PRICE $8.25 (INCL GST) DECEMBER 2012 ISSUE 80

15TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION ESTABLISHED 1998

Featuring a comprehensive coverage of Global Cruising for Cruise Passengers, the Trade and the Industry www.cruisingnews.com FULFIL YOUR WISH ON A CUNARD WORLD VOYAGE IN 2014

San Francisco Palma Lisbon Rome Naples The Pusan New York Kobe Tokyo Azores Nagasaki Madeira Suez Shanghai Fort Lauderdale Kochi Tenerife Cairo/Sokhna Aqaba Dubai Xiamen Sharm El Sheikh Abu Dhabi Hong Kong Honolulu Hanoi Lahaina Muscat Mumbai Hilo Grand Cayman Chan May From Limon Bangkok Ho Chi Minh City Pago Pago Barbados Langkawi Aruba To Pago Pago Puntarenas Colombo Panama Canal Penang To Hilo Kuala Lumpur From Fortaleza Rabaul Lahaina Moorea Bali Darwin Papeete From Pago Pago Moorea To Fiji Cairns Fiji Pitcairn Island Mauritius Rio de Janeiro Noumea Walvis Bay Whitsunday Is Easter Island Tonga Montevideo Brisbane Santiago Durban Perth Sydney Bay of Cape Town Adelaide Islands Buenos Aires Auckland Queen Mary 2 Tauranga Puerto Montt Melbourne Napier Puerto Madryn Wellington Queen Elizabeth Milford Sound PIO X Glacier Dunedin Queen Victoria Amalia Glacier Punta Arenas Ushuaia Cape Horn

PER PERSON 15 NIGHT VOYAGES FROM $3,669 TWIN SHARE* | M ORE SECT ORS AVAILABLE

Voyage Departure Date Duration Inside Oceanview Balcony Princess Grills Queen Grills On board Credit pp^ QUEEN MARY 2 Fares per person, twin share from* Cape Town to Fremantle 28 Jan 2014 15 $3,669 $4,819 $5,529 $8,809 $10,079 US$120 Cape Town to Sydney 28 Jan 2014 22 $5,379 $7,069 $8,219 $12,949 $14,719 US$170 Melbourne to Hong Kong 12 Mar 2014 21 $5,499 $7,499 $7,889 $17,149 $19,369 US$160 Sydney to Hong Kong 14 Mar 2014 19 $4,959 $6,769 $7,129 $15,499 $17,509 US$150 Sydney to Singapore 14 Mar 2014 27 $7,049 $9,609 $10,119 $22,019 $24,879 US$210

QUEEN ELIZABETH Fares per person, twin share from* San Francisco to Sydney 6 Feb 2014 23 $5,889 $6,129 $7,909 $16,809 $21,079 US$180 San Francisco to Auckland 6 Feb 2014 18 $4,529 $4,759 $6,189 $13,189 $16,519 US$140 Sydney to Hong Kong 2 Mar 2014 27 $7,259 $7,739 $9,849 $20,459 $25,469 US$210 Sydney to Singapore 2 Mar 2014 34 $9,139 $9,749 $12,409 $25,769 $32,069 US$260 Sydney to Yokohama 2 Mar 2014 15 $3,979 $4,089 $5,349 $11,269 $13,989 US$120

QUEEN VICTORIA Fares per person, twin share from* Buenos Aires to Sydney 28 Jan 2014 35 $9,209 $9,729 $12,639 $26,959 $33,659 US$270 Valparaiso (Santiago) to Brisbane 9 Feb 2014 21 $5,219 $5,479 $7,249 $15,109 $18,899 US$160 Valparaiso (Santiago) to Sydney 9 Feb 2014 23 $5,769 $6,039 $7,789 $16,669 $20,729 US$180 Auckland to San Francisco 13 Mar 2014 20 $5,409 $5,889 $7,519 $15,179 $18,809 US$150 Sydney to San Francisco 5 Mar 2014 28 $7,469 $8,119 $10,489 $21,209 $26,389 US$210 To book see your travel agent, call 13 24 41 or visit www.cunard.com *Fares are cruise only, per person, in AUD, in complete twin cabin as specified, based on lead category specified (unless stated otherwise), inclusive of all discounts, taxes and charges (which are subject to change). Some Oceanview and Balcony staterooms may have an obstructed view. Supplements apply for other cabin categories, please contact Cunard for details. ^On board credit is in US dollars, is not transferable, cannot be redeemed for cash and is applicable to bookings made by December 31 2012. Onboard credit is per person and only applies to the first two guests sharing a stateroom. Subject to limited availability. Conditions apply. Airfares, hotels and transfers additional, unless otherwise stated. Valid for new bookings only, not combinable with any other offer. A limited number of cabins have been set aside at these special fares, once sold fares may revert to a higher fare. Fares may be withdrawn or varied, Cunard reserves the right to do so at any time. To be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions contained in the latest Cunard brochures which passengers will be bound by. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change. Please check with Cunard at the time of booking.

121037 CunardVoyagesAd_3.0.indd 1 4/12/12 1:44 PM Editor’s Say

The S$14m upgrade of the Singapore Cruise Centre’s Harbour Front terminal is an example of the type of infrastructure required to handle the big ships and this new-look terminal has been praised by the industry. It is a huge investment in the future. A special mention must be made to a man Another progressive year for Global who has made a massive contribution to Passenger Cruising. More new ships have the growth of the sector in New been introduced and after telling you for Zealand. Cruise New Zealand Chairman sometime about the big ships coming to the Craig Harris has been recognised by the South Pacific they have finally arrived. This New Zealand tourism industry and has THIS ISSUE issue features Voyager of the Seas, Carnival been awarded the 2012 Horwath HTL Sir Spirit, Oosterdam and Celebrity Solstice. Jack Newman Award for his outstanding Main Photo - Voyager of the Seas by John Treacy & Painting contribution. Congratulations Craig! (see by Maritime Artist Stan Stefaniak plus SeaDream II & MSC The shipping companies tell us there will be Splendidahighlights by John Treacy, Carnival Spirit from Carnival more coming. We have the opening of the page 49) Cruise Lines & Oosterdam by Andrea Francolini. new section of the Panama Canal in a couple We are proud to report that we are Cruise Season Underway...... P 4-8 of years. This will make it easier to send the preparing to enter our sixteenth year Alaska...... P 32-34 big ships to the South Pacific instead of of publishing Cruising News. To our Reader Review of Carnival Spirit.....P35 them having to journey via South America. readers, advertisers and the cruising Melbourne Steamship However if the infrastructure at ports has industry a special ‘thank you’ for your Company’s Duntroon...... P 36-37 not been upgraded we may find these ships continuing support. In the New Year our River Cruising News...... P38-40 will go elsewhere. The industry needs a web site www.cruisingnews.com will Photo Galleries...... P 44-45 united voice to keep representations to offer additional cruising information to 3 Visiting Port Arthur...... P 46-47 Governments. support our printed editions.

Owner of the SeaDream Yachts P26 DECEMBER 2012

All Aboard SeaDream II P23/26

And now Celebrity Solstice - As classic French dishes, Tuscan Grille provides Cruising News was about to be sent to a sensational Italian dining experience and the printers Kerry and I joined the latest Silk Harvest presents a broad range of Asian of the big ships to come to for a cuisine encompassing delicious Chinese, two-night cruise from Brisbane to Sydney Vietnamese, Japanese and Thai dishes. and then a special one nighter from Sydney. Celebrity Solstice introduces a ‘modern Following is a quick preview of the ship we luxury’ style of cruising, excellent service, wanted you to know about. At 122,000 tons spacious amenities and accommodation. and 317 metres long, Celebrity Solstice is She was the first cruise ship to have its MSC Yacht Club P28/30 the second largest cruise ship ever based staterooms designed by a team of women. in Australia; second only to sister brand The ship will be based down under until Plus the latest news and Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager April 2013 and has been confirmed to information on Global of the Seas. The vessel features a number return again in summer 2013/14. of firsts with unique venues and amenities Our February issue will feature Celebrity Passenger Cruising including: Australia’s first real grass lawn at Solstice. Proudly Published in Australia by sea! Called the Lawn Club, this large area of grass stretches half an acre and the Corning of Glass which is something truly Season’s Greetings unique. It is a one-of-a-kind event where guests can watch and learn from professional from Kerry and myself! glassblowers. Specialty restaurants on board & Happy Cruising include Murano, Tuscan Grille and Silk Harvest – all superb! Operating as individual ABN 71 083 652 019 restaurants with their own team of chefs John Treacy Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every and kitchens, the restaurants specialise in a effort is made to ensure the information published is correct variety of cuisine. Murano offers the finest ISSN 1447 - 2112 An exciting Voyager of the Seas Port Klang new era in cruising! An exciting new era in Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific cruising is under way. The big ships have arrived and are turning heads wherever they appear. Leading the charge is Voyager of the Seas, the biggest cruise liner to ever be based in the region. After a massive debut Asian season Voyager of the Seas said farewell to The Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal experienced the busiest 24- Singapore as she commenced a 14-night voyage taking in Bangkok and Ho hour period in its 52-year history with over 11,500 people processed Chi Minh City, before sailing for her first Australian port of Port Hedland through the facility. There were 4,300 guests embarking and disembarking and arrived in Fremantle on November 5. From there the ship visited Celebrity Millennium on Thursday 22 November, and another 7,200 Adelaide, Melbourne (Regular contributor to Cruising News, Tim Ryan guests for Voyager of the Seas on Friday 23 November. visited the vessel in Melbourne and a detailed report on the ship is on Early arrivals were Carnival Spirit, which will be based in Australia full Pages 21 and 22), Hobart and various calls in New Zealand before arriving time, as well as the maiden visit from Holland America’s Oosterdam for 4 in Sydney on November 22.

Voyager of the Seas arriving in Sydney DECEMBER 2012

The Royal Caribbean ship was the biggest cruise ship in the world when a season of cruising. ms Oosterdam’s arrival into Sydney Harbour also she was launched in 1999. A large crowd gathered along the foreshore, marked the first time one of ’s Vista-class ships is near the Opera House and at Circular Quay to welcome the huge ship based down-under for the entire southern cruising season. Tony Archbold, and witnessed a spectacular sight as Voyager of the Seas arrived and Holland America Line’s Sydney-based Director of Sales welcomed ms Celebrity Millennium departed. Royal Caribbean executives Gavin Oosterdam. “The arrival of Oosterdam means a 25 percent increase in Smith and Adam Armstrong were on hand to welcome Voyager capacity compared to previous seasons and a wider range of itineraries of the Seas. for our guests to enjoy,” he said. “It’s also the first time we’ve had two ships sailing in the region simultaneously.” ms Volendam completed a

Voyager of the Seas arriving in Adelaide Voyager of the Seas berthed in Fremantle

ms Oosterdam departing Sydney 5 D E C E M B E R

circumnavigation of Australia before sailing to The arrival of Carnival Spirit began what will . She became the first cruise ship to use the be the biggest cruise season yet, with 265 new landing facilities at Penneshaw on Kangaroo cruise ship visits scheduled for Sydney Harbour Island in South Australia. in 2012/13, up from just under 200 on the Playing on the “big is better” theme, Carnival 2011/12 season. Sydney Ports’ CEO Grant made some big changes for Spirit’s arrival. Two Gilfillan has welcomed the big ships to Sydney. upgrades created specifically with Australians “This is the first time in its 40 year history that in mind are Green Thunder, the steepest and Carnival has permanently based a ship outside fastest waterslide at sea and Serenity™, a huge, the US,” Mr Gilfillan said. “The home porting luxurious child-free retreat. American-turned- of the Carnival Spirit in Sydney signifies the Aussie, Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director Carnival importance of the strongly growing local cruise Cruise Lines Australia & New Zealand, has market, with Sydney at its hub, and I take great been instrumental in creating the vast range Jason McGregor Sydney Port, Robert Versteeg & pleasure in welcoming her to our city.” At Captain Arjen van der Loo ms Oosterdam & Bob season’s peak, Sydney Ports is expecting 41 de la Lande Sydney Ports cruise ship visits in the 28 days of February of onboard activities which make up the new 2013, again demonstrating the strength and and unique holiday option for this market. popularity of the growing cruise industry. Latest “We originally came to Australia because we figures suggest the cruise market is growing felt Carnival Cruise Lines would be a great fit substantially, with passenger numbers forecast with the Aussie personality – both being playful, through Sydney to reach more than 825,000 outgoing and fun-loving. We’ve demonstrated by 2019/20 - up from 256,000 in 2010/11. our commitment by spending more than 317 cruise ship visits are already scheduled in $AUD7 million in upgrades which capture the Sydney for 2013/14, with around half berthing perfect mix of Aussie personality and American at the new White Bay facility, due to open early style and service.” in the New Year. Cruising News reader Roger Cantwell has provided Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry said the Anne Sherry Carnival Australia, Captain Arjen van benchmark summer cruise season reflected der Loo ms Oosterdam & Clover Moore Lorde a review of his cruise on Carnival Spirit – see Page Mayor of Sydney 35 Australians’ growing interest in cruise Carnival Spirit arriving in Sydney

holidays as well as the increasing popularity Princess Cruises has celebrated a major capacity enabling the cruise line to expand its of Australian and New Zealand itineraries landmark – 10 years since it first based a ship offerings to include the first ever round-world amongst international cruise lines. With more in Australian waters. When the 30,000-ton cruises from Australia. Ten years after Pacific ships cruising down under for longer periods, Pacific Princess sailed on her first roundtrip Princess’ local debut, Princess Cruises now 6 Ms Sherry said the number of international and cruise from Sydney Harbour on November has three ships based in Australian waters – Australian passengers travelling on Carnival 18, 2002, she was hailed as the youngest and Dawn Princess, Sun Princess and Sea Princess Australia ships in Australian waters this season most elegant cruise ship ever to call Australia – with the 116,000-ton Diamond Princess also would reach a record 325,000 passengers – a home. Pacific Princess’ first season of Australian deployed here for a season of New Zealand 5 per cent rise on the last cruise season. “In cruising saw the boutique 680-passenger ship cruises over summer. In addition, Pacific Princess all, this cruise season we’ll carry more than quickly cement herself as a local favourite and, and Ocean Princess will visit Australia during triple the number of passengers who cruised amongst growing local demand, she returned the 2012-13 summer months. Commenting on with us eight years ago when Carnival Australia each summer for the following four years. Her the anniversary, Princess Cruises Commercial was first formed and had just seven ships sailing success led to another milestone for Princess Director in Australia, Alan Stuart, said the cruise local waters,” Ms Sherry said. She said a record Cruises’ local operations, with the cruise line line had become a firm favourite amongst 14 Carnival Australia ships would be based in deploying its first full-time ship in Australian Australians over the past 10 years. Australian waters for all or some of the 2012- waters, the 77,000-ton Sun Princess, in October Another highlight is the return of the Cunard 13 season to offer roundtrip cruises, with a 2007. Carrying 1990 passengers, Sun Princess flagship Queen Mary 2, which will undertake further five ships visiting as part of their world was joined by a second full-time ship, her sister her first ever circumnavigation of New Zealand cruising itineraries. Dawn Princess, one year later, with the extra in an historic round-trip voyage from Sydney DECEMBER 2012 Carnival Spirit at OPT Sydney – Tim Ryan Pacific Princess

Carnival Spirit – Tim Ryan

Voyager of the Seas arriving in Sydney as Celebrity Millennium departs It’s time to set sail New Zealand, Australia, Asia & South Pacific

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SAVE UP TO 25% per person off the launch fares~ SAVE UP TO 15% per person off the launch fares~ 37 nights Rome to Sydney Interior Oceanview Balcony Mini-Suite Interior Oceanview Balcony Mini-Suite Interior Oceanview Balcony Mini-Suite from* from* from* from* from* from* from* from* from* from* from* from* Dawn Princess® 4 Sep 13 Your Launch Launch Interior Oceanview Balcony $1,829 $2,429 $2,929 $5,329 $2,999 $4,079 $4,999 $7,999 $1,999 $2,749 $3,399 $5,199 fares fares~ fares~ from* from* from* Sale Sale $1,699 $2,239 $2,769 $4,999 Launch Fares are per person twin share based on 7 Oct 13. $2,499 $2,999 $3,699 $6,999 fares fares fares $5,999 $6,999 $7,499 Fares are per person twin share Fares are per person twin share based on 15 May 13#. based on 28 Apr 13 #. Fremantle Fares are per person twin share. ^Operates in reverse order, contact your travel agent or visit princess.com for details.

In-Store By Phone Online To book Visit Your Travel Agent 1300 385159 655631 princess.com

*Fares are per person, in AUD, in complete twin accommodation, based on lead interior, oceanview, balcony and mini-suite staterooms available at time of printing, inclusive of all discounts, taxes and government fees (which are subject to change). Offer ends 21 December 2012, unless sold out prior. Princess Cruises has set aside staterooms which are available at these dis- counted fares. Once these staterooms are sold, fares may revert to a higher fare, but may also be further discounted. Valid for new bookings and not combinable with any other offer. #Fare based on specified departure date only. Higher fares may apply to other departure dates listed. Whilst information is correct at time of printing, offer may be withdrawn or varied at any time without notice. ˜Comparison launch fares are based on fares launched into the market from March 2011. To be read in conjunction with the Booking and Passage Conditions available at princess.com/legal/passage_contract/index.jsp which passengers will be bound by. A 1.5% surcharge will apply to all payments made by credit card for direct bookings made via our call centre and website. Travel agents may charge additional fees - check with your travel agent. While all information is correct at the time of publication, some details could possibly change. Carnival plc trading as Princess Cruises. ABN 23 107 998 443. 2TA 5580. November 2012 have now outgrown the country’s fourth-largest inbound tourism market, . Tourism Industry Association New Zealand chief executive Martin Snedden said there had been a change for the better recently in the attitude towards cruises. “I think there was a very low level of awareness in New Zealand about this growing opportunity and I think that’s turned around in the last few months.” Both Australian and New Zealand ports are at a critical point as they Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel in Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup

Royal Message P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel made the most of its Royal Box position at Sydney’s Circular Quay unveiling a special message for the visiting Prince of Wales. Before Prince Charles arrived at the Quay’s need to improve their infrastructure to support the expanding cruise Overseas Passenger Terminal, the cruise ship unfurled ship industry or lose the business of its biggest vessels. “The cruise lines a 24x7-metre banner on its bow, emblazoned with are telling us to expect more of their big guys” said Cruise New Zealand the words “Royal Suite Available”. chairman Craig Harris. By the 2014-15 cruise season the widening of the P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said it was a wonderful coincidence that “an Australian Panama Canal will be completed and this will allow the cruise companies Jewel” should be at the Quay during the royal Sydney easier access to the South Pacific for their big ships. visit. “Of course, from the Captain’s cocktails through In Asia the S$14m expenditure at the Singapore Cruise Centre has been to our fine dining restaurants, everyone on our 8 ships is treated like royalty, but we wanted Prince Charles to know we’d love to have him and the Celebrity Solstice & Diamond Princess in Singapore – Andrew Mackinnon Duchess of Cornwall onboard too,” Ms Marshall said.

in March 2013. has marked the 100-day countdown to the Australian arrival of Queen Mary 2 – the largest ship ever to visit Down Under – with the announcement that its New Zealand-born Commodore Christopher Rynd will be at the helm for the liner’s historic circumnavigation of New Zealand. Queen Mary 2 will return to Australia on March 2, 2013, calling in Cairns before sailing south to Sydney to commence her inaugural 12-night voyage around New Zealand on March 7. After returning to Sydney on March 19 she will visit Melbourne (March Volendam at Penneshaw, well received with the number of check-in and immigration counters Kangaroo Island doubled. The Harbour front terminal has the ability to handle the big

DECEMBER 2012 ships as these two photos show – Celebrity Solstice and Diamond Princess and Celebrity Solstice and Costa Victoria. The upgrading of terminal facilities in Singapore demonstrates the importance of quality port infrastructure for the cruise industry and is also an investment in the future

Celebrity Solstice & Costa Victoria in Singapore – Andrew Mackinnon

21), Adelaide (March 23) and Perth (March 26). From Australia she will sail to South Africa and Europe. New Zealand is also experiencing tremendous growth. This cruise season is estimated to put $114.9 million into Auckland’s economy and inject more than $327 million into New Zealand’s economy and support at least 5600 jobs. New Zealand’s popularity as a cruise destination has skyrocketed - the number of cruise passengers has increased by more than 250 per cent in the past five years. Total annual cruise visitor numbers Always on the job looking for great photos for our cruising and travel stories – Andrew Mackinnon, John Treacy and Tim Ryan 2012 AFTA AUSTRALIA 2011 NEW ZEALAND National Travel Industry Awards Travel Digest ©™ Best Cruise Operator International World’s Cruise Line of the Year Leading Cruise Line

AWARD WINNING SERVICE ON THE Premierships

New Zealand Explorer Queensland Delights South Pacific Splendour 14 nights 10 nights 10 nights Dep 21 Jan, 20^ Feb 2013 Dep 9 Apr 2013 Dep 1^ Feb, 1 Mar 2013 PREMIERSHIP 10# Jan 2014

Voyager of the Seas WILLIS ISLAND VANUATU NEW LOYALTY CAIRNS VILA AUSTRALIA ZEALAND ISLANDS MYSTERY ISLAND O WHITSUNDAYS LIFOU SYDNEY AUCKLAND BAY OF ISLANDS NOUMEA ISLE OF AUSTRALIA PINES N 1 TAURANGA BRISBANE NEW WELLINGTON AUSTRALIA CALEDONIA AKAROA BIGGEST MEGALINER NEWCASTLE IN AUSTRALIA SYDNEY SYDNEY MILFORD, DOUBTFUL DUNEDIN THREE FOOTBALL FIELDS LONG & DUSKY SOUND Cruiseship: Radiance of the Seas Cruiseship: Radiance of the Seas Cruiseship: Rhapsody of the Seas 13 DECKS OF ‘WOW’ ^Port order varies. #A similar cruise operates ^Ports of call & port order varies. on Voyager of the Seas. Ports of call & port UNRIVALLED SPECIALITY DINING order varies. ICE SKATING RINK Tropical Queensland Tropical Treats Australia & NZ Journey MINI GOLF COURSE 11 nights 9 nights 18 nights CAFÉ & BAR PROMENADE Dep 18 Feb, 23 Mar, Dep 14,^ 23 Jan, 3^ Apr 2013, Dep 19^ Feb 2013, 9^ Apr 2013 23^ Jan, 1# Apr 2014 9 Mar 2014 BROADWAY ENTERTAINMENT WILLIS ISLAND LOYALTY AND SO MUCH MORE CAIRNS ISLANDS VANUATU LIFOU NEW WHITSUNDAYS MYSTERY ISLAND AUSTRALIA ZEALAND NOUMEA ISLE OF PERTH SYDNEY AUCKLAND AUSTRALIA NEW PINES BRISBANE CALEDONIA ADELAIDE TAURANGA AUSTRALIA CHRISTCHURCH NEWCASTLE MELBOURNE SYDNEY SYDNEY DUNEDIN on MILFORD, DOUBTFUL & DUSKY SOUND

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RCL6869_RCI_WC_FP_Dec12_FA.indd 1 5/12/12 9:27 AM Prawns by the Pool P&O Cruises is now offering another great Australian experience on its ships – the chance to relax and enjoy a bucket of prawns by the pool. Aptly introduced during the recent Melbourne Cup cruises, the buckets of prawns are available at the poolside Grill. Sture Myrmell, Vice President Hotel Operations for Carnival Australia, said the ‘peel and eat’ prawns were the perfect accompaniment to long, lazy summer days at sea. “On a relaxing cruise escape there are few things better than lounging by the pool with some great Australian seafood, enjoying the sunshine,” he said. Mr Myrmell said the locally-sourced seafood, complemented by fresh lemon, was another example of the cruise line’s commitment to quality Australian cuisine on its ships. Also available are buckets of chicken wings with dipping sauce. The buckets of prawns or chicken wings can be purchased individually or with a beer or wine accompaniment.

10

Historic First for Silversea in Corfu For the first time in the 18-year history of Silversea Cruises, three of the line’s ships – Silver Cloud, Silver Wind and – called in the same port on the same day. The historic convergence of the three ships took place on 27 September 2012 in the Greek Island of Corfu. Shrek, Princess Fiona

DECEMBER 2012 & Puss in Boots say G’Day! Shrek, Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots and their DreamWorks buddies are calling Australia home as Voyager of the Seas spends the summer months cruising Down Under. The mischievous Penguins from Madagascar finally have a ship to call their own thanks to an exclusive partnership with DreamWorks. Guests onboard Voyager of the Seas are experiencing all kinds of shenanigans and adventure with the Madagascar Penguins, Po, Shrek and their favourite DreamWorks characters during her debut season in Australia. Kids and the young at heart are able to make friends and interact with their favourite characters at meal times and through events and surprise appearances. EXCLUSIVE TULIP in HONOUR of 140TH ANNIVERSARY Holland America Line is partnering with the world-famous Keukenhof Spring gardens in the to develop an exclusive tulip for Holland America Line in celebration of their 140th anniversary in 2013. Master grower Jan Pennings, exhibitor at Keukenhof Gardens, chose a white-petalled variety to honour the company that was originally founded in Rotterdam on April 18, 1873, as a trans-Atlantic cargo and passenger company. To launch the planting of the new tulip, which will be harvested next spring, Jan Pennings handed over the first bulbs to Holland America Line Captain Edward van Zaane and Martin Schröder, Loyal Mariner and member of the Holland America Line Dutch advisory board. The event took place on November 16, 2012 by a windmill that was donated to Keukenhof Gardens by Holland America Line in 1957. The tulips are scheduled to bloom in spring, 2013. An official christening and naming of the new tulip will be held in April, 2013 at Keukenhof. Known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower gardens, situated near Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Approximately seven million flower bulbs of 1,600 varieties are planted annually at the park. The Keukenhof is only open for two months per year, from March 21 through May 20, and attracts more than 800,000 visitors from around the world.

Volunteers make visitors welcome Tens of thousands of holidaymakers will be welcomed to Sydney by a fleet of friendly volunteer ambassadors during Sydney’s busiest ever cruise ship season between now and April 2013. The City of Sydney’s welcoming committee, organised in partnership with Destination NSW, includes volunteers who set the benchmark for greeting international tourists during the Sydney Olympics and Paralympics. The ambassadors will provide expert advice about the city’s highlights and ensure first impressions of Sydney are memorable for the cruise ship visitors who inject around $1.1 billion into the local economy. Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the tourism ambassador program was an essential part of the booming cruise ship season between now and April. Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, welcomed the volunteers and said they will play an important role in greeting this year’s record 265 international and domestic cruise ship visits - up from 198 last season. If this growth continues, by 2020 nearly one million cruise passengers will be visiting Sydney each year. Humanitarian Aid from Dubbo A Dubbo humanitarian aid shipment of 200 kilograms of children and adult clothing has been sent to Fiji on P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl to assist families wiped out by devastating floods earlier this year. The shipment departed 12 Sydney on November 9 bound for Lautoka in Fiji’s western division, is the initiative of a group of Dubbo residents who have visited the Lautoka community a number of times over recent years to assist with community projects. Dubbo resident Warren Boyle said he and his Dubbo colleagues were distressed to learn of the impact on the community of the disastrous floods that devastated parts of Fiji earlier this year and wanted to offer help. “Early in the crisis, food was also a priority but now the point has been reached where good quality clothing for children and adults is vitally needed. We are very grateful to P&O Cruises for helping get a pallet load of clothing to Fiji.” The group’s work has previously included painting a section of the Lautoka School as well as developing and constructing a water collection and purification system to provide clean water around the clock. P&O Cruises’ corporate communications manager David Jones said the company’s ships had DECEMBER 2012 been taking Australians to the Pacific Islands for 80 years and over that time had formed close ties with island communities. Front Row Seats this Australia Day Cruise aboard Captain Cook Cruises, MV Sydney 2000 on a variety of lunch cruises this Australia Day, Saturday January 26, 2013 and enjoy front row seats to all the action including the Awesome Forces aerial display, 175th Australia Day Regatta and Ferrython. Plan and book now for all the festivities on the Harbour, as Captain Cook Cruises has a choice of three lunch packages onboard MV Sydney 2000 on Sky deck, Club deck and Show deck. The MV Sydney 2000 Australia Day cruises depart on Saturday 26 January, 2013 at 10.15am from No.1 King Street Wharf, Darling Harbour and returns at 2.15pm.

Inaugural Visit to Australia In 2013 Oceania Cruises will unveil down-under its newly built ship Marina in March 2013 with calls in Sydney, Melbourne and Hobart. The ship made her maiden voyage from Barcelona to Miami in January 2011. Marina was purpose- built to carry 1,250 guests and features the first hands-on cooking school at sea, Bon Appétit Culinary Centre; the first namesake restaurant of Master Chef Jacques Pépin at sea; Ralph Lauren Home furnished Owner’s Suites; luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson; a Wine Spectator wine program; and a Lalique grand stairway. Onboard facilities include 10 dining venues (six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants), an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness centre, swimming pool and hot tubs.

Flexible Buffet Hours Australia in 2014 Program A cruise is a voyage of discovery and MSC Cruises knows that the gastronomic experience is an incredibly important part of this journey. In P&O Cruises has launched its 2014 holiday program, which will include the fact, as a company inspired by Mediterranean values, MSC Cruises knows cruise line’s first visits to the South Australian ports of Kangaroo Island, that good food is about more than just delicious meals, it’s a real way of Port Lincoln and Robe, as well as new cruises from Melbourne and a second life. The company is therefore constantly looking for innovative ways to ship sailing from Brisbane. Also on offer are more cruises to the spectacular enhance the gastronomic experience on board and, beside the impressive destinations of Papua New Guinea and Queensland’s Moreton Island. The main and speciality restaurants, has recently introduced a more flexible new winter program features 75 different cruises from Sydney, Brisbane, buffet service. The buffet is now open non-stop for 20 hours a day, from Melbourne and Auckland. For the first time Pacific Jewel will join sister ship 6:00am until 2:00am, meaning that guests can now enjoy more flexible in Brisbane, offering 34 times for traditional main meals, as well as satisfying rumbling stomachs departures from Queensland over at any time of the day and into the small hours of the morning, with no winter. Meanwhile Pacific Pearl will extra charge. cruise from Melbourne for the first These enhancements are a direct reflection of the company’s identity. “Our time, while also offering sailings from Mediterranean way of life teaches us the importance of spontaneity,” said Sydney and Auckland. The Melbourne MSC Cruises Corporate Product Manager Andrea Gangale. For the most itineraries will include P&O Cruises’ important meal of the day, the buffet has something for everyone. A full maiden visits to Kangaroo Island, breakfast service including a complete continental and cooked breakfast Robe and Port Lincoln plus a return is available from 6:30 to 10:00, while late risers can enjoy a continental to Adelaide for a six-night roundtrip breakfast, including pastries, yogurts, delicious cold meats and cheeses, cruise departing April 18, 2014. Passengers will have the chance to see the from 10:00 to 12:00. Lunch can also be enjoyed over an extended period, abundance of wildlife on Kangaroo Island, marvel at the unique geology of with lunch menus available from 12:00 to 15:30 in the buffet. For those the Limestone Coast and taste some of Australia’s best seafood at Port who fancy an afternoon snack or a casual late lunch, the buffet offers guests Lincoln. many options from 15:30 to 18:00, including items from the grill, pizzeria Holidaymakers can also enjoy a five-night cruise to the Apple Isle from and salad bar, as well as soups, pasta, vegetables, fish and meat specialities, Melbourne, departing April 24, 2014, and visiting Burnie, Port Arthur fruit and desserts. The buffet provides a complete and uninterrupted and Hobart. The southern destinations will also combine into longer dinner service from 19:00 to 22:00, while the grill is open continuously P&OSeaAustralia cruises including a 15-night roundtrip Sydney voyage and from noon until 22:00 and the pizzeria corners stay open from noon until an 11-night roundtrip cruise from Melbourne. midnight. Following the excitement surrounding P&O Cruises’ return to Papua New For those who’ve been having too much fun to stop for dinner, a midnight Guinea in 2013, the cruise line will offer another 10-night cruise from 14 snack is even available in the buffet from midnight until 2:00. As room Brisbane plus a new 11-night itinerary from Sydney with both cruises service is available 24 hours a day, at certain times with an extra charge, departing in September 2014. MSC Cruises has made sure that every hour of the day is covered. P&O Cruises will continue to offer a variety of short P&OSeaBreak cruises, Shifts may vary by half an hour depending on the itinerary and season. with more than 20 sailings of two to four-nights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland. Milestone in Construction Meanwhile P&O Cruises’ newest Pacific Island destination, Mare, will be In time-honoured maritime tradition, a ceremony was held at the included in Pacific Jewel’s seven-night itineraries. STX shipyard in Saint-Nazaire, France in October, during which two commemorative coins were welded to MSC Preziosa’s mast radar, Private Charter to Antarctica marking a significant construction milestone. Following the termination Scenic Tours have chartered of the agreement with the original owner earlier this year, MSC Cruises mega yacht, Le Boréal for a signed a contract to take over the 140,000-ton cruise ship. She will be sailing in 2014 to Antarctica. The the 13th addition to the MSC Cruises’ fleet, as well as the fourth ship ten night cruise travels from in the series of Fantasia class ships. “I am delighted to celebrate this Ushuaia, the southernmost important milestone in the construction of MSC Preziosa, the beautiful town on Earth through the ship who will complete our celebrated Fantasia class,” said MSC Cruises DECEMBER 2012 wildlife-rich waters of Drake CEO Pierfrancesco Vago, opening the ceremony. “She will raise our total Passage. And with just 200 capacity to over 40,000 berths and, joining her sister ships MSC Fantasia, passengers, guests will enjoy MSC Splendida and MSC Divina, will allow us to offer the unparalleled unrivalled access to the Antarctic Peninsula with at least two daily features of this new generation of ship all over the world,” he said. ”While excursions onto the ice with professional expedition guides and naturalists. marking this occasion, I am also glad to officially announce that MSC Founder and Managing Director of Scenic Tours, Glen Moroney, says “ Preziosa will be christened on 23 March in Genoa, Italy, one of our most Antarctica is one of our most sought after destinations and with only visited and best loved destinations, and her first homeport for 2013.” MSC 106 cabins, our signature of all-inclusive luxury and our relationship with Preziosa is 333 metres long, 38 metres wide, and weighs 140,000 tons. The the leaders in expedition cruising to Antarctica, I anticipate it will sell out 4,345 guest luxury cruise ship is able to travel up to 23 knots. extremely fast.” Scenic Tours has designed a number of incredible South American itineraries around this Antarctic private luxury cruise.

Next Instalment Coral Princess Cruises has announced details of the next installment in their popular Victories in the Pacific series, visiting the major World War II battlefields of the South Pacific. The 10-night ‘New Guinea Campaign’ expedition departs Port Moresby on 13 November 2013 aboard the 72 passenger small ship Oceanic Discoverer. The itinerary, developed by Coral Princess in conjunction with Australia’s foremost military historian and author Mat McLachlan, features a visit to Cape Gloucester on the island of New Britain, the first time an organised tour group has landed in this historically significant area. Another highlight is a day spent around the villages of Buna and Gona on the eastern end of the Kokoda Track, where Australian and US forces suffered major losses in a bloody 3-month battle with the Japanese Imperial Forces before eventually forcing the Japanese into retreat. The expedition will be personally guided by McLachlan, who will share insights into the battles, along with countless tales of heroism of the young Australians who went to war, many of whom never returned. McLachlan will lead tours of the key Visiting Moreton Island battlegrounds of Milne Bay, Goodenough Island, Sanananda, Lae, Madang and Kimbe Bay. SCUBA P&O Cruises has announced it will become the first cruise line to visit Queensland’s beautiful divers will also have the opportunity to dive the Moreton Island, famous for its spectacular marine life and sand dunes, with Pacific Jewel bombed wreck of the Japanese supply ship Kotoku scheduled to make history when she calls there in March next year. Located on the so-called Maru. “Nemo’s Super Highway” or East Australian Current, the waters of Moreton Island are teeming The ‘New Guinea Campaign’ follows on from with dolphins, whales, dugongs, mantarays and stingrays, while the island itself offers a range of the company’s successful ‘Guadalcanal Campaign’ adventure land-based activities, from sand tobogganing to quad bike tours. expedition of March 2012, a highlight of which P&O Cruises has scheduled six cruises to Moreton Island next year, each featuring a one-day call was the emotional return of US veteran Chuck to the island as part of a four-night P&OSeaBreak from Sydney with the maiden visit to occur Meacham to the island of Puruata, his first visit to on March 16. the island since landing on the Japanese-controlled Announcing the new port, Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia said she was thrilled to be island in 1943. The company is also offering a three taking Australians to a new destination. “Moreton Island is on our doorstep literally, but there night pre-cruise extension in Port Moresby, where are still so many Australians that have never been there. It’s a gorgeous island, packed with lots participants will be able to join a service at the of exciting nature adventure activities so I think our passengers will love it. Over the coming beautifully maintained Bomana War Cemetery on summer cruise season, Carnival Australia will have two ships based in Brisbane – P&O Cruises’ Remembrance Day and visit famed Owen’s Corner Pacific Dawn and Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess – plus a further 14 ships from across our fleets on the western end of the Kokoda Track. will be visiting the State from now to the end of April,” Ms Sherry said. 2013 KIMBERLEY 3030 EXPEDITION CRUISING The Ultimate Kimberley Expedition Cruise 10 Nights Darwin to Broome v.v 2013 Kimberley Coast Cruising With Australia’s Coral Princess Cruises you’ll discover all of the icons of the Kimberley Coast over 10 unforgettable nights cruising between Darwin and Broome. In the north, discover the majestic King George River, with its towering 80 metre twin falls and the mysterious Bradshaw Paintings of Bigge Island. Explore the Mitchell Plateau and cruise the Kimberley’s iconic rivers, before exploring beautiful King Cascades, remarkable Montgomery Reef and the amazing natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in the south. SAVE 15%* Cruising aboard your choice of our purpose-built small ships or No Single Supplement* Oceanic Discoverer or Coral Princess, you’ll discover all of the region’s icons, and with two landings most days you’ll enjoy the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Kimberley. Aboard our unique ‘Xplorer’ expedition vessel and our fleet of zodiacs, and with the expert local knowledge of our experienced guides you are assured of making the most of every minute of your expedition. Throughout your cruise you will discover the very best of the Kimberley and with Coral Princess Cruises you will do it all in unrivalled style and total comfort.

Enquire for further details. ACN 010 908 417.

*Conditions: Offer is subject to availability and is not combinable with any other discount. Valid for new bookings only from 01 October 2012 or until sold out. 15% savings (for first time travellers) and 25% savings (for Coral Princess past guests) are valid on 05, 12, 15, 22 and 26 April 2013 departures only. No single supplement is valid for genuine single travellers only on selected departures and this special is not combinable with the 15/25% discounts. Prices are per person, twin share and are cruise only. Enquire for further details. ACN 010 908 417.

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New 2013 Dates More Amenities Captain Cook Cruises has released the new 2013 dates for its seven nights Azamara Club Cruises has announced that the guest experience will Discovery Cultural cruise and Discovery Heritage cruise, onboard the MV soon include the new AzAmazing Evening, an immersive complimentary Reef Endeavour. Departure dates for the Discovery Cultural Cruise are 5 destination event ashore featured on every voyage. In addition, the cruise February, 7 May, 2 July, 3 September and line is introducing a selection of complimentary standard spirits, wines and 5 November. Living up to its name, the international beers throughout the ship during the bars’ opening hours. Discovery Cultural cruise – the first Both offerings will begin with Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey’s next ever Fiji cruise to circumnavigate Vanua Europe season, March 27 and May 15 2013, respectively. Levu - gives passengers the ultimate “Azamara Club Cruises’ guests have an unquenchable desire to immerse chance to discover and experience themselves in the history, culture and night life of the destinations we visit, four distinctive Fijian cultures, Ellice which is why we offer them longer stays, more overnights and night touring,” Islanders (Polynesians), Banabans said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. One- (Micronesia), Fijian and Indians and hundred percent of Azamara’s 2013 itineraries feature late-night departures visits untouched villages and schools. and overnight port stays, some as long as two or three days. During the Scheduled 2013 departure dates for the seven nights Discovery Heritage events all interested guests will be transported via private motorcoach to Cruise are 1 January, 5 March, 2 April, 4 June, 6 August and 3 December. The an unforgettable evening. Guests sailing a Baltic voyage, for example, could seven nights Discovery Heritage Cruise in Fiji is an amazing cruise that reveals enjoy a private ballet performance in St. Petersburg, Russia, while walking the unique history, art and culture of the Northern Fiji Islands and allows the red carpet and sipping champagne. Or those on a Mediterranean voyage passengers the ultimate experience of standing’ on the International Dateline. may find themselves sampling Jerez, Spain’s, famous sherry wine at Gonzalez Day trips include the historic island of Ovalau which still features 19th Byass and later enjoying a private equestrian ballet at the Royal Andalusian Century colonial architecture and waterfront promenades from colonial rule, School of Equestrian Art. the Bouma Waterfall lagoon on Taveuni Island, the extinct volcanic crater, hot Meanwhile Azamara Quest, the first of Azamara Club Cruises’ springs and thriving markets on Savusavu, a special children’s choral church twin boutique ships to undergo refurbishment, has emerged service at Waiyevo and the 180th Meridian – the arbitrary Dateline between from an eight-day dry-dock, complete with a refresh of all public today and tomorrow on Taveuni Island. spaces and staterooms and a new “Azamara Blue” hull. Named for the cruise line by Navantia Shipyard, the unique navy-blue colour tone of Azamara Quest’s hull adds to the elegance of the ship’s silhouette. Keeping Fiji Reefs Alive Shipwide renovations included new carpets, upholstery, and a new color Captain Cook Cruises, Fiji is continuing its ‘Crowns of Thorns Removal’ 18 program to control the population outbreak of the starfish and keep the palette in public spaces reflecting the cruise line’s inviting atmosphere; new coral reefs healthy, maintaining the excellent habitats mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; a for the fish and invertebrates in the Fiji waters they resurfaced pool, and new sun loungers and pool towels on the outer decks. cruise. Captain Cook Cruises who own Tivua Island, The Casino Bar also was expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while which is currently being listed as a marine park, the Spa and fitness center was refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and operate daily cruises from Port Denarau to and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of Tivua and twice weekly cruises to the islands of the enhancements were made behind the scenes in the staff and crew area to Mamanuca and Yasawa, first started the ‘Crown of add to the comfort of the cruise line’s most valuable asset. On the culinary Thorns Removal’ program when they realised that front, guests can now enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina, there was an increase in the population of Crown one of the ships’ two specialty of Thorns starfish. "Coral reefs not only in Fiji but everywhere around the dining venues, as well as a new world need to be cared for to ensure their existence and we will continue Chef’s Table concept featuring running this program to make sure our coral reef is healthy.” explains Jackie three wine degustation Charlton, CEO, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji. “We have guests visiting Tivua menus – Italian, French and Island everyday on our Day Cruise. Snorkelling and swimming off Tivua is a Californian. The ship has highlight of this trip and as soon as we saw the coral on the reef was under journeyed to Rio de Janeiro DECEMBER 2012 threat we started the ‘Crown of Thorns Removal’ program which has been for its South America season. running for seven years. "

New Ships New 14-Day Itinerary Oceania Cruises has announced changes to its 2013 Alaska sailings on Carnival Corporation has reached an agreement for the construction Regatta including the addition of a new 14-day Pacific Exploration voyage of two new cruise ships - a 99,000-ton ship for its Holland America roundtrip from Seattle on June 4, 2013. The new itinerary features calls Line brand and a 135,000-ton vessel for its Carnival Cruise Lines into Kodiak, Hoonah and Seward as well as cruising Alaska’s Inside and brand. A memorandum of agreement has been signed with Italian Outside Passages and the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier. The new Pacific shipbuilder for the construction of a 2,660-passenger ship Exploration voyage combines two originally scheduled 7-day sailings on for Holland America Line scheduled for delivery in 2015 and a 4,000- June 4 and June 11, 2013. The company also amended its June 28 and July 5, passenger ship for Carnival Cruise Lines scheduled for delivery in 2016. 2013 Coastal Alaska sailings to now begin and end in Seattle. The changes The Holland America ship, which will be a new class of vessel for the were made based on feedback from the line’s guests and travel partners. line, will enter service five years after the last Holland America ship, “Our guests and travel partners were asking for a longer itinerary and an the ms Nieuw Amsterdam, delivered in 2010. The Carnival Cruise enhanced experience to enjoy all the wonders that Alaska has to offer,” Lines vessel, also a new class of ship, will be launched four years said Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president. “With two-for-one savings on after the introduction of , which debuted in 2012. our Unlimited Passport Collection package, these voyages offer great The timing of capacity additions for these brands is similar to the value for travellers who wish to explore Alaska on a smaller ship, going five year span between upcoming new ship introductions for both ashore with a select few rather than waiting in line with thousands.” Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises (UK), as previously announced. “Today’s order continues the company’s strategy of introducing two to three ships per year across the corporation’s 10 brands. We have strategically New MSC Ship timed the introduction of these new ships to allow ample time for those brands to further grow their passenger base and absorb the new capacity while minimizing revenue yield dilution in the remainder of their existing fleets,” said Micky Arison, chairman and CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc. Including the newbuilds announced, Carnival Corporation currently has nine new ships scheduled for delivery - two for 2013, two for 2014, three for 2015 and two for 2016. Arison also noted that the addition of new tonnage is expected, to some extent, to replace existing capacity reductions from possible sales of older ships. Latest photo of the new MSC Preziosa. The ship will be officially christened in Genoa on 23 March 2013.

P&O Cruises’ Lifeline Donation Hundreds of Victorians have been able to ‘deck’ their backyards out with teak following a massive donation of cruise ship furniture from P&O Cruises to Lifeline Australia in Melbourne. P&O Cruises took advantage of a three- day visit to Melbourne by Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel to change the outside 2013 Brochure furniture on hundreds of cabin balconies. Compagnie du Ponant has released their Summer 2013 Brochure featuring As a result, more than 600 teak deck luxury cruises in The Great North, Canada, Mediterranean Northern Europe, chairs and tables were donated to Lifeline The Baltic and Asia. The new brochure celebrates the company’s latest vessel, for sale in its stores. The donation is part Le Soléal’s inaugural season. New itineraries in Asia begin in October 2013 of an ongoing relationship with Lifeline, aboard Le Soléal. For the first time, Le Soléal is calling at the Land ofthe which sees P&O Cruises assist the crisis Rising Sun. From Tokyo to Osaka, the new beating heart of , via Kyoto, support charity with a wide variety of the romantic, from sacred gardens to slumbering sanctuaries, secular temples surplus material from its ships and offices. to the delicate landscapes of Nara, offering cruises that are unique and Previous donations include coffee tables, captivating. lamps, artwork and blankets. The 2013 Summer Brochure also includes new themed cruises in partnership Photos - L-R Pacific Jewel Captain Stefano Ravera, Lifeline National with various companies to allow guests to experience golf, music, food, wine Retail Support Manager Joe Magro and Pacific Pearl Captain Tony and beauty in a memorable way. The programs include talented experts, Draper and Pacific Pearl Accommodation Attendants Adrian Resurreccion, workshops and prestigious guests. Activities range from tasting sessions of Albert Fernandez and Rolly Solares with Lifeline National Retail Support fine wines and cookery workshops with some of the most famous French Manager Joe Magro. (Photos Andrew Henshaw) Michelin-starred chefs on a cruise between Andalucia, the Balearic Islands and the Costa Brava to the “Golf Special” in Italy, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily. 20 Photo - Compagnie du Ponant’s L’Austral recent evening arrival in Barcelona. Silver Cloud’s Refurbishment Silver Cloud is back cruising following a successful three-week dry dock also received makeovers. Le Champagne, the only Relais & Châteaux in Palermo, Italy, where extensive renovations were made to nearly every restaurant at sea, has been completely transformed with an upgraded area of the ship. Silver Cloud’s interior decoration has been completely entrance design, the addition of gleaming, backlit wine displays, a redesigned renovated, including all the suites, public spaces and dining venues, in order seating layout, and new wood flooring, fabrics and window treatments. to introduce a fresh and contemporary classic atmosphere. Silversea The jogging track features all-new synthetic turf and the pool area is made a significant financial investment in this refurbishment to ensure its outfitted with new deck furniture. guests experience a renewed sense of luxury and comfort when sailing Second Expedition Ship - Silversea has announced Silver Galapagos aboard Silver Cloud. A totally renewed lobby now displays a color palette as the name for its second small-sized expedition ship, which is currently of warm earth tones that is carried throughout most areas of the ship sailing as the Galapagos Explorer II. The new name signals the company’s with the installation of stylish new carpets, wall treatments and artwork intent to maintain a consistent level of elegance throughout its fleet, in the corridors, staircases and public spaces. Providing contrast to the and will take effect after the all-suite; 100-guest vessel undergoes a DECEMBER 2012 main color scheme of the ship is The Bar, now decorated in cooler shades major refurbishment in September 2013. In a related move, the hull of teal mixed with neutral tones of brown and beige. All new furniture, of the Galapagos Explorer II has already been painted the same carpet, curtains and reconditioned wood flooring give the Panorama dark blue as Silver Explorer; the company’s other expedition ship. Lounge a refreshed contemporary look, while The Spa and Beauty Salon Breaking News Viking Ocean Cruises and shipbuilder Fincantieri have announced the contracts will be completed subject to the customary closing conditions. signature of a Memorandum of Agreement for the construction of two Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking, commented on the announcement: more ocean cruise ships with an option for another two. The new ships “This additional order indicates just how strong early response has been will be twins to those ordered earlier this year. In line with Viking’s to our ocean cruise concept. We are very excited to have Fincantieri as a intimate, destination-focused approach to cruising, the ships will be partner as we work to bring the destination back to ocean cruising. “ small by today’s standards at approximately 48,000 tons. The related ship

We stock all sizes up to 6XL The Digby’s Travel Jacket is the perfect travelling companion. Made from 100% Italian wool cloth this garment has natural stretch for optimum comfort and crease resistance. A versatile jacket for all occasions. Open 7 Days 65 James Street Fortitude Valley Phone (07) 3257 7800 Niecon Plaza Broadbeach www.digbysmenswear.com Oracle Blvde Broadbeach Voyager of the Seas Debuts in Australia by Tim Ryan Royal Caribbean International’s megaliner the 137,276 ton 21 Voyager of the Seas has made an impressive debut in Australian ports culminating in its spectacular arrival in Sydney on 22 November 2012 as it rendezvoused with the outgoing Celebrity Millennium sailing down the Harbour. Designed by the world’s most innovative cruise line, Voyager of the Seas is more than a ship as it is a destination in itself. Its sheer size allows Royal Caribbean to offer the broadest range of amenities and facilities of any cruise ship ever based in Australia and New Zealand and despite its size the ship does not give the appearance of being crowded due to the large number of balcony cabins and extensive variety of public spaces experienced at sea in the region: “Royal Promenade” – an indoor ‘main on board. street’ stretching the length of a football field through the middle of the Voyager of the Seas will form part of the fleet of five Royal Caribbean ship, lined with a variety of shops, cafes and specialty boutiques places to Cruises Group vessels sailing in Australian waters over the 2012 – 2013 eat and drink, including Seattle’s Best Coffee and Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream season, joining Royal Caribbean International’s Rhapsody of the Seas Shop. Regular entertainment is provided on the Royal promenade and and Radiance of the Seas, and sister brand Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity guests can stroll up and down the 4-story street and enjoy regular street Millennium and the new Celebrity Solstice which also arrived in Sydney parades and participate in live entertainment; “Studio B” Ice Rink – an DECEMBER 2012 on its maiden trip on 9 December 2012 with an equally exciting debut. ice skating rink for guests that also doubles as a sensational 900-seat Voyager of the Seas is the most innovative vessel to have ever visited venue for ice show productions from world-class figure skaters. Inside Australasia introducing many exciting concepts never before seen at sea. cabins with a view – traditionally inside cabins have no view, but these These include the Royal Promenade – a four-deck high food, shopping unique cabins overlook the Royal Promenade; Extensive sports facilities and entertainment “main street” within the ship; interior cabins with a including an Inline skating track, Royal Caribbean’s signature rock- view (overlooking the Royal Promenade); a 900-seat ice skating rink; an climbing wall, a 9-hole mini golf course, a golf simulator, a full size sports in-line skating track; a 9-hole miniature golf course; a grand three-deck court, 3 swimming pools and six whirlpools; Voyager of the Seas also high restaurant; a full-sized sports court for basketball & volleyball; a includes the DreamWorks experience onboard with cinema characters two-deck nightclub; the 1,350-seat La Scala Theatre featuring Broadway- Po from Kung Fu Panda as well as Shrek and Princess Fiona among the style production shows; a massive kids and teens Adventure Ocean Club many “celebrity” DreamWorks characters that will entertain kids big and situated close to the Adventure Beach water park; as well as a beautiful small, day and night, with unique experiences including special parades on Skylight Chapel. board and Children are also well catered for on board with the action- Built at a cost of US$500 million at the Kvaerner Masa Yard at Turku packed Adventure Ocean Club featuring an Adventure Beach water park, in Finland in 1999, Voyager of the Seas measures 311m in length and a dedicated teens disco as well as a video and games arcade. has a breadth of 48m, a draught of 9m and is one of five ships in Royal Voyager of the Seas provides a wide range of dining and the 11 dining Caribbean’s Voyager Class vessels. With 14 passenger decks the ship has venues include specialty restaurant “Portofino” for classic Italian fine 1,556 staterooms and carries up to 3,840 guests and 1,176 crew. dining and the 1950s inspired American diner “Johnny Rockets”. The Voyager of the Seas will introduce several unique concepts never before Voyager’s most stunning eatery is the grand three-story, 1,920-seat main dining room, which will be the largest restaurant in Australasia. Guests can also choose from the extensive a la carte menu while enjoying live music and personalized service from dedicated wait-staff. Split into three levels the Carmen Restaurant on Deck 3 has a capacity of 839 guests; La Boheme on Deck 4 offers seating for 510 guests while the Magic Flute on Deck 5 has a capacity of 540 guests. For a more private dining experience the Grenada and Seville rooms offer an intimate setting with capacity for less than 60 guests. For an additional cost, Italian restaurant Portofino offers fine dining and the Johnny Rockets diner style restaurant is where guests can enjoy classic milk-shakes, burgers and fries while dancing with staff to tunes from the 50’s and 60’s era. Other casual dining venues include the Windjammer Café which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets as well as the adjacent Island Grill. While guests are strolling along the Royal Promenade they can also dine at the Cafe Promenade with a selection of sandwiches, pizza and pastries to choose from. Specialist venues Jade Sushi Bar, The Pig & Whistle English pub and Scoreboards sports bar also provide guests with an international flavour. The ship also boasts some 13 lounges, bars Voyager Arrives and clubs which include the 2-deck “Vault” We were on Sydney Harbour to witness the nightclub and English pub “Pig & Whistle” arrival of Voyager of the Seas and what a sight it which serves a variety of imported ales was. This huge vessel slowly making its way up and beers with several themed lounges the harbour and gently gliding into the berth throughout the ship including Cleopatra’s at Circular Quay. Next day we joined the ship Needle, High Notes, Crow’s Nest, Cloud Nine, Seven Hearts and 19th Hole and several pool bars. Other Royal Caribbean signature bars and lounges include the Casino Royale, the elegant Champagne Bar, the appropriate nautically themed Schooner Bar and the spectacular Viking Crown Lounge overlooking the twin pools and lido deck amidships. Voyager of the Seas also features the for a 20 hour adventure which included sailing impressive 1,350-seat Broadway style “La outside Sydney Heads. In that time we carried Scala Theatre” which spans five decks from out an inspection of most of the facilities on its orchestra pit to domed ceiling and is board and the WOW factor was evident. The decorated in the style of the Milan’s opera Promenade deck with shops, eating places and house after which it is named. The Theatre overhanging balcony cabins were outstanding features spectacular shows by Royal features of the ship. Caribbean Productions, which range from Studio B was the venue for a cocktail party and stage productions to Las Vegas-inspired an exclusive ice show. The talented skaters and floorshows, headline musical acts or live aerial trapeze act were top class performers comedy shows. and the full house thoroughly enjoyed the one- The ship also boasts two members only lounges, an indoor pool, a 1,400-square metre Spa & Fitness Centre, beauty salon, 22 boutiques, art gallery and the “Skylight Chapel” – a unique wedding chapel at sea located high above the Viking Crown Lounge. Voyager of the Seas’ ice rink complex called “Studio B” is Australia’s first ice- rink at sea, featuring entertainment and activities for the whole family. Guests can watch sensational ice show productions featuring a cast of professional skaters from around the world in the 900-seat Studio B. Voyager’s ice skating rink is open for guest ice-skating throughout the cruise and has a full-service bar, stadium seating and state- of-the-art sound system. Studio B is also DECEMBER 2012 home to other onboard activities, including game shows, onboard parties and cooking demonstrations. The ice rink measures 17.9 m long x 9.6 m wide (172 square metres) and was launched as the world’s first ice- rink at sea in 1999 when Voyager of the Seas entered service. The “Ice Odyssey” show hour spectacular as we were bedazzled with features 12 professional figure skaters from their costumes, precision and split second around the world including Canada, Russia timing. At the end of the show the Captain and the United States. These remarkable took to the ice as he introduced his officers. ‘solo’ and ‘pairs’ skaters perform several spectacular shows during each voyage. The ingenious design of Voyager of the Seas introduced the cruising industry to inside rooms that have a view, with generously- sized interior cabins on Voyager overlooking the Royal Promenade. Voyager of the Seas features Interior, Oceanview, Balcony and Deluxe staterooms that offer atmosphere and spectacular sights; sixty percent of its cabins offer sea views, and 80 percent of those have balconies. All staterooms have a television, telephone, private bathroom and vanity area as well as 24-hour room service. Voyager of the Seas will change the face of Australian cruising and sets a new benchmark for an exciting new era for the local cruise Dinner was served in the ‘Carmen’ dining room industry. After its inaugural Australian summer before joining fellow passengers for the street season, Voyager of the Seas will return to sail parade along Promenade Deck. The characters in Asia in March 2013 where it will be joining from Dreamworks danced their way up and sister ship, Mariner of the Seas, which will be down the promenade posing for photos as conducting its inaugural Asian season. Following they passed. On show Alex and the Penguins its 2013 Asian season, Voyager of the Seas will from Madagascar, Shrek, Fiona and Po ‘Kung Fu’ return to Australia again October 2013 to Panda gave an electric show. JT/KT conduct an even more extensive Australasian More on Voyager of the Seas in coming program over the 2013-14 summer season. issues. A Dream Cruise on SeaDream II by Kerry & John Treacy

The Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships has once again rated the 112-guest mega-motor- cruiser yachts SeaDream I and SeaDream II as is not a sentiment about size; it is a statement me to ease myself into the new morning. Each Top Two in its ‘Boutique Ships’ category (50 - about unstructured lifestyle aboard the small day I ordered the seasonal fruit platter and I 250 passengers) for 2013. vessels. Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56- marvelled at the choice of fruit (6 to 8 varieties) Douglas Ward, the world’s top authority on stateroom twin yachts are favoured for their and the beautiful presentation. Lunch was also cruising and cruise elegant informality, state-of-the-art facilities, served on deck with many choices of freshly 23 ships reviewed 284 personal service provided by a crew of 95, cooked hot dishes and a selection of cold cruise ships for the inclusive open bar and gratuities, ocean view seafood, meat, salads and desserts. 2013 Guide, and accommodations, luxury spa and culinary All on board looked forward to the evening out of a possible excellence. meal and were never disappointed. The range of 2000 points gave So after our flight from Australia and transfer soups tasted just as the name suggested. Soup SeaDream II 1,788 from Rome to Civitavecchia arranged by DDP making is an art as so many taste the same – points and SeaDream Incentive Management we were ready for our I 1,786 points. The “Dream Cruise” hard-hitting reviews Kerry takes up the story - Travelling on the take into account ultimate boutique yacht fully hosted with 400 separate items marvellous people, visiting new ports and based on personal enjoying delicious food was a special way to cruises, visits and travel from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona. re-visits to ships, as On boarding we were greeted by the Captain well as observations and staff and offered French Champagne. From DECEMBER 2012 and comments from there we were escorted to our cabin where a Ward’s team of ship chilled bottle of French Champagne was waiting inspectors. Since SeaDream’s founding for us along with a bowl of fruit. in 2001, it has been honoured annually by the Our hosts David and Gwenda Ellis were warm, Berlitz Guide, with its twins SeaDream I and friendly, available and always obliging. SeaDream II being described as “Ultimately Food on any ship is always a highlight, but Exclusive Boutique Vessels”, and named as tops especially so on SeaDream II. Caviar and in Berlitz’ Five Star Club where they are listed champagne are regarded as two of lives’ as the “Crème de La Crème”. luxuries. Champagne was served every day and SeaDream President, Bob Lepisto said: “We are caviar with all the accompaniments a number honoured to have been so highly recognized of times each week. I have never been a lover once again in this world-renowned guide. We of caviar but this was exceptional. Cocktail thank Douglas Ward and his publishers and I add hour was held each evening, sometimes on my sincere thanks to our crew of true onboard deck around the pool with the chef serving professionals, along with those in our offices caviar and canapés. Breakfast was on deck around the world who have also contributed to and dishes (all types of eggs, sausages, minute our continued success”. The elegant informality steak, pancakes, waffles and French toast) were of the yachts sits comfortably with state-of- cooked to order together with fresh fruit juice, not on SeaDream II. One night a Degustation the art facilities, discreet, personal service and a large selection of freshly cut fruit, cereals and Dinner was served – Lóeuf Poule au Caviar world class cuisine. breads made for a healthy start to the day. For Surprise, Steamed Lobster on Marinated King Our research told us the expression “yachting” myself a breakfast tray in the room allowed Crab Tartar, Cappuccino of White Tomato Soup, every meal inspecting each offering before it was delivered to the table. My favourite food is lobster and this delicacy was served to me four times in one week. I was in gastronomical overload!! Passengers are able to request a special meal order and it is available the next meal or next day. An venture completely new to me was the market tour. Tomasz leads a group through the vegetable, fish, meat, cheese, bread and general 24 market sections where produce is purchased and taken back to the yacht. Much drama and humour are included in this adventure. It was great to be involved. Tomasz has so much knowledge, passion and high energy levels and never tires. He is always happy to speak about and share his knowledge. During the tour in Livorno we were given samples in most places visited and finished with a cafe visit which included drinks (hot or cold), beer or wine and plates of local pastries, slices and cakes. It was delicious. The walking tour took about two and a half hours. Weather permitting lunch and a number of dinners were served in the Topside Restaurant. The evening meal served with Monte Carlo DECEMBER 2012 Pear William Sorbet, Pan Fried Sea Bass Filet or as a backdrop has to be experienced to be Chateaubriand of Beef, Whipped Brie de Meaux, believed. Magic, awesome and the WOW White Chocolate Souffle and Homemade Petits- factor all come to mind. Another enjoyable Fours and Chocolate Truffles. An alternative dinner was had by all when we accepted an Vegetarian Degustation Menu was an option. invitation from the Captain to share his table. Consomme, Caesar Salad, Linguini. Salmon, Out table waiters, Peter and Roland and Chicken Breast and Steak were always available.. drink waiters Frank and another Roland, all Excellent wines were served to accompany the from Hungary quickly became our friends as meals. we would see them throughout the day and Special food requests are diligently followed evening given the size of the yacht. Fellow eg allergies, no salt, food intolerance, low passengers became close friends in a short fat and low sugar. Dream Raw Cuisine which space of time. features “raw foods” was very popular.Dishes Our cabin was very comfortable with a included Pad Thai, Vanilla Panna Cotta, Raw sitting area that could be curtained off from Vegetable Lasagna, Asian Style Cashew Curry the bedroom. I was very impressed with the Salad and Spiced Coconut Soup to name just a comfort of our bed and the pillow menu. Being few. Ingredients are raw, organic and vegan (no very particular with the height and texture of fish, meat, eggs or dairy products), and nothing pillows I sometimes have to try a number of is heated above 118 Fahrenheit and retains all times before I am satisfied. The first choice healthy micro nutrients. here was my last. The marble bathroom was a Tomasz Kozlowski, the Executive Chef who feature being fully stocked with the luxurious hails from Szczecin in Poland was present at line of Bvlgari products. The yachts are not known for lavish John and myself really enjoyed our entertainment. On board entertainment was time on SeaDream II and to all provided by two artists, a pianist and guitarist, on board and especially our many both accomplished singers. One evening a Hungarian friends I say “Köszönöm 25 female staff member entertained. Otherwise szépen.” after a relaxing dinner it was drinks at the piano and top sail bars, karaoke, trying your luck at For more information see travel agents, or phone the small casino or chatting with new friends. SeaDream Yacht Club in Miami USA on toll-free SeaDream has a very loyal following for reasons 1800 217 902 (open till 11:00am Sydney time), which include – the size and intimacy of the or send email enquiries to [email protected] yacht, the food, staff and service. The dress or visit www.seadream.com code is relaxed by day and smart casual at night; Prices include all 5-star dining, drinks from the however some guests like to dress up for the open bars, wines with lunch and dinner, nightly evening. cocktail gatherings, a 30-course golf simulator, I must mention the wall hangings and sculptures and onboard gratuities. onboard. The latter are very impressive and of high quality and might be said unique.

Drinks are included (Special orders you DECEMBER 2012 pay for) and very generous. The waiters are familiar with your favourite choice and appear Next Issue before your glass is empty to refill. Everyone More on our SeaDream II cruise and places visited. on board knows your name shortly after boarding the yacht. Jeff the Club Director, a very keen cyclist, was always at the ready with his line up of bikes and eager to share this activity with those interested. You had to admire his energy. He also kept you up to date with the activities planned. A number of guests enjoyed the opportunity for watersports and swimming from the Marina on the back deck. John and myself enjoyed visiting a number of new ports on our back to back cruises and we have a selection of “new favourites”. As the yacht is 4,333 tons we were able to dock in the town centre of most ports visited which makes for very easy access to the places you want to explore. Elba Vistas, Villages & Wine From Portoferraio we enjoyed a picturesque drive to the southern mountainside village of Capoliveri. It has an almost medieval atmosphere in its architecture. Unfortunately there was persistent rain at the time which did not allow us to investigate the village. On the way we passed through the heart of Elba’s mining area, between the iron mines at Mount Calamita and Mount Ginevro. The coasts of Capoliveri are some of the most beautiful on the island, with overhanging cliffs, small bays and crystal-clear water. As the rain eased we reached our next destination the 17th century old country wine-farm “La Chiusa,” beautifully nestled in a vineyard estate surrounded by olive trees and overlooking the ocean. It is claimed to have once housed Napoleon during his exile. During the visit there was wine sampling of the vineyard’s “passiti” made from Aleatico and Ansonica, complemented by assorted light snacks. The tour was organised by DDP Incentive Management who has 30 years experience throughout Italy in airport/hotel/ship transfers, tours, sightseeing and tailor-made itineraries. Details and bookings + 39 06-5405044 or + 39 06-5431288, email francesca@ddpincentive. it or visit www.ddpincentive.it Introducing Visiting Monte Carlo During our back to back SeaDream Yacht Club cruise we were fortunate to visit Monte Carlo twice. The principality of Monaco lies in between the Alps Atle Brynestad and the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by the French Riviera to the west and During our stay on SeaDream II I had the opportunity to attend the Italian Riviera to the east. It is the second smallest independent state in the a press conference with Atle Brynestad, Owner and Chairman of world (after the Vatican) and is six times the size of the Vatican and the world’s the SeaDream Yacht Club. most densely populated independent country. He is an entrepreneurial and highly successful Norwegian businessman The Monaco Government Tourist and Convention Authority had arranged who has long had a fascination with ships and the sea, and more specifically for a group of us to be taken by Mini-Bus for a half day tour of the Principality 26 with luxury sea holidays. “My love of the sea and the ships that sail on them followed by lunch at the Fairmont Hotel. It gave us the opportunity to see the is part of my Norwegian birthright, one that I am most proud of” he says. sights and visit many of the principal attractions. When Atle was 16, following his early schooling in , he purchased Just to be in Monte Carlo is awesome, the mountain of buildings rising into an old knitting machine and began turning out woollen sweaters. “I did the sky, the cleanliness of the place, never once was it crowded – you got the impression that you were looking at a massive painting of a beautiful scene. everything myself. I designed the sweaters, knitted them and then went The population is just over 35,000, although many people come from the out and sold them,” he recalls. By the time he was 19 he had sixteen nearby French region each day for work. employees and his small company was turning a modest profit, which he Highlights of our tour included seeing the world-famous Place du Casino, the placed back into the operation. He was a success. He then pursued higher gambling center which has made Monte Carlo famous and the nearby Hotel with the same zeal he had shown in the development of his de Paris, the Café de Paris, the Salle Garnier (the casino theatre home to the sweater business and soon he had earned an advanced university business Opéra de Monte-Carlo), being driven on sections of the Monaco Formula degree. 1 Grand Prix track (the Grand Prix is 78 laps around 3.34 kilometres of From that point on, Atle took off. He expanded his business interests Monte Carlo’s most narrow and twisted streets), the Palais Princier (Prince’s dramatically and with his love of the sea, early in his career he invested Palace) where we watched the changing of the guard ceremony performed by in Royal Viking Line, at that time the leader in seagoing leisure holidays. the “Carabiniers” and visiting the Monaco Cathedral which was built in 1875 That hooked him and in 1987, he founded Seabourn Cruise Line and was and stands on the site of a 13th century earlier church. It is a Romanesque- Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Nicolas and houses the remains of DECEMBER 2012 its Chairman during the ten years of that company’s greatest success. former Princes of Monaco and Princess Grace. Another highlight was visiting When Seabourn and Cunard merged in 1998, Atle became Chairman of the Princess Grace Rose Garden. The park with a small lake is set over an Cunard Line Ltd., a position he resigned from in 2000. The following year area of four hectares and was opened in1984. It has 4,000 rose trees with 150 he founded SeaDream Yacht Club and was instrumental in conceiving the varieties of rose plants from all over the world. It is such a beautiful, colourful SeaDream yachting concept that remains successful today. and peaceful setting. After purchasing two ships, previously known as Sea Goddess I and II and In future issues and on our web site we will have more information on Monte Seabourn Goddess I and II both vessels were completely refurbished and Carlo and its attractions. an extra deck was added. Our tour ended at the Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel perched on the hillside He describes lifestyle aboard as chic and stylish, having redefined the word overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and beside the legendary Casino of Monte luxury. He said “Luxury is about what is good for you”. He describes both Carlo. In addition to being one of the most prestigious Monte Carlo resorts, yachts as being almost brand new because of their regular maintenance it is one of the largest in Europe, boasting 602 guest rooms, residences and programs and believes they have 20 to 25 years life. He doesn’t believe suites, two restaurants, a bar, 18 meeting rooms, shopping arcade, in-house it would be economically viable to build ships the size of the two yachts Casino, and unique wellness facilities. We were treated to a wonderful buffet anymore. He could be interested in another ship. lunch at the Horizon Deck, Restaurant & Champagne bar with its stunning For the future he is looking forward to SeaDream II journeying to Asia and views of the Mediterranean Sea. Australia’s top end in 2013/14. Thank you to Monaco Tourism and the Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel for He likes to visit the yachts at least four times a year to interact with the making our visit so enjoyable. staff. Atle Brynestad is a man who loves what he does. The Rob Henderson & Doug Cremer Collection

From the Orient Line archive comes this remarkably clear Image of the 5,552 ton liner OROTAVA which served the Orient-Royal Mail’s Australian service from 1890 to 1909.

An intriguing photograph taken on the 7th August 1930 of the P & O liner MOOLTAN, the 27 third P & O ship to hold this name. MOOLTAN served the Australian service from 1923 to 1954. She survived WWII as a troop transport and after the War went on to bring many thousands of emigrants to a new life in Australia. DECEMBER 2012

Another historic image from the archive is this mid 1930’s image of the P & O liner STRATHNAVER alongside and about to sail from the old Passenger Terminal at Sydney Cove with the “Travel in Comfort,” a wonderful P & O Poster issued in the iconic bridge in the background. to advertise the voyages to Australia. Travelling MSC Yacht

the concierge welcomed John and myself and Club Style! informed us of our entitlements which we were by Kerry & John Treacy to enjoy over the next week. We were taken to our deluxe suite on floor In mid 2008 with the launch of MSC 16. Our luggage awaited us together with a Fantasia MSC Cruises introduced a new chilled bottle of champagne and a very large exclusive concept offering guests the bowl of fruit which was replenished every day. ultimate experience in luxury, privacy Our luxurious suite, designed with attention and personal service. The MSC Yacht Club to detail was spacious with a large sitting area, is located on the most prestigious and included a complimentary mini-bar with soft 28 desirable foredecks of the MSC flagships. drinks, bottled water and alcoholic beverages. It is designed as an oasis of tranquillity The Yacht Club is known as “a ship within a ship” with its own Concierge Reception and is available on the Fantasia class vessels and impeccable Butler Service. At the which include MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, same time guests enjoy full access to MSC Divina and soon to be launched MSC entertainment and world-class sports, Preziosa in March 2013. Our ship MSC Splendida, fitness and relaxation facilities. Guests of launched in 2009 is tastefully decorated and the the MSC Yacht Club benefit from a series Yacht Club sanctuary so inviting with an aura of additional privileges as well. of relaxation. We recently enjoyed a seven-day MSC cruise If you desire you are able to live fully self from Barcelona to Barcelona visiting Tunis, contained within the MSCYacht Club, only leaving Valetta, Messina, Civitavecchia and Genoa with the area to explore the ship and entertainment, one-day at sea. It was the first time we have fitness facilities or for an excursion. The Top Sail cruised in the MSC Yacht Club. Kerry tells us of Lounge is a restful quiet area where drinks and the experience.... food are available. Various cocktails were always a good choice. The chef prepares small plate DECEMBER 2012 dishes every day with food featured throughout the day. Continental Breakfast is also served until late morning. At 4pm each day English Tea is served by your Butler complete with white gloves. L’Olivo is the dedicated restaurant for guests staying in the Yacht Club and its design and layout resembles a Mediterranean scene. The gourmet cuisine and service was excellent and provided a superior dining experience with the Menus providing an extensive choice of Italian and International gourmet specialities. Our waiters Gabriele and Oscar, in fact all the staff, always made us welcome and shared a good sense of humour. The decor and ambiance of LÓlivo and the Yacht Club are second to none. Our sanctuary was very regal looking with colours of gold, dark blue and bronze and

Nothing compares to a holiday at sea! Even superior to this is a cruise with your own butler, concierge, designated lounge area, restaurant, deluxe suite, express lifts, priority check-in and disembarkation, private out of hours shopping accompanied by your butler and the list of advantages goes on and on. We arrived at the cruise terminal in Barcelona and were immediately greeted by Julia (who also assisted our butler throughout our time on board) and ushered to the check-in and then security points in a matter of minutes. Food and drink were available at our own check-in area and we stood on a carpet which said “MSC Yacht Club.” Another young couple accompanied us on board MSC Splendida as we entered our express lift to floor 15. Laura, the Swarovski Crystal staircase linking floors style, privacy and comfort at each port of call. 15 (Concierge reception) and 16 of the Yacht These excursions are in private cars or mini- Club beckoned all. I never tired of looking and bus with your own personal multilingual guide. walking up and down and taking photos of this Also a photographer is available to accompany magnificent structure from every angle. The you on all excursions upon request. A surcharge Swarovski spiral staircase is made up of 16 solid applies for this special service. glass steps each glistering with between 45 and All in all everything you desire or want is arranged 50 genuine Swarovski crystals. That is almost for you. I enjoyed the silver service continental 800 dazzling crystals. breakfast delivered on-time each morning along It is definitely worth paying the extra (work on with our local Brisbane newspaper the ‘Courier- $116 a day above the price of the top balcony Mail’. Our large private balcony complete with cabin per person) to enjoy the luxuries of the furniture was always waiting for us. John and Yacht Club Suites which are almost twice the size myself love this retreat, especially at night, as we 29 of a standard balcony cabin. The idea of floating enjoy the fresh air and quiet. in a bath while at sea has always appealed to me Entertainment on board is always first class. and it awaited. Add special bathroom products The Broadway style shows, together with which included essential oils and you are in for the enjoyable music plus stunning, colourful a very enjoyable and relaxing time. I have only costumes never fail to impress. experienced this pleasure on two other ships Butler service also includes unpacking and and one was MSC Magnifica. packing of your suitcases if you so desire Other benefits available included Silver tray along with personal care of guest’s shoes and room service, a members only sundeck area is a 24 hour service. The Butlers are trained that includes its own food and beverage service, at the International Butler Academy in the a dip pool, two hot tubs, private elevator to Netherlands. the Aurea Spa with free access to the thermal Travelling in the MSC Yacht Club has suite of steam rooms and saunas, pizza delivery to be the best way to spend your time after 10pm, private fashion and jewellery at sea. Everything revolves around you! shows, booking of tours, being escorted to the It is a trend-setting concept and a true DECEMBER 2012 excursion buses allowing first choice of seats benchmark of executive and family travel and a daily worldwide newspaper delivered well within the price range of most cruise each day. The MSC Yacht Club’s dedication to travellers. service also extended Extraordinary Excursions The experience of the MSC Yacht Club has tailor-made enabling you to explore or shop in been available exclusively to guests sailing on Mediterranean itineraries, however as new ships have joined the fleet from late 2012 the ships are now travelling to other parts of the world with MSC Fantasia now in South America

Broiled beef tenderloin with grilled vegetables and from November 2013 MSC Divina will be home ported in Grilled fillet of Norwegian salmon North America. After with Hollandaise sauce and steamed vegetables MSC Preziosa joins Cheese the fleet in March 2013 she will spend a northern summer season in the served with fruit and vegetable preserves, jellies, honey, Mediterranean before heading to Brazil in late 2013. In coming editions dried and fresh fruit we explore MSC Splendida and the ports visited. Roquefort AOC Epoisse AOC Asiago DOP 30 MSC YACHT CLUB Formaggio di fossa Gala Dinner - Cena di gala Provolone di Agerola Appetizers Taleggio DOP Rolls of smoked salmon and Castelmagno DOP Desserts and Fruit chive-flavoured goat cheese Baked Alaska served with sprouts and salmon roe ice cream and meringue pyramid

“Came salada trentina” Trentino lean beef cured in brine with a varying mixture of spices, accompanied by balsamic vinegar caviar and red turnip mousse Soup Cream of asparagus soup with roasted scallops DECEMBER 2012 Pasta Creamy risotto with Taleggio cheese and walnut kernels Open raviolo with shellfish and monkfish ragout Main Courses Baked lobster with aromatic melted butter and baby vegetable medley

Boneless prime rib steak with green peppercorn sauce and thyme potatoes Always Available Spaghetti with Bolognese or tomato sauce

Caesar salad Iced nougat and honey parlait lettuce hearts, on a raspberry coulis golden croutons, Discover our rich selection of ice cream Parmesan cheese and fruit sorbets shavings and Assorted pralines traditional Caesar dressing Mixed fruit platter Onion soup au gratin with a cheese NO SUGAR ADDED crouton Diced fresh fruit on lemon jelly 31 DECEMBER 2012 Further North to Alaska by Carolyn Knight

When you first set eyes on the brochures and web sites for Alaska, the snow capped mountains and the icy glaciers capture your imagination along with the possibility of seeing bears and eagles, whales and dolphins and the ports of call give us an added insight into the history and cultures of this amazing place. We had been to Alaska before and done the most common path – Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Hubbard Glacier, and the inside passage – a wonderful introduction to Alaska but this time we took two weeks instead of the traditional one and while all of the above were included except Skagway, this time many other more northern ports were on our list. On board Holland America’s Amsterdam, with about 1200 fellow passengers, our sailing port was Seattle but before we boarded we took the opportunity to see the Chihuly Garden and Glass display at the Seattle Centre. It is the most amazing display in the art of glass. The colours were nothing less than stunning and for a photographer, it was just magic. On the previous trip, we left Vancouver in late September. This time we sailed mid June. It made a significant difference. Locals in many ports were telling us how lucky we were to see so much snow and ice – that it would be gone in a week or two and that, I think is the difference – the early verses the late season. Don’t get me wrong. Both seasons have much to offer – the glaciers will calve more at the end of the season but the 32 snow capped mountains and the ice in the water is more prevalent at the beginning of the season. I have always wanted to set foot on a glacier so in Juneau we did just that. A short helicopter ride and we were standing on the Mendenhall glacier that had taken hundreds of years to work its way down its path. I had a sip of glacier water – crystal clear and also learned why there is so much blue in the ice – under so much pressure, the ice is a lot more dense than that in our freezers at home and hence it is only able to reflect the blue light from the spectrum! Ketchikan and Salmon. Last time we were here, the salmon were running in the stream and of course there were the dead salmon also after the sporning, but here we were too early and the streams were quiet. Again, a season issue. As we left Hubbard Glacier in 2006, I remember standing on the deck and drinking in the moment. I would probably never be here again. 2012

DECEMBER 2012 and we were back but there was a major difference. Our ship could only maintain 4 knots – as there was SO much ice in the water and some rather large pieces that make the ship shuddered as we collided now and then. We navigated carefully to the glacier – we had 3 guides that came on board at the entrance to the bay. The calving was again like thunder and I wondered where the ice I saw breaking today was 6 years ago. That is a magical place. Anchorage is the largest town in Alaska - with a reasonably sized port. It also has rail access so though I would have loved to see the big rigs that do the Alaska ice roads, we were on a train heading to Whittier and Grandview in the Chugach National Park. Glaciers, snow capped mountains, melting snow forming waterfalls, native flowers and BEARS! We saw our first bear in the wild (and I was happy to be on the train). Kodiak on the island of Kodiak and Homer (mainland), were also on our agenda. Homer was busy with a marathon when we arrived so we left the ship and took a free bus to the touristy beach village near the port. We were all fans of Alaskan Crab. It didn’t take long to find an ‘all you can eat’ place right on the beachfront. The AK Crab Shack was just pure fun. We could sit and devour crab while watching the eagles walking on the beach! David and Jana Brauner really made us feel right at home. Kodiak on the other hand was a quiet and rather sleepy township with 33 an historical Russian background as do many other places in Alaska. It suffered dreadfully in the earthquake and subsequent tsunami of 1964. The vessel, Star of Kodiak, is there as a permanent fixture – a floating cannery now– operated by Trident – a well-known seafood brand even in Australia! Sitka was on the list and personally I was really looking forward to see this town especially after the movie with Sandra Bullock. It was a mooring rather than docking but the system worked well and we were ashore in no time at all. What a pretty town with again a lot of Russian History and of course a famous blue wooden Russian church in the middle of the town. I also did some serious shopping for Alaskan socks in Sitka. We could only moor off Icy Strait Point also. Situated on Chichagof Island and probably most famous for its processing systems that were developed for canning salmon in 1912 but today among the many touristy things to DECEMBER 2012 do was the longest zip line in the world, over In short we were very well looked after. We 1700 m long and a drop of over 400 m it is such were also well informed as we travelled a fun thing to do. Unfortunately, the weather with live commentaries as we progressed was not kind – a bit foggy so low visibility, hence up to Hubbard Glacier and to Tracy Arm. not the day to do it but on a fine day, it should The big question now is what season do not be missed. you go to Alaska – is there a right time – Tracy Arm is a place I had heard of but not and my feeling is that there is only a right seen nor really had any interest in, but what a time for you. You need to decide what it stunning day that was to cruise slowly up this is that you want to enjoy, the snow, ice, fjord with snow capped mountains on either glaciers calving, bears, flowers, weather side. Then to be greeted by this stunning glacier etc and then go accordingly but whatever at the end of the passage was just marvellous. you decide upon, I know that you will 34 How wide was the passage? Just enough to most certainly enjoy Alaska. turn the ship!!!! – well with a few metres left at A Final Note: Amsterdam will next year go back to either end and how icy is it ?? - well we were 7 day cruises and limit the number of ports that we one of the first ships to get all the way up to the visited this year. Some ports eg Homer, will still be glacier for this season. open but only for cruises transiting between Japan Victoria on the island of Vancouver was our and the west coast of North America. Princess last port of call, and our only stop in Canada. I Cruises will be offering some longer cruises of about just love their little water taxis and the house plenty of room, a bar, a lounge and a great sized 14 nights as will Silversea. Innersea Discoveries are boats afloat, We popped over to their version balcony – we even had our washing included. a small ship company offering longer and more of fisherman’s wharf and …you guessed it … Dining? We were all careful but still ate very intimate cruises. Holland America will go more to had some crab. well. The chocolate buffet did not help – with cruise tours, they say, to include for example, Denali I must say that we had a wonderful cabin with the most delicious deserts and incredible National Park and more land content. carvings. We could not resist.

DECEMBER 2012 Monaco Grand Prix Also Windstar Cruises have announced an exclusive Grand Prix package for its Yachting the Rivera voyage. Guests onboard the May 21st voyage of Wind Surf, the largest of Windstar’s three sailing yachts, will have the opportunity to experience the world’s most legendary Formula One event while enjoying the unique Windstar experience. The package features preferred seating for Saturday’s knockout qualifying, in addition to various support races, and Sunday’s Formula One race, as well as other exciting events both shoreside and onboard. The Grand Prix Package is available to guests on the specific Yachting the Rivera Voyage. The 312- passenger Wind Surf will sail through the glittering Italian and French Riviera’s. The seven-day cruise will start in Nice and sail immediately to Monte Carlo, Monaco. Wind Surf will visit two ports in France; Cannes and Calvi, a French port city of on the island of Corsica. As the yacht sails through Italy, guests will visit Portofino; Portovenere, where guests can visit Cinque Terre, the neighbouring, picturesque mountain village; and Portoferraio before disembarking in Rome. Crystal Cruises has announced four new privileged opportunities for guests to experience the fast cars and glamorous events of the legendary Monaco Grand Prix. Three options offer different, intimate ways to watch the world’s most prestigious automobile race: from either the uber-exclusive driver/team-prep paddock area, a chic private verandah/residence above the renowned Casino, or the best of the fan grandstands near the start/finish line, overlooking the stunning port. A fourth new excursion brings guests to the official Formula One VIP party celebrating the race’s end, where guests can dance ‘til dawn. The four Crystal Adventures were created exclusively for Crystal Serenity’s 18-30 May Esprit du Grand Prix-themed Mediterranean cruise. The itinerary features two days positioned in Monte Carlo, from Sunday 26 May, the race’s last day, through 27 May. “At Crystal, luxury and choice are two of our biggest brand definers,” says Thomas Mazloum, Crystal’s senior vice president of hotel operations. “With the Monaco Grand Prix considered one of the most exciting events in the world, we planned a cruise that would not only take our worldly travellers there, but also bring them inside, with a variety of incredible options to enjoy the festivities.”

Letters From a reader.....Review of Carnival Spirit

Carnival Spirit was going to be fun, a big ship compared to say Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel.Too big to get under the Sydney Harbour Bridge so she was alongside at the OPT at Circular Quay. Check in was smooth and no sooner than clearing customs and I was onboard and soon a knock on the door with my luggage arriving. Then time to attend the usual emergency drill before we departed. As I started to explore this modern ship I heard we would be late leaving Sydney. We departed at 2100 on a clear spring evening with a full moon as a backdrop. I missed my dinner sitting so I decided to try the steakhouse on sun deck - level 10 just below the ships stack which is atop the stunning atrium with 3 glass bubble lifts which run from deck 1 to 10 and also a see through staircase that looks over the atrium itself. It was well worth the extra $35 a head for a 6 course feast, but make sure you dine on an empty tummy. I went to the main show lounge for the welcome aboard show where we way to our final stop at the Steakhouse to have met our cruise director Stu Dunn who is from a glass of champers to finish after three and a NSW and is happy to have the ship based close half hours of exploring. If you wish to do this 35 to home. Bed was calling and with the calm seas tour book early as numbers are limited. a good night sleep was ahead. After 11 nights we were alongside just after Days 2, 3 and 4 were at sea. To my surprise was 0600 at the OPT at the Quay. After breakfast the high number of children on board, some we were off the ship just after 0930. 900 and school had only been back for a week. They had the clubs, video arcade and Green Now for a review - The good things first; layout Thunder to keep them happy. Next morning I of the ship makes it easy to get around, plenty of went to breakfast at the Empire room on deck pools, bars and Serenity was the highlight for the 2 at the stern of the ship. It is also served in adults. For the kids no doubt Green Thunder and the Lido on deck 9 where Buffet style food the waterworks plus putt putt golf. On the other is available 24 hours. To work out, the gym hand the dining room was not open for lunch while on board is at the bow end of the ship and is the ship is in port and service was slow at breakfast large and combines with an indoor spa, hot tub, which was not good for people who were on tours. sauna, massage and hair salon. There are 3 pools Also comedy brunch was a little rude for the on board, one is called the Dome which has morning with a lot of kids in attendance with mums a roof which can be closed to keep the cold and dads. Dinner service was also slow at times. DECEMBER 2012 out and another is located at Serenity which is No deck chairs were allowed on promenade deck for adults 18 an over. It was very busy during and no shuffle board. If you had rooms on decks1- this cruise and there was no extra charge to 4-8 this was a high traffic area above or below use this area unlike some other ships. The first - no doubt people would have trouble sleeping in formal night was on day 2 and I saw the first of those rooms. Entertainment was light compared to two shows at the theatre. Jazz was the theme. a snorkel so I made my way to the beach where other ships with only 2 shows for the 11 nights. Afterwards I went down one level to the Punch while in the surf I saw a wonderful marriage Attention is required to get passengers to use the Liner Comedy Club to have a laugh. proposal. The couple were passengers from hand sanitiser machines before entering the dining Our first port of call was Port Villa. Alongside the ship. That night we headed for home two room or lido buffet. early at 0730 I think the locals were in shock days away. Our last formal day was Melbourne at the size of the ship. The day was fine to start Cup day and there was the usual sweeps and Overall I would go on Carnival Spirit again, but in 12 but clouded over late in the day. I needed to the race was beamed to the ship with fashions months to let her settle in and adjust to Australian have a walk so I completed the 5k trip into on the ship a highlight. The final production cruising. town to order some duty free. The ship sailed show was on in the theatre, New Orleans was at 1700 for our overnight run to Luganville on the theme. Whatever you do, do not miss this Thanks Roger for a detailed report - the island of Espiritu Santo where we arrived stunning show. I saw it twice that night, it was Editor under overcast sky and it was not long before excellent. the rain started to fall. It was like a typical day in The last day at sea I joined “Behind the Fun Darwin humid and stormy. As we were leaving Ship” tour which takes you to parts of the ship the sun came through the clouds and gave us which are normally off limits to the passengers. our first sunset at sea and what a stunning affair We started at the theatre where we meet the it was. Later in the night as our pool party was dance troop and the band and then made our happening we were passing two active volcanos way to the galley to meet the head chef. From which were glowing quite well with the moon there to the engine control room and the as a backdrop. The island was Tanna. recycle plant room. This ship is a very green ship. Next morning at Wala we had our first of She has a glass recycle plant and rubbish recycle 3 tender ports. It is a stunning place, I went room and desalination room. Carnival Spirit has snorkelling and swimming for the rest of the a Broadway which is a road that goes from bow day. I started to run out of clothes so I wanted to stern with many areas off the Broadway. to find a laundry. There is only 1 public laundry We passed the crew mess and officer’s mess. on board on deck 6 with 2 washers and 4 There are 3 decks below the water line which dryers. Then to Mystery Island, time for another has other crew areas. We visit the ships laundry swim. Our last port was Isle de Pines. As I went and finally make our way to the bridge to meet ashore the weather changed for the worse with the captain, Adriano Binacchi. He is from Italy clouds rolling in and the wind picked up and and we have a group photo followed by a one there was passing showers. It was too windy for on one by the wheel. From there we make our The Melbourne Steamship Company’s Duntroon by Tim Ryan

Duntroon departing Melbourne Duntroon at Sydney

During the mid 1930s three magnificent liners were built for voyage from Britain under the command of Captain I L Lloyd and its Australian shipowners for service on the Australian coast and in passenger complement included Mr D Yorke Syme the Chairman of recent issues we outlined the careers of the Adelaide Steamship the Melbourne Steamship Company. The ship had commenced its first Company’s Manoora and McIlwraith McEachern’s Kanimbla. In Australian coastal voyage from Sydney two days earlier and quickly settled this edition we report on the third of the trio being the Duntroon into the West Coast service which it maintained for the next seven years owned by the Melbourne Steamship Company, a long standing despite numerous delays as a result of engine troubles. company which had been established in 1884. At the outset of the Second World War the ship was considered for conversion into an armed merchant cruiser but was rejected due to the Duntroon was a twin screw motor vessel built at Newcastle-on-Tyne unreliability of its engines. In December 1941 Duntroon transported 36 in the United Kingdom by Swan Hunter and Wigham Richardson and many of the survivors from the German raider Kormoran which sank launched on 4 April 1935. The ship was 472 feet in length and featured and was sunk by the Australian cruiser HMAS Sydney the previous month. eight watertight compartments with three cargo holds forward and two On 3 February 1942, the ship was requisitioned by the Australian Army holds located aft. The 10,346 ton vessel was fitted with B & W double for use as a troopship with capacity extended to accommodate up to acting two stroke diesel engines which were quite advanced in design for 2,000 troops. their time but proved to be unreliable throughout the ship’s career. Captain Lloyd remained in command for the remainder of the War of The vessel carried accommodation for 266 first class and 107 second 1939-45 with Lieutenant Colonel W.E. Holmes, CO 2 Aust Ships Staff, class passengers. With five passenger decks, Duntroon featured many assigned to the ship to act as OC for Troops on board. On 12 March fine public rooms and on A Deck the st1 class Lounge, Music Room and 1942, HMAT Duntroon embarked on its first troop voyage transporting Smoke room were fitted out with veneered sycamore, mahogany and personnel to Colombo, Karachi and Bombay as well as delivering United walnut furniture. The 2nd class public rooms were situated on B Deck States reinforcements and stores to the war theatre. Duntroon also along with the 1st class cabins were very well appointed and panelled in transported troops from the Second Australian Imperial Force from the mahogany timbers. The remaining1st and 2nd class accommodation was Middle East back to Australia before commencing operations in the South located on C deck while the two restaurants for both classes with their West Pacific and Far East. birch veneer timbers and mahogany furniture were located on D Deck.

DECEMBER 2012 Over the course of the next three years Duntroon transported troops On the Sports Deck extensive areas were available for tennis and other and stores to Rabaul, Madang, Lae, Milne Bay, Finschhafen and Hollandia. games and the deck space was exceptionally large at 216 feet in length In September 1945, Duntroon transported Australian Prisoners of War while the promenade deck was 280 feet long. back from Singapore including the Australian 8th Division who had Named after a grazing property near Canberra, which itself was derived endured three years in captivity at Changi. In December 1945 Duntroon from the name of a Scottish Castle, the property later became the along with Kanimbla and Manoora brought troops back to Australia from Royal Military College of Australia, Duntroon. Replacing the company’s Labuan in Borneo. elderly Dimboola, the Duntroon was designed for the Australian east/ During the course of its war service Duntroon carried over 170,000 west interstate coastal passenger service from Sydney and Melbourne troops and travelled over 220,000 miles as a troopship. However, to Adelaide and Fremantle. The west coast service was operated in a Duntroon’s war service was not without incident as the ship collided pool with ships from several other Australian companies including the Kanimbla and Manoora as well as Huddart Parker’s Westralia which had Duntroon in the Yarra been built in 1929. Duntroon arrived in Melbourne on 14 October 1935 on its delivery

Duntroon House

Duntroon postcard & company tug Tooronga HMAS Goorangai (AWM) Duntroon as troopship at Lae (AWM)

with and sank two vessels and in both cases Duntroon at Port Phillip Duntroon was exonerated from blame. On the evening of 20 November 1940, with both ships blackened out, the auxiliary minesweeper HMAS Goorangai collided with Duntroon in Port Phillip Bay while the minesweeper was crossing the channel between Queenscliff and Portsea. The Goorangai floundered immediately with the loss of the full complement of 24 officers and men. The loss of HMAS Goorangai and its men represented the Royal Australian Navy’s first naval loss during the 1939-1945 Duntroon and other hostilities. Three years later in the early morning ships to cruising 37 of 29 November 1943, the American destroyer, was not really a USS Perkins collided with Duntroon near Cape profitable option for arrived at Kaohsiung on 22 August 1968 having Vogel, New Guinea and sank with the loss of the Australian shipowners. On 3 February 1959 been sold to Taiwanese ship breakers. nine seamen. Duntroon departed on its final cruise to North In March 1978 the Duntroon’s ship’s bell Dunroon’s army service continued until Queensland visiting Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville was presented to the Royal Military College 1946, when the ship was chartered by the and Hayman Island. Duntroon and was mounted at the base of the RAN for transport duties with the British Upon arrival back in Melbourne on 5 March flagpole above the parade ground and is still in Commonwealth Occupation Forces which 1959, Duntroon was withdrawn from service use in the daily routine of the College. In 1965 involved numerous trips to Japan, Hong Kong and offered for sale. The same month Westralia the large shipbuilder’s model of the Duntroon and Papua New Guinea. On 19 March 1949 was also withdrawn leaving Kanimbla and was presented to the Museum of Victoria and Duntroon was returned to the Melbourne Manoora to maintain the coastal passenger is currently on display at the Queenscliffe Steamship Company and the ship returned to service for a further two years until 1961 when Maritime Museum not far from the wreck of Melbourne where it was extensively refurbished both ships were sold and the passenger service the Goorangai which to this day remains a for the resumption of its civilian duties. around the Australian Coast ceased. favourite mark for local fisherman. On 20 July 1950 Duntroon sailed from Duntroon was laid up at Williamstown and Duntroon’s legacy is still very much Melbourne to Sydney to recommence the west in 1960 the ship was sold to the Grosvenor evident today despite the Melbourne DECEMBER 2012 Steamship Company being taken over RMC Duntroon Parade Ground by rival Howard Smith Industries in 1962 along with the company’s interests in the tugs Tooronga, Keera and Yorke Syme. The company’s former head office building in King Street, Melbourne, close to the Yarra River wharves, is still very much intact with the company’s name still prominent in many places on the now restored architectural gem. No doubt many a story from Duntroon and coast passenger service along with Kanimbla, Shipping Co. and was towed to Hong Kong from the Melbourne Manoora and Westralia. On 9 June 1957 Melbourne by the tug Ajax. The ship was resold Steamship Duntroon embarked from Sydney bound for to Kie Hock Shipping Co. in 1961 and renamed Company will still resonate within the the South Pacific Islands on its first ever cruise, Tong Hoo and used on Hong Kong– walls of that hallowed building. with a repeat voyage following the following passenger service and month. In August 1957 Duntroon departed the Indonesia - Mecca from Melbourne on its first cruise to North service during the Tong Hoo Queensland via Sydney. pilgrim season. During the winter months in 1958 Duntroon Tong Hoo was sold conducted a series of cruises to the South in 1966 to the Africa Pacific including visits to Suva, Noumea and Shipping Co., renamed Papua New Guinea. Over the 1958/1959 Lydia and used on a Christmas holiday season Duntroon conducted service from India and a series of cruises from Sydney to Tasmania. Pakistan to East Africa. However the interstate coastal passenger trade Finally after a long and had significantly diminished as a result of the distinguished career advent of air travel and even the deployment of the former Duntroon Scenic Tours Take Their Agents to Russia

Setting Forth on the Mighty Mississippi Avalon Waterways has added the mighty Mississippi to its collection of luxury river cruises, introducing two new itineraries on America’s greatest waterway. To be operated by the largest river steamboat ever built, the 127m American Queen, the new itineraries are on sale now and will offer unforgettable journeys through the American heartland between March and December, 2013. The Mississippi cruises join Avalon’s existing selection of more than 40 different itineraries on the great rivers of Europe, on the 38 Nile, the Yangtze, the Mekong and among the Galapagos Islands. The two American Queen itineraries are the first offered by Avalon in Scenic Tours have taken their agents and media on board the Scenic Tsar North America: America’s Heartland: From Music City to the Big Easy for a 12 day all-inclusive luxury river cruise on the magical waterways – a 12-day journey from Nashville to New Orleans, travelling through of Russia. The Scenic Tsar is the first ‘new build’ ship to be registered in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and Louisiana (departures Mar-Dec, Russia for 25 years. According to The Russian Maritime Authority, ‘new 2013) and Fall Foliage Spectacular: From the Windy City to the Twin Cities build’ means one that is at least 80 per cent new. The cruise sailed from – an 11-day seasonal journey from Chicago to St Paul, travelling through St Petersburg to Moscow from 7-18 October 2012, where agents and Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota at the height of the media enjoyed the sights and sounds from their private balcony suite. autumn colour(departures Sept-Oct, 2013). Avalon Waterways Marketing They experienced a private Russian ballet performance, met a cosmonaut Manager Australasia Christian Schweitzer said the new itineraries were a at the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics and enjoyed a traditional natural addition to the Avalon selection of river cruises. “The popularity highlight lunch at the old-world wooden ‘Podvorie’. They discovered of river cruises has grown enormously among Australians in recent years Moscow’s Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kremlin Armoury. They and Avalon Waterways has been an industry leader in that growth,” Mr also experienced a traditional Shashlik lunch at the enchanting village of Schweitzer said. “Our new Mississippi cruises will offer the same level of Mandrogi, and explored the highlights of St Petersburg including Peterhof, luxury and service as our other cruises, not only on board but throughout Hermitage and Catherine’s Palace. the entire journey.” DECEMBER 2012 The feedback from the trip was extremely positive with guests stating it to be a very culturally enriching experience, with the visit to Mandrogi being With its distinctive tiered balconies and traditional paddlewheel, the six- a well-received highlight, as well as the cosmonaut museum. Featured in deck American Queen combines Victorian charm with modern luxury. the image attached is the group at The Kremlin in Moscow. Serving regional cuisine by talented American chef Regina Charboneau, it offers a choice of dining options including its elegant Dining Room, the River Grill and the 24-hour Front Porch Café. Other facilities include the American Queen Spa, a pool, fitness centre, several lounges and bars and a Historic 1880s Steam nightly program of showboat entertainment in the Grand Saloon. Calliope Purchased Moving into Asia American Cruise Lines has acquired a 132-year-old Nichol steam Following the success of river cruises on the Peruvian Amazon, Aqua calliope to be placed aboard its brand new 150-guest paddle wheeler, Expeditions is launching its third luxury vessel in 2014 to sail the Mekong Queen of the Mississippi. The historic instrument, which originated River through Cambodia and . The Aqua Mekong will be the first from the Washington, a paddlewheel steamboat which operated on the boat of its class on the river. Keeping in style with the M/V Aria and M/V Mississippi and Ohio River from 1880 to 1938, is being meticulously and Aqua, the M/V Aqua Mekong will be small enough to be intimate, and large beautifully restored to full operation, and will then be installed aboard the enough to be spacious and luxurious. The M/V Aqua Mekong will have 20 Queen of the Mississippi. The calliope will not only serve as a delightful suites, decorated in a lush contemporary Asian style, using local materials reminder of the golden era of steam boating and the grandeur of the and fabrics, each with historic steamboats of the late 1880s, but also as a fully-functioning floor-to-ceiling picture steam-powered instrument, which will play familiar melodies and sounds windows enabling as Queen of the Mississippi makes her way up and down the Mississippi travellers to relax in bed River. Once owned by St. Louis-based Streekfus Line, the Washington was and watch the scenery built in Wheeling, W. Virginia, in 1880. Originally named Sidney, the historic float past. There will also steamboat was renamed the Washington, the name it operated under be a generous-sized spa until it was dismantled in 1938. The purchase of its calliope includes all its and fitness centre, dining original brass whistles and valves, keyboard, recordings and books, which room, library, screening have all been preserved, and will soon be aboard Queen of the Mississippi. room, and an observation Unique to this steam calliope only, is one elevated whistle which sits above deck with a pool and a the rest, an uncommon feature not known to be on any other existing lounge bar. Construction calliope. The calliope tells a truly unique part of American history and will take place in Vietnam will bring a glorious piece of the past to guests aboard Queen of the where the boat has been Mississippi. More than just a historic artefact, it represents a time of great designed by Noor, local architects based in Saigon. Itineraries will run from American expansion and innovation, and the very foundation upon which Siem Reap down river to My Tho, near Saigon, stopping in Phnom Penh modern-day America was built. along the way, and vice versa. The M/V Aqua Mekong is scheduled to begin operation in early 2014.

Two More Longships Discover America Marking a landmark year of innovation and expansion, Viking River Cruises Cruise Collection has proudly announced the addition of two more Longships to its fleet in 2013. Keeping in tradition, the Viking Baldur and Viking Magni, have been named after Norse Gods. The new additions bring the tally up to 10 new Longships in one year, with a grand total of 34 ships on the majestic rivers of Europe, Russia and China - making Viking River Cruises the youngest and largest river cruise fleet in the world. Thus, in 2013 expect to see the following Viking Longships on the waterways of Europe: Viking Aegir/Viking Idun/Viking Odin/Viking Freya/Viking Embla/Viking Atla/Viking Forseti/Viking Njord/Viking Magni/Viking Baldur. Viking has also announced extra river cruises and dates available on the ever popular Christmas Cruises of Europe next year. Choose from three 8-day itineraries: Romantic Danube (Nuremberg - Budapest), Rhine Getaway (Basel - Amsterdam) and Danube Waltz American Cruise Lines has announced the introduction of its Discover (Budapest - Passau). Priced from $2,495pp, it’s a beautiful way to America Cruise Collection™, an assortment of featured itinerary experience a white Christmas overseas. For even greater convenience, combinations and themes that showcase some of America’s most intriguing Viking has created a Holiday Season Air offer. Book a Christmas Cruise places, such as the American Heartland on the Mississippi River and the in 2013 and fly to Europe return for just $1,795pp. Fare includes all taxes Wild West on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The Wild, Wild West and surcharges. (15 Days) – Mississippi River and Columbia & Snake Rivers – features a combination offered aboard two authentic paddle wheelers taking guests on an unforgettable journey into the American Heartland and the Wild West. Aboard Queen of the West, guests will follow the rivers that helped shape the West, tracing the footsteps of the legendary explorers Lewis and Clark. Aboard the brand new Queen of the Mississippi, guests will travel back in time, experiencing life and travel on the river as Mark Twain did in 40 days gone by. The Wild, Wild West package begins on June 15, 2013. Coast to Coast (15 Days) – Historic South& Golden Isles and Columbia & Snake Rivers–takes guests cross country from the desert canyons and historic landmarks of the West, to the Civil War battlefields, plantations and charming cities of the South. On both cruises guests will see history come alive while discovering the pristine beauty of the wild western frontier and the graceful South. The Coast to Coast cruise package begins on May 4, 2013. The Great American River Run (22 Days) – Mississippi River, Columbia & Snake Rivers, and Great Rivers of Florida –will bring guests through the impressive rivers and waterways of the American Heartland, Pacific Northwest and the South, offering a complete discovery vacation for those seeking an alternative viewpoint, or an all-in-one exploration. The Great American River Run begins on April 13, 2013. New Super Ship DECEMBER 2012 In Northern Spring 2014, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises launches the S.S. Join SEADREAM II Catherine on the Rhône and Saône rivers in Burgundy and Provence. Uniworld’s River Royale, currently sailing these rivers, will move to her new home in France’s breathtaking Bordeaux region. The River Royale, as well on the Amazon the River Empress, sailing Uniworld’s popular European Jewels program As we go to press the SEADREAM Yacht Club is offering up to US$1000 between Amsterdam and Budapest will undergo major remodels. The S.S. per stateroom credit* towards air travel to join its final sailings on the Catherine will be similar to the S.S. Antoinette, and will be one of the Amazon River during February and March 2013 aboard its 56-stateroom company’s largest ships at 443 ft. long. According to Guy Young, President of mega motor-cruiser SeaDream II. The eight 7- to 20-day sailings include Uniworld, “As we did with the S.S. Antoinette, we have used the additional onboard expert naturalists and historians and 95 crew for a maximum space on the S.S. Catherine to create innovative public areas and extra 112-guests, shore excursions to visit Amazonian tribes, and will be spacious staterooms and suites for our guests. The S.S. Catherine will have SeaDream’s last on the Amazon as SeaDream II will be sailing in Asia/ a 159 total passenger capacity, with five suites at 305 sq. ft. and one Royal Australia in the first quarter of 2014 and SeaDream I in the Caribbean, suite at 410 sq. ft.” All suites and staterooms on the top deck will feature full Costa Rica and Panama. open-air private balconies, which convert to enclosed conservatories with The 2013 Amazon itineraries include 20-days from Bridgetown in Barbados the touch of a switch—an innovation developed by Uniworld on the S.S. to Iquitos in Peru, 10-days from Bridgetown to Manaus in Brazil, 10-days Antoinette. Staterooms on the middle deck will feature French balconies. from Manaus to Iquitos, any of these three in the reverse direction, and a Uniworld’s River Royale, recently remodelled for the 2012 season, will be 7-day return trip from Iquitos. remodelled again for the 2014 season to reflect her new home. The new * Conditions Apply eight-day itinerary will begin and end in Bordeaux.

You can voyage into the world of Melanesia in are made of. Onboard experts and lecturers 2013 on voyages with Heritage Expeditions. are on-hand to share their knowledge and Discover Melanesia Melanesia – idyllic, isolated islands and skills. The comfortable 50-passenger Spirit traditional villages with local people who of Enderby (complete with fleet of zodiacs) warmly welcome you into their hidden is well suited for island hopping, and smaller world. Spectacular wildlife, underwater, numbers means maximum time exploring, all historical and cultural opportunities await whilst maintaining the highest responsible at the dawn of every new day. The flora travel code the company is renowned for. The and fauna is exceptional - scuba diving 14-day Melanesia Discoverer departs Madang and birding programs are available and on 11 October 2013 exploring the Papua make the most of every opportunity. New Guinea and Solomon Islands region. The Tucked away in the Western Pacific Ocean, the 11-day Secrets of Melanesia departs on 24 islands that make up Melanesia have escaped October 2013 from Honiara in the Solomon many aspects of modern development and Islands and visits the islands and villages high-turnover package tourism. The myriad and of the outer Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. diversity of the islands makes these voyages Photo – Spirit of Enderby in Fremantle ideal for adventure-style travel that dreams

Showcasing Sydney’s iconic landmarks in stunning 360˚

There have been countless pictorial homage to what is undoubtedly one of the most photogenic cities in the world, however photographer Con Hionis has managed to put a completely new spin on things in his latest photography book, Sydney360 (November, $39.95). Shot entirely using a cylindrical panoramic technique he has perfected over 12 years, these Kota Kinabalu striking photos certainly make you look twice when you consider the 2D by Petra O’Neill image on the page is actually showing you the front, side and back view of the subject simultaneously. Each photograph comprises up to 24 images, stitched Kota Kinabalu, or KK as it is affectionately known, is the capital of together to form one magnificent panorama. Divided into six chapters the Malaysian state of on the island of Borneo, only a short covering Sydney Cove, beaches, Cockle Bay, architecture, suburban streets flight away from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. and street art, Con’s aim has been to provide a more intimate portrait of the Kota Kinabalu traces its beginnings to 1882 when an outpost was established city. While there is still the obligatory shot of the Sydney Opera House, it’s by the British and then a settlement at a fishing village renamed Jesselton the casual observation of daily life, matched with Con’s unique perspective after Sir Charles Jessel, of the British North Borneo Company. To liberate that sets this book apart from others in the category. north Borneo from Japanese occupation during World War II, Allied Forces 42 heavily bombed Jesselton, leaving only 3 buildings standing. Today Kota Kinabalu is a modern utilitarian city with a compact downtown area of restaurants, cafes and shopping centres predominantly constructed from concrete with streets arranged in a grid pattern that while lacking in architectural merit, is ideal for walking. The lively waterfront is pleasant where in the evening you’ll find open air hawker stalls cooking up a feast of noodles or freshly caught seafood in giant woks. On Sundays Gaya Street, lined with restaurants and Chinese apothecaries, becomes a fresh produce and handicraft market, while nearby Australia Place named after the Australian soldiers stationed here during World War II, has backpacker accommodation, restaurants and numerous bars. Sabah Museum and the are also well worth a visit. It’s not long before visitors are charmed by the relaxed, friendly locals, the lively atmosphere of its markets and waterfront and close proximity to attractions for day excursions. My daughter Nicky and I visited three of the five idyllic islands at nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park reached DECEMBER 2012 by an exhilarating speedboat ride 30 minutes away. While the islands have pretty beaches, bays and sandy coves fringed by coral reefs where you can go snorkelling, the diving sites don’t compare to those found at islands such Stunning new Ken Duncan as Mataking off Sabah’s east coast. photography book Panographs Publishing presents three new photography books from iconic panoramic photographer Ken Duncan. Co-authored by WA landscape photographer Steve Fraser, the new hardcover book The Wild Frontier showcases rugged WA coastlines and features over 110 spectacular photographs taken across the stunning WA state, with part proceeds from the book donated to the Walk a While Foundation. Two new titles in the Inspirational gift-book series feature a selection of Ken’s photography alongside inspirational quotes. The Wild Frontier: Western Australia (RRP $55.00) showcases the stunning beauty of the western state from the rugged gorges of the Kimberley and the rich red hues of the Pilbara to the azure waters of the south. Inspirational Joy and Inspirational Peace (RRP $12.95 each) continues the popular Inspirational gift-book series. New eco-wise backpacks & carry bags Everyone needs a backpack or carry bag - be it for travelling, sports, childcare, a sleepover or to carry extra things to work. Queensland based EnviroTrend presents their new Hawaiian collection of compact eco-wise backpacks and carry bags. The PAKItToMe™ Backpacks are totally compact in size (no bigger than a snack size packet of chips), but foldout into a generously sized backpack with adjustable straps, 2 side pockets for your phone or drink bottle, and a pocket at the front with a keychain to safely attach your keys to the inside. It’s easy to stuff back inside, lightweight yet sturdy enough to carry up to 8kg and big enough to fit a laptop or A4 folder. The ingenious backpack comes in a variety of prints in addition to the new Hawaiian collection. At just $15.99, PAKItToMe™ is this season’s must have bag or gift! Reviving the tradition of a bygone era, the North Borneo Railway is a delight. The British administrators who came to Borneo in the 1880’s paved the way for the opening up of land for the cultivation of tobacco, sago, tapioca, pineapples and rice and construction of the rail line commenced in 1896. The five restored carriages are decorated in timber panelling, the exteriors painted green and cream. The vintage steam locomotive is one of the last in the world fuelled by wood. With the windows open, we waved at locals as we passed by picturesque lush tropical scenery, paddy fields, mangrove swamps, beaches and villages. Several stops were made to explore a Chinese temple and the small town of Papar with a vibrant local market selling exotic fruit and vegetables. At the Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort we spent several enjoyable days cocooned in paradise. With no shortage of activities, I spent my time on jungle walks, took an evening river excursion Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa set in in search of fire flies and met the well cared for a spacious tropical garden by a beach provides orphaned orang-utans undergoing rehabilitation close proximity to the airport Phone: + 60 88 in the resort’s nature reserve while my daughter 327 888 Email: [email protected] Website: Nicky spent her time relaxing poolside, the www.shangri-la.com tropical climate well suited for indulgent lazy The Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is centrally located days. with several shopping centres just metres away Tanjung Aru, with a pleasant beachside setting and great views overlooking the South China overlooking the South China Sea is worth a Sea. Rooms that include access to the Club detour for the great buffets at the Shangri-La’s Lounge are worth the extra. Drinks and canapés Tanjung Aru Resort. Excursions nearby to Kota in the early evening was a trip highlight Tel: + 60 Kinabalu also include white water rafting, visiting 88 22 1234 Email: [email protected] 43 hot springs, viewing the world’s largest flower, Website: www.kinabalu.regency.hyatt.com the Rafflesia, or hiking Mt Kinabalu. Instead The North Borneo Railway operates twice we headed east ending our stay in Sabah on weekly Phone: +60 88 263 933 Email: info@ Mataking Island, near to Sipadan Island one of northborneorailway.com.my Website: www. the 10 top dive sites in the world, where after suteraharbour.com a day out snorkelling, sighting turtles, rainbow Mataking Reef Dive Resort is deserving of a coloured fish and reef sharks, we returned to few days stay, the all inclusive accommodation find a large monitor lizard lying at the bottom luxurious, with Tawau only a short flight from of our jacuzzi. KK (MAS or Air Asia) Phone: +60 89 786 044 to Malaysian cuisine. KK is one of Malaysia’s Borneo is one of the most dramatic Email: [email protected] Website: www. most ethnically diverse cities, reflected in the and exciting destinations you will ever mataking.com variety of cuisines available including Malay, experience, and Kota Kinabalu provides Where to eat - Hawker markets are lively, Indonesian, Filipino, Chinese, Indian and local the perfect gateway. great fun and provide an excellent introduction dishes from Sabah, including jungle ferns. Getting there - From Singapore, Kota

Kinabalu is a short flight away (Silk Air or Air DECEMBER 2012 Asia). From Kuala Lumpur, you can fly to Kota Kinabalu, or Tawau (Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia). Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Voyages to Antiquity and Orion Expedition Cruises visit KK. Where to stay - North of Kota Kinabalu, the Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort, provides luxurious accommodation with impressive service and attention to detail. The deluxe wing is worth the splurge for the extras. The hotel offers a comprehensive program of activities with an environmental focus. Phone: +60 88 792 888. Email: [email protected] Website: www. shangri-la.com ▲▲▲▲ ▲ ▲ Photos from Carolyn Knight from top to bottom - At Juneau, Celebrity Infinity arriving at Victoria, ▲ Sapphire Princess at Juneau, Norwegian Jewel ▲ at Juneau, Celebrity Infinity & Rhapsody of the

Photo Seas at Victoria, Rhapsody of the Seas at Victoria,

▲ National Geographic’s Sea Bird at Tracy Arm, ▲ Rhapsody of the Seas leaving Victoria plus a

Water Taxi and a Harbour Ferry.

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44 DECEMBER 2012 ▲▲▲▲ Photos from top to bottom – Celebrity Silhouette in Valetta (Ron Quirk), Sea Cloud and ▲ ▲ Pacific Princess in Valetta (John Treacy), Silver Cloud in Genoa (Ron Quirk), Europa leaving ▲ Civitavecchia (John Treacy), Spirit of Tasmania II at Devonport (John Treacy), Aurora Australia ▲ in Hobart (John Treacy) and six photos from Andrew Mackinnon from Hong Kong – Ji Mei,

China Sky, Macau Success, Metropolis, Le Diamant and Starry Metropolis Photo

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45 DECEMBER 2012 Welcome to Port Arthur

Described as a place of national and international significance, Port Arthur played an important role in the settlement of Australia. The Port Arthur Historic Site is celebrating major wins at the 2012 Tasmanian Tourism Awards, announced in Hobart on November 9. The Site, one of Tasmania’s most recognisable and visited destinations, was named 2012’s best major tourist attraction, as well as Tasmania’s best heritage and cultural tourism experience. The Authority was also recognised for its latest tourism offering, the Port Arthur Paranormal Investigation, which took out the best new tourism development award. 46 The Port Arthur Historic Site is a must-see for any visitor to Tasmania and is easily accessible by land or sea. A number of cruise ships are now calling at Port Arthur allowing passengers to spend the day at the historic site. Otherwise it is a 90 minute to two-hour drive from Hobart with plenty to see on the way. The Port Arthur penal station was established in 1830 as a timber-getting camp, using convict labour and from 1833 was used as a punishment station for repeat offenders from all the Australian colonies. History shows it was more than a prison. It was a complete community – home to military personnel and free settlers. Set in picturesque surroundings the Port Arthur Historic Site contains more than 30 historic buildings, extensive ruins and beautiful grounds and gardens. By 1840 more than 2,000 convicts, soldiers and civil staff lived at Port Arthur. The penal settlement finally closed in 1877. Introductory tours are available for visitors. Led by one of Port

DECEMBER 2012 Arthur’s knowledgeable guides the tour of around 45 minutes provides details about the most significant places on the site thus letting you decide the sections you want to explore at your leisure. Also a harbour cruise is available. The cruise, about 30 minutes, passes the Dockyard, Point Puer Boys’ Prison, and the Isle of the Dead cemetery. Tours leave throughout the day and you will receive your cruise time when you purchase your entry pass. Separate ferry tours are available to the Point Puer Boys’ Prison, and the Isle of the Dead cemetery. The various tales of the Port Arthur site are told in a variety of different ways – from interactive, animated and audio displays to restored museum houses. Ship building was introduced on a large scale to Port Arthur in 1834 as a way of providing selected convicts with a useful skill they could take with them once freed. Fifteen large ships and over 140 smaller vessels (from whale boats, to rowboats and punts) were launched from the two slipways. These ships were known for their craftsmanship and durability, with one, the 270-ton Lady Franklin, enjoying over 40 years of service. The hull for a steamer, the Derwent, was even constructed at the Port Arthur dockyards. The yard was also used as a regular servicing lay-by for ships plying the busy east coast route, vessels often hauling in for refit and repair. The ship building operations at Port Arthur ceased on a large scale in 1848. Today the site of the dockyards is a short walk from the main settlement. The original Master Shipwright’s residence still stands, as does one of the original slipways. Visiting Ghost Tours are available each evening and take around 90 minutes. Afterwards The Paranormal the Tasman Investigation Experience allows visitors to conduct their own paranormal investigations a place where the ‘worst of the worst’ convicts Peninsula with the assistance of the latest ghost hunting were sent for punishment. equipment throughout various buildings at the You need to spend a day or two exploring this site to Near Port Arthur lies four natural wonders Port Arthur Historic Site. An experienced tour fully understand its significance. There are two cafes that you should take time to see. They are the guide will brief participants on how to use the test on site and Felons Bistro is open each evening. A gift Tasman Arch, a natural bridge which you can equipment prior to leading them out onto the shop offers an extensive range of gifts, books and walk across: the Devil’s Kitchen, where the 47 site to explore and take readings. Buildings visited specialist Tasmanian and Port Arthur items. waves rush in through a narrow gap producing include the Commandants Cottage, Separate a cauldron of churning water at the foot of a Prison, Visiting Magistrates House, Parsonage For more information – deep enclosed chasm; the Blowhole; and the (reputedly one of the most haunted buildings Free Call 1800 659 101 or Tessellated Pavement which has been caused in Australia) and the Church. Participants can by wave action. The views are absolutely www.portarthur.org.au then judge for themselves whether the ghost stunning. Walks along the cliffs reveal sheer stories are true. The tour includes a light supper drops with incredible rock formation and the and a memento of your experience. Each tour surging ocean. Nearby are idyllic white-sandy is limited to just 20 people and the investigation beaches. experience starts late and lasts approximately four hours, with start times varying throughout the year. The tour finishes early in the morning around 2am so it is advisable to book local accommodation. If you are interested you should contact the Port Arthur Historic Site. Closely linked with Port Arthur is the Coal DECEMBER 2012 Mines Historic Site. It is a 25 minute drive from Port Arthur near the Saltwater River on the Tasmanian Peninsula. On site visitors can explore the ruins of houses, barracks, offices and dark, damp underground cells of those who once lived and worked at the Coal Mines, ICCA Masters Participants in the grand lobby on Queen Mary 2 New G M Dozens of agents and their partners have enjoyed attending the event from October 14 to 21. ICCA New Zealand a week of luxury and learning onboard Cunard’s General Manager Brett Jardine, who escorted The Globus family of brands has announced Queen Mary 2, with the International Cruise the event, labelled the conference a resounding the appointment of Troy Ackerman as General Council Australasia’s 2012 Masters Conference success, with highlights including white-gloved Manager New Zealand. Most recently the held on a for the first time. afternoon tea in the liner’s ballroom and dining US-based facilitator Scott Koepf was at the helm in the Britannia Restaurant, in between Masters’ company’s Australasian Sales Manager, Troy th joined Globus three years ago and has played of his 14 Masters Conference and praised the training sessions. an important role in developing the company’s high calibre of Australian and New Zealand agents business across its four brands: Globus, Cosmos, Monograms and Avalon Waterways. New-Zealand New Associate born, Troy has a strong background in travel sales 48 and has worked as a travel consultant, sales Member manager and marketing manager for a range of major travel firms over the past decade. Globus European waters each year. Director of Cruise Managing Director Australasia Stewart Williams Copenhagen Network Bo Larsen said the said Troy would oversee the company’s important city’s positioning provided great access to strategic work in New Zealand by maximising both Baltic Sea and Norwegian Fjords cruise The International Cruise Council Australasia sales, pursuing distribution opportunities and offerings. “Over recent years we’ve seen a lot of leading the team on the North and South Islands. has expanded its associate membership ranks, interest in our city from the Australian market, He replaces Caroline Moser in the role. “The with Cruise Copenhagen becoming the first particularly from cruise passengers spending a New Zealand market has been performing well in northern European organization to join the few days in Copenhagen at the beginning or end recent years, particularly in river cruising, so Troy’s Council. Announcing the membership, Council of their voyage,” Mr Larsen said. strong sales experience is a great asset as we look General Manager Brett Jardine said the cruise to expand that growth,” Mr Williams said. body was keen to build on the growing Photo - Bo Larsen (l) and Brett Jardine (R) IDNZ number of Australians sailing in northern

DECEMBER 2012 Reappointed Winners Announced Carnival Australia has reappointed IDNZ to Over 4,100 agents across Australia and New and Elizabeth Johns - Pasadena Travel, South handle its tour operations in New Zealand. The Zealand have increased their Royal Caribbean, Australia. appointment covers all New Zealand shore tours Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises The brand new modules will ensure agents operated by three cruise lines represented by knowledge after completing the improved have up to date knowledge of the five Royal Carnival Australia: P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises Cruising for Excellence online training tool. Caribbean and Celebrity ships visiting the region and Carnival Cruise Lines which are scheduled All agents who achieved ‘Admiral’ status and this season as well as an overview of the cruises to make more than 250 calls to North Island and completed the new modules were entered in a the company offers overseas. South Island ports during the present summer draw to win one of eight cruises for two. Commercial Director, Adam Armstrong believes cruise season. The winners are: First prize - 14-night cruise that with the arrival of megaliner Voyager of the IDNZ has been operating in the New Zealand with Azamara Club Cruises - Melaine Banyard Seas in Australia this summer, consumer interest market for more than 30 years, with its operations - Champagne Travel, Western Australia. Second in cruising can only increase. “The revamped covering incentives, meetings and groups as well prize – four one-night cruises on Celebrity Cruising for Excellence training tool is allowing as cruise customers. Solstice - Jan Rattray - Jetset Brandon Park, agents to speak knowledgeably about these Announcing the new two-year appointment, Victoria, Susan Doyle - Travel & Cruise new ships and book even more passengers on Carnival Australia Senior Vice President of Castlemaine, Victoria, Matthew Chisholm - Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara Club Strategy Neil Linwood said the cruise operator Chisholm Turner Travel Associates, New South cruises,” he said. “With Australians cruising in was delighted to continue its strong association Wales and Kelly Fitzgerald - Warkworth Travel, record numbers, we want to continue to help with IDNZ. New Zealand. Third prize – three one-night our agents make as many sales as possible. We’d cruises on Voyager of the Seas - Lauren Wall - like to congratulate all agents who completed Hunter Cruise Seven Oceans Cruising, Queensland, Christine the training and look forward to welcoming our Forum Cartes - Flight Centre, New South Wales winners on board.” Local tourism businesses heard from national and local cruise industry experts about how A New Dedicated Sales Team and to maximise opportunities generated by cruise ship visits when they attended the 2012 Hunter Valuable Sales Tools In the short time since Carnival Spirit arrived expertise to use helping travel agent partners Cruise Forum at the Fort Scratchley Function into her new home of Sydney Harbour, Carnival build their Carnival Cruise Lines business, and Centre in October. The one-day forum, Cruise Lines has stepped up its commitment specifically share knowledge about Carnival organised by Cruise Hunter with the support to the local market by rolling out a dedicated Spirit, the newest and largest ship to home port of local tourism stakeholders attracted a wide sales team and a suite of interactive tools to in Australia year-round. The newly formed team variety of representative from tourism-related help travel agents grow their Carnival Cruise will report to Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director industries. The Hunter Region 2012-13 cruise Lines business. With over 70 years of cruise Carnival Cruise Lines, and be supported by a season began with visits of Rhapsody of the Seas and travel industry experience between them, new ‘one-stop-shop’ website and hotline, and and Celebrity Millennium. Radiance of the Seas the eight-person sales team came into force on onboard educational programs that enable will pay an inaugural visit in December before 1 December. They will put their considerable agents to experience the ship first hand. returning in February and April next year. 2012 Cruise As yet another record season is well Industry Awards under way, CDU can reflect on one of our The International Cruise Council Australasia is busiest “off seasons” urging travel agents to enjoy some self-promotion, The organisation with submissions now open for the 2012 Cruise has promoted Industry Awards for the best cruise promotions the destination and of the year. Three awards are available - the 2012 services at Cruise Shipping Miami and Cruise Agency Promotion of the Year in Australia and New Shipping Asia, provided valuable education Zealand and the 2012 Network Promotion of the forums to our members through the annual Year Australasia - with travel agents invited to conference and various industry events submit their entries by December 21. around the country, continued to influence Council General Manager Brett Jardine said while the 2012 Cruise Industry Awards would cover Government and private enterprise of the 15 awards across seven different categories, the benefits of the cruise industry, represented It feels good to promotional awards were the only ones for which members on industry committees and agents could self-nominate. “This is a great way for maintained business relationships around end the year with agents to celebrate their creativity and let their the world. clients know that their ideas have been recognised Our most recent highlight was the inaugural positive tidings! by the industry,” Mr Jardine said. VIP Cruise Famil, held in late September. The 2012 Cruise Industry Awards will be held at The objective of the famil was to attract key Earlier in October, Cruise New Zealand’s the Hilton Sydney on Saturday February 9, 2013, decision makers of the cruise companies Chairperson, Craig Harris was awarded the 2012 with Emirates the Gold Sponsor for the evening that are currently visiting (or intending to Horwath HTL Sir Jack Newman Award at the event. visit Australian waters in the near future) TIA Tourism Summit 2012. This award is New Nomination forms for awards can be downloaded and to showcase the Australian ports, Zealand’s most prestigious individual award in the from the Cruise Council’s website www.cruising. destinations and tourism experiences that tourism sector and recognises industry leaders org.au. Bookings for the awards night can also be they were most interested in and best suited who have helped shape the industry through their made via the website. their target market. sustained and tireless contribution. Craig started The famil was a cooperative initiative with 49 Cruise New Zealand in 1994 and has been actively CDU, Tourism Australia and Qantas and championing New Zealand as a cruise destination Cruise3sixty supported by the State Tourism Organisations since. It’s a great recognition and we are so proud and the cruise tourism industry. of him! Registrations Some quotes from the famil included: The value of New Zealand’s cruise industry was Registrations are now open for next year’s “This famil allowed me to see some of also confirmed in an economic impact report cruise3sixty conference with the International the key ports that we call to on a regular published in late October 2012. The report Cruise Council Australasia once again coordinating basis and truly understand the logistical stated that the record-breaking growth is set a local delegation. The official travel agency and operational issues that we face in to continue, with the 2012/13 season forecast conference of the cruise industry in North some of these ports. It was a great way to grow by a further 13.2% to contribute NZD America, cruise3sixty offers a diverse program of to see the ports in a short amount of time 327.1 million to New Zealand’s GDP and account educational sessions and networking opportunities. and understand what the ships and our for 5,633 jobs. This complements all the other Next year’s event will be held from June 18 to 23 passengers experience by calling to the record-breaking statistics of passenger arrivals, in Vancouver, with attendees also able to take Australian ports.” Chris Martin, Holland forecast to surpass the 200,000 passenger mark advantage of the opportunity to inspect a range of America Line. for the first time with 209,000 passengers and a international ships visiting the port. “I was very fortunate to take part in the recent record 755 port days. ICCA General Manager Brett Jardine said the inaugural CDU Mega Famil and I cannot DECEMBER 2012 Auckland as New Zealand’s key exchange port conference, operated by US sister organisation thank CDU enough for this opportunity. My has the lion’s share of the economic impact at Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), was itinerary was very well planned, ensuring I 57%. Their rate of growth is however increasing an excellent way to learn the latest news from had ample time to experience everything at a decreasing rate as New Zealand attracts cruise industry leaders and US-based cruise agents. on offer in the ports that I visited. My local more transit business. It is hoped that with the The educational program includes training and escorts were incredibly knowledgeable and development of Shed 10, a cruise terminal on professional development seminars, destination happy to answer any question I had for them. Queens Wharf due for completion in May 2013, and product workshops, hands-on technology The experiences I have gained first hand will and with stakeholders working together to training and cruise updates from CLIA-member allow me to speak with colleagues and guests future-proof the terminal for larger ships, that this cruise lines. in knowledge, and I am confident that we cycle may be reversed to attract more turnaround ICCA members can take advantage of a conference can improve our tour content and sales for business in the future. participation fee of A$1495 per person twin our future calls to Australia. Thank you once With larger ships as indicated by new build orders, share, which covers full cruise3sixty conference again for this great and the completion of the Panama Canal in 2014, participation, a welcome cocktail function opportunity.” Cruise New Zealand is reviewing what this means and exclusive ICCA seminar plus five nights’ Stephanie Farrow, for New Zealand ports and what we will need to accommodation at the Renaissance Vancouver Fred Olsen Line. do to remain relevant. Harbourside Hotel and daily breakfast. Return We continue We’ll also start planning our presence at Cruise international airfares to Vancouver and transfers our tradition of Shipping Miami alongside Cruise Down Under, are additional. presenting plaques and our annual roadshow. Mr Jardine said members could also take advantage to ships making of a Rocky Mountaineer add-on tour from June their maiden On that note, season’s greetings and all the 23 to 26. Priced at $575 per person twin share, voyage to Australia. I had the privilege of best for a great cruise season! it includes an extra night in Vancouver, two days Cheers! travelling Gold Leaf Class to Banff including presenting to the Master of Voyager of accommodation in Kamloops and Banff, and a the Seas on her first call into Hobart. The For more details couch transfer to Calgary. sheer size of the ship was an imposing sight Raewyn Tan on the Hobart waterfront, not to mention Executive Officer the 4,000 odd passengers and crew moving Cruise New Zealand New Levels of around town. A total of 10 maiden voyage M +64 22 090 7752 plaques will be presented this season. E [email protected] Satisfaction As we all embark on a busy December, Cruise Down Under wishes all Cruising News readers www.cruisenewzealand.org.nz The International Cruise Council Australasia’s new and improved cruise education program has a happy and safe Christmas. Further Details – and all media enquiries: Photos supplied by Tourism Industry received rave reviews as an increasing number of Jill Abel Association/ Murray Lloyd. agents sign up to refresh their training program. General Manager, Cruise Down Under Photo - Craig Harris receives his award from Following the appointment of Training and Tel/Fax: +61 3 62237334 Horwath Director, Stephen Hamilton and New Development Manager Peter Kollar in February, Mob: 0419 511 966 Zealand Prime Ministry, John Key. the ICCA has overhauled its cruise training LOCATIONS TO SPOT SHIPS Celebrity Solstice Dec 23/24: Jan Voyager of the Seas Mar 9: Sun Princess Dec 22: Jan 7, 30: Feb PICTON AUSTRALIA 15/16/17: Feb 5/6: Mar 4/5, 27/28: Saga Ruby Mar 19: 26: Mar 12: Voyager of the Seas Dec 29: DARWIN Apr 7/8: Radiance of the Seas Mar 22: Diamond Princess Dec 23: Jan 2, 20, Diamond Princess Dec 31: Jan 21, Published Silver Shadow Dec 26: Feb 10: Pacific Pearl Dec 27: Jan 8, 17, 25, 28: Queen Mary 2 Mar 26: 30: Feb 17, 27: 29: Feb 18, 25: February, April, June, Seabourn Odyssey Dec 26: Mar 10: Feb 7, 14, 28: Mar 8, 17, 27: Apr 6, 15: Dawn Princess Apr 16: Oosterdam Dec 24: Jan 18: Feb 14, 24: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 19, 26: Feb 19: Costa neo Romantica Jan 27: Crystal Symphony Dec31-Jan 2: Jan Mar 25: Apr 4: Silver Shadow Jan 22: August, October & December Seven Seas Voyager Feb 3: 13/14, 20/21: Feb 10: ADELAIDE Crystal Symphony Dec 26: Jan Caledonian Sky Jan 30: Queen Victoria Feb 4: Silver Shadow Jan 4/5: Feb 1: Crystal Symphony Jan 7: 26: Feb 5: Pacific Pearl Feb 3: Mar 23: Publisher/Editor Crystal Symphony Feb 19: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 6: Feb 7, 27: Silver Whisper Feb 8: Costa neo Romantica Dec 26: Crystal Symphony Feb 4: John Treacy Artania Feb 23: Diamond Princess Jan 11: Feb Celebrity Solstice Feb 10: Seven Seas Voyager Jan 6, 13: Amsterdam Feb 11: Celebrity Solstice Feb 24: 8: Mar 8/9: Amsterdam Feb 20: Silver Shadow Jan 14, 23: Europa Feb 13: Associate Editor Voyager of the Seas Feb 27: Seven Seas Voyager Jan 23: Voyager of the Seas Mar 5: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 17, 28: Feb 17: Asuka II Feb 22: Europa Mar 4: Asuka II Feb 2/3: Saga Ruby Mar 15: Radiance of the Seas Jan 27: Feb Radiance of the Seas Apr 22: Kerry Treacy Balmoral Mar 8: Silver Whisper Feb 4: Queen Mary 2 Mar 23: 26: Apr 5: Sea Princess Mar 13: Advertising Columbus 2 Feb 5: Radiance of the Seas Mar 27: Silver Whisper Jan 28: TAURANGA Diamond Princess Mar 15: Artania Feb 12/13: Dawn Princess Apr 21: Caledonian Sky Feb 1, 10, 22: Voyager of the Seas Dec 17: Jan 1, John Treacy & Associates Ocean Princess Apr 6: Amsterdam Feb 15: Pacific Pearl Feb 2: Mar 22: 22: Feb 5, 24: Sun Princess Apr 7: Seabourn Quest Feb 16: Carnival Spirit Feb 8, 21: Mar 6: Celebrity Solstice Dec 18: Jan 3, 5, 27, Ph + 61 7 33496788 Dawn Princess Apr 9: Europa Feb 21/22: NEW ZEALAND Europa Feb 14/15: 29: Mar 15, 17: Aurora Feb 22: Aurora Feb 18: Crystal Symphony Dec 22: Jan31: PORT DOUGLAS AUCKLAND PO Box 2005 Mansfield Queen Victoria Feb 23/24: Voyager of the Seas Dec 18: Jan 2, Queen Elizabeth Feb 23: Costa neo Romantica Dec 22: Pacific Dawn Jan 16: Apr 3: Balmoral Feb 25-27: Marina Mar 4, 24: Dawn Princess Dec 23: Jan 2, 15, 31: Diamond Princess Mar 12: 21: Feb 6, 23: Queensland Australia 4122 Arcadia Feb 27/28: Celebrity Solstice Dec 19: Jan 4, Saga Ruby Mar 4: Feb 13, 26: Mar 8, 21: Celebrity Solstice Apr 1: Feb28-Mar 2: Arcadia Mar 5: Sea Princess Dec 24: Jan 20: Email: [email protected] Dawn Princess Apr 6: 28: Mar 16: Pacific Princess Mar 3: Crystal Symphony Dec19/20: Queen Mary 2 Mar 14: Feb 16, 26: Web Site Queen Mary 2 Mar 7, 19: Jan 29/30: Pacific Dawn Mar 15: Sun Princess Dec 25: Jan 4: Feb 2, YORKEYS KNOB Saga Ruby Mar 9: 23: Mar 9: Pacific Dawn Jan 15: Apr 2: Costa neo Romantica Dec 21: www.cruisingnews.com Caledonian Sky Mar 10: Dawn Princess Dec 24: Jan 1, 14: Feb DUNEDIN Diamond Princess Dec 27, 29: Jan 24, Celebrity Solstice Feb 27: Mar 31: Marina Mar 13/14: Voyager of the Seas Dec 14, 28: 26: Feb 21, 23; Queen Mary 2 Mar 2: 1, 14, 27: Mar 7, 20: Pre-Press Ocean Princess Mar 29: Sea Princess Dec 25: Jan 21: Feb 2, 27: Oosterdam Dec 28: Jan 21: Feb 18: Dawn Princess Mar 31: Apr 28: Celebrity Solstice Dec 15, 30: Jan 9, Mar 28: Apr 1: Motivart CAIRNS Feb 27, 25: Sun Princess Apr 1: Sun Princess Dec 26: Jan 3: Feb 3, 23: Feb 1: Mar 11, 21: Seven Seas Voyager Jan 10: Radiance of the Seas Dec 26: Apr 15: Dawn Princess Dec 19: Jan 6, 19, 27: Silver Shadow Jan 17, 20: Silver Shadow Dec 30: Feb 5: 22: Mar 8: NEWCASTLE Diamond Princess Dec 28: Jan Feb 9, 22: Mar 12, 25: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 21, 23: Feb 22: Seabourn Odyssey Dec 31: Mar 5: Radiance of the Seas Dec 29: Feb Sea Princess Dec 20: Jan 16: Feb Caledonian Sky Jan 26: Feb 17: Photos this issue – RCI, Holland America, Fremantle Costa neo Romantica Jan 13: 25: Feb 22: 16: Apr 18: Oosterdam Dec 29: Jan 22: Feb 20: 12: Mar 2: Radiance of the Seas Jan 30: Mar 1: Ports, Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, Carnival Seven Seas Voyager Jan 30: Rhapsody of the Seas Feb 19: Mar 24: Sun Princess Dec 21: Jan 8, 29: Feb Carnival Spirit Feb 5, 24: Mar 9: Columbus 2 Feb 10: Mar 29/30: Australia, South Australian Tourism Commission/ Seven Seas Voyager Jan 9: 27: Mar 13: Europa Feb 8: Crystal Symphony Feb 16: MELBOURNE Diamond Princess Dec 22: Jan 3, 19, Balmoral Feb 17: 50 Sea Link, Silversea, Captain Cook Cruises, Oceania Artania Feb 19: Silver Shadow Jan 18: Dawn Princess Dec 15, 28: Jan 10, 23: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 22: Feb 23: 31: Feb 16, 28: Marina Feb 25, 28: Mar 27: Cruises, Azamara Cruises, MSC Cruises, Scenic Tours, Rhapsody of the Seas Feb 22/23: Feb 5, 18: Mar 3, 9, 16, 29: Apr 23: Oosterdam Dec 23: Jan 17: Feb 14, 24: Bremen Mar 17: Mar 27/28: Silver Whisper Jan 25: Avalon Waterways, Aqua Expeditions, SeaDream Diamond Princess Dec 18: Jan 9, 15: Caledonian Sky Jan 25: Feb 16: Mar 24: Apr 5: Pacific Dawn Mar 18: Seabourn Quest Feb 22: Feb 6: Mar 6: Crystal Symphony Dec 27: Jan Ocean Princess Mar 25: Yacht Club, American Cruise Line, Monaco Tourism, Europa Feb 27: Radiance of the Seas Jan 31: Mar 2: Celebrity Solstice Dec 26: Jan 19: Carnival Spirit Feb 4, 25: Mar 10: 25: Feb 6: Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel, Roger Cantwell and Pacific Princess Mar 7: Mar 7, 25: Costa neo Romantica Dec 27: Caledonian Sky Mar 15: Amsterdam Feb 6: NEW CALEDONIA Tim Ryan Seven Seas Voyager Dec 30: Jan 20: Europa Feb 6: Seven Seas Voyager Jan 5, 14: NOUMEA Costa neo Romantica Jan 2/3: Artania Feb 7: Silver Shadow Jan 13: Radiance of the Seas Dec 15: Jan TOWNSVILLE Crystal Symphony Jan 4/5: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 15: Seven Seas Voyager Jan 29: Aurora Feb 17: 2: Feb 12: Silver Shadow Jan 7, 29: Balmoral Feb 18: Radiance of the Seas Jan 26: Feb Oosterdam Dec 16: Jan 5: Feb 3: Mar Seabourn Quest Feb 21: Voyager of the Seas Jan 8, 29: 25: Apr 4: Seabourn Odyssey Mar 4: Queen Victoria Feb 19: 13: Apr 16: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 9: Feb 4, 10: Queen Elizabeth Feb 20: Silver Whisper Jan 29: Carnival Spirit Dec 19: Jan 4, 11: Mar Silver Whisper Feb 6: Costa Deliziosa Feb23: Pacific Pearl Feb 1: Mar 21: 24: Apr 7, 18, 24: BRISBANE Oosterdam Feb 8, 27: Mar 18: Apr 11: Caledonian Sky Feb 2, 9, 23: Pacific Dawn Dec 15, 27: Jan 5, 12, 19, Asuka II Feb 24: Rhapsody of the Seas Dec 21: Jan Rhapsody of the Seas Feb 13: Pacific Princess Feb 25: Carnival Spirit Feb 9, 20: Mar 5: 3, 10, 20, 29: Feb 4: Mar 8: Apr 6, 21, 28: 26: Feb 2, 9, 12, 23: Mar 2, 9, 23, 30: Apr Carnival Spirit Feb 16: Mar 1, 14: Europa Feb 16: Mar 23: 6, 13, 20, 27, 30: Marina Feb 26: Mar 28: Pacific Pearl Dec 24: Jan 5, 20: Feb 10, Pacific Pearl Mar 2: Saga Ruby Feb 28: Arcadia Mar 4: 17: Mar 14, 30: Apr 9: Sun Princess Dec 16, 30: Jan 13, 24: Costa Deliziosa Mar 4: Saga Ruby Mar 5: NEXT ISSUE Feb 7, 18: Mar 4, 18, 29: Arcadia Mar 8: Pacific Jewel Dec 25: Jan 6, 12, 26: Feb Caledonian Sky Mar 6: Pacific Dawn Mar 14: Rhapsody of the Seas Dec 16: Feb Queen Mary 2 Mar 11: 1, 15: Mar 7, 21: Marina Mar 11, 17: Pacific Dawn Mar 19: Bremen Mar 18: Pacific Dawn Jan 7, 21, 28: Feb 4, 15, 14, 27: Apr 1: Saga Ruby Mar 13: MID FEBRUARY 2013 Radiance of the Seas Dec 22: Feb 18: Ocean Princess Mar 24: 25: Mar 4, 25: Apr 8, 15, 22: Queen Mary 2 Mar 21: Pacific Pearl Apr 19, 29: WELLINGTON Sea Princess Jan 9: Feb 5: Mar 8: Apr 11: Radiance of the Seas Mar 31: Sea Princess Dec 22: Jan 18: DECEMBER 2012 Silver Shadow Jan 2: Sun Princess Jan 15: Feb 10: Mar 20: NAPIER Feb 14, 28: Voyager of the Seas Jan 16: Feb 13: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 4: Mar 1: HOBART Sun Princess Dec 23: Jan 6, 31: Feb Costa neo Romantica Jan 10: Dawn Princess Dec 22: Jan 3, 16, 30: Columbus 2 Feb 2: Diamond Princess Dec 16: Jan7, 13: Feb 12, 25: Mar 9, 22: 25: Mar 11: Seabourn Quest Feb 11: Crystal Symphony Jan 16/17: Feb 13: Feb 4, 12: Mar 4: Costa neo Romantica Dec 24: Seven Seas Voyager Jan 26: Sea Princess Dec 23: Jan 19: Marina Feb 20: Seven Seas Voyager Dec 31: Jan 18: Feb 15, 27: Diamond Princess Dec 24: Jan 1, 22, Arcadia Feb 23: Columbus 2 Feb 7: Costa neo Romantica Dec 31: 28: Feb 19, 26: Seabourn Quest Feb 14: Sun Princess Dec 24: Jan 5: Feb 1, Celebrity Solstice Apr 11: Oosterdam Feb 10: Mar 20: Apr 9: 24: Mar 10: Oosterdam Dec 26: Jan 19: Feb 16, 22: Asuka II Feb 15: Crystal Symphony Jan 10: Mar 26: Apr 3: Artania Feb 16: Crystal Symphony Dec 24: Feb 2: Other Ships: Celebrity Solstice Jan 13: Feb 8: Oosterdam Dec 27: Jan 20: Feb 17; Voyager of the Seas Dec 30: Jan Orion - Cruising various locations Aurora Feb 24: Silver Whisper Feb 2: 24: Feb 3: Europa Feb 24: Mar 27: Apr 2: – Kimberleys, Papua New Guinea, Rhapsody of the Seas Feb 15/16: Seven Seas Voyager Jan 11: Celebrity Solstice Jan 1, 7, 25: Melanesian & Solomon Islands, Arcadia Feb 25: Amsterdam Feb 18: Mar 13, 19: Queen Victoria Feb 26: Silver Shadow Jan 16, 21: Australian Coast, Antarctica, New Balmoral Feb 23: Dawn Princess Jan 4, 17, 29: Feb 11, Balmoral Mar 1: Caledonian Sky Jan 28: Feb 19: Zealand Caledonian Sky Mar 1: 24: Mar 10: Celebrity Solstice Mar 2: Apr 5: Carnival Spirit Feb 6, 23: Mar 8: Reef Endeavour – The Fiji Islands – Voyager of the Seas Mar 3: Seven Seas Voyager Jan 7, 12: Queen Mary 2 Mar 5: Europa Feb 10: year around cruises Pacific Pearl Mar 4: Silver Shadow Jan 15: Dawn Princess Apr 2: Pacific Dawn Mar 17: True North – Cruising the Kimberly Marina Mar 9, 19: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 18, 25: Feb 18: Sea Princess Apr 13: Aurora Feb 18: area, Top End, Papua New Guinea Visiting Tunis Carnival Spirit Mar 17/18: Queen Elizabeth Feb 21: Crystal Symphony Jan 27: Feb 3: and Sydney Radiance of the Seas Mar 29: Silver Whisper Jan 27: SYDNEY Voyager of the Seas Feb 25: Oceanic Discoverer/Coral Princess - Dawn Princess Apr 25: Radiance of the Seas Jan 28: Feb Costa neo Romantica Dec 15: Jan 7: Marina Mar 2: Cruising various locations- Australia/ 27: Apr 6, 23: Carnival Spirit Dec 16, 27: Jan 8, 31: Saga Ruby Mar 2: New Zealand/New Caledonia/Papua BURNIE Caledonian Sky Jan 29: Feb 20: Feb 13: Mar 21: Apr 2, 11, 21, 29: Arcadia Mar 7: New Guinea Costa neo Romantica Jan 5: Pacific Pearl Feb 3, 23: Sea Princess Dec 16, 29: Jan 12, 25: Bremen Mar 15: Murray Princess - Cruising the Murray Silver Shadow Jan 8, 28: Carnival Spirit Feb 7, 22: Mar 7: Feb 8, 21: Mar 6: Apr 15: River throughout the year Pacific Princess Mar 1; Amstertdam Feb 10: Rhapsody of the Seas Dec 18, 28: Jan NELSON Blue Lagoon Cruises – Ships cruising Pacific Pearl Mar 3: Europa Feb 11: 7, 14, 23: Feb 1, 11, 18: Mar 1, 11, 23: Europa Feb 12: Fijian Islands Saga Ruby Mar 12: Queen Elizabeth Feb 22: Apr 3, 12, 24: Bremen Mar 11: Carnival Spirit Mar 16: Costa Deliziosa Feb25: Pacific Jewel Dec 18, 28: Jan 9, 19, (Data shown, sourced from cruise line Dawn Princess Apr 24: Marina Mar 3, 25: 29: Feb 7,10, 18: Mar 4, 14, 18, 28, 31: AKAROA schedules, port schedules and brochures, Saga Ruby Mar 3: Apr 10, 19, 28: Voyager of the Seas Dec 15, 29: is believed to be correct at time of FREMANTLE Arcadia Mar 6: Oosterdam Dec 19: Jan 2, 12, 26: Feb Celebrity Solstice Dec 16, 31: Jan 8, printing – schedules can change at short Seven Seas Voyager Dec 24: Queen Mary 2 Mar 13: 6: Mar 2/3, 16: Apr 13: 24, 31: Mar 12, 20: notice and readers should check dates Silver Whisper Feb 12: Bremen Mar 13: Radiance of the Seas Dec 20, 30: Jan 9, Dawn Princess Dec 20: Jan 5, 18, 28: prior to arriving at the locations to see Celebrity Solstice Feb 15: Pacific Dawn Mar 16: ships- some ships will visit other locations 21/22: Feb 4, 15, 20: Mar 6: Apr 9, 19: Feb 10, 23: Mar 11, 24: Amsterdam Feb 25: Sea Princess Dec 21: Jan 17: Feb and dates for some ships are incomplete) Entertaining on the Yangtze Voyager of the Seas Dec 21/22: Jan Costa Deliziosa Mar 8: ( Dunedin = Port Chalmers.) 5/6, 13, 27: Feb 9/10, 19: 13: Mar 1: Plus a comprehensive coverage of global Click onto the Notice Board at passenger cruising www.cruisingnews.com for the latest Cruising News Updates

Subscriptions can be paid online using PayPal, Visa or MasterCard. Check website for more Subscribe Now! details www.cruisingnews.com Published: February, April, June, August, October and December. Subscription Rates: (includes postage) Australia Or send cheque/money order payable to John Treacy & Associates A$36.30(gst included) Overseas - New Zealand or by Amex only – provide Card Number, Name on Card, Expiry $48.00 AUD and Rest of World $72.00 AUD Date and please sign. Send to Cruising News PO Box 2005, Mansfield Qld 4122 or CALL 07 33496788 to arrange direct debit bank transaction. Two paintings by Sydney maritime artist Stan Stefaniak – SpecialVoyager of the Seas arrivingPaintings in Sydney and Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas passing. The paintings were handed to the captains of Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas.

51 DECEMBER 2012