with freshly made finger Choice Awards, Princess Cruises narrower waterways. The ships South and Central America, the sandwiches, petits fours, scones has a number of ships sailing have recently been refurbished Galapagos and more. Celebrity with clotted cream and desserts. Solstice regularly sails around oceaniacruises.com Australia and was revitalised in October 2016. She has the first NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE Lawn Club at sea, with real grass In 2017, we’ll see Norwegian and its own gardener, as well as Jewel homeported at Sydney’s the first Hot Glass Show where Overseas Passenger Terminal. guests can watch glassblowing Her sister ship, Norwegian on board. celebritycruises.com.au Star is currently sailing on a number of itineraries from Asia. OCEANIA CRUISES Norwegian Cruise Line ships are Oceania sends Insignia, Sirena distinguished by their colourful and Regatta to Australia and livery and on board, there are New Zealand. Regatta, which will great specialty restaurants be arriving next year, has had a serving Black Angus steaks, OCEANIA CRUISES multimillion dollar refurbishment Japanese teppanyaki and fresh and has been decked out in pasta. ncl.com PHOTOGRAPHY: JAMES MORGAN JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY:
40 cruisepassenger.com.au Great Aussie Crπuise Guide 2017 41