18TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION ESTABLISHED 1998

AUGUST 2015 ISSUE 96 PRICE $8.25 (INCL GST)

Legend of the Seas Pages 32-34

A School Holiday Family Cruise Page 44

Insignia Pages 30-31

Featuring a comprehensive coverage of Global Cruising for Cruise Passengers, the Trade and the Industry www.cruisingnews.com EARTH SHOW IS T ATES GRE THE 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. Carnival plc trading trading plc Carnival agent. travel your with by. A 1.5% -check bound fees be will additional 443 charge passengers may 998 107 which 23 agents ABN Travel website. and Cruises. centre call our Princess via as made bookings direct for fares. card credit by guest princess.com/legal/passage_contract/index.jsp at made available payments all to fourth-berth and apply conditions will third- and surcharge Passage single and for Booking Cruises the with Princess conjunction in Contact To read withdrawn be 2015. be may March offer from dollars. US in is market the into onboard publication, of time at launched Currency fares correct on is based are information fares Whilst launch listed. dates ~Comparison notice. staterooms departure without other to time oceanview any at apply may Some varied or fares availability. to Higher only. dates subject Fares offer. these departure other Once any with specific on fares. based these combinable at +Fare not and views. available are bookings which new for obstructed have Valid staterooms of discounted. number be also may but areasonable fare, aside and set a higher to has fees revert may taxes, Cruises fares all of sold, are Princess prior. out staterooms sold printing,inclusive of time at unless 2015 available Oct 31 ends staterooms Offer change). to mini-suite and subject balcony are (which oceanview, interior, expenses lead on port based accommodation, twin complete in AUD, in person, per only, cruise are *Fares BOOK NOW! fares~ Launch fares Sale Copenhagen and Tallinn. museumslaneways and of vast cities like discover Or the cobbled islands. to rustic Explore from shores the Mediterranean, sunny noAnd one show can it to you Princess®. like Few places put on agreater Europe. show than Jul, 17 6 Jul, May 1 2016 Round from trip Copenhagen Princess® Regal 11 SCANDINAVIA AND RUSSIA +Fares are per person twin share based on based share twin person per are +Fares Copenhagen 11 DayScandinavia&Russia(rtCopenhagen)016_R2_CA nights

(Warnemünde) NORWAY Berlin DENMARK Departure Dates , 12 GERMANY Jul, 28 Jul, Oslo May, 23 $2,369 $1,999 Interior from* SWEDEN Stockholm Jul, 8 Aug, Jul, 19 (Nynäshamn) May, 14 3Jun,

Visit your Travel Agent |1300385631 |www.princess.com $2,889 $2,599 Balcony Balcony from* Helsinki Aug, 30 Overnight inSt. Petersburg 1 May Jun, 25 Jun, ESTONIA Tallinn

2016 FINLAND Aug departure only. Petersburg $3,099 $3,419 Mini-Suite Mini-Suite Jun, Jun, from* St. RUSSIA

fares~ Launch fares Sale May 7 2016 BarcelonaBetween and Athens (Piraeus) Princess® Royal 14 MEDLEY MEDITERRANEAN +Fares are per person twin share based on based share twin person per are +Fares (BARtoATH)016_R1_CA -14DayMediterraneanMedley Barcelona nights SPAIN

Departure Dates , 28 Tunis/Carthage Marseille FRANCE Mediterranean Sea (La Goulette) May, 25 $2,749 $2,919 Genoa Interior from* TUNISIA Florence/Pisa Jun, 16 Jun,

(Livorno) SICILY Palermo (Civitavecchia) Rome Naples Jul, 13 Jul, $3,549 $3,759 ITALY Balcony Balcony from* Athens (Piraeus) 7 May Aug,Sep 3 GREECE

CRETE Aegean 2016 Sea Heraklion departure only. $4,389 $3,949 Istanbul Mini-Suite Mini-Suite Mykonos Kusadasi from* TURKEY

This issue 18TH YEAR OF PUBLICATION ESTABLISHED 1998

AUGUST 2015 ISSUE 96 PRICE $8.25 (INCL GST) THE More than one million Australian cruise tourists could be sailing to the South Pacific within five years opening up potential economic opportunities in Vanuatu tourism, Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry said recently in Port Vila. Ms Sherry, who was in Vanuatu for a series of conferences and a keynote business partnership event on Legend of the Seas GRE ATES T Pages 32-34 P&O Cruises’ , said the South Pacific has

A School Holiday Family Cruise Page 44 traditionally had the biggest share of cruise itineraries from Australia. Last year, 400,000 of the milestone one million Australians who cruised, sailed to the South Pacific – with most of them visiting SHOW IS destinations in Vanuatu. “This region is now the fastest growing cruise market in the world and at 4.2 per cent Australia has the highest market penetration based on population,” Ms Sherry said. Insignia Pages 30-31 “Ten per cent market penetration in Australia is achievable within five years, the Featuring a comprehensive coverage of Global Cruising for Cruise Passengers, the Trade and the Industry www.cruisingnews.com equivalent of three million passengers a year – with more than a million travelling to the South Pacific based on current itineraries. Such a large number of cruise tourists EARTH Front Cover Photos represent a huge economic opportunity for Vanuatu and its tourism sector. Years ago – Jonathan Crabbe and Raelene James we made a commitment to Vanuatu to ensure that island communities shared in the Few places put on a greater show than Europe. economic benefits of cruising and there has been good progress in this regard. We will MSC to homeport in Cuba...... 4 continue to work with the government of Vanuatu, international agencies and Vanuatu And no one can show it to you like Princess®. P&O celebrates 5 years of Salt Grill . . . .5 communities to make the most of the emerging opportunities linked to cruise tourism.” Explore the Mediterranean, from sunny shores MS Noordam arrives Ms Sherry met with local businesses hoping to join Vanuatu Water and Tanna Coffee in 25 October in Sydney ...... 6 becoming suppliers to Carnival Australia brand ships. to rustic islands. Or discover the cobbled Carnival finalises contract ...... 7 Also with 120 Ni-Van crew already working on P&O Cruises’ three existing ships, Ms New ships for Viking Cruises, laneways and vast museums of cities like Sherry met with local educators and recruiters with the hope of increasing the number Copenhagen and Tallinn. Silversea, TUI and Virgin Cruises...... 8 of Ni-Van staff onboard. She pointed to a number of success stories where Ni-Van crew Coral Princess rebrands...... 12 had progressed to management roles onboard the ships.

This issue This Hurtigruten’s new ship...... 14 Ms Sherry said the expected big increase in cruise River Cruise News...... 35 FINLAND tourists visiting Vanuatu in coming years underlined Oslo Helsinki FRANCE Florence/Pisa Seabourn farewells pioneering sisters . . 42 Stockholm (Livorno) the need for local infrastructure investment which NORWAY (Nynäshamn) St. could support existing ports and open up new Petersburg Genoa Tallinn Marseille Rome destinations. SWEDEN ESTONIA (Civitavecchia) RUSSIA Barcelona Istanbul Carnival Australia would continue to do everything Naples SPAIN GREECE it could to assist Vanuatu to reap the benefits of the DENMARK ITALY Aegean Sea TURKEY surge in cruise tourism. Copenhagen Mediterranean Sea Athens Kusadasi SICILY (Piraeus) Ni Van Crew on P&O Cruises Pacific Dawn sing Vanuatu’s National Anthem. Berlin Tunis/Carthage Mykonos (Warnemünde) (La Goulette) Palermo In Australia the new Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) was CRETE Heraklion GERMANY Overnight in St. Petersburg TUNISIA unveiled on 1 July 2015, signalling a major change in the way Australia’s borders are managed. At Australia’s international airports SmartGates are Regal Princess Royal Princess - 14 Day Mediterranean Medley in operation which allows travellers departing and SCANDINAVIA11 Day Scandinavia & Russia AND (rtCopenhagen)016_R2_CA RUSSIA MEDITERRANEAN (BAR to ATH)016_R1_CA MEDLEY Pacific Jewel’s arriving in Australia to self-process through passport New Pantry 10 control. 11 nights 14 nights The system automates the border clearance checks usually conducted by a Border Force officer, making Royal Princess® it the smart way through the airport. We experienced Regal Princess® SmartGates recently both in Brisbane and the system Round trip from Copenhagen Between Barcelona and Athens (Piraeus) in New Zealand in Auckland and it was the smart way to go. 2016 Departure Dates 2016 Departure Dates In New Zealand the Government has decided to introduce a travel tax from 1 January 7 May, 28 May, 25 Jun, 16 Jul, 13 Aug, 3 Sep 2016. There was no consultation with the tourism sector. The sector is suggesting 1 May, 12 May, 23 May, 3 Jun, 14 Jun, 25 Jun, substantive analysis needs to be undertaken into the justification for the tax, what costs 6 Jul, 17 Jul, 28 Jul, 8 Aug, 19 Aug, 30 Aug are to be recovered and what the potential impacts may be and the introduction of the Travel Tax must be delayed at least until 1 January 2017 to allow this to take place. Interior Balcony Mini-Suite Interior Balcony Mini-Suite I have just attended the Cruise New Zealand Conference and this along with from* from* from* from* from* from* Visiting Colombo infrastructure, and the potential of the China market were talking points. Launch Launch 52 The Travel Tax is a significant cost imposition on the cruise industry. While schedules fares~ $2,369 $2,889 $3,419 fares~ $2,919 $3,759 $4,389 are largely committed for the next two seasons, international cruise companies have advised they are considering relocating ships away from New Zealand as early as the Sale Sale 2017/18 season because of this new tax. fares $1,999 $2,599 $3,099 fares $2,749 $3,549 $3,949 A tax increase in Alaska resulted in a 17% decline in business. +Fares are per person twin share based on1 May 2016 departure only. +Fares are per person twin share based on7 May 2016 departure only. Cruise companies have advised that the Travel Tax discourages them from using Auckland as a homeport. Vessels based in Auckland, rather than Sydney, make a much greater economic contribution to New Zealand. This tax will mean extra costs for Australian travellers. See Reports on Pages 60 and 61. BOOK NOW! Visit your Travel Agent | 1300 385 631 | www.princess.com Infrastructure is the major concern in both Australia and New Zealand. An urgent collaborative approach is necessary.

*Fares are cruise only, 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 taxes, fees and Happy Cruising! port expenses (which are subject to change). Offer ends 31 Oct 2015 unless sold out prior. has set aside a reasonable number of staterooms which are available at these fares. Once these staterooms are sold, fares may revert to a higher fare, but may also be discounted. Valid for new bookings and not combinable with any other offer. Fares subject to availability. Some oceanview staterooms Coral Expeditions have obstructed views. +Fare based on specific departure dates only. Higher fares may apply to other departure dates listed. Whilst information is correct at time of publication, offer may be withdrawn to Tasmania or varied at any time without notice. ~Comparison launch fares are based on fares launched into the market from March 2015. Contact Princess Cruises for single and third- and fourth-berth guest fares. 57 Currency onboard is in US dollars. 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. Carnival plc trading as Princess Cruises. ABN 23 107 998 443 Plus the latest news and Proudly Published in Australia by John Treacy & Associates. information on Global Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Passenger Cruising Every effort is made to ensure the information published is correct. Harmony of the Seas under construction at the STX shipyard in France

Carnival Granted Licenses MSC Opera Completes Renaissance Program for Direct US to Cuba Travel MSC Opera, the third of four MSC Carnival Corporation has been Cruises ships to be enhanced under granted approval by the U.S. the Renaissance Programme, re-joined Department of the Treasury and the the high seas on Saturday 4 July and U.S. Department of Commerce for will homeport in Venice for the entire European summer season. MSC Opera the company to begin travel to Cuba will sail 14-day itineraries departing from and they intend to take travellers to Venice with calls in southern Italy and Cuba beginning in May 2016 via its the region of Puglia, mainland Greece and Venice. Departing Venice, she newly launched brand for and its islands, the Black Sea coast of will visit Bari, Athens, Constanta, Sochi, the purpose of providing cultural, Romania, Sochi and the Russian Riviera, Istanbul, Mykonos, Santorini, Kefalonia, artistic, faith-based and humanitarian Turkey, the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and Dubrovnik. exchanges between American and Cuban citizens. MSC Cruises to Inaugurate Cuba as a Destination Launched 4 June as Carnival MSC Cruises has announced that Opera’s Grand Voyage to Cuba from Corporation’s 10th global brand, starting in December 2015 its newly Genoa, departing on 2 December fathom is designed as a purpose-driven enhanced 2,120-guest MSC Opera will 2015. To ensure that guests can enjoy brand to enrich the lives of its travellers homeport in Havana for the northern and discover the capital city, the and in the case of the Dominican winter 2015-16 season, offering guests Grand Voyage will include a call in Republic, drive sustainable social 16 Caribbean cruises with a two- Havana on 18 December, and resume impact on a significant scale. The night stay in the Cuban capital. MSC its itinerary in the region before heading brand expects to attract 37,000 annual Cruises will offer travellers from around back to Cuba for its final call of the the world a unique chance to cruise journey on 21 December. On 12 April travellers who collectively could spend aboard the completely renovated 2016, the ship will leave Havana for a a total of more than 100,000 days a 65,542 GRT MSC Opera, part of the Grand Voyage back to Europe, with year either volunteering or immersing Company’s €200 million Renaissance Warnemünde, Germany as its final in educational and cultural exchanges programme, and cruise to Jamaica, destination, arriving on 7 May 2016. in local communities. Beginning in the Cayman Islands and Mexico with April 2016, fathom will embark on In connection with the deployment two nights and two and a half days in to Cuba, MSC Opera’s original winter weekly seven-day voyages from Port Havana. 2015-16 schedule in the Canary Islands, Miami aboard the MV Adonia, a The first cruise will depart from Havana Madeira and Morocco has been 710-passenger vessel redeployed from on 22 December 2015, following MSC cancelled. Carnival Corporation’s P&O Cruises (UK) brand. fathom’s first impact Cruising to Cuba destination will be the northern region Also two more American cruise companies are planning to introduce Cuba to of the Dominican Republic, where their itineraries. Haimark will send its 105-cabin MS Saint Laurent on 15 voyages. Carnival Corporation’s new port of The nine night cruise will include visits to Havana, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba call, Amber Cove, will serve as home and other destinations. Pearl Cruises plan seven to 10 night cruises offering the base. Following the inaugural April People-to-People educational and cultural programs that legalize travel to the month of voyages to the Dominican island long off-limits to Americans. Their 210 passenger ship, Pearl Mist, will sail Republic, fathom intends to offer both round-trip from South Florida to both the Southern and Northern coasts. Dominican and Cuban itineraries on a Cuba Cruises using the 25,611 GRT Celestyal Crystal, Fred. Olsen’s Braemar and systematic and regular basis. Thompson Cruises’ Thompson Dream will continue their Cuban cruises.

4 August 2015 Queen Mary 2 to Undergo Major Refurbishment Cunard has announced a significant refurbishment schedule for Queen Mary 2 to introduce new designs and guest experiences. The ship will undergo an extensive 25 day dry dock refurbishment at the Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany from 27 May – 21 June 2016. Three of the key developments in this major refurbishment have been announced reflecting the changing needs of Cunard’s guests: for the first time, 15 single staterooms will be introduced onto Queen Mary 2. Research shows that increasing numbers of guests are seeking to holiday in multi-generational groups – grandparents, parents and children. Often this necessitates one member of the family travelling as an individual. The new staterooms will support Queen Mary 2 – New York. Jonathan Atkin/Cunard this and also accommodate those guests travelling alone; 30 additional as integral to the family group. Queen side of the pond will feel equally at Britannia Club balcony staterooms will Mary 2 is already the only cruise liner in home. This was previously a feature be created onboard reflecting the the world to offer dedicated kennels of the kennels on Cunard’s former growing trend for balcony staterooms and currently carries up to 12 dogs and flagship, QE2, and was first introduced and for guests wishing for more cats on its transatlantic crossings. These on board Queen Mary at the kennel places frequently sell out so the flexibility in dining arrangements. suggestion of The Duke of Windsor. Guests travelling in these staterooms new kennels will meet strong demand. Kennel fees for a one week will be able to dine at a time of their With an eye to the detail that transatlantic crossing from June 2016 own choosing in the dedicated differentiates Cunard, both a lamp Britannia Club restaurant, which will be post (for English dogs) and a fire range from US$800 for dogs under expanded and ten new kennels will be hydrant (for American dogs) will be 25 pounds to US$1000 for larger created for four legged travellers. Just installed on the area of deck reserved dogs, while for cats, which need two as families are holidaying across the for dog walking as part of the kennels kennels (one for a litter tray) the cost is generations, pets are increasingly seen development, so that dogs from either US$1600.

P&O Cruises Celebrates Five Years of Salt Grill two Salt grills we give it a try – and we haven’t were opened looked back since.” on Pacific Dawn Mr Myrmell told guests at the event and Pacific Pearl. that Salt grill by Luke Mangan has been Over the past five so popular that the cruise line would years, the three expand the concept on its latest ships, restaurants have Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, which served more than join the fleet in November. In addition 350,000 guests. to the much-loved Salt grill restaurant, The special the ships will both offer a Salt grill bar, function was perfect for pre and post dinner drinks. held at the Gold Speaking at the celebration, Luke Coast Salt grill by said the Salt grill concept had been Luke Mangan, more successful than he had ever attended by imagined. “From the first night we more than 120 opened our doors on Pacific Jewel, P&O fans and P&O’s guests have embraced the Salt partners. P&O grill experience.” Luke said. “To be Cruises’ Senior celebrating five Salt grill restaurants at Vice President sea five years later is a fantastic result, Sture Myrmell which speaks volumes about P&O’s P&O Cruises celebrated its five year revealed the restaurant success story innovative approach to cruise cuisine partnership with celebrity chef Luke started with an off-the-cuff remark as well as Australians’ love of good Mangan with a special event on by Luke when the two men first met food.” the Gold Coast. When P&O Cruises in 2008. “Luke said to me he’d like to Salt grill by Luke Mangan is a 60- launched the first Salt grill by Luke try putting a restaurant on a ship and seat restaurant offering dinner each Mangan restaurant on Pacific Jewel at the time I was thinking about ways evening and lunch on sea days and is in December 2009, the restaurant was to add something new to P&O’s food also the venue for P&O’s high tea. A an instant hit, serving a full house twice offering,” Mr Myrmell said. “So I rang surcharge of $39pp applies to lunch each night. Within 12 months another him a few months later and suggested and $49pp for dinner.

www.cruisingnews.com 5 MS Noordam to Sail in Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific ’s ms Noordam’s deployment to Australia this October is only months away. Noordam will be making its maiden voyage to her new home port of Sydney on 25 October and will sail nine roundtrip and six one-way departures through April 2016. Launched in 2006, Noordam is the newest Vista-class ship and is well-known and loved by Australians who have cruised on her in Europe, the Caribbean and Alaska. ms Noordam provides more Verandah staterooms than her predecessor in this market, ms Oosterdam, allowing even more guests Holland America Line guests over the to offering Australians and New to enjoy the incredible views after a past two years. Zealanders the very best in premium, day full of entertainment, fine dining Following ms Noordam’s drydock in mid-sized cruising,” said Tony Archbold, Director of Sales, Australia and New and enriching experiences. April 2015, LED screens were installed in Zealand. “Holland America Line offers ms Noordam will see the return of the main show lounge which offers the a holiday experience which is perfect Holland America Line’s B.B. King’s Blues ability to change dynamic backdrops, for couples, families and singles Club experience Down Under, which making the stage shows even more received an incredible response when alike. Our exciting entertainment, vibrant and interactive. The popular sophisticated dining and engaging it joined the departing Oosterdam in Dive-In has received refurbishments, January this year. B.B. King’s Blues Club enrichment activities are proof of along with The Greenhouse Spa & is a dynamic eight-piece live show this, and ms Noordam beautifully Salon, Ocean Bar, Pinnacle Bar, Crow’s experience that takes place every showcases them all.” Nest, Explorer’s Lounge, Neptune Suite night in the Queen’s Lounge. With ms Noordam will sail a range of 12–29 performers hailing directly from the and Atrium. day Australia, New Zealand and South much-lauded B.B. King’s Blues Club in “The arrival of Noordam in our region Pacific itineraries from October 2015 Memphis, the show has been thrilling further exemplifies our commitment through April 2016.

Countdown to Biggest Season Yet RCL Cruises Australia has reached said Sean Treacy, commercial director, and some of the youngest cruise ships another milestone and is counting RCL Cruises. “This season will also see based in Australia,” continued Sean. down to its biggest season yet. This one of our largest few days in Sydney RCL’s Australasian cruise season will year will see all three brands based in yet, when superliner Celebrity Solstice kick off with the arrival of Radiance local waters for the very first time, with and the two largest cruise ships based of the Seas into Sydney on Friday 9 six ships offering diverse itineraries from in Australia, Voyager of the Seas and October. Voyager of the Seas will local ports. The 2015/16 summer season Explorer of the Seas, all visit over three arrive back home on Thursday 5 will see RCL’s local capacity increase days, turning around more than 25,000 November, before new ship Explorer by almost 50 percent with 93 itineraries passengers and crew at the Overseas of the Seas arrives in Fremantle on around Australia, New Zealand, the Passenger Terminal. Voyager of the Friday 13 November to kick off her South Pacific and Asia on Royal Seas will welcome identical sister maiden Australian season. Brisbane will Caribbean International, Celebrity ship Explorer of the Seas to her new welcome Legend of the Seas to her Cruises and for the first time, Azamara Sydney home for the first time with an new home on Tuesday 8 December. Club Cruises. historic rendezvous in Sydney Harbour Meanwhile ’s maiden “RCL Cruises has been offering on Saturday 28 November. Celebrity Australian port of call will be Darwin Australians incredible cruise holidays Solstice turns around in Sydney on on Monday 28 December, before she for almost a decade and we can’t Thursday 26 November. Over three arrives in Cairns on Monday 4 January wait to kick off our biggest season yet days, the three ships have a combined 2016 for her first local cruise. Azamara with more unique itinerary offerings capacity of almost 15,000 passengers Quest will offer five local cruises during on some of the largest, youngest and and crew, and an average age of the boutique cruise lines first Australian most exceptional ships sailing locally,” only 12 years making them the largest season.

The Winter Solstice Marked Four Months to Celebrity Solstice’s Summer Season The shortest day of the year, the With the warmer days comes summer New Zealand and the South Pacific, winter solstice was over the weekend breaks and summer cruising, and the departing from Auckland, Sydney and on Sunday 21 June 2015, which was return of Celebrity Solstice. As one of Perth. This year also sees the return exactly four months until Celebrity the highest-rated locally based cruise of another Aussie favourite, Celebrity Solstice returns to her summer home ships, she offers the most luxurious Millennium, who will call by Australia for her fourth Australian season, and holidays afloat on local waters,” said during two sailings in her Asian season. There is a 16 night Singapore to kicks off the 2015/16 cruise season for Sean Treacy, commercial director, Sydney sailing which visits Bali, Darwin, Celebrity Cruises in Australia. Celebrity Cruises Australia. Cairns and Brisbane before arriving “Though it is deep in the heart of Celebrity Solstice arrives home to in Sydney and an 18 night Sydney to winter, the winter solstice is the turning Sydney on Wednesday 21 October. Honolulu Transpacific cruise that calls point as the days begin to grow longer The ship will offer a range of eight to at Lautoka, Suva, Bora Bora, Moorea, and the countdown to summer starts. 18 night itineraries around Australia, Papeete and Honolulu.

6 August 2015 Carnival Corporation Finalises Contract to Build Four Next-Generation Cruise Ships Carnival Corporation & plc has an extensive number of guest-friendly serve, underscoring the company’s announced it has signed a multi- features. A major part of the innovative goal to consistently exceed guest billion dollar contract to build four design involves making much more expectations and provide first-time next-generation cruise ships with the efficient use of the ship’s spaces, and repeat guests with the vacation largest guest capacity in the world. creating an enhanced onboard experience of a lifetime on each and The contract with Meyer Werft is part experience for guests. every cruise. of a larger previously announced Pioneering a new era in the use of Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold strategic memo of understanding sustainable fuels, the four new ships will Donald said the contract is consistent with leading shipbuilders Meyer Werft be the first in the cruise industry to use with the company’s measured and S.p.A for nine new LNG in dual-powered hybrid engines to capacity growth strategy to replace ship orders between 2019 and 2022. power the ship both in port and on the The four new ships will also feature a ships with less efficient capacity with open sea. LNG will be stored onboard revolutionary “green cruising” design. newer, larger and more fuel efficient and used to generate 100 per cent The ships will be the first in the cruise vessels over time. “We are looking industry to be powered at sea by power at sea – producing another forward to executing on the next step Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – the industry-first innovation for Carnival in our fleet enhancement plan,” Mr world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, Corporation and its brands. Using LNG Donald said. “At a cost per berth in line representing a major environmental to power the ships in port and at sea with our existing order book, these new breakthrough. The company said two will eliminate emissions of soot particles ships will enhance the return profile of the ships will be manufactured for and sulfur oxides. of our fleet. These are exceptionally AIDA Cruises at Meyer Werft’s shipyard In addition to the two ships being built efficient ships with incredible cabins in Papenburg, Germany. Two of the in Germany, Meyer Werft – which and public spaces featuring a design ships will be for with had the capacity to accommodate inspired by Micky Arison and Michael deliveries expected in 2019 and 2020. these four ship-building orders in its Thamm and developed by our new Based on Carnival Corporation’s production schedule – will also build build teams.” Mr Arison is chairman innovative new ship design, each of the two additional ships detailed in of the board of directors for Carnival the four next-generation ships will have the announcement at its shipyard in Corporation & plc and Mr Thamm a total capacity of 6600 guests, feature Turku, Finland. Each new ship will be is CEO of the Costa Group, which more than 5000 lower berths, exceed specifically designed and developed includes AIDA Cruises and Costa 180,000 gross tons and incorporate for the brand and the guests it will Cruises.

First Block Floats during Construction Ovation of the Seas, the fourth largest cruise ship in the world and the largest, newest and most technologically advanced ship to ever call Australia home has had one of her blocks floated out of the construction hall at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The ship is constructed in blocks which will then be joined together for the next stages of construction, with delivery expected to be complete in mid-2016. The float out of her first blocks marks less than 18 months to her maiden Australian arrival where she will claim the title of the largest cruise ship to ever sail in Australia.

Quantum of the Seas’ Historic Entry into Hong Kong Waters Royal Caribbean International has made new waves in Hong Kong’s cruise travel history with the grand entrance of Quantum of the Seas. The berthing of the largest cruise ship to enter Hong Kong was celebrated at a prestigious ceremony that was held on 20 June, and was attended by government officials, key industry stakeholders and guests.

Quantum of the Seas Sets Sail from Her New Homeport of Shanghai Royal Caribbean International has executives from Royal Caribbean glass capsule that takes guests more celebrated the arrival of Quantum of International joined the welcome than 300 feet above the ocean for the Seas in Shanghai (Baoshan), China, ceremony for the Global Odyssey incomparable panoramic views, the sailing on three to eight night roundtrip guests at Wusong International Cruise RipCord by iFly skydiving experience itineraries, year-round from Shanghai to Terminal. and FlowRider surfing simulators. North Asia destinations. Quantum of the Seas is now joining The Quantum-class ships span 18 The ship sailed an epic 53-night journey Voyager of the Seas, Mariner of the decks, encompass 167,800 gross across the world from New York to Seas and Legend of the Seas in China, registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at Shanghai via the Atlantic Ocean, reaffirming the brand’s commitment to double occupancy and feature 2,090 Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean, the Asian market. staterooms. following its inaugural season at Cape The groundbreaking Quantum-class Australia will have its very own Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J. ships, Quantum of the Seas, Anthem Quantum class ship from December The largest cruise ship to sail in the of the Seas and Ovation of the 2016, when the brand new Ovation region arrived with the largest group Seas (debuting April 2016 and to be of the Seas arrives for her maiden of international cruise travellers ever deployed to Australia in December Australian season. The ship will – up to 4,000 guests – to Shanghai. 2016) feature Royal Caribbean’s be the largest, newest and most Government officials, port authority unmatched innovations in onboard technologically advanced cruise liner from Baoshan district together with attractions, including the North Star, a to sail local waters.

www.cruisingnews.com 7 Silversea Orders a New Ship Silversea Cruises has announced their new flagship, the , is to be delivered in the northern spring of 2017. The new ultra-luxury ship is to be built by Fincantieri and at 40,000 GRT will accommodate 596 guests, representing an exciting evolution of the that will redefine ultra-luxury ocean travel, enhancing the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations that are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. The addition of the Silver Muse will expand Silversea’s fleet to nine ships. Silversea Cruises celebrated the start of construction on July 24 with the cutting of the first steel at Fincantieri’s Sestri Float Out of Second Ship Ponente shipyard in Genoa, Italy. Viking Ocean Cruises® has announced itineraries, all three ships will sail its second ship, the 930-passenger popular routes in Scandinavia and the Viking Sea®, was “floated out” on Baltic; and the Western and Eastern 25 June at Fincantieri’s Ancona Mediterranean. shipyard. The traditional ceremony “The day that a new ship first touches took place little more than a month water is always a special day, and after the new ocean line christened is indeed a proud one for our Viking its first ship, Viking Star®, in Bergen, family,” said Torstein Hagen, founder Norway. Viking Sea is set to launch in and chairman of Viking Cruises. early 2016; the company’s third ship Meyer Turku to build Mein Schiff “Having just celebrated the launch on order, Viking Sky®, is also currently of our first ocean cruise ship, we are 7 and 8 for TUI Cruises under construction in Ancona and pleased at the positive reviews she is TUI Cruises GmbH and Meyer Turku Oy will debut in 2017. As a response to receiving from our guests and travel have signed an agreement for the strong demand for Viking’s immersive industry partners.” construction of two new cruise ships, Mein Schiff 7 and Mein Schiff 8, to be Grand Circle Cruise Line Acquires M/V Tere Moana delivered in 2018 and 2019. According Grand Circle Cruise Line has The Terre Moana was built in 1998 to the German shipbuilder, this latest announced that it has acquired and was last refurbished in 2012. order further strengthens its order book, the 88-passenger M/V Tere Moana Grand Circle Cruise Line will assume which will see a high work load until from Paul Gauguin Cruises for an operations of the ship in the northern 2020. undisclosed price. The acquisition will summer of 2016 and will make a Mein Schiff 4 was delivered from Meyer allow Grand Circle to expand its small significant investment to refurbish the Turku on 8 May 2015, and Mein Schiff 5 ship itineraries. ship. and Mein Schiff 6 are to be delivered in The purchase supports Grand Circle’s The cruise line is considering relocating 2016 and 2017. efforts to grow its small ship operations the ship to Asia/Southeast Asia and worldwide, and it follows last year’s offering itineraries that explore Japan, acquisition of the 98-passenger Indonesia, Borneo, Australia, and M/V Corinthian, now operating in beyond. Three potential itineraries Antarctica, South America and Europe. are The Best of Southern Japan & Grand Circle’s other small ships include South Korea; Bali to Australia: Komodo the 4-star-plus 50-passenger sister ships, Island & the Timor Sea; and Indonesia: the M/V Artemis, Arethusa and Athena, Java, Bali, Borneo & Komodo Islands; which operate throughout the Adriatic however, exact destinations and and the Mediterranean. itineraries are yet-to-be determined. Sir Richard Branson Raises Virgin Cruises Flag In Miami Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin There also will be 1,150 crew on board Group, has announced that Virgin to deliver the famed Virgin customer Cruises’ has selected PortMiami as the service. Embarking from PortMiami, home port for its first cruise ship that will Virgin Cruises’ plans to offer a range of set sail in 2020. He also revealed Virgin seven-day Caribbean itineraries, with a Cruises’ has signed a binding Letter Sunday sail date. of Intent (LOI) with Italian shipbuilding Virgin Cruises’ binding LOI with company Fincantieri for three new Fincantieri is the first part of a two- mid-size ships. step process with both companies Virgin Cruises’ three new mid-size ships, committed to signing a contract in Q4 of about 110,000 gross tons each, are of 2015. The PortMiami agreement was slated for delivery in 2020, 2021 and presented to the Miami-Dade County on June 30, 2015. 2022. Each ship will feature 1,430 guest Board of County Commissioners for Photo – Richard Branson with Virgin cabins to host more than 2,800 guests. their consideration and approval Cruises President Tom McAlpin

8 August 2015 NORTH STARSM 360° OBSERVATION CAPSULE RIPCORDSM BY iFLY ® The FIRST EVER SKYDIVING GAME SIMULATOR AT SEA CHANGER Be the first to experience SM OVATION OF THE SEAS

NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY 15 NIGHTS 10 NIGHTS 15 December 2016 30 December 2016

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND Sydney Sydney Wellington Auckland Napier Tauranga Wellington Picton Hobart Picton

Milford, Doubtful, Dunedin Dunedin Milford, Doubtful, Dusky Sound Dusky Sound

NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY SYDNEY TO SINGAPORE 14 NIGHTS 14 NIGHTS BIONIC BAR 9 January 2017 23 January 2017 ROBOTIC BARTENDERS THAT MIX, SHAKE, STIR AND MUDDLE MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur Singapore AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND

Sydney Bay of Islands Auckland Tauranga Darwin Wellington Picton

Dusky, Doubtful, Dunedin AUSTRALIA Milford Sound Brisbane Sydney

RoyalCaribbean.com.au/Ovation BOOK NOW

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Exact cruise itineraries are subject to change without notice. All images of Ovation of the SeasSM reflect proposed design. Designs, features and itineraries are subject to change. ABN 541 5026 3086. J9738 Pacific Jewel Opens the Doors to Its Pantry P&O Cruises has opened the doors to its new Pantry, with Pacific Jewel becoming the first of the cruise line’s ships to offer the ground-breaking dining concept following a multi-million dollar refit. Guests on Pacific Jewel’s first cruise after the refit in Singapore to Brisbane have enjoyed the new international food market, which features eight enticing outlets in a stylish, modern setting. P&O Cruises Inspired by modern Australia, Hook’s Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell Fish and Chips is themed like a said he was thrilled to see the Pantry beachfront restaurant with white tiles concept come to life. “We’ve been and bleached driftwood, Mexicana working on this part of our onboard embraces the Aztec look with cactus- food revolution for some time and to inspired tiles, the Grill is styled like see the concept become reality is very an industrial burger bar and the monochrome facade of the Sugar Bar exciting. It’s a game-changer – and is a deliberate contrast to the rainbow it’s clear from our guests’ reaction that “Every day is a new day”, wrote Hemingway in colours of the decadent sweets and they love it,” Mr Myrmell said. his masterpiece “The old man and the sea”, cakes on display. With its cheeky and here at MSC Cruises this statement has “The Pantry is a dining experience name, Fat Cow carvery is all about never had more meaning than this month with like no other at sea. Designed as an meat, Curry House dishes up modern the release of our newest destination, Cuba. international food market, it features Indian, Stix serves popular Asian food As one of the first major cruise lines to cruise eight bespoke outlets reflecting the this “new” old world destination in December and drinks are available at the blue 2015, I am sure this itinerary is one many of many flavours Australians love to eat.” and white tiled Coffee Bar. you will want to mark off your bucket list . Replacing the former buffet area Following the ship’s drydock in on deck 12 of Pacific Jewel, The Singapore, Pacific Jewel now also The largest island in the Caribbean, with its Pantry provides an all-inclusive dining features P&O’s first Pandora jewellery revolutionary history, UNESCO World experience, with delicious food and outlet, a new program of parties and a Heritage sites and diverse colonial architec- ture, our first two full days of our cruise is great design creating a contemporary concert-style production show ‘Off the berthed in the city of Havana allowing you café vibe. Charts’. time to explore Cuba like a local. From the chance to walk in Ernest Hemingway’s steps Crystal Cruises to Expand Ocean, River, Yacht and Air around the old quarter to exploring the cities Crystal’s president and CEO, Edie destinations to which major airlines do diversity in classic American cars like a Rodriguez and Chairman Tan Sri Lim not offer nonstop service. Pontiac or Cadillac, your Cuban adventure will Kok Thay have announced Crystal’s Also Crystal returns its focus to the be breathtaking. Why not spend a day in the plans for a significant brand expansion. tobacco fields and learn about Havana’s seas, with three new “Crystal Exclusive famous cigars! Over the next three years, Crystal Class,” cruise ships with the first Cruises will introduce new ships – expected for delivery in late 2018. For those with time on their hands why not effectively establishing three brand Genting Hong Kong has signed a letter discover Havana and then enjoy our 25 night new classes of cruising – as well as its of intent with Lloyd Werft in Germany Grand Voyage returning to Europe. After your own Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. to build the polar ice class vessels. With two days in Havana exploring its beauty, your the introduction of these new vessels, cruise will explore the Caribbean, Mediterra- The ambitious timeline of new Crystal nean, UK and then proceed up through to products begins at the end of 2015 Crystal will be the first-ever cruise line Denmark into Germany. For a real journey of with the introduction of Crystal to deliver expedition-capable ships discovery stay on board MSC Opera and Yacht Cruises on 23 December 2015 with all the signature features and cruise from Germany to the Baltics with an when Crystal Esprit will embark on amenities of a luxury ship or private overnight stay in St Petersburg in Russia for a its maiden voyage. The 3,000 grt yacht. The all-suite, all balcony ship will 36 night cruise of wonder! vessel is an extravagantly appointed accommodate 1,000 guests, similar to the capacity on Crystal Symphony For those on shorter time options and to yacht, delivered to Crystal Cruises (922) and Crystal Serenity (1,070), and assist with ease of flights and travel why not by Genting Hong Kong (GHK), and consider combining your Cuba cruise with a extensively redesigned to reflect the weigh more than 100,000 gross tons. traditional Caribbean cruise from Miami with stylish elegance for which Crystal is Additionally, for the first time ever, some nights in between to break up your renowned. guests will have the opportunity to call journey or discover the delights of combining a The northern spring of 2017 brings a Crystal ship “home,” with innovative Mediterranean cruise with a Cuba exploration Crystal Residences. Situated on the top via Europe. more growth with Crystal River Cruises which will offer the hallmarks of the all- deck of the new ships will be 48 unique With so many options, Mr. Hemingway inclusive Crystal experience. homes, boasting their own private restaurant, reception and facilities. certainly knew what he was talking about. So Also in 2017, Crystal’s brand of Six-Star strike another one off your bucket list and discover Cuba as your “new” cruise destina- luxury will soar to new heights with the tion and we look forward to welcoming you launch of Crystal Luxury Air, becoming there soon. the first in the luxury travel industry to offer extravagant around-the-world Warmest regards, trips on the world’s most advanced Lynne Clarke. twin-aisle Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The plush aircraft, which typically seats 300, will fly 60 guests in fully reclining business class seats to coveted E&OE. MSC Cruises (Australia) Pty Limited ABN 55 003 526 725. General sales Agent for MSC Cruises S.A. ATAS Accredited No. A10954. CELEBRITY SOLSTICE‰ BEST CRUISE SHIP IN AUSTRALIA AFTA NATIONAL TRAVEL INDUSTRY AWARDS 2015 CRUISE ONBOARD AUSTRALIA’S BEST CRUISE SHIP

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND LOYALTY AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND LOYALTY ISLANDS Bay of Islands ISLANDS Lifou Sydney Bay of Islands Sydney Lifou Noumea Auckland Isle of Tauranga Auckland Noumea Isle of NEW Pines Tauranga Pines AUSTRALIA CALEDONIA Wellington AUSTRALIA NEW CALEDONIA Hobart Akaroa Akaroa Dusky Sound Dunedin Doubtful Sound Sydney Sydney Dusky Sound Milford Sound Doubtful Sound Dunedin Milford Sound

NEW ZEALAND SOUTH PACIFIC SOUTH PACIFIC NEW ZEALAND CHRISTMAS CRUISE Dep 26 November 2015 Dep 1 April 2016 Dep 14 November 2016 Dep 16 December 2015 Celebrity Solstice – 8 nights Celebrity Solstice – 8 nights Celebrity Solstice – 13 nights Celebrity Solstice – 12 nights

INDONESIA Skagway LOYALTY Lautoka FIJI Juneau ISLANDS FIJI Bali Lautoka Tracy Arm Fjord LOYALTY VANUATU Suva Darwin Mystery Island ISLANDS Suva ALASKA Cairns Lifou Ketchikan Noumea Whitsundays Noumea AUSTRALIA Isle of Pines Isle of Pines AUSTRALIA AUSTRALIA NEW NEW Brisbane CALEDONIA CALEDONIA Sydney Newcastle Inside Passage Perth Sydney Sydney Victoria Seattle

SOUTH PACIFIC & FIJI AUSTRALIA’S TOP END SOUTH PACIFIC & FIJI ALASKA TRACY ARM FJORD Dep 23 December 2016 Dep 3 March 2016 Dep 20 March 2016 Dep 27 May 2016 Celebrity Solstice – 12 nights Celebrity Solstice – 17 nights Celebrity Solstice – 12 nights Celebrity Solstice – 7 nights

BOOK NOW! Visit celebritycruises.com.au Call us on 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent Coral Princess Cruises rebranded as Coral Expeditions groups of 44 to 72 passengers to remote will be renamed Coral Discoverer. regions and cultures in Asia-Pacific,” The new logo has been designed by said Group General Manager Mark a Cairns-based artist, Brian Robinson. Fifield. Brian grew up in the idyllic tropical Captain Tony Briggs launched the surroundings of the Torres Strait Islands, company in 1984 with one converted located between the tip of Cape York Fairmile class submarine chaser and it Peninsula and Papua New Guinea. Cairns-based Coral Princess Cruises has now has three purpose-built ships and His work reflects his knowledge and been rebranded as Coral Expeditions. several hundred staff. It offers 3, 4 and appreciation of the culture of his This comes after 32 years of operation 7 night Great Barrier Reef cruises and people, the myths and legends of the under the former name, during which longer expeditions to the Kimberley, Torres Strait, and the traditional motifs time the company has grown and Cape York and Arnhem Land, Papua and natural carving ability of the evolved. New Guinea, New Zealand and the Islanders. The new name stays true to the South Pacific. In November 2015, Coral “We believe our new logo accurately company’s origins as a small ship Expeditions will launch its inaugural depicts the spirit of discovery and pioneer on the Great Barrier Reef while season of a unique series of expedition exploration that embodies our updating the company image to reflect cruises along the coastline of Tasmania. company,” said Mr Fifield. “Our its evolution to adventure cruises to the Each ship will be rechristened and hallmarks of adventure, intimate more exotic regions of Australia and the refurbished in line with the new brand comfort and quality dining delivered in South Pacific. over the next year. Coral Princess will a professional yet relaxed environment “Coral Expeditions recognises that we become Coral Expeditions I, Coral by Australian and New Zealand staff are now best known for our coastal Princess II will become Coral Expeditions will remain at the heart of the Coral expedition itineraries taking small II and the flagship Oceanic Discoverer Expeditions experience.”

The beginning of construction of Princess Cruises’ third new generation of ships with the official keel laying ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. As the keel was ceremoniously lowered into position shipyard officials celebrated the occasion with a traditional Chinese lion dance. The yet to be named ship will be customized to appeal to the China market when it debuts in 2017. Photo – Anthony Kaufman, Senior Vice President, Asia Operations, Princess Cruises (left); Attilio Dapelo, Fincantieri Shipyard Director (Middle) and Cherry Wang, Country Director, Carnival China (right).

Taste of Asia Food & Wine Cruise

Join a team of culinary experts on a connoisseur’s cruise around Asia. Featuring: • Extended Shopping with the Chefs outings ashore • Cooking demonstrations and unique menu items by our celebrity chefs • Daily tastings of local food with wine pairings on board • Festive deck events and gala luncheons with local entertainment

Halong Bay Halong Bay HONGHONG KONG KONG HalongHalong Bay Bay HainanHainan Strait Strait GulfGulf of of Tonkin Tonkin SihanoukvilleSihanoukville DaDa Nang Nang Ko Kood Ko Kood South Laem Chabang South Laem Chabang ChinaChina SeaSea Ho Chi Gulf of HoMinh Chi City GThailandulf of Minh City Thailand 14-Day Taste of Asia Food & Wine Cruise from $7,999*pp SINGAPORE Hong Kong to Singapore • 3 Jan 2016 • Seabourn Sojourn SINGAPORE

Enjoy your journey on the World’s Contact your travel professional, call Seabourn at 13 24 02 Finest Small-Ship Cruise Line. or visit Seabourn.com

*All fares are in Australian dollars, cruise-only, per guest, double occupancy and subject to availability. Fares are correct as of 20 Jul 2015. Some suite categories may not be available. Taxes, fees and port expenses are included. Fares are not combinable with any other offer, may vary by sailing date, are capacity controlled, and subject to change without prior notice. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Seabourn reserves the right to correct errors. Ships’ registry: Bahamas. © 2015 Seabourn.

12 August 2015 w

BOOK TODAY! FARES INCREASE NORTHERN2016 EUROPE Sailings | MEDITERRANEAN ASLASKA | NEW ENGLAND & CANADA 1ST OCT 2015

This is elegance without pretence nor the need SELECT FROM OVER 90 CRUISES ON SALE! for tuxedos and evening gowns. This is a world VOYAGES DEPARTING APRIL TO NOVEMBER 2016 where you can be yourself. The moment you FROM $3,650* PER GUEST step onboard, you feel instantly welcomed by EUROPEAN HIDEAWAYS SCANDINAVIAN TREASURES the casually elegant atmosphere, inviting spaces and dedicated staff.

Savour exquisite cuisine renowned as the finest at sea, rivalling even the best Michelin-starred restaurants ashore. Lavish complimentary amenities abound, and there are never supplemental dining charges in any of the 7 DAYS | RIVIERA | 2 JUN 2016 10 DAYS | MARINA | 13 JUL 2016 restaurants. Life onboard can be exceptionally BARCELONA TO ROME STOCKHOLM TO COPENAHGEN

gratifying with the Artist Loft, “Culinary Life Life ® Center” and Canyon Ranch SpaClub. Every SHIPBOARD CREDITS OF UP TO US$330~ SHIPBOARD CREDITS OF UP TO US$460~ moment spent on an Oceania Cruises voyage PER STATEROOM PER STATEROOM FREE UNLIMTED INTERNET* FREE UNLIMTED INTERNET* embraces the experience. 3 FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS* 4 FREE SHORE EXCURSIONS* ™ We call it OLife. FARES Per Person, Twin Share FARES Per Person, Twin Share

Veranda Stateroom from $4,230* Veranda Stateroom from $6,010* Concierge Veranda from $4,650* Concierge Veranda from $6,420* Penthouse Suite from $5,960* Penthouse Suite from $8,120*

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

AWARD-WINNING MID-SIZE SHIPS • DESTINATION SPECIALISTS • FINEST CUISINE AT SEA COUNTRY CLUB-CASUAL AMBIANCE • EXTRAORDINARY VALUE

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Prices are cruise only per adult in AUD, based on lowest available twin share accommodation, inclusive of all promotional savings, port charges, government fees and gratuities on board. Offer valid for new bookings, prices are correct as at 20 July 2015, are subject to availability, are not combinable with other offers, are capacity controlled and can be withdrawn or varied at any time. Offer is valid for sale until 30 September 2015, unless sold out prior or withdrawn. OLife Advantage amenities are subject to change and apply to Veranda Staterooms and above. ~Shipboard Credit is in US dollars and is non-refundable, non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash. Free unlimited internet applies to one guest per stateroom. Free Shore Excursions are subject to restrictions, depending on length of voyage. Prices subject to change due to fluctuations in charges, taxes & currency. Cruises are subject to availability at time of booking. Single passengers must pay a single supplement. Cancellation fees and conditions apply. Oceania Cruises reserve the right to correct error or omissions. To be read in conjunction with the Terms and Conditions of Oceania Cruises, which passengers will be bound by. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Hurtigruten Invests in New Expedition Ship

Facts about MS Explorer Norway Number of guests: 320 Total berth capacity: 180 Gross tonnage: 7025 Length: 97.53 m Width: 18 m Draft: 5 m Propeller System: 2x360 Azimut thrusters Machinery: Diesel Electric Speed: 17.4 knots

It’s been close to ten years since to ensure that Hurtigruten remains a voyage as a member of the Hurtigruten Hurtigruten invested in a new ship. The world leader in sustainable explorer fleet, from Portugal to Scandinavian new ship was built in Portugal in 2009 travels along the Norwegian coast waters. She is now docked to undergo and has been given the temporary and in polar waters”, say CEO Daniel a total reconstruction in order to meet name “MS Norway Explorer”. She will Skjeldam. The new ship is a strong Hurtigruten`s high standards, before have capacity for 320 guests with 180 addition to the Hurtigruten fleet and she is included in Hurtigruten operations berths. will replace MS Midnatsol along the next year. At that time she will be The new ship’s manoeuvrability and Norwegian coast, when she sails to specially adapted for sailing in polar optimal size will bring Hurtigruten`s Antarctica for the winter season of waters. guests even closer to nature 2016/2017, says Skjeldam. The Hurtigruten fleet now consists of a experiences. “We invest in our fleet During late June the ship made its first total of 13 vessels. Overnight in Albany The iconic West Australian city of Albany will welcome the Astor for an overnight stay in late January 2016. The Cruise, The Coast itinerary, departs Fremantle on 31January and sails for six nights, returning 2 February. On this cruise, passengers will have the chance to fully explore Albany and all she has to offer – including the new National Anzac Centre. Astor returns in December to begin her third Australian summer and will again be calling Fremantle home. More details in coming issues.

Freycinet National Park

Maria Island Hobart Recherche Bay Discovery

Port Davey Port Arthur Historic Site Adventure Bay

DISCOVER TASMANIA IN AN UNDISCOVERED LIGHT Tasmania WITH AUSTRALIA’S PIONEERING CRUISE LINE In our 33rd year of pioneering operations, we launch a series of Your expedition vessel – Coral Expeditions I unique expedition voyages of the Tasmanian coastline on our (formerly Coral Princess) Australian flagged Coral Expeditions I. > Australian-crewed classic small ship Departing from Hobart, we explore one of the most pristine and > Designed for maximum stability and guest comfort beautiful landscapes on earth. Enjoy bushwalks in five national parks > 46 guests in en-suite cabins, serviced daily and two World Heritage areas. Witness the stunning beauty of > Specially curated wine list and bar Wineglass Bay and spend two days exploring the wilderness area > Small batch meals using local ingredients of Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour. Enjoy local oysters and cool > Fleet of kayaks, inflatable Zodiacs and our unique climate wines on this coastal voyage. excursion vessel get you to out-of-the-way places All along, you will be guided by our trademark Expedition Team 7 night cruise from $3,990 per person including Guest Lecturers and a Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Ranger. Departures throughout November, December, Our adventure itinerary is suited for passengers of all fitness levels. January and February

Expeditions to > Great Barrier Reef > Cape York & Arnhem Land > The Kimberley > Papua New Guinea > West Papua > Islands of the South Pacific > New Zealand

BOOK ONLINE AT www.coralexpeditions.com FREECALL 1800 079 545 EMAIL [email protected]

* Prices are per person, twin share. Prices do not include pre and post flights, transfers, personal items purchased, bar charges, fax and internet charges, laundry and travel insurance. Visit: coralexpeditions.com for full details. Coral Expeditions, PO BOX 2093, Cairns 4870 QLD, Australia. ABN 51 010 809 417.

14 150446August CE Cruising 2015 Tasmani 190x140mm 1.1.indd 1 31/07/2015 11:10 am DISCOVER THE WORLD WITH FOUR OFFERS VALUED UP TO us$2,700*

Book select January 2016–April 2017 cruises and receive all four offers below:*

1 FREE Signature Beverage Package (up to us$2,400 value)

2 FREE Pinnacle Grill Dinner (us$58 value) 3 reduced CRUISE FARES for 3rd/4th guests 4 50% Reduced deposit

BoOK A suite and receive the above PLUS US$300 onboard spending money per stateroom and a FREE Canaletto dinner!

spacious, elegant ships ■ gracious, award-winning service ■ worldwide itineraries extensive activities and enrichment programs ■ sophisticated five-star dining

Contact your Travel Professional or call 1300 987 322 or visit hollandamerica.com

*ALL PRICES STATED ARE PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY AND INCLUDE TAXES, FEES & PORT EXPENSES and discounts. CRUISE OR ALASKA LAND+SEA JOURNEY ONLY. Fares listed are in Australian Dollars. Fares and Explore4 offers are based on Promo(s) KA/KC/JB. Featured fares are per person based on double occupancy, cruise or Land+Sea Journeys only. Subject to availability. Explore4 offers are per stateroom based on double occupancy, for 1st and 2nd guests sharing a stateroom and excludes 3rd/4th guests, except as provided herein. Explore4 offers are available for new bookings only, apply only to the cruise portion of Alaska Land+Sea Journeys, are not combinable with any other discounts, are not transferable, are capacity controlled, and may be modified or withdrawn without prior notice. Offers are applicable on select 2015, 2016 and 2017 departures. For more information about our stateroom categories and suite descriptions, and to view deck plans and for full terms and conditions applicable to your cruise, please refer to hollandamerica.com/Explore4 or the appropriate Holland America brochure. Other restrictions may apply. Explore4 offers end 30 October 2015. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands. 052115-E4-Ad-EU Commemorative Events in the Ports of Halifax, Boston & New York

CUBA CRUISING

IS CALLING! On 4 July 2015, Cunard’s Queen special dedication ceremony was held 7 NIGHTS Mary 2 embarked on the capstone of to launch the newly renovated Cunard Cunard’s 175th worldwide anniversary Building with the donation of the Servia EX HAVANA EVERY TUESDAY celebrations with a commemorative ship model by Cunard. The model, built FROM PP* Transatlantic Crossing departing from in 1881, was brought over on Queen $859 Liverpool, England, paying tribute Mary 2 from the Science Museum in to the original voyage made by the England and will be placed in the front DECEMBER 2015 - APRIL 2016 company’s first flagship, Britannia, on entrance of the former North American 4 July 1840. This journey inaugurated Cunard headquarters at 120 State MSC OPERA HAVANA the first scheduled mail and passenger Street. Captain Kevin Oprey, Master of Cuba service across the Atlantic and Cunard Queen Mary 2, threw the ceremonial

COZUMEL celebrated this historic milestone in first pitch at the Boston Red Sox vs. GEORGE TOWN Mexico three cities which hold a special place New York Yankees game at Fenway

C Cayman Is. O in the company’s storied past: Halifax, M MONTEGO BAY Park. Fireworks marked Queen Mary B I N Jamaica

E Caribbean Sea

Boston and New York.

& 2’s evening departure as she sets off

S

A

V E

# Queen Mary 2 departed Southampton towards New York City for the final leg on 2 July, then called on Liverpool, of her 175th Anniversary tour. CARIBBEAN CRUISE EX MIAMI the “spiritual home” of the company, Queen Mary 2 arrived in New York 7 NIGHTS amid fanfare and fireworks, and on 14 July. Although not a port of FROM PP* then sailed onward to North America call in the original Crossing made by $579 with celebratory on board and Britannia, New York has been Cunard’s USA DEPARTS EVERY SATURDAY commemorative shoreside events North American home port for over a scheduled for each port of call. Atlantic Ocean century. Captain Kevin Oprey, Master MIAMI (Florida) Halifax, Nova Scotia, the home of of Queen Mary 2 rang the Closing Bell NASSAU at the New York Stock Exchange to Bahamas founder Sir Samuel Cunard, was the first port to welcome Queen Mary 2 celebrate the visit. That evening there on 10 July. Early morning on 12 July, was public viewing from Battery Park

SAN JUAN Queen Mary 2 sailed into Boston, of a theatrical light and music show on Puerto Rico PHILIPSBURG MSC DIVINA (St Maarten) Massachusetts, the company’s first port Queen Mary 2 while the ship paused of call in the U.S. and the home of its in lower Manhattan harbour in front of GRAND VOYAGE first North American headquarters. A the Statue of Liberty. CUBA TO GERMANY 25 NIGHTS PP* Popular ‘Mystique Princess’ to Re-enter Service FROM$1,819 Fiji’s Small Ship Cruise Company, Blue DEPARTS HAVANA 12 APR 2016 Lagoon Cruises, has announced it COPENHAGEN is bringing its popular ship Mystique MSC OPERA DOVER WARNEMUNDE (London) (Berlin) Europe Princess back into service. CHERBOURG (Mt St Michel) “Quite simply, market demand VIGO (Santiago de Compostela) LISBON (Cascais) dictates that we will very soon need Atlantic Ocean FUNCHAL Mystique Princess back on the water HAVANA (Madeira Is.) SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE Cuba (Canary Is.) to accompany her sister ship the Fiji Mystique Princess will receive a MONTEGO BAY Princess,” CEO of Blue Lagoon Cruises, Jamaica comprehensive refurbishment over WILLEMSTAD Caribbean Sea Curacao Peter Duncan, said in making the the next 18 months. The relaunch is ORANJESTAD BRIDGETOWN Aruba Barbados announcement. planned for early 2017. Exclusive Celebrity Chef Partnership 1300 028 502 Princess Cruises has announced a new exclusive partnership with restaurateur, www.msccruises.com.au bestselling author and television personality Chef Curtis Stone. The international

*Conditions apply. Per person twin share based on low season collaboration will serve up new culinary offerings designed by Curtis across the departure date. Note combination of Caribbean cruise may require cruise line’s 18-ship fleet dedicated to fresh flavourful cuisine, ultimately creating additional nights pre or post cruises at passengers own expense. Details correct at time of print however subject to change at anytime memorable experiences for its guests as they travel the world. without notice. E&OE MSC Cruises (Australia) Pty Limited ABN 55 003 526 725. General Sales Agent for MSC Cruises S.A | ATAS Accredited No. A10954. ALASKA 2016

Big, bold and impossibly beautiful, Alaska stretches beyond the imagination, particularly in her south eastern seas. A place so powerful in its panorama that it will take your breath away. Spend each day at your own leisure exploring each unique port or watch the ever changing vistas of immense blue glaciers, unusual wildlife of wild bears and the infamous bald eagle, ice fields, tumbling rapids and evergreen forests from your own private balcony. Additionally, in each and every port, Regent offers a remarkable list of FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions*, enhancing guests’ experience and time ashore, whilst maximising the value of the cruise. There is no better way to discover the last great frontier than from the six-star comfort and elegance of the 700-guest, all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Mariner.

Choice of 15 seven or ten-night voyages between May to August 2016 with cruise fares from US$4,349* per person

THE MOST INCLUSIVE LUXURY CRUISE EXPERIENCETM

• FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions in all ports* • Pre-paid gratuities • Unlimited beverages including fine wines, premium spirits, bottled water, soft drinks, coffee and teas served throughout the ship • 24-hour room service and no charge for specialty restaurants • BONUS one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel package for Concierge Suite and higher guests* • FREE WiFi for Concierge Suite and higher guests up to 500 minutes per suite* • and much more ENJOY... IT’S ALL INCLUDED

attractive fly/cruise airfares available

FOR A BROCHURE AND FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Wiltrans international ON 1800 251 174 | www.wiltrans.com.au *Terms and conditions: Fares subject to review 1 October 2015, at the time of your purchase, fares may be higher. Fares listed are in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy for 18 May 2016 departure in category G accommodation and is subject to availability. All fares and offers are for new bookings only, are capacity controlled and subject to availability, may not be combined with other offers and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Fares are based on published Full Brochure Fares; fares may not include Personal Charges, Optional Facilities and Services Fees as defined in the Terms and Conditions of the Guest Ticket Contract. The bonus one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel package applies for guests 1 and 2 only in Concierge Suites and higher only and is not available for new bookings made within 60 days of departure. For existing bookings, guests may not transfer to alternate hotel within 60 days of departure. Hotels are subject to change without notice. FREE Unlimited Shore Excursion reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and number of shore excursions are subject to availability. Restrictions apply and cancellations received 36 hours prior to shore excursion start date may incur penalties.The number of FREE WiFi minutes received will be based on the length of the voyage. Regent Seven Seas Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares or promotional offers at any time. Further terms and conditions may apply. Please contact Wiltrans International for full details. Ships’ Registry: Bahamas ©2015 Regent Seven Seas Cruises®. Issue Date: 31 July 2015 Silversea’s 2017 World Cruise Silversea Cruises is now accepting reservations for its World Cruise 2017, an exclusive 116-day ocean voyage from San Francisco to Monte Carlo aboard Silver Whisper. This travel adventure will encompass 62 unique destinations in 25 countries, with numerous late- night and overnight stays. Departing 6 January 2017, the all-suite Silver Whisper will sail from San Francisco Bay for the idyllic isles of Hawaii and cross the International Date Line to the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia. Then Bali and Sandakan before visiting Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore, before setting a course for the ancient temples of India, Arabia’s enchanting desert dunes, and the storied capitals perks in 2017 with the addition of elegant resort; and dance back to of the Mediterranean. complimentary dry cleaning service the 1940s with live music at a nostalgic Guests sailing the full 116 days of and free unlimited Wi-Fi for all full-cruise dinner served amid the planes and World Cruise 2017 will enjoy a variety guests. heroes of Hangar 37, the entry point of special amenities, including a gala to Hawaii’s Pacific Aviation Museum Bon Voyage reception, dinner and In addition, three shoreside events will Pearl Harbour. Also, two Silversea overnight stay at the Four Seasons be available on a complimentary basis Hotel in San Francisco, baggage to full-cruise guests. These events offer Experiences will be complimentary valet service, business class air, and the opportunity to explore the site of for guests sailing 50 or more days: a transfers (between airport, hotel, and China’s famed terra-cotta army of festive beach party featuring lunch Silver Whisper), a US$4,000 Onboard warriors in Xian on an overnight tour and entertainment set on the powdery Spending Credit (per double- from Shanghai; witness free-roaming white sands of Boracay Island and occupancy suite), complimentary exotic animals on Sir Bani Yas island an exclusive presentation at Malta’s laundry service, and commemorative off the coast of Abu Dhabi, followed Teatru Manoel, a beautifully restored gifts. Plus, Silversea is enhancing the by a sumptuous lunch at the island’s 18th-century theatre.

Tilbury

Lisbon Casablanca Las Palmas

Ascension Island Indian St Helena Island Reunion Ocean A tlantic WaWalvislvis Bay Durban Fremantle Cape Town Ocean Mossel Bay Mauritius

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

1st person 2nd person

* Interior from $7,529 FREE * Oceanview from $9,119 FREE ASTOR’S AUSTRALIA TO UK VOYAGE 16 Mar 2016 → 23 Apr 2016 • 38 nights

*Prices are cruise only per person in AUD based on lead in twin share including all discounts, port charges, gratuities, Government Charges (including GST) and Indonesian Visa fee where applicable. Agents may charge service fees and/or fees for card payments which vary. Prices are governed by terms and conditions listed in the current CMV Australia brochure February 2015. Cabins booked on guarantee basis. Cabins subject to availability, not applicable with any other discount or offer. Valid until sold out or withdrawn. Buy one get one free offer is valid for new bookings only, is capacity controlled and subject to availability/change. Valid for new bookings only. Conditions apply.

18 August 2015 OUTSTANDING JOURNEYS UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCES

Enjoy more time ashore as we have included sightseeing tours in virtually every port of call, as well as newly added land tours, and hotel stays in Cape Town.

CHRISTMAS FARES SHOWN HERE INCLUDE: & NEW YEAR • 4 & 5 STAR HOTELS on post-cruise IN SOUTH AFRICA hotel stays 18 nights - Cape Town to Cape Town • FREE shore excursions at most ports Commences: 19 December, 2015 • EXPERT guest speaker programme Enjoy summer sunshine and spend the festive on board season on this remarkable voyage to the best of southern Africa: three days in Cape Town, Port • OPEN-SEATING DINING with a Elizabeth, the game reserves of Richards Bay, 10 choice of 2 restaurants Mossel Bay and Luderitz in Namibia. included shore tours • COMPLIMENTARY WINE (or beer/ • 17 night cruise aboard Aegean Odyssey soft drinks) with dinner on board • NEW ADDED BONUS: Post-Cruise in Cape Town PREMIUM INSIDE CABIN 1ST PERSON 2ND PERSON » 1 night post-cruise hotel stay in Cape Town • GRATUITIES for on-board restaurant » A visit to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens TWIN SHARE FROM $6,650* $3,625* staff and your cabin steward » Departure transfer from Cape Town hotel to airport SINGLE FROM $6,650* • TRANSFERS & BAGGAGE handling on arrival and departure overseas GAME PARKS OF SOUTH AFRICA NEW BONUS OFFERS! 13 nights - Cape Town to Cape Town NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Commences: 5 January, 2016 ...... or ...... Enjoy Cape Town’s charms, spot the rare white rhinos and the red elephants at Addo, travel the 2ND PERSON PAYS 50% stunning Garden Route: three days in Cape Town, Mossel Bay, the game reserves of Richards Bay, 7 Durban and Port Elizabeth. included shore tours PLUS additional post-cruise • 12 night cruise aboard Aegean Odyssey • NEW ADDED BONUS: Post Cruise in Cape Town accommodation including PREMIUM INSIDE CABIN 1ST PERSON 2ND PERSON » 1 night post-cruise hotel stay in Cape Town FREE tours » Full day Cape Winelands Discovery Tour TWIN SHARE FROM $4,595* $2,525* » Departure transfer from Cape Town hotel to airport SINGLE FROM $4,595* Book by 30 September 2015 TEL: (02) 9959 1333 EMAIL: [email protected] www.voyagestoantiquity.com

*TERMS & CONDITIONS: All fares listed are in Australian dollars, per person, twin share based on premium inside category L (19 Dec departure) & category K (5 Jan departure) & include all promotional savings and offers, gratuities & port taxes (correct as of 20 Jul 15). Valid for new bookings only. Offer expires 30 September 15. Offers are capacity controlled & may be withdrawn at any time without notice & cannot be combined with other offers. Second person pays 50% promo applies only to cruise tour fare, port taxes must be paid in full. Cancellation penalties and conditions apply. Post hotel accommodation & transfers from airport/port/hotel offered on dates specified on itinerary only, please ask for details. Travel agent service fees are not included. Voyages to Antiquity reserve the right to change, correct errors, withdraw from sale any or all fares, itineraries, excursions and fees, please request brochure for full terms and conditions. Epic 48 Day Voyage SuperStar Virgo, will embark on an epic holiday choices. 48 day voyage, visiting a number of Guests can indulge in an extensive exotic ports throughout Southeast Asia selection of dining, retail, and lifestyle and Australia. Scheduled to set sail on facilities to satisfy their every need. 13 November 2015 from Hong Kong, With over 13 restaurants and bars SuperStar Virgo will take advantage of serving Chinese, Japanese, Italian, summer in the southern waters before Indian, local and international cuisines scale journeys for our guests,” said Mr. returning on 31 December 2015. and beverages, culinary highlights will Braydon Holland, Vice President, Sales, In addition to local Australian include special, local signature dishes Star Cruises. “We are thrilled to have destinations, passengers aboard skillfully prepared by award-winning Australia play such an important role in SuperStar Virgo will be able to visit chefs to reflect the multi-cultural bounty this inaugural itinerary with more than favourite locales as Cambodia, China, of the various destinations dotting the half the schedule showcasing some Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, itinerary. of her best cities. Marking her first visit back downunder in 10 years, we want Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam with A variety of entertainment, leisure, to reacquaint Australia’s seasoned stops in over 20 ports including Bali, recreation and retail options will also cruisers with our flagship SuperStar Virgo Bangkok, Jakarta, Krakatoa, Ho Chi provide guests with a rich assortment and our acclaimed Asian hospitality Minh City, Singapore and more during of activities to enhance their journey again.” Accomodation options on the full 48 day tour. across the open waters. board SuperStar Virgo range from a The voyage can also be broken up “As a pioneer in the Asia Pacific dazzling selection of premium suites to into various shorter segments such cruise industry, we have seen the staterooms with balconies and ocean as Hong Kong/Singapore/Fremantle, appetite for longer cruise itineraries views, and budget friendly inside or Fremantle/Sydney via Adelaide, grow in popularity with our Asian and cabins – all spaciously laid out and Melbourne and Tasmania, or Sydney/ Australian cruisers in recent years and furnished to offer total comfort with a Hong Kong, to provide even more have responded by offering larger touch of elegance and luxury. Ceremonial Walking Stick Presented to P&O Vanuatu’s Aneityum community has expressed its gratitude for a new health dispensary built thanks to the P&O Pacific Partnership with Save the Children. With due ceremony, Chief Silas presented a chief’s ceremonial walking stick to P&O Cruises Destinations Director Michael Mihajlov who in turn delivered it to Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry, completing a chief-to-chief chain from Vanuatu to Australia.

OUR ALL-INCLUSIVE LIFESTYLE SILVERSEA’S Intimate ships with up to 382 guests All ocean-view suites, over SHORES 85% with private verandas Butler service for every suite Complimentary wine, OF THE Champagne and spirits In-suite bar with your beverage choices Open-seating restaurant with menu ORIENT selections inspired by Relais & Châteaux IN ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY A choice of speciality restaurants Included gratuities

12-DAY MYANMAR & MALAYSIA EXPERIENCE THE SMALL-SHIP DIFFERENCE Hong Kong OF A LUXURIOUS SILVERSEA CRUISE Departs Singapore 29 October 2015 Ha Long Bay Fares from $7,150 per person Let Silversea escort you in exquisite style on an Yangon Chan May enthralling journey to the magical continent of Koh Samui 11-DAY THAILAND & VIETNAM Bangkok Asia. Resplendent with treasures from the past and Nha Trang Departs Singapore 1 December 2015 symbols of a race into the future. Spiritually Phuket Fares from $5,650 per person Ho Chi Minh City and memorably vibrant. Asia is full of glorious Langkawi contradictions. Discover the golden sand beaches Penang 9-DAY TREASURES OF VIETNAM Port Klang Departs Hong Kong 12 December 2015 of Thailand, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture Malacca Singapore of Vietnam or visit the secret land of Myanmar, only Fares from $4,150 per person now starting to reveal its charms. In 2015, voyages of 9 to 16 days aboard the luxurious For more information or a 2015 Asia voyages brochure, please contact your Silver Shadow depart from October to December. travel professional or Silversea on 1300 306 872 or [email protected] Silver Privilege fares from $4,150 per person. SILVERSEA.COM

Fares are cruise-only, quoted in Australian Dollars, per person, double occupancy, are correct at time of going to print and may rise as the sailing date approaches. Terms & Conditions apply, visit Silversea.com.

20 August 2015 Your own backyard THE MOST FASCINATING PLACE IN THE WORLD EXPERIENCE THE AZAMARA DIFFERENCE Australia & New Zealand like you’ve never seen it.

AZAMARA IS CRUISING FROM AUSTRALIA FROM JANUARY 2016

Willis Island AUSTRALIA Cairns Sydney Townsville Hardy Reef Whitsundays Melbourne Auckland Tauranga AUSTRALIA Picton Napier Mooloolaba Brisbane Port Arthur Hobart Milford Sound Akaroa Newcastle Sydney Dunedin NEW ZEALAND

Great Barrier Reef Voyage Australia and New Zealand 10 nights – Departs Cairns 16 nights – Departs Sydney 5 January 2016 15 January 2016

All Azamara cruise fares also include a host of complimentary amenities, adding even more value to your voyage: Select standard spirits, international beers and wines, gratuities, self-service laundry, shuttle service to and from port communities (where available).

To book contact your travel agent, call us on 1800 754 500 or visit azamaraclubcruises.com Pan-Asian Specialty Restaurant Celebrating the culinary traditions seaweed and of Asia, Pacific Rim is the perfect wakame salad addition to the restaurant collection drizzled with a aboard ®. The black pepper Pan-Asian specialty restaurant joins the soy and onion sophisticated American steakhouse dressing. After Prime 7 and the modern French a sensational gourmet restaurant Chartreuse, in starter, guests addition to the hallmark Continental may choose restaurant of Compass Rose and the from an array casual daytime eatery of La Veranda, of delectable which transforms into the Italian entrées, such as sensation of Sette Mari at La Veranda tempura battered in the evenings. As for Pacific Rim’s Canadian lobster inventive menu offerings, guests will be with shiso leaf in for a culinary tour of Asia’s diverse finished with an the Zen-like ambiance. Guests are cuisine. They can expect artfully plated orange ponzu sauce and spicy mayo, greeted by a modern interpretation Pan-Asian creations with delightful a miso-spiced black cod wrapped in of a Tibetan prayer wheel in the first courses highlighted by a tempura hoba leaf accompanied by pickled restaurant lobby which sets the mood encrusted crispy soft shell crab with daikon and spicy den miso, and grilled for the visual and culinary feast to a touch of heat from a green chili Korean barbecue lamb chops, wok- come. The highlight of their design aioli, and a succulently caramelized fried beans, eryngii mushroom and is the use of muted light throughout cassia-braised pork belly topped gochujang dressing. Serving as the Pacific Rim, which illuminates intricate with perfectly grilled diver scallops; a perfect complement to the dishes is architectural details. SeaDream Charts Course to Southern Caribbean for 2016 SeaDream Yacht Club’s 112-guest twin-mega yachts will once again return to the Caribbean for the northern winter 2015/2016. After both yachts ring in New Year’s Eve overnighting in legendary St. Barts on sold out itineraries, SeaDream I will begin making her way to the southern Caribbean. Offering more ports in these less visited islands than ever before, a total of 12 sailings will depart between 3 January and 2 April 2016 showcasing St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia and more. In response to popular demand, three round-trip sailings from Bridgetown, Barbados will be available complimented by nine itineraries between Bridgetown and Marigot, St. Martin.

Glorious Gardens and the Mediterranean Chelsea Flower Show Mosaic 14-day cruise departing 14 May 2016 13-day cruise departing 12 September 2016 from $5,360 per person twin share from $3,900 per person twin share

CROATIA CHELSEA London England FLOWER SHOW  Dubrovnik Croatia Portsmouth TARQUINIA Civitavecchia England Rotterdam  Italy Netherlands ROME ITALY ADRIATIC Naples SEA Italy ALBEROBELLO ALBANIA St Peter Port   POMPEII  Honfleur ISCHIA Sarande Guernsey France Brindisi Albania Italy  BUTRINT  GIVERNY TYRRHENI- Caen France AN SEA STROMBOLI CHATEAU   MONT ST MICHEL Lipari OF TREVAREZ Italy Messina  St Malo France Sicily MOUNT ETNA Douarnenez  France FRANCE SICILY Syracuse Sicily Nantes France  JARDIN DES Valletta Malta Tender port New Ports PLANTES DE NANTES  In Partnership with GRAND Tender port HARBOUR

Contact Discover the World on 1800 OCEANS (623 267) or visit au.swanhellenic.com *All prices are per person in Australian Dollars based on double occupancy, including all meals, accommodation and entertainment onboard, port charges/taxes, tailor-made shore excursion programme, all standard gratuities onboard and ashore on included excursions and ’s world-renowned Guest Speaker and Port Lecture programme. Single occupancy double cabins are subject to availability and rates will be quoted on request. Prices shown are inclusive of fuel supplement where relevant. All rates and prices are subject to change and are based on known costs for fuel and currency as of June 2015. For full terms and conditions please visit au.swanhellenic.com

22 DTW3966E_VODHP_v3.inddAugust 2015 2 4/08/2015 12:08 pm

First Steel Cut for Next Generation Cruise Ship and the ability to accommodate up to 4,140 guests at double capacity, this new cruise ship will be the largest ever built by Fincantieri. The ship is set to arrive in Miami in December 2017, where she will also be christened; marking the first time an MSC Cruises’ ship is christened in the US. Large, spacious and designed for the utmost comfort, MSC Seaside will benefit MSC Cruises and shipyard Fincantieri from a bold design and leading-edge (AWT) systems to remove pollutants have cut the first steel for its next technology while boasting a 360° and hazardous substances from generation cruise ship MSC Seaside. In a seafront promenade. In addition, the waste water; garbage treatment ceremony held at Fincantieri’s shipyard ship will be characterized by the most plants for highly efficient solid waste management; scrubbers to reduce in Monfalcone, Italy, MSC Cruises’ interactive and originally-designed emissions; antifouling paints; and Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco aqua park at sea with five water slides optimized hull lines, propellers and Vago and Chief Executive Officer, and attractions for all ages. Gianni Onorato, along with Fincantieri’s rudders to reduce drag and fuel The ship will feature open modular Chief Executive Officer, Giuseppe Bono, consumption. In addition, the ships connected staterooms—convertible launched the cutting of the first steel of will have LED lighting, meaning lower staterooms that can accommodate up MSC Seaside. energy demand and significantly lower to 10 people—for families and groups, fuel consumption, as well as advanced MSC Seaside will be based year-round as well as luxury suites with private heat recovery plants to feed fresh in Miami and will sail a wide range of Jacuzzis and hanging gardens. MSC water, laundry, swimming pools and hot Caribbean itineraries. In addition, MSC Seaside will also boast an enhanced water. The ship is fully compliant with the Cruises’ Miami-based cruise operations, MSC Yacht Club with private solarium, Safe Return to Port requirement. which also includes MSC Divina that lounge and pool. The public spaces of MSC Seaside is the first of two identical will sail year-round from Miami starting the ship will feature breathtaking views ships on order from Fincantieri, the November 2015, will benefit from a with a two-deck glass-walled atrium second of which will enter in to service newly renovated and expanded and panoramic exterior elevators. in 2018. In addition, MSC Cruises has dedicated berth and terminal at MSC Seaside and her sister ship will an option for an additional Seaside PortMiami. set new standards for eco-friendliness, generation ship to be delivered by With a gross tonnage of 154,000 tons featuring Advanced Water Treatment 2021.

DALMATIAN, VENETIAN CULTURE AND COLOURS & GREEK WONDERS OF VIETNAM 13-night cruise, departing 13 September 2016 15-night cruise, departing 2 February 2017

S L O V E N I A CHINA KOPER VENICE HONG KONG I T A L Y RIJEKA HALONG BAY

C R O A T I A HAIPHONG

SPLIT VIETNAM

DUBROVNIK M O N T E N E G R O DA NANG KOTOR QUY NHON SOUTH CHINA NHA TRANG SEA

HO CHI MINH CITY CORFU G R E E C E

IONIAN SEA PIRAEUS

KATAKOLON

$3,140 per person twin share MONEMVASIA $3,260 per person twin share SINGAPORE

Contact Discover the World on 1800 OCEANS (623 267) or visit au.voyagesofdiscovery.com *All prices are per person in Australian Dollars based on double occupancy. Prices are inclusive of port charges, pre-paid airport and government taxes, service fees and on board gratuities for your cabin steward, dining room waiter and his assistant. Single occupancy double cabins are subject to availability and rates will be quoted on request. Prices shown are inclusive of fuel supplement where relevant. All rates and prices are subject to change and are based on known costs for fuel and currency as of June 2015. For full terms and conditions please visit au.voyagesofdiscovery.com

24 DTW3966E_VODHP_v3.inddAugust 2015 1 4/08/2015 12:07 pm NORWEGIAN’S SEE MORE OF HAWAI’I

Seven days, four islands and two overnight stays. Cruise from

$1470 pp

For bookings & further information contact your preferred wholesaler or visit www.norwegiancruiseline.com.au * Conditions apply. Price is inclusive of cruise fare, all relative taxes & surcharges/gratuities and is in AUD. Pricing is in AUD and subject to change without notice due to currency fluctuations. Pricing is correct at time of print 29 July2015. Fares & pricing may be withdrawn at any time. Pricing is based on 28 Nov 15 departure in IX category. Every effort is made to ensure accuracy of advertisement, however cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.

WorldWideCruiseFP_ad_1.indd 1 30/07/2015 4:27 pm The New In a time-honoured maritime tradition, case, however, Carnival selected a a ceremony was held recently aboard “godchild” – six-year-old Kye Heald, Carnival Vista at the Fincantieri the daughter of the company’s Senior shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, during Cruise Director and Brand Ambassador which a commemorative coin was John Heald, who handled her duties welded to the ship’s mast to mark a admirably. significant construction milestone. With just 9 months until Carnival Vista’s The 133,500-ton Carnival Vista, the maiden voyage, work continues on line’s newest, largest and most the ship’s unique on-board innovations innovative ship, is set to debut in which include the first IMAX Theatre Europe on 1 May 2016. on a cruise ship, a suspended cycling experience called SkyRide, the line’s The coin ceremony – which dates first on-board brewery, and Carnival’s back to the ancient Romans who first inner-tube raft slide, the 455-foot- believed that attaching coins to a ship long Kaleid-o-Slide. provided divine protection – signifies Carnival Vista after entering service in the successful completion of Carnival Europe will reposition to New York for Vista’s exterior outfitting. a series of voyages in November 2016 It is a long-standing tradition to followed by the launch of year-round select a godmother or “madrina” to Caribbean service from Miami later preside over the ceremony. In this that month.

First Large Cruise Ship Visit to Dili In a stunning demonstration of the Dili community who were excited to Timor-Leste’s progress as a free and welcome their first ever cruise tourists. independent nation, P&O Cruises’ On the eve of the visit, former Victorian Pacific Jewel has made the first ever Premier, Steve Bracks, who, since large cruise ship visit to the national 2007, has been a special adviser to capital Dili. Carnival Australia CEO Ann the Timor-Leste Prime Minister, said Sherry and Steve Bracks, special adviser it sent a powerful signal about the on governance to the Timor-Leste Prime country’s progress. “Having hundreds Minister, hailed Pacific Jewel’s visit as a of cruise visitors come ashore in Dili significant step forward for the country. to experience the sights, sounds and “After years of struggle, Timor-Leste culture of Timor-Leste is another positive finally won its independence only in stepping stone in the country’s progress 2002, but even five years ago few as a free and independent nation,” Mr could have imagined nearly 2000 cruise Bracks said. “Pacific Jewel’s visit to Dili tourists going ashore in Dili,” Ms Sherry has been keenly anticipated by the said. “Australia has strong ties to Timor- can play to build its economy.” government and the local community who are keen to make tourism a much Leste on its path to nationhood and The Timor-Leste call was during Pacific there is no doubt that Australians have valued feature of the local economy Jewel’s return from dry dock and been willing the Timorese people and in a country that has so much to offer their country to succeed. So, the arrival major refurbishment in Singapore and visitors in cultural experiences.” of the first cruise ship is an affirmation of presented an opportunity to test Dili’s A second P&O Cruises’ call to Timor- Timor-Leste’s potential as an attractive capacity to host a superliner visit. The Leste is scheduled for September 2016 cruise destination and the part tourism tender call was eagerly anticipated by when Pacific Eden will visit Dili.

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26 August 2015 UNFORGETTABLE

To discover more of the Kimberley, go off road.

Kimberley Coast Cruise

Some of the Kimberley’s most spectacular sights like Horizontal INDONESIA Falls, Montgomery Reef and King George Falls lie along its remote coast. 10 Selaru Island So the best way to see them is a Small Ship cruise with APT aboard the MS Caledonian Sky. As well as modern luxuries, the ship is equipped with MS CALEDONIAN SKY a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. So our expert expedition teams can show DARWIN you secret inlets and hidden natural wonders inaccessible by road. King George Falls SHORE EXPEDITIONS – By Zodiac landing crafts hosted by Vansittart Bay expert expedition teams Jar Island NT APT SIGNATURE INVITATION – Discover magnificent King Prince Frederick Harbour Naturalist Island Mitchell Falls George Falls, the highest waterfalls in Western Australia Argyle Montgomery Reef Wyndham Diamond Mine INCLUDED – Spacious suites, Zodiac excursions, all meals and Talbot Bay Doubtful Bay beverages^, Wi-Fi, tipping, ship transfers and port charges El Questro Buccaneer Raft Point Lake Argyle Archipelago Horizontal Falls Bungle Bungle Lacepede Range Darwin to Broome Islands WA 11 Days from $11,595* per person Purnululu NP Companion Fly Free* BROOME

Visit kimberleywilderness.com.au or call 1300 229 804 or see your local travel agent

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person (pp) twin share. Prices are correct as at 27 July 2016 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Book by 15 December 2015, unless sold out prior. Mitchell Falls helicopter flight shown is at an additional cost. Prices based on all 2016 departures for GKCS11R (Standard Suite Forward). Prices include port charges. Offers are not combinable, available on new bookings only and subject to availability. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. A limited number of offers are available on set departures. A non-refundable deposit of $2,000 pp is due within 7 days of booking. Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. Once air tickets are issued, airline amendment and/cancellation fees apply and in some cases are non-refundable. Flights are in economy class with Qantas (or an airline of APT’s choosing) ex MEL/SYD/BNE/ADL/ PER. All offers are subject to availability of airline and booking class. Once class is sold out surcharges apply. Flights must be booked by APT. COMPANION FLY FREE: Based on two people booking a Standard Suite (Forward) twin share (GKCS11R). Offer includes one person’s airfare and taxes up to the value of $1,200. Enquire for Solo Traveller offer. ^Complimentary beverages are only served while onboard your cruise and do not include French Champagne, premium spirits or selected wines. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825. APT2913

APT2913.indd 1 3/08/2015 10:08 am The Rob Henderson Doug Cremer& Collection

Celebrating the 175th year of Cunard we show five images taken at random from the archive: Queen Elizabeth 1940-1975 An impressive starboard bow view of the first Queen Elizabeth showing her superb lines, she was unfortunately lost by fire in Hong Kong harbour. Queen Mary 1936-1967 An aerial view of the Queen Mary nearing the end of another of her famous Transatlantic crossings. Lusitania 1907-1915 The Lusitania, dressed and ready to berth in New York, her controversial sinking during WWI triggered the entry into the war by the USA. Carpathia 1903-1918 The Carpathia, famous for her dramatic dash through ice to save survivors from the Titanic. QE2 1968-2008 The famous QE2, an interesting photograph of her making light of a heavy sea in the North Atlantic.

28 August 2015 CELEBRATING

G C R U I S E T R AV E L YEARS ’ S L E A D I N A G E N C Y R A L I A A U S T 15 2016 MONACO GRAND PRIX 10 NIGHT PACKAGE with AZAMARA QUEST Tour departs Australia on 20 May 2016

Get revved up for the 74th Grand Prix in Monaco on this exhilarating 10 night tour. Departing on the 20th May 2016, stop for 2 nights of pampering at the Raffl es Dubai before arriving into Nice where we’ll transfer you like a rock star by helicopter to Monte Carlo. Spend 3 nights at the Fairmont in the lead up to the Grand Prix. Board the luxurious Azamara Quest on the 25th and sail the French Riviera like a movie star. Visit Florence, St Tropez and head back to Monte Carlo in time to hear the roar and thunder of engines. Try to spot some celebs in Cannes before returning to Nice on the 30th May 2016. Oceanview $7,999 Balcony add $770 JUST SOME OF THE INCLUSIONS: • Return economy class airfares from SYD / BNE / MEL • 5 nights cruise onboard Azamara Quest • 2 nights stopover at Raffl es, Dubai (Signature Room - Breakfast Included) • 3 nights at The Fairmont, Monte Carlo (Fairmont Room - Breakfast Included) • Helicopter transfer from Nice to Monte Carlo • Private road transfers from Monte Carlo to Nice • Onboard Meals

For full details or to book, call 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel/2016cruisetours

* Tickets to the Monaco Grand Prix are not included in the package. Prices are per person in Australian Dollars based on twin occupancy and inclusive of all taxes & fees (which are subject to change). Prices shown are for the lead in staterooms available at the time of printing 5/06/15, inclusive of all discounts, taxes and port charges. Prices and cruise itinerary are subject to change without notice. Prices are subject to change due to currency fl uctuations, fuel price, and tax increases. Air taxes are included in this product based on departing SYD unless otherwise stated using the most direct route. Taxes are correct at time of publication and subject to change due to airline fl uctuation, currency fl uctuation, government changes, departure city and stop overs. Surcharges may be imposed on credit card transactions. Updates and corrections may be found on our website www.ecruising.travel. See our website for full terms and conditions License # 2TA 5076. SHIP REVIEW

Insignia – A delightful ship to cruise!

We joined Insignia in Brisbane in mid May for a quick two night cruise to Sydney. Although the weather was not good with rolling seas and up to 40 plus knot winds across the bow, we made the most of our time on board. Insignia was built in 1998 as R1 for 2. The makeover introduced many with the menu changing daily for lunch Renaissance Cruises and when of the interior design elements from and dinner. Breakfast offered a wide Oceania Cruises commenced their larger ships Marina and Riviera and varied choice of delicious food. operations in 2003 was one of the to Insignia with new furnishings and The entrance to the Grand Dining original two ships in its fleet. décor for all public rooms, suites and Room is past Baristas, the popular At 30,277 grt, 181 metres long and staterooms and several new guest coffee bar, which is the perfect place 25.5 metres across and passenger experiences, including the ever- for pre-dinner drinks and meeting capacity of 684 (lower berths) Insignia popular Baristas coffee bar, a cook- friends. The comfortable lounge chairs is a classic mid-sized ship that is very to-order grill at Terrace Café and new are inviting. Other venues are located comfortable offering a relaxed smart outdoor recreation on the Sports Deck. at the stern on deck 10, Toscana, casual atmosphere. It is known to have We found our stateroom very serving classic Italian meals and the an elegant country club atmosphere comfortable with a queen sized Polo Grill Steakhouse. Both feature with excellent food and impeccable bed, desk and two seater sofa a bar at the restaurant entrance. service from very friendly staff. and adequate storage space. The There is no extra charge for these two The ship underwent a multimillion- bathroom was on the smallish size with speciality restaurants. The popular dollar transformation in 2014 after a good shower. Terrace Café provides the casual returning from a charter to Hapag There are four restaurants: The Grand dining option on board seating 154 Lloyd where she cruised as Columbus Dining Room seats around 340 guests indoors and 186 outdoors and is open

30 August 2015 for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It has a featuring singer Karen Beckett and a A special section has for rental eight small pizzeria and Waves Grill is outside special salute to passengers by the private cabanas with drapes that can on the Pool Deck offering delicious crew of Insignia. be drawn for privacy, a daybed for steak and lobster burgers and other A most comfortable lounge is Martinis two and an attendant who will provide delicacies. with its classic ambiance. A pianist drinks and cold towels. Afternoon tea is served in the entertains throughout the evening. For pampering there is the Canyon observation bar Horizons and features Because of the sea and wind Ranch SpaClub with treatment and a selection of hot food, sandwiches, conditions we were unable to spend steam rooms and beauty salon. For scones and cake whilst the Ocean much time on deck, instead retiring exercise there is a small jogging track, String Quartet played. At other times to the library, a grand Regency-style deck games and well equipped fitness the venue is used for various forms room, with a fireplace, high ceiling, centre. of entertainment from trivia, coffee and comfortable wingback chairs The interior decor is stunning featuring tasting and dancing. The popular with footstools. You can find yourself dark woods and warm colours. The Artist Loft is tucked inside Horizons Bar, nodding off for forty winks before wrought-iron balustrade staircase in providing a variety of enrichment or after lunch. On offer is a great the reception area was a popular programs. selection of reading material. Also place for photographs. The Insignia lounge is on deck 5 there is a small casino. All in all a most enjoyable time was and is the main show place with On deck you have a swimming pool, had with good company, fine foods various entertainment, lectures and hot tubs and thick blue and white and first class facilities. It is always a social events. We enjoyed a concert cushioned deck chairs and day beds. delight to cruise with Oceania. JT/KT

www.cruisingnews.com 31 Feature Story

A Reunion with Legend of the Seas It was in December 1999 in Cairns decorations. It was a pleasure to use the Solarium, an indoor/outdoor pool we first ventured on Legend of the the inner glass lifts and to see this lounge that is covered by a 4,300 Seas when the ship made its maiden colourful sight. Next surprise was our square foot sliding glass canopy. At voyage to Australia and two years stateroom, a cabin with a balcony. The night it is lit with special lighting to later we again had the opportunity for stateroom was very spacious with a provide a romantic atmosphere. a short cruise on board. This time we good sized sitting area, lots of hanging Also on the same deck forward of joined the vessel in Sydney for a five space and a workable bathroom. A the ship is the Windjammer Cafe, a night cruise via Brisbane and Airlie few minutes later the telephone rang window walled, indoor/outdoor cafe Beach to Cairns. and we were invited to join a press with a seating capacity of 546. It was In Issue 9, March 2000, we reported lunch with the (then) President of Royal a popular area for breakfast, lunch, that we were looking forward to our Caribbean International, Mr Jack afternoon tea and sometimes evening journey on the largest cruise ship we Williams. Excellent food and good wine meals. It was not long before we had ever experienced. At that time was served, a most enjoyable lunch came across the shopping arcade, Legend of the Seas at 69,130 grt was with fine company. The afternoon although closed whilst in port the Shops a big ship having entered service only gave us time to explore the ship. of Centrum are situated in a spacious five years earlier in May 1995. Spanning some 11 guest decks there area with a vast array of products and Our story continued “instantly we was lots to see. The pool area with spas souvenirs for sale. For dinner that night could see how spacious the ship was was a spacious area for relaxation the setting was the Romeo and Juliet and saw the beauty and layout of and had plenty of shade. On the Dining Room, a two level room with a the Centrum in beautiful Christmas same level of the Sun deck there was capacity for 1,050 offering panoramic

32 August 2015 views through 26 foot floor to ceiling his show. Another feature of the ship are the same as we would report in windows. Over the three nights we is the new computer room – an area 2015 with some additions. were on board we received excellent gaining popularity by the day. The Following an extensive $50 million service and first class selection of food. staff were very friendly and helpful – revitalisation in 2013, the ship now Nothing was impossible for our waiters from a crew of 720 there were over boasts an outdoor rock climbing wall and the food was some of the best fifty different nationalities on board. for active travellers to test their skill, we have tasted on a ship. Next day The ship was big – but with only 1,250 introduced new dining venues, has the ship left Cairns at 6pm for the run passengers on board – there was Wi-Fi throughout the ship, flat screen down the Queensland coast bound always plenty of room. At no time televisions in all cabins, finger-touching for Brisbane. Our vantage point to did we feel lost; in fact the Legend of digital direction screens and each watch the departure was the Viking the Seas was a good ship to find your morning on Channel 14 the Cruise Crown Lounge, high on top of the ship. way around. We believe even when Director and Activities Manager The trademark lounge on all Royal she carries maximum capacity, over present an informative show about the Caribbean ships is a great observation 1,800 guests, it will be an easy ship to day ahead. The pool deck now has a point by day and a lively dance club negotiate. We were also aware of giant outdoor movie screen. 13 new by night. The intimate area seats the cleanliness of Legend of the Seas around 250 guests. and the staff seemed to be constantly cabins have been added on decks 7 and 8, and Deck 6 cabins, which A feature of the ship is the Legend of on cleaning and polishing duty. Top previously had no verandahs, now the Links golf course which features marks for a great ship. Royal deserves feature balconies. The R Bar is now a replicas of 18 of the world’s most its standing in the ratings and delivers popular meeting place in the ship’s challenging golf holes, complete a fine product. We are sure Australians hub, the five-deck centrum. with landscaping and hazards, not will support Legend of the Seas early to mention the wind. The elegant next year when she returns to the South Legend of the Seas’ culinary offerings Anchors Aweigh main lounge seats Pacific.” now include Chops Grille, where approx 550 guests and features And now in 2015 we again travelled you can enjoy great steaks, fresh late night entertainment, dancing on Legend of the Seas as Royal seafood and delicious desserts in an and other shipboard activities. We Caribbean International made final elegant dining atmosphere, Izumi attended the 800 seat showroom, preparations for the maiden arrival Asian Restaurant and the 12-seat That’s Entertainment Theatre, on our of its Queensland season based in private dining room Chef’s Table, for final night onboard and watched Brisbane as the ship was passing a multi-course wine pairing hosted by Australian entertainer Joey Fimmano Australia on its way to Asia for a cruise one of the ship’s talented Chefs and perform. He was a credit to Australia season there before returning in Sommelier. Extra charges apply for and the audience quickly warmed to December 2015. Our comments above these venues. A popular spot was the

www.cruisingnews.com 33 Park Cafe, a bistro-style eatery which us was The Aussie Boys who sang a We enjoyed this cruise as we did was added to the Solarium indoor selection of songs which pleased the on the two previous occasions. A pool area. Room service is available whole audience. Each evening we great stateroom, excellent food, the 24 hours a day. My time dining is now enjoyed listening to the music from the entertainment, varied facilities and available between 5.30 and 8.45 each various groups playing in the Centrum. good company made our five days on evening. We also caught up with the hotel board memorable. Again the entertainment was first class director John Rae who we had sailed During her five month season, Legend with the Royal Caribbean Singers with before and he also worked in the and Dancers and the backing of of the Seas will embark on 15 itineraries Sydney office of Royal Caribbean. the Legend of the Seas Orchestra in Australia, New Zealand and the providing excellent stage shows, Gold Legend of the Seas provides an South Pacific ranging from two to Coast comedian Ian McLean was at enjoyable cruise experience and 18-nights before repositioning back to his best and the knockout show for is especially suitable for families. Asia in April 2016. JT/KT

New Book Illustrates P&O Cruises’ Australian Heritage A newly P&O in Sydney when the photographic “Whether it’s the mail steamers of released book archive became too large for the the nineteenth century, the birth of has detailed company to store. When a decision Australian cruising in 1932, the assisted the story of was made to dispose of the collection, passage scheme that brought a P&O’s illustrious I was able to negotiate to save some million ‘ten pound poms’ to these history through of the archive and have spent the past shores or contemporary cruising, hundreds of rare 46 years documenting it. It contains P&O has always been in the thick of photographs. many thousands of images, the best of it – and leading it more often than Officially launched by Carnival which we’ve selected for publication not,” Ms Sherry said. “We owe a debt Australia CEO Ann Sherry onboard in this book.” of gratitude to Rob Henderson, Doug P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl in Sydney, Fellow author Chris Frame commented, Cremer, Chris Frame and Rachelle the book is unique among those “Rachelle and I met Rob and Doug Cross for documenting the P&O story produced about P&O because of the onboard Queen Mary 2. I had just as a pictorial record in this magnificent rarely seen imagery it contains. finished a lecture about Cunard’s book. I commend “A Photographic Written by Australian historians history and the pair approached us History of P&O Cruises” to the many Rob Henderson, Doug Cremer, to talk about P&O. By the end of the families whose lives have been Rachelle Cross and Chris Frame, “A voyage we had agreed to collaborate touched in some way by P&O, perhaps Photographic History of P&O Cruises” on this project. Having access to the most revered name in shipping in focuses on how Australia and pleasure the rare source documents and Australia.” cruising helped shape P&O to become extensive imagery allowed us to trace one of the most significant and famous P&O’s story from a unique angle. As shipping lines in history. Australians, it was a great thrill to see With a narrative sourced from the how much our country had helped only known surviving copy of the P&O shape the world famous P&O.” board minutes dating back to the Speaking at the launch, Ms Sherry said 1830s, the book includes imagery from that over a period of more than 150 the Orient Heritage collection owned years, P&O had been at the forefront by Henderson and Cremer. of nation building in Australia, a role Of the imagery, archivist Rob which was continuing in its leadership Henderson said, “I was working for of the resurgence of cruising.

34 August 2015 RIVER CRUISE NEWS

New 2016 Asian River Cruise Brochure

Avalon Waterways is celebrating its by road. Avalon’s second new Asian of living space, beautifully fitted in expansion in Asia for its 2016 river ship, Avalon Myanmar, is the same size contemporary Asian style. The suites cruises on the Mekong and Irrawaddy. and will be introduced at the end of feature Avalon’s signature open-air With two magnificent new ships making September, cruising from the temple- balcony with floor-to-ceiling, wall-to- their debut in Asia this year, Avalon has dotted plains of Bagan to the upper wall panoramic windows that have released a dedicated brochure for its reaches of the Irrawaddy at Bhamo. retractable screen systems and doors 2016 Asia Collection, featuring exotic Both ships are based on Avalon’s that slide open to make the most of river cruises in Vietnam, Cambodia, revolutionary Suite Ship concept the passing scenery. Myanmar and China. pioneered on the rivers of Europe, but Also featured in Avalon’s 2016 Avalon’s newest Asian ship, Avalon in a smaller format designed especially Asia Collection brochure are three Siem Reap, was launched in January for Asian cruising. and now offers unforgettable cruises Built by local craftsmen, Avalon itineraries in China. They range from 12 on the mighty Mekong between Siem Reap and Avalon Myanmar to 16 days and combine cruises on the Vietnam and Cambodia. Catering have been designed to reflect the Yangtze River of between three and to just 36 guests, the 60m ship is small character, symbolism and traditions four nights with visits to China’s greatest enough to sail all the way into Ho Chi of the regions through which they highlights including Beijing, Shanghai, Minh City and seasonally into Siem sail. Each has 18 air-conditioned the Great Wall and the Terracotta Reap, saving hours of additional travel Avalon Suites with 23 square metres Warriors of Xi’an.

Sustained Success into the ocean cruising category with its brand new Viking Star. Accommodating only 930 passengers, the ship is small enough to dock in the heart of each destination. Viking’s ocean itineraries feature the most hours in port of all the cruise lines, and often with overnight stays in port so you don’t have to hurry back on board when evening falls. Another important factor in their success comes from their people, around 3000 Viking employed, English speaking staff worldwide, and is rooted Viking River Cruises seems to be the operator of all their entire fleet, in the personal service they provide. darling of the river cruise aficionados. It no doubt has played a big role in Their knowledgeable, experienced was recently named the #1 river cruise maintaining a high and consistent Swiss management oversees the entire line on Travel + Leisure’s 2015 World’s standard. It also means a lot in on board experience and handpicks Best List which is based on an annual practical terms that Viking owns the each member of the team. Rigorous survey of Travel + Leisure readers. This most central docking spots in many training and inspiring leadership make is not the first time this company has of the ports due to their so called Viking the employer of choice, which been thus honoured – Viking has been Grandfather berthing rights. This allows allows them to select the very best recognized eleven times from 2004 to Viking travellers to start exploring a people to care for their guests – from 2015 with these annual awards. destination as soon as they disembark. stateroom stewards to the Captain. So what is their recipe for such The focus on destination is one of the And there you have the recipe for sustained success? Being the owner key points for Viking as it expands being named #1.

www.cruisingnews.com 35 RIVER CRUISING FROM A UNIQUE POINT OF VIEW

At Avalon, we share your unique point of view. That’s why we’ve designed a cruise experience that’s just a bit diŠ erent. Spaces are bigger. Views are more epic. Excursions are more enriching. It’s a step beyond the ordinary, but knowing you, we think you’ll feel at home here. Welcome aboard.

popular cruises

Magnificent Europe BURGUNDY & PROVENCE 15 days from $6,146 11 days from $4,395 per person twin share (27/03/16 Cat E) per person twin share (27/03/16 Cat E)

For more information and to book See your Travel Agent Call 1300 230 234 Visit avalonwaterways.com.au

now available 2016 earlybird offers

See our website for details

*Terms and conditions apply: Prices are based on rates (including foreign exchange rates) known at time publication and are subject to change; itinerary is also subject to change. Prices are per person twin share and include port charges & gratuities. Valid for singles-single supplement applies. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500pp/per cruise required within 7 days of booking to secure reservation. Offers can be withdrawn or amended at any time. Additional restrictions Avalon Ambassador DEBORAH HUTTON may apply. For full terms and conditions see the 2016 Avalon Waterways brochure or visit avalonwaterways.com.au Licence No. 2TA000637.

RIVER CRUISING FROM A UNIQUE POINT OF VIEW

At Avalon, we share your unique point of view. That’s why we’ve designed a cruise experience that’s just a bit diŠ erent. Spaces are bigger. Views are more epic. Excursions are more enriching. It’s a step beyond the ordinary, but knowing you, we think you’ll feel at home here. Welcome aboard.

popular cruises

Magnificent Europe BURGUNDY & PROVENCE 15 days from $6,146 11 days from $4,395 per person twin share (27/03/16 Cat E) per person twin share (27/03/16 Cat E)

For more information and to book See your Travel Agent Call 1300 230 234 Visit avalonwaterways.com.au

now available 2016 earlybird offers

See our website for details

*Terms and conditions apply: Prices are based on rates (including foreign exchange rates) known at time publication and are subject to change; itinerary is also subject to change. Prices are per person twin share and include port charges & gratuities. Valid for singles-single supplement applies. Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $500pp/per cruise required within 7 days of booking to secure reservation. Offers can be withdrawn or amended at any time. Additional restrictions Avalon Ambassador DEBORAH HUTTON may apply. For full terms and conditions see the 2016 Avalon Waterways brochure or visit avalonwaterways.com.au Licence No. 2TA000637.

RIVER CRUISE NEWS

Collette Announces Exciting New River Cruises For travellers wishing to cast off Rüdesheim for seven nights aboard and see some of the world’s most one of the luxurious Lüftner vessels, panoramic waterways, Collette has passengers can enjoy opulent just announced the launch of two staterooms, live entertainment and Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube, new European river cruises: Timeless fabulous cuisine set against this passengers will sail by majestic castles, France and the new Magical Rhine picturesque backdrop. The new spellbinding fortresses and rustic and Moselle tour. Timeless France is Magical Rhine and Moselle tour is villages, soaking up striking vistas now available in Collette’s collection available for bookings now but due rich with history, culture and lore. For of river cruises with highlights including to popular demand will replace the floraphiles, embarking on Collette’s The Rhone Valley, Lyon, Avignon, previous Collette Rhine and Moselle Springtime Tulip River Cruise through Dijon and Beaune. Timeless France is Tour in 2016. The new Magical Rhine Holland and Belgium will open up a the perfect blend of river and land, and Moselle tour features Lüftner’s world of blossom and bloom. Travellers featuring the picturesque Saône and brand new MS Amadeus Silver II can visit Keukenhof Gardens home Rhône Rivers and transporting travellers which hosts passengers on a cruise to more than 7 million tulips, enjoy a on a journey through the magnificent complete with spa and massage canal cruise in the heart of Amsterdam regions of France. Exploring the French facilities, three bars and an on-board or sample artisan cheeses at a local Riviera, Frankfurt, Burgundy and hairdresser. “Demand for river cruising Dutch farm. Other popular products Provence on the lavish M/S Amadeus product has seen exponential growth include the Classic Danube River Symphony, travellers can indulge in of 32% in the Australian market last Cruise and the Treasures of Egypt tours. local culinary delights, sample world- year. We are pleased to be able to class wines and visit Riquewihr, a offer these exciting new products and Aboard the state-of-the-art Lüftner quaint, storybook village peppered I am confident that the Australian M/S Amadeus Princess vessel, watch with medieval architecture, pastoral market will embrace them,” said Alison as the banks of the Danube play host fields and vineyards. Timeless France Mead, Collette’s Australian Business as this glorious river dances from day is a great tour that gives travellers the Manager. Favourites from the current into night on Collette’s Classic Danube opportunity to experience a fusion of suite of Collette river cruises include River Cruise. Beginning in the ancient culture, history, architecture, delicious Legendary Waterways of Europe and wine town of Würzburg often called food and of course, excellent wine! Springtime Tulip river cruises. Take a ‘the jewel of the Main River’, travellers Mosey down the magical Rhine leisurely voyage down the Legendary can amble across Alte Mainbrucke, and Moselle Rivers and soak up the Waterways of Europe, gliding serenely the oldest bridge on the River Main or spectacular scenery of the romantic through Holland, Germany, Austria, visit the ornate 18th-century residence Rhine Valley. Cruising Amsterdam, Slovakia and Hungary on this 14-night of the prince-bishops which boasts the Cologne, Cochem, Strasbourg and cruise. Carried by the waters of the largest ceiling fresco in the world. SSO Embarks on Europe’s Waterways APT will bring the magic of live to perform live onboard APT river Germany, Austria, Slovakia and symphony to Europe’s waterways cruises seemed a natural extension Hungary) aboard the MS AmaStella, in 2016, inviting an ensemble of of this partnership: “We are thrilled MS AmaVenita, MS AmaVerde musicians from the Sydney Symphony to be working with the SSO to make between Amsterdam and Budapest. Orchestra (SSO) to perform a series of these special performances a reality They will also enjoy additional musical exclusive live performances aboard six for our guests in 2016. Where better highlights such as a visit to the departures of its 15-day Magnificent to experience Europe’s musical Hungarian Opera House for a private Europe river cruise. The six special heritage than sailing through the very opera recital; a journey aboard the departures are the first in a series regions that served as the inspiration luxurious Majestic Imperator train, of new Special Events cruises to be for the compositions aboard one authentic replica of the Imperial unveiled by APT. of our magnificent river cruise ships. Royal train of the Habsburgs, a visit The cruises will feature a quartet of SSO These special departures promise to to Mozart’s birthplace Salzburg; and deliver an experience that is simply musicians − Lerida Delbridge, Claire a private musical soiree at Vienna’s unforgettable.” Herrick, Justin Williams and Timothy newly refurbished City Palace, Nankervis − who will deliver one-off Sydney Symphony Orchestra featuring members of the Mozart Boys’ performances designed to take guests Managing Director Rory Jeffes said Choir. on a musical journey around Europe. a shared passion for excellence Departure dates for the special SSO As well as timeless classics, the has helped APT and the SSO create cruises are: 10, 11, 12, 24, 25 and 26 ensemble will deliver thrilling what promises to be a memorable masterpieces by the great composers, experience: “The chance to hear our March 2016. as well as works by fresh new voices world-class musicians aboard a luxury Image – Brendan Read on the classical music scene. APT is APT river cruise exploring Europe’s a major sponsor of the SSO’s flagship rich musical history is an event not to Master Series at the Sydney Opera be missed. This trip should be on the House which each year showcases bucket-list for anyone who loves or some of the world’s biggest musical appreciates classical music and luxury stars performing music from the heart travel.” and soul of the SSO repertoire. Guests travelling on the special SSO 15- According to APT Chief Marketing day Magnificent Europe departures will Officer, Debra Fox, inviting musicians sail through five countries (Netherlands,

38 August 2015 EXPERIENCE MORE THAN SCENERY

ENJOY PRIVILEGED ACCESS WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH THE MOST AWARDED RIVER CRUISE LINE Discover the unparalleled pleasure of seeing Europe by river with enrichment only Viking can offer. With more itineraries in more destinations worldwide, we provide behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities that set us apart. While we deliver the expected and iconic – such as visits to museums and landmarks – we also go beyond. Travel to the beaches of Normandy with a D-Day veteran or enter the state-of-the-art storage vaults of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg with our Privileged Access experience.

Book now for the 2015 or 2016 season Call 1800 131 744 (AU) or 0800 447 913 (NZ) Visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au or see your local travel agent

THE WORLD’S LEADING RIVER CRUISE LINE...BY FAR Mini Brochures out Now! Scenic has added two mini brochures to its RIVER CRUISE NEWS 2016 portfolio – The Captivating Wonders of Expanded In-Suite Butler Service France and Portugal and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise The Imperial Wonders Collection has announced the of Russia. These smaller expansion of its in-suite butler service sized brochures showcase Scenic’s throughout its European fleet. Aligning range of France, Portugal and Russia to Uniworld’s ongoing commitment river cruising products. They have to deliver a superior experience at been designed to assist agents with every level, guests staying in suites selling to their clients; with a focus on onboard the one-of-a-kind ships will the key highlights of each destination find their every need attended to by they perfectly complement the main Uniworld’s renowned butlers. Trained corporate butler for Uniworld. “A few brochure which details the day to day under the tutelage of Zita Langenstein years ago, we organised a limousine itineraries. of England’s esteemed Ivor Spencer transfer from the train station to the Aleisha Fittler, GM Product Butler School, Uniworld butlers possess ship for a couple who had travelled Development, commented: “Our the same unsurpassed level of with us many times before. I knew this France, Portugal and Russia river service found at a number of royal couple and wanted to provide a warm cruises continue to prove popular houses around the world, including welcome. Upon their arrival, there I among our guests. France now makes Buckingham Palace. Uniworld currently was, ready to greet them wearing up 40% of our Europe river cruise offers in-suite butler service on the River my uniform with white gloves on and sales and sales for Portugal’s Douro Beatrice, S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Catherine, a fresh white rose on my lapel. When far surpassed our expectations since and its newest ship, S.S. Maria Theresa. they saw me, they were speechless launching just six months ago. So to “Being a Uniworld butler means and incredibly impressed by the make it easier for agents we have providing a supreme standard of personalised touch. This is one of many created additional brochures for them service that goes above and beyond examples of how Uniworld butlers strive to use in their consultations. With more to create memorable moments for our to provide an unprecedented level of of an emphasis on the destination they guests,” said Valentin Gradescu, head anticipatory service.” will experience, we hope agents and AmaWaterways Celebrates AmaSerena guests alike will find these helpful when deciding on the right itinerary.” There AmaWaterways has celebrated the Chef’s Table restaurant, and intimate is no better time for guests to book christening of its new 164-passenger wine rooms, as well as fitness rooms their 2016 Scenic Europe or France vessel AmaSerena joining sister ships and heated sun deck swimming pools river cruise as they AmaReina, AmaPrima, AmaCerto and with swim-up bars. can now enjoy even AmaSonata. AmaSerena’s christening voyage more inclusions with The ship’s spacious accommodations embarked 29 July from Budapest. the introduction of a feature the line’s first-ever connecting During the seven-night journey along bonus pre or post night’s staterooms and guests will enjoy the the Danube, the ship visited some of accommodation. comfort of signature twin balconies, Europe’s most captivating destinations salon and spa services, sun decks, including Bratislava, Vienna, Linz and Scenic’s 2016 mini multiple dining venues, including The Passau. brochures are out now. New Mississippi Riverboat Named American Cruise Lines has announced the name of its brand-new Mississippi paddlewheeler – America – currently under construction. The America is American built, flagged, and crewed, which is symbolic of the true all- American experience provided by American Cruise Lines. The America will be American Cruise Lines’ eighth ship New staff for Captain Cook Fiji and its second brand-new vessel this Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has announced the appointments of Simon Estella as year. The vessel is scheduled to begin Master of the Reef Endeavour, Scott Wade as Hospitality Manager onboard the sailing the Mississippi River in early 2016. Reef Endeavour and Vanessa Young as General Manager Sales based in the Sydney Office. Simon re-joins the Captain Cook Cruises family after previously working as a Master for the company based in Fiji on the Reef Escape in 1998 and 1999 and prior to this as Second Officer on the Reef Endeavour based in Cairns. After leaving Captain Cook Cruises, Simon spent many years at sea in the Pacific, the Mediterranean and Caribbean. He came ashore in 2000 and has spent a number of years in the corporate world mentoring Captains and other deck officers, before he decided to return to one of his favourite places, Fiji. Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, Australian Managing Director, Jackie Charlton, welcomes Simon, Scott and Vanessa to the team and looks forward to working with them.

40 August 2015 180 Day World Cruise for 2017 Oceania Cruises has released details of a new 180-day Around the World cruise aboard Insignia. Scheduled to depart on 6 January 2017, the 180-day cruise is the fourth in a series of epic globetrotting adventures offered by Oceania Cruises. “This is a landmark itinerary for Oceania Cruises. It’s designed for travellers who want to immerse themselves in the diverse cultures found throughout the Five Ship Spectacular Will Rock Sydney Harbour world, and believes each destination P&O Cruises has revealed details of its Denison together after arriving in the should be savoured and enjoyed history-making five ship spectacular Harbour. The cruise line will announce in a leisurely manner,” stated Jason which is set to rock Sydney Harbour on details of the ceremony and the ships’ Montague, president and chief 25 November. Some of the best known godmothers at a later date. operating officer for Oceania Cruises. performers in Australia today – Jessica After their early morning arrival, the five The 2017 version of the Around the Mauboy, The Veronicas, Samantha ships will take up their positions for the World in 180 Days will take guests to six Jade, Justice Crew and Stan Walker – afternoon of entertainment with Pacific continents, 36 countries, 50 UNESCO will headline a musical extravaganza Jewel located at Athol Bay, Heritage Sites and 98 ports of which will run from mid-afternoon into Dawn off Garden Island, Pacific Pearl call, including stops in Ireland, Spain the evening. The performers will be at Point Piper, Pacific Aria berthed at and Turkey not offered during previous joined by 20 other great live music acts world cruises. across the ships as well as 10 DJs. the Overseas Passenger Terminal and Pacific Eden set to be anchored at Embarking from Miami on 6 January More than 9000 passengers will be Neutral Bay after spending the day at 2017, Insignia will set sail for the able to enjoy the special concerts, White Bay. Caribbean before continuing on a while all of Sydney will enjoy the southern course to South America, unprecedented spectacle of five Following the concert, guests onboard passing through the Panama Canal ships on the harbour, beginning with the ships will enjoy the biggest white and making several calls on the a Salute to Sydney which will see the party at sea with the cruise line Pacific coast of Central America. fleet form a V off the heads before overseeing a mass production of its After departing San Diego, Insignia they sail single file into the harbour. The new Bianco event on the top decks of will cruise the Pacific in route to the P&O parade will mark the arrival of the all five ships. To celebrate the historic Hawaiian Islands, French Polynesia, line’s two latest ships, Pacific Aria and moment, a spectacular firework finale American Samoa, Fiji, Vanuatu and Pacific Eden, which will be officially will light up the night sky above the New Caledonia. After numerous named as they sail by Sydney’s Fort cruise cavalcade. stops throughout Australia and New Edgy New Style after Sydney Dry Dock Zealand, passengers will cross the Pacific Pearl will become the latest Timor Sea to Indonesia and explore ship in P&O Cruises’ fleet to offer guests the Java Sea before passing through an extra dose of holiday adrenaline, the Karimata Strait to Malaysia. following the addition of the popular Cruising the South China Sea, Insignia P&OEdge Adventure Park as part of will call on Brunei, the Philippines, a major refurbishment during August. Taiwan, China, Vietnam, Thailand and The new P&OEdge Adventure Park will India. From there the ship will cross feature more than 15 great activities the Arabian Sea to the United Arab including a surfboard simulator offering Emirates and Oman. guests the chance to hang ten on the Next on Insignia’s journey, the ship decks, as well as favourites such as cruises the Red Sea to Jordan and the bungy tramp, flying fox and walk Egypt before passing through the Suez the plank. When she emerges from Canal to Israel and southern Turkey, the Sydney dry dock on 15 August, the gateway between East and West. Pacific Pearl will also offer a PANDORA The ship then spends an extensive outlet, enabling guests to indulge in period of time in the Mediterranean, some holiday shopping with one of visiting coastal cities in Greece, Italy Australia’s top jewellery brands. The and Spain before reaching Gibraltar ship’s décor will take on a stylish new and re-entering the Atlantic Ocean. look following the refit, with a fresh She will continue sailing the Atlantic colour palette and contemporary coast of Spain and call on cities in furniture, wallpaper, artwork and Portugal and France before cruising carpet creating a modern Australian the Celtic and Irish Seas with several feel for the Orient, Mix bar, Connexions, stops in Ireland. From there Insignia will the Atrium and Luna restaurant. cross the Atlantic to the New World, Meanwhile, the Plantation buffet will Waterfront restaurant, with a total where she will arrive in Newfoundland be redesigned to offer a trendy café before cruising up the St. Lawrence of 17,000sqm of carpet being fitted vibe. River to Quebec. Insignia will visit the The multi-million dollar refurbishment on the ship. Enhancing the onboard New England coast, New York City and will see a general refresh of guest entertainment, duelling pianos will be overnight in historic Charleston, South cabins and other public spaces added to The Orient turning the bar Carolina before returning to Miami on including the Dome, spa and into a lively and interactive music hub. July 6.

www.cruisingnews.com 41 Seabourn Legend and Seabourn Spirit – Seabourn Seabourn farewells its pioneering sisters by Jonathan Crabbe

It’s hard to believe that over a quarter of a century has passed since Seabourn introduced the first of its innovative trio of 10,000 grt deluxe yacht-like vessels. The cruise industry has changed considerably over the ensuing years, but the ships have aged gracefully and maintained their popularity with discerning travellers seeking an intimate cruise experience. Following the departure of Seabourn Pride last year, sisters Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend left the fleet in April, marking the end of an era for Seabourn. Seabourn’s announcement in February Spirit, Wind Star, and Wind Surf. handsome profile were aft-placed twin 2013 that it would be letting go of its Built in Bremerhaven, Germany, the funnels. Interior-wise, the ships were the original trio of 208-passenger sisters Seabourn sisters – known as the Pride epitome of luxury cruising, featuring represented more than the retirement class – were quite unlike anything that spacious all-suite accommodation, of its older vessels; the line was parting had come before them. Although elegantly decorated public areas, and with the ships responsible for launching the concept of the small, luxury even a retractable marina for water its operations and establishing its cruise ship was not entirely new – the sports. Adding to the refined on-board reputation as one of the industry’s 116-passenger Sea Goddess twins atmosphere were high standards of leading ultra-luxury brands. The sisters were launched several years earlier personalised service and cuisine. had been sold to Seattle-based small- – the Seabourn ships were unique in The first vessel, Seabourn Pride, was ship operator Windstar Cruises, with terms of their size and design. Carrying delivered in November 1988, followed Seabourn Pride – to be renamed Star approximately 100 passengers more a year later by Seabourn Spirit. An Pride – the first to transfer in April 2014. than the Sea Goddess duo, the Pride option on a third vessel was not taken Earlier this year, Seabourn Spirit and class boasted many of the facilities up by Seabourn, and the ship was Seabourn Legend underwent US$8.5 of larger vessels while maintaining an delivered instead to Royal Viking Line in million refits in Genoa, emerging as Star intimate, small-ship ambience. The 1992 as Royal Viking Queen. A number Breeze and Star Legend, respectively. ships’ lines combined traditional curves of minor design modifications, both In a major expansion for Windstar, with a contemporary sloping forward internal and external, distinguished the ships have joined the company’s superstructure, creating a sleek, yacht- Royal Viking Queen from her older existing fleet of sailing yachts, Wind like appearance. Capping off their sisters, and some regarded her as the

Seabourn Legend Star Pride Seabourn Pride

42 August 2015 Seabourn Legend finest of the three. The ship was the first Seabourn Sun, which was simply too to see two of them tied up opposite of the trio to visit Australia when she large to fit Seabourn’s philosophy of one another at a Caribbean pier. passed briefly through northern waters intimate luxury cruising, was transferred This tradition is set to continue under in early 1993. With the sale of the Royal to sister company Holland America Windstar, with the first meeting of Star Viking brand to Cunard, the vessel was Line, where she found success as Pride and Star Breeze taking place transferred to Royal Cruise Line in early Prinsendam. By mid-2002, the Seabourn on 12 June in Dubrovnik. For the 1995 for a brief stint as Queen Odyssey fleet was once again composed of foreseeable future, Windstar is limiting before being purchased by Seabourn. the original Pride-class trio and would the trio’s deployment to Europe, the Renamed Seabourn Legend, she remain that way for the next seven Caribbean, and Central America; joined her sisters in 1996. years. however, it is likely that the ships will be Soon after joining the fleet, Seabourn Despite the growing popularity of used to open up new markets for the Legend was ‘cast’ as a floating set balcony cabins by the late eighties, company. for the 1997 action thriller “Speed only a small number of forward-facing In 2006, Seabourn announced its 2: Cruise Control,” starring Sandra suites on the vessels were equipped first order for newbuilds since the Bullock, Jason Patric, and Willem with private verandas. So when the company’s inception twenty years Dafoe. Unfortunately, the quality of ships underwent their first major refit in earlier. To be named Seabourn the screenplay matched neither the 2000, French balconies were added Odyssey, Sojourn, and Quest, the new original film nor the ship. Considering to 36 of the suites, enabling the Pride trio was designed to put Seabourn the plotline had Legend sideswiping class to compete more effectively with back at the forefront of the increasingly an oil tanker before ramming into newer tonnage in the luxury sector competitive luxury segment. At 32,000 a Caribbean port, it was somewhat such as Silversea’s Silver Cloud and grt, the 450-passenger vessels would surprising that Seabourn allowed the Silver Wind. The work was done in a be considerably larger than the Pride filmmakers to use the vessel’s real name manner sympathetic with the ships’ class, but their exterior design was – perhaps a case of “any publicity is original design and fortunately did not unmistakably an evolution of the good publicity”. compromise their sleek lines. In 2007, original trio. The full acquisition of Seabourn and the ships’ exterior appearance was by Carnival Corporation updated further with the removal of the The departure of the Pride class is in the late nineties resulted in the blue cheat lines and a change in the sure to be lamented by Seabourn’s transfer of a number of Cunard funnel logo colour. long-standing clientele. The ships’ vessels to the Seabourn fleet. In 1999- While the sisters seemed most at withdrawal represents a gradual shift by 2000, Pride, Spirit, and Legend were home in the sun-kissed waters of the the company to larger tonnage, further joined by former competitors, the Sea Caribbean and Mediterranean, their exemplified by the line’s forthcoming Goddess twins, as well as the highly- itineraries saw them venturing to far- newbuilds, the 604-passenger, 40,350 rated 758-passenger Royal Viking flung corners of the globe. The ships grt sisters Seabourn Encore and Sun. Following the Seabourn naming were not regular callers in Australian Seabourn Ovation. Seabourn’s loss convention, the new additions were and New Zealand ports but have is Windstar’s gain, however, and the renamed Seabourn Goddess I and II all visited the region on at least one trio’s new owners no doubt have and Seabourn Sun, respectively. The occasion. Seabourn Pride made her a captive audience among those expanded, eclectic fleet would be maiden and only visit in late 1996, who appreciate a truly intimate short-lived, however. Within two years, followed by Legend a year later, and cruise experience. As the Pride class the Goddess pair was sold, ironically to finally Spirit in 2004, 2006, and 2011. approaches its fourth decade of Seabourn founder Atle Brynestad for his From time to time the sisters’ paths service, the ships seem set for many new venture, SeaDream Yacht Club. would cross, and it was not unusual more successful years ahead.

www.cruisingnews.com 43 Fishing village Isle of Pines Statue of Saint Maurice Notre Dame de l’Assomption Catholic Church

Grotto of Queen Hortense A School Holiday Family Cruise by Raelene James Have you ever wondered what it’s like to cruise with young kids? Maybe thought that cruising was for “empty nesters” or “grey nomads”? Or wondered if there were enough activities to keep you and the kids entertained? This year for our winter school holidays we decided to do a cruise. After seeking advice from some well-travelled friends we all agreed to do an eight-night cruise to New Caledonia on the Carnival Spirit – the ultimate kids ship. As first time cruisers, it sure lived up to our expectations and more! Our itinerary was jam-packed with Most of the first day was spent docked 2 to 5, 6 to 8 and 9 to11 years of age travel, activities and tours. As the Spirit in Sydney before sailing out at 6.30pm. and was a very professional, well- only leaves from Sydney, we decided Our boarding time was at 12.30pm organised and secure service. The kids to fly down the day before departure and we had all afternoon to explore had to be signed in and out and you from Brisbane. It was a spectacular the ship, book tours and find Camp were given a phone for the duration view from the hotel and we were Carnival before setting sail. We were of the cruise that you were required able to walk to the terminal which thankful we booked our tours early to keep with you when the kids were was about 300 metres away. The next as many sold out very quickly due to attending. Three sessions a day were morning, from our room’s balcony, limited places. on offer. We particularly liked the the kids could see the ship docked The next two days were Sea Days. The dinner/night option as you’d drop the which added to the excitement and kids were eager to visit Camp Carnival. kids off with the Camp Carnival team anticipation of the cruise. They had varying age groups – for dinner and then they’d go to their

Tender transfers to the islands

The Fun Shops

44 August 2015 Our family visiting Amedee Island Amedee Island Entertainment

Welcome to Noumea

Amedee Island night activities afterwards. This gave genuine “hole-in-one” in 48 knot winds onboard venue and the karaoke bar us a chance to enjoy our dinner in with a rocking ship! was always good for a laugh. the dining room and also to go and While the kids were at Camp Carnival, Everyday brought new specials see one of the spectacular night time we took the time to find out what was at the retailers on the ship. A very shows. on offer for adults. We particularly popular event was the “Inch Of Gold” There is no shortage of activities for enjoyed the “New Orleans” stage sale where you could get custom kids of all ages. And of course, you show. The singers and Spirit Dancers necklaces and bracelets made at very couldn’t sail on the Spirit and not visit put on a spectacular and entertaining good prices. The jewellery shop had the Waterworks and Green Thunder, performance and their rendition of many sale items including Tanzanite the steepest waterslide at sea. “Queen of the Night” would rival pieces, watches, perfume, etc. The Because we were cruising in winter, we that of Whitney Houston in “The Body Roman Spa also had daily deals and decided to buy wetsuits for the kids Guard”. We thoroughly enjoyed the I indulged in a relaxing 75 minute and I am very glad we did. Although comedic magician, Nick Nicholas massage and beauty treatment. I the temperatures were on average and were really looking forward to the highly recommend all Mum’s to take 24˚C during the day, it was quite Illusionist show on the last night but advantage of this service. breezy on the top deck where the it was unfortunately cancelled due After two whole days at sea, it was Waterworks is located. The two pools to rough seas. It was great meeting time for our three port stops at Maré, on the deck below were also popular, up with friends at the numerous Isle of Pines and Noumea. As there in particular the heated spa. Master bars on the ship and sampling the are no ports at Maré or Isle of Pines, 5 really enjoyed Mini Golf and it still many cocktails on offer. The live transfer was by tender so we decided has me baffled as to how he scored a entertainment was unique to each to leave Master 2 at Camp Carnival for

Reef shark and fish

Black and Brown Sea Snake Coconut tree climbing lesson

www.cruisingnews.com 45 Celebrating a birthday A World-Class Line-Up of Visionaries and Innovators on Seabourn Odyssey Seabourn has announced a new line-up of accomplished lecturers for Seabourn Conversations, the award-winning cruise line’s onboard enrichment and special guest entertainment program. Prominent Ice sculpting demonstration speakers scheduled to sail late 2015 these two short tours. a trip to the outer reefs to see the and early 2016 include Apple co- founder Steve Wozniak, Forbes Media At Maré, we were greeted by the local sharks, fish and turtles and another Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Steve people who had the most wonderful trip in a glass bottom boat to view singing voices. We thoroughly enjoyed the coral and reef life. The kids were Forbes and legendary American listening to them. They also had market taught how to climb a coconut tree journalist Dan Rather. stalls where you could buy souvenirs after a demonstration by one of the The line’s onboard enrichment and the local ladies were braiding the men and were fascinated by the Black program continues to feature girls’ hair for a small fee. The only tour and Brown Sea Snakes which were outstanding adventurers, artists, available for Maré was a beach shuttle everywhere on the island. But the historians and the business elite to Yejele Beach. If you love to snorkel, highlight for our family was the huge sharing tales of success and personal this is a beautiful beach with calm, island banquet and the unforgettable insights. On Seabourn’s intimate clear water. dancing by the local islanders. We ships, distinguished speakers not only Isle of Pines was magnificent! We were totally immersed in the culture provide skilled presentations of their opted for the two hour, Island and thoroughly enjoyed the costumes expertise for guests to enjoy, but just Discovery guided bus tour. Our guide and entertainment provided. as importantly, they may share meals, spoke excellent English and we went adventures ashore and casual chats to many significant landmarks. Our Once all our port stops were done, we favourite was the natural Grotto of cruised for another two days back to with guests throughout the voyage. Queen Hortense. This stunning cave Sydney. There is so much to see and do Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, who with huge stalactites and natural spring and everyday on the ship brings a new was awarded the National Medal amazed everyone with its undisturbed activity or event. We really enjoyed the of Technology by President Ronald beauty and was definitely worth the ice carving demonstration by George Reagan in 1985 and inducted into short walk through the rainforest to from the Philippines, playing Bingo the Inventors Hall of Fame in 2000, see. Our tour also stopped at a local with the kids in the Pharaoh’s Palace will participate in the Seabourn fishing village, a convict built Catholic and visiting the Techno Arcade on the Conversations program on Seabourn Church and St Maurice Bay. The day that the weather turned cold and Odyssey’s 20 day Holiday Panama kids really enjoyed learning about windy. Our daughter also celebrated Canal cruise, which departs Fort the village lifestyle and seeing the her 9th birthday whilst onboard and impressive landscapes of this tiny island Lauderdale on 15 December it was made extra special by the 2015. Renowned in the industry community. wait staff at dinner who sang happy and throughout the world for his Our final port stop was Noumea and birthday to her and brought a cake compelling reporting, Dan Rather is it didn’t disappoint. After breakfast with candles to our table. The boys one of the most famous American we headed back to our room, and really loved coming back to the room television news journalists. He will join upon entry, could hear the sound of to see what towel art animal was Seabourn Odyssey’s 20-day Panama large drums beating. The islanders on the bed for the night. But for my Canal cruise from 21-24 March 2016. were welcoming us to Noumea and husband and myself, a highlight was we stood on our balcony to cheer Meanwhile Chairman and Editor-in- meeting the many staff from over 50 them on and watch them dance and Chief of Forbes Media Steve Forbes countries. The Spirit staff really made perform. will lead a line up of conversationalists our holiday special and looked after us Rather than spend the day in the like their own family. on Seabourn Odyssey’s 77-day Pacific city, today’s excursion was a trip to Realm Exploration – a roundtrip cruise When people now ask me “Would I Amedee Island Marine Reserve, a departing Los Angeles on 4 January recommend cruising with a family?”, tiny coral atoll 18 kilometres south 2016, and calling at New Zealand and my answer is ABSOLUTELY! We of Noumea. Upon arriving on the Australia during its voyage. Mr Forbes thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of jetty, you could immediately see the will sail from Brisbane on 15 February lighthouse. Unfortunately it was closed our stay on Carnival Spirit and are 2016. for restoration and we weren’t able already planning our next cruising to climb to the top. The tour included adventure. Notable Australians who will also sail on Seabourn Odyssey’s Pacific The WaterWorks cruise include Captain Peter Martin. A maritime historian and foreign affairs expert, Mr Martin has piloted the Barrier Reef and navigated the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race and will be onboard Seabourn Odyssey from 6-19 February 2016. Warren Fahey, an Australian cultural historian, author and filmmaker will sail from 4-20 January Towel art 2016.

46 August 2015 FEATURE STORY

Final Curtain Call for the last of the Port Liners by Tim Ryan

As Lisboa – Portuscale Cruises Princess Danae in Sydney © T Ryan

The recent sale of the Portuguese liner Lisboa to Turkish shipbreakers closes a chapter on the career of a ship with an Australian connection spanning some sixty years. Better known in recent times as Classic International Cruises’ Princess Danae, the Lisboa was originally built for the Port Line in 1955 as the Port Melbourne and from 1955 to 1972 the ship was a familiar sight in Australian waters along with its sistership Port Sydney. Princess Danae made its last Australian examples of the last of the great British facilities, the long line voyage to the visit in March 2012 when it visited built ships in the post war shipbuilding United Kingdom was a comfortable Cairns on a world cruise but was era and the last survivors of the once and memorable experience. sold to Portuscale Cruises in 2013 prolific Port Line fleet. The Port Melbourne was launched at and renamed Lisboa. The company Port Melbourne and Port Sydney the Harland and Wolff yard in Belfast partially upgraded the ship for further were originally built for the Port Line, on 10 March 1955 and was also the last cruise service which never eventuated a Cunard subsidiary, for use in the liner in existence built at the famous and Lisboa was laid up in Lisbon until company’s refrigerated cargo service yard which constructed such fine ships its recent sale and as such never between Australia / New Zealand as the Olympic, Titanic, Southern Cross operated under this name. Its sister and the United Kingdom. The vessels and Canberra. The Port Sydney was ship Princess Daphne, the former Port were elegantly fitted out with luxurious built at the Swan Hunter & Wigham Sydney, was sold to Indian shipbreakers staterooms accommodating 12 Richardson yard at its Wallsend – on – last year but the two classic ships passengers and with extensive teak Tyne yard in England and launched on will always be remembered as fine decks and spacious cabins and 29 October 1954.

www.cruisingnews.com 47 These original photos of Port Melbourne provided by Ian Edwards shiphotos.com.au show the ship berthed at Station Pier Port Melbourne and in Sydney at 12 Pyrmont showing the old Pyrmont power station doing its bit for the atmosphere that is now the site of the Star Casino Both ships entered service in 1955 The ships retained their classically still giving the vessels a service speed and over the next 17 years the Port proportioned lines and profile with of over 17 knots. Melbourne and Port Sydney served on extensive open decks while a large In 1985 the two ships were operated the various Port Line routes from the UK array of new public spaces and by Costa Cruises and subsequently to Australia and New Zealand. In 1972 passenger accommodation replaced reappeared once more in Australian Port Melbourne and Port Sydney were the former cargo spaces. ports during the course of world cruises. sold for conversion to full time cruise As built, the 532 foot (162 metre) In 1996 Classic International Cruises ships with both ships initially renamed vessels sported a smart pebble grey purchased the former Danae which Therisos Express and Akrotiri Express hull as well as the famous Port Line / in the meantime had carried the but emerging in 1974 as Danae and Cunard funnel. After the refits the gross names Starlight Princess and Baltica. Daphne respectively for Carras Cruises tonnage of the vessels were increased During this time Daphne had been operating in the Mediterranean. to around 16,000 gross tonnes and sold to other owners and renamed With an extensive conversion, Danae each carried around 560 passengers Switzerland and later operated as and Daphne emerged as state of and 240 crewmembers. At the same Ocean Monarch. Acquired by Classic the art cruise ships with an extended time the hulls were repainted white International Cruises in 2008, the superstructure and new stylised funnels. and the original engines were retained vessel rejoined its fleetmate and was

Danae (ex Port Melbourne) at Melbourne © T Ryan

48 August 2015 renamed Princess Daphne reverting back to Daphne again for its final voyage to India last year. BREAKING NEWS Both Princess Danae and Princess Daphne retained many of their outstanding original design features with a strong deep hull that provided a comfortable cruising experience in even the most adverse sea conditions. The spacious public rooms, restaurant and cabins spread over seven decks provided a conservative décor that became very popular with its passengers who appreciated the ambience of an older more traditional and solidly constructed ship. Many will mourn the demise of these two classic ships with their long flared bows and traditional cruiser sterns complementing their graceful sheer and exquisitely crafted cambered hulls. Some of the new cruise ships being built today lack a traditional bow and stern and the naval architects designing the new breed of cruise ships should take note that ships have always been a symbol of beauty that also complement the importance of function. Commander Fritz-Otto Busch echoed such sentiments on the beauty of ships in his memoirs of his time serving Norwegian Cruise Lines to return to Australia and Asia aboard the German heavy cruiser NCL has announced new itineraries Ho Chi Minh City (Phu My), Bangkok Prinz Eugen during World War 2: for the brand’s northern Fall/Winter (Laem Chabang), Singapore; Bali “The Prinz Eugen, with her high 2016/2017 deployment offering new (Benoa), Komodo, Darwin, Cairns, Airlie sweeping bows, would nonchalantly destinations and new ports to choose Beach, and Brisbane. throw the sea aside and keep her from, including cruises to Asia onboard On 6 February 2017 the ship will sail foredeck dry. She had a beautiful , with itineraries a 12 day Australia and New Zealand line and lovely curves which could departing from Istanbul, Dubai, cruise from Sydney to Auckland. Ports not fail to captivate any sailor. Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and of call include Melbourne, Burnie, She had a soul too which had a Auckland—marking the line’s return to Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier language for anyone who loved the Asia and Australia regions for the and Tauranga. Norwegian Star will the sea and ships, and which first time since Norwegian Wind in 2001- also sail a 19 day Australia and New revealed itself to anyone with an 2002 and first-ever visits to The Gulf and Zealand itinerary from Auckland to intuitive understanding of all those India Singapore departing 18 February 2017. imponderables which makes up On 16 January 2017, Norwegian Star Ports of call include: Bay of Islands, the life of a ship. Anyone who has will sail a 21 day Southeast Asia and Sydney, Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, ever been to sea will know what this Australia itinerary from Hong Kong to Darwin, Komodo, Bali (Benoa), and means.” Sydney. Ports of call include Nha Trang, Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang), Malaysia. Such sentiments could equally apply to the Lisboa, which arrived at Aliaga Carnival Corporation Expands Fleet in China in Turkey under tow of the tug Hellas Carnival Corporation has announced This new deployment will see Princess on 23 July 2015 at the conclusion it will add two ships to its China fleet in Cruises send Golden Princess to of its final voyage. The sale of the 2016, making it the first global cruise northern China in 2016, sailing Lisboa, brings to an end the tale of company with six ships based in China out of Tianjin on a seasonal basis, a relatively small but significant ship and increasing its total capacity in with itineraries visiting a variety of that belonged to another glorious China by an additional 58 percent in destinations in northern Asia. The ship era of elegant and handsome 2016. will join the brand’s first China-based ocean liners. Carnival Corporation’s fleet of ship, Sapphire Princess, which has six China-based ships will include Sistership Princess Daphne – John Treacy been homeported in Shanghai since expanded offerings from its two 2014 and will start sailing year-round in leading brands in the market Costa China in 2016. Cruises and Princess Cruises and across the two brands, Carnival Corporation Costa Cruises is to debut will have three year-round ships and in April 2016 as its fourth ship based three seasonal ships in the market in China. Costa Fortuna joins Costa offering about four million passenger Serena, Costa Atlantica and Costa cruise days in 2016. Victoria already based in China.

www.cruisingnews.com 49 Visiting Mumbai, India for the first time (Part 2) by Kerry Treacy Part 2 – We continued on to the Bawalas (box carriers) use a variety of If using any form of transport in the city, western shores reaching the Art Deco transport from handcarts and bicycles, time must be allowed for traffic hold- Marine Drive, at night also known as to trains and on foot, often balancing ups. Traffic, traffic and more traffic is the Queen’s Necklace because of up to 40 lunch boxes on their heads the order of the day which comes with its illuminated curve around the bay. as they move around the city. It was the constant blasting of car horns – just At the far end of the promenade is fascinating watching them. as we see in documentaries and travel Chowpatty Beach with its enticing A Bollywood wedding was being shows. array of food stalls epitomising the erected on the foreshore as we Our first call on our Grand Voyage city’s celebrated street food culture. continued our drive; the celebration extended well over half a day and we On our travels we passed a remarkable lasts a number of days, can include up arrived back to MSC Orchestra filled railway station, the Victoria Terminus, to a thousand guests or more and is a with many memories, which included enriched with dome, spires, Corinthian very expensive event. the different aromas of food cooking, columns and minarets. India’s first train The Prince of Wales Museum, built in a the number of people out and about, departed from this station in 1853, blend of Gothic and Moorish styles and the beauty of the old buildings, the today half a million commuters use this crowned by a sparkling white dome is ingenuity of people as they endeavour station daily. a stand out. Time didn’t allow a visit. to make a living, the beauty of the Mumbai is a city of many religions, The most impressive feature of children’s eyes and the number of Hindu being the most predominant. Bombay’s cityscape are the Gothic cows and their keepers as they wind in The temples are very ornate with gold revival buildings built in the last century. and out of the traffic. featured all over. Strict rules apply to all Fine examples include Bombay Mumbai, home to 21plus million who enter, especially women. University, the High Court and the people, is certainly a city of rich and Referred to as the City of Dreams, Victoria Terminus. Throughout the city poor. The affluent and middle class Mumbai is also known as the city of many new high rise accommodation seem to survive, but the city certainly the hot home-made lunch. For over buildings are taking shape. We has poverty with beggars, especially a century an extensive network of passed many parks which had cricket women with young children seeking 5,000 delivery men known as dab matches in play. financial help wherever you go.

50 August 2015 Cochin – the Queen of the Arabian Sea After leaving Mumbai it was a 596 Then to the Dutch Palace, originally nautical mile journey on MSC Orchestra built by the Portuguese in the mid- to our second port of call in India. 1500’s. It was extended by the Dutch The major port of Cochin is spread about a century later and is home over both the mainland and several to impressive murals of mythological near-shore islands that jut into Lake scenes. Throughout is extensive teak Vembanad, India’s largest wetland work and the ceilings and rooms are area. Due to its superb natural harbour, very rich in colour and engravings. the city looks back on a long history Beautiful portraits show British Heritage as a key trading post. We were reflected in the design of clothes and informed that Cochin is a very well jewels. educated area of India with 98% of As we drove around there was not people owning their own home so the the traffic problems of Mumbai, but Overview homeless on streets in other cities were the narrow streets slowed progress on of Langkawi noticeable by their absence. occasions. We then arrived at the early by Kerry Treacy Our tour, Cochin Sightseeing and 16th century Portuguese-built Church of Harbour Cruise, gave us a great St. Francis, the earliest European church Langkawi known as “the jewel of overview of the city. Firstly we journeyed in India. Firstly it was a Catholic church, Kedah” is an archipelago of 104 to the mid 16th century Paradesi then a Dutch Reformed church and islands in the Andaman Sea with only Synagogue with its plaque showing now an Anglican church. four inhabited. The name Langkawi it was built in 1344 and it is the oldest Next stop was to the old part of town means “Brown Eagle” in the Malaysian synagogue in the Commonwealth at Fort Kochi where we boarded our language and the islands have been of Nations. Also there is a Hebrew motorboat for a cruise of the harbour open to tourism since 1986. It is a inscription above the plaque. A and a visit to Bolgatty Island. Along haven of natural beauty that largely highlight is a floor with 1,100 uniquely the way we noticed a number of remains unspoiled and is very clean hand-painted Chinese tiles. An cantilevered fishing nets, reportedly and green. Infrastructure is being extensive shopping area surrounds the left by Chinese traders in the 14th planned and tourists are appreciated synagogue with very up market stores century. Refreshments were served in and needed. with 1,000’s of items for sale. the grounds of the former palace on Tours available included: Highlights Popular were the many spices available the island which is now a heritage hotel of Langkawi, Sea eagle feeding and as Cochin has been an important resort. As we returned across the bay mangrove cruise, Island Explorer and spice trading centre since the 14th we could see many high rise modern my choice Langkawi overview. Our first century. Kerry was impressed with a buildings where the main commercial call was to Eagle Square a large area and administrative facilities are found. lady who gave her a personal weaving complete with shops, a lake, many demonstration of placing purple and As we left Cochin both sides of the buildings, beautifully land-scaped gold edging on a sari. This person had waterway were packed with locals with gardens and a monumental sculpture started weaving when she was 14 and candle lights bidding MSC Orchestra embracing the seafront in Kuah. This she is now 68. farewell. JT of course is the brown eagle and is revered and loved by all and simply amazing to behold, a complete work of art. A working rubber estate and a close up view of rubber tapping and the opportunity to touch the resulting latex was a first for all the participants. The economy is assisted by tourism, fishing, rubber trees and rice. Rice crops are planted once a year and we passed many paddy fields where groups of buffaloes rest in their muddy ponds. Next a visit to the Perdana Gallery, a museum conceived by the country’s former Prime Minister during his tenure in order to house, display and share with the people the various awards, souvenirs and gifts received from world leaders and statesmen as well as prominent Malaysians. The exhibits started with small gifts and progressed through to rickshaws, sports cars and expensive up-market vehicles. The Atma Alam Batik and handicraft centre demonstrated the printing and dying of cloth during our visit. A very large retail outlet benefitted greatly from our visit.

www.cruisingnews.com 51 Sri Lanka – the Pearl of the Indian Ocean

On day 6 of our voyage we arrived Highlights tour revealed a very clean Our guide informed us that children mid-morning in the fast changing city and well maintained city with a receive free schooling with books, of Colombo. MSC Orchestra docked developing road system. Sri Lanka is clothing, shoes and a mid-day meal at a very modern cargo terminal in its known for its coffee, tea and cinnamon provided. They learn three languages natural harbour which was known to as well as the gemstones, sapphires and from the start of their schooling. Indian, Greeks, Persians, Romans, Arabs, rubies. University is also free. and Chinese traders over 2,000 years We visited the Neoclassical style Afternoon refreshments were provided ago. Colombo is the largest city of Sri Colombo National Museum which was at the Grand Cinnamon Hotel whose Lanka with a population of 600,000 plus. first opened to the public in January foyer featured many different flowers Since tourism started to increase from 1877 featuring 800 items on display. on display. On the way back to the 2009, almost overnight, skyscrapers Today over 100,000 items can be seen. ship there was a visit to a Buddhist have appeared where old buildings The library has a vast collection of rare Temple and the bus passed by the once stood. During our visit three major historical books and chronicles for lovers bustling 24 hour marketplaces, one high rise hotel resort developments of history. featuring floating markets on the Lake. were being built adding to the many Nearby is the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda The shopping malls are packed with that already adorn the skyline and Rajapaksa Theatre that opened in expensive designer brands. compliment several British-built colonial December 2011. It is designed in the Visiting Colombo was an eye-opener. buildings and in particular a 100- form of the Lotus Pond and is a very I wasn’t expecting such a modern year old clock tower. Our Colombo attractive building. developed city. JT

The Day I met Boris by Kerry Treacy The journey from Singapore to Benoa the drivers were to be had. explored the museum, but the highlight was 1,045 nautical miles, so we had Upon arrival at the Park which was for me was the half hour elephant time on board to continue enjoying extremely clean and very large ride. Boris, a 14 year old provided the the many facilities of MSC Orchestra. including overnight accommodation transport and was handled by his It was a tender ride from the ship to we finally were able to meet and greet mahout of 4 years. The bond between the shore. Departing the Port of Benoa these friendly pachyderms. A herd of the two was evident. We traversed we travelled by coach due north, 29 elephants call this reserve home many pathways which took us through skirting Denpasar, and arriving at Taro and ages range from a baby to 50 some quiet areas. At one point we elephant Safari Park, a journey of one years. We fed five younger elephants experienced a traffic jam as Lady and a half hours. The drive proved then progressed to the elephant show to be very entertaining with towns, which revealed how intelligent these Gaga in front decided it was time for a villages and everything in between beautiful animals are, had an excellent rest. On returning to the common area showing all facets of Balinese life. The lunch, looked around the shop we had a dip in one of the pools. The roads except the main highways were adjacent to the restaurant which was half hour passed very quickly. This tour very narrow and many challenges for stocked with high quality merchandise, is recommended for animal lovers.

52 August 2015 Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd to Open Sales Office in Australia Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd cruising combined with our strong activity in a variety of senior positions has announced the expansion of its growth strategy, the new office in in the luxury sector. He has played a presence in the Australia and Pacific Australia is a natural next step in key role in the establishment of the region, with the establishment of a our global expansion of Norwegian luxury cruise segment in Australasia sales and marketing centre based Cruise Line Holdings,” said Harry since 2000, most recently as Silversea’s in Sydney, Australia to support the Sommer, executive vice president of President EMEA & Asia Pacific. He has growing demand for cruise travel in international business development for also served as Chairman ICCA (now Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. “It CLIA Australasia) between 2005 & 2007 Islands. The office will represent the reflects our confidence in the growing and was a founding Board member of company’s three lines: Norwegian Australia and New Zealand markets the Asia Cruise Association (now CLIA Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and and we believe that our three brands Asia). Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Industry – Norwegian with Freestyle Cruising, veteran Steve Odell will be joining the The new Australia office will offer sales Oceania Cruises as an upper premium company as Senior Vice President and marketing support for all three product and Regent Seven Seas and Managing Director Australasia brands, providing additional training Cruises in the luxury sector – are all a for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings opportunities on a more regular basis perfect fit for the Australian market, Ltd. Beginning 1 October 2015, Odell and directly by Norwegian Cruise Line will be responsible for the continued offering a wide variety of experiences Holdings Ltd staff. The company’s growth of the company’s presence and worldwide itineraries.” relationships with current travel industry in the region and differentiating each Odell joins the company with broad partners and local representatives brand’s unique offerings. “In view of cruise industry experience earned over will remain in place, with the office the growing international interest in the past thirty years through pioneering providing further on-site support. Celebrity Cruises Names First- Ever American Female Captain For the first time in the cruise industry – and in Celebrity Cruises’ history – an American female will take the helm of a mega-ton cruise ship. At 37 years of age, San Francisco native Kate McCue will command Celebrity Summit– a 91,000-ton, 965-foot ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet, sailing between the eastern United States and Bermuda. As Captain, she will be responsible for the safe navigation of the ship and the Fifty Queensland travel agents enjoyed a gourmet tour of the newly refurbished onboard experience of its 2,158 guests Dawn Princess in Brisbane, with a welcome reception in the Wheelhouse Bar, and 952 crew members. followed by a tour of the ship’s new features and a three-course lunch served Kate McCue has been elevated to with premium local wines. Key features of the refurbishment includes the Amuleto the position of Captain based on her Italian Cafe and Princess Cruises’ first dedicated whisky bar as well as a NZ 15 years of successful experience and Natural Ice Cream parlour. leadership in the maritime industry. First South Pacific Cruise Forum Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has welcomed the first South Pacific Cruise Forum to be held in Tahiti this October. Operated by the CLIA Executive Partner South Pacific Cruise Alliance, the event will bring together Tourism Ministers, destination managers (NTOs), Ports and Airports Authorities, cruise shipping companies, airlines, tour operators and suppliers from across the region on 16 and 17 October 2015. Meetings, discussions and conferences (in English) will highlight the development of the cruise sector in the South Pacific with the aim of further promoting the region to cruise lines. Located in a large triangle connecting Fiji, New Zealand and Tahiti, in 2015 the ‘maritime continent’ will welcome more than 50 different cruise ships, which between them will carry an estimated 480,000 passengers on more than 450 cruises and make more than 2600 port calls. Asia Pacific Leadership Change RCL Cruises Ltd has announced the South East Asian region. He has held appointment of Sean Treacy in the a variety of roles within the company role of Managing Director Singapore since 2009, remains in the Sydney office & South East Asia, as Adam Armstrong and brings a depth of international returns from secondment to the role and deployment knowledge from of Commercial Director Australasia & his secondment as International brands in the areas of revenue South East Asia, based in the Sydney Commercial Director. management and global deployment. office. Sean Treacy has been with the Both Sean and Adam will report to Adam Armstrong’s role will oversee organisation since 2006 holding a Gavin Smith in his role of Regional VP for revenue management, deployment, variety of roles within the company, Australia & South East Asia. sales, marketing and PR across Australia with a focus on Royal Caribbean Image – Sean Treacy with Dominic Paul, and New Zealand and the wider International and Celebrity Cruises Gavin Smith and Adam Armstrong

www.cruisingnews.com 53 WORLD TRAVEL

In Search of Dragons Petra O’Neill travels east to the far flung Indonesian islands of Sumbawa, Komodo and Flores

We were snorkelling at Pantai Merah, with a speed of 20kms per hour, it boat to snorkel I saw beneath me two a beautiful pink beach tinged with has razor-sharp claws, a powerful tail Mantra Rays then seven more as they crushed coral when Jennifer our guide and saw like teeth. Our ranger guide glided gracefully by. announced that Komodo dragons are Hakim lifted his forked wooden stick, At Wera, a settlement of Bugis, just as agile in water as they are on our only defence against snapping renowned shipbuilders originally from land. jaws, before strutting confidently Sulawesi, men were working overtime Our adventure had begun in Bali towards a grove of palm trees probing to complete a massive cargo boat where I joined six other passengers the underbrush periodically with his they had been crafting by hand since onboard the Katharina, a traditional stick. Under a tamarind tree we saw 2009. Made from ironwood it was due a female Komodo dragon sprawled phinisi handcrafted from ironwood to be launched the following week out, her forked yellow tongue slithering from where we departed cutting with people from neighbouring villages to and fro, her tail swinging from side through the sea eastwards across expected to attend the celebration. to side. Slowly she kicked her rear the Lombok Strait. For the next 9 days The women were equally busy cooking legs and swaggered away. Huddled we would wake early at sunrise to in preparation for a wedding making together we continued bravely on a strong Indonesian coffee followed by sweet treats including deliciously breakfast that included fresh tropical hike through shady gullies to savannah crunchy palm sugar toffee that they fruit and cashew nut muesli before covered hills climbing to a viewpoint invited us to try. commencing our excursions on land overlooking the turquoise bay below. and underwater. With my mask on I’d Hakim pointed to the spot where Baron On the final night of the cruise on a seen parrot fish, angel fish and bright Rudolf Von Reding Biberegg, an elderly deserted island, we enjoyed a beach yellow butterfly fish, leathery turtles Swiss tourist vanished in 1974, leaving barbeque, lit a large bonfire and their dorsal fins paddling and vibrant only his hat, binoculars and shoe under a night sky filled with the stars multicoloured coral. As the blue water behind. of the Southern Cross, sang songs and lapped against the Katharina’s sides, Komodo National Park is World danced with the crew. pods of dolphins would playfully dart Heritage listed with some of the richest Our journey ended at the western tip beneath then race in front. land and marine life on the planet and of Flores in the port town of Labuan More dramatic was a close up while the dragons take centre stage, Bajo, meaning port of the Bajo. A encounter with the Komodo dragon. underwater is no less exhilarating. ramshackle town of considerable Growing up to 3 metres in length, Flipping backwards from our tender charm the dusty main street is lined

54 August 2015 Labuan Bajo Harbour views Komodo Dragon, Rinca Island 2016 Dates for Cruise Industry Awards and Cruise3sixty Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has announced the 2016 dates for two of the local cruise industry’s biggest events – the annual Cruise Industry Awards gala dinner and the Cruise3sixty Australasia industry conference. The events will be staged in separate months next year, with the Cruise Awards dinner set for Saturday 20 February and Cruise3sixty to be held on Friday 6 May. Men doing the Caci Dance, CLIA General Manager Brett Jardine Melo Village, Flores said both events would be held at the Star Event Centre in Sydney, which proved a popular venue this year. Tickets for the awards and Cruise3sixty will go on sale later this year. In breaking news: Cruise Lines International Association has announced that Neil Linwood has been named Managing Director of CLIA Australasia. In his new role, Mr Product market Linwood will oversee strategic direction and government relations for the Signage Labuan Bajo organization and focus his efforts on regulation and infrastructure. Brett Jardine has assumed the role of Commercial Director and will focus on CLIA Australasia’s role in training and liaising with travel agents and oversee CLIA’s burgeoning membership ranks in Australia and New Zealand. New 2016/17 Brochure Introduces 13 New Cruises Voyages of Discovery have released Katharina, Komodo National Park their new brochure, which announces the introduction of 13 new cruises. with funky cafés, dive shops and and coral reefs provided the most The new cruises will see Voyages restaurants, the hilltop and waterfront spectacular views I have ever seen of Discovery’s Voyager leave the scattered with brightly painted from an aircraft during the 90 minute Mediterranean in the autumn of 2016 to houses, hostels and quaint boutique flight back to Bali as we flew over the sail to the waters of South East Asia with hotels while boats lie at anchor in the unspoilt islands we has sailed by, just a five unique and very different itineraries. picturesque harbour. With twenty plus glimpse of Indonesia’s 17,000 islands. Voyager will then continue her winter world class dive sites nearby, travellers season, returning to exotic Myanmar Ari the guide on my last trip onboard come from all over the world, mainly before setting her sights on the African the Katharina said I should visit Labuan from Europe, creating a divergent mix continent, uncovering the Maldives, of accents with Italian and German Bajo, his hometown and explore Flores. Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles dominating. When we arrived, I asked around. The and South Africa. Voyager then returns boat he was on could be seen sailing While in Labuan Bajo, I hiked to a to the UK via Namibia and the remote out of the harbour and now from the islands off the west coast of Africa, cave, swam at a pretty pink sand arriving for the European spring 2017. beach, bought hand woven textiles plane I could see it once more, a small from the local market and visited the white speck alongside a coral reef. He was right, such a beautiful and New Brochure for village of Melo to see the Caci Dance, Captain Cook Cruises Fiji a traditional combat performance enchanting destination. Someday I’ll Captain Cook Cruises Fiji; have between two men, one using a whip come back to explore it further. launched a new 2015/2016 brochure the other a rattan shield. The upper Garuda Indonesia flies from Australia for their Fijian Small Ship Cruise body remains bare with a belt of bells to Labuan Bajo via Bali. The Katharina operations titled, Fiji Islands Discovery jangling from the hips and strung from is an elegant 40 metre long schooner Cruises. The 10 page brochure features the ankles creating a mesmerising built from ironwood in the style of a the companies weekly three, four and rhythmic sound accompanied by seven night Mamanuca and Yasawa drum and gong instruments. traditional phinisi. Six compact cabins have ensuite bathrooms, large outdoor Island cruises and their Remote North When a Portuguese expedition and Lau Group Cruises including the decks and the friendliest crew. reached the island of Flores in the early seven nights 4 Cultures Discovery 16th century, they named it ‘Cabo Sea Trek Bali travels to destinations Cruise, the seven nights Colonial Fiji das Flores’, or ‘Cape of Flowers.’ Flores including Flores Discovery Cruise and the 11 night Lau and the vast expanse of small islands W: www.seatrekbali.com and Kadavu Discovery Cruise.

www.cruisingnews.com 55 Seven ships to sail 98 Caribbean cruises Holland America Line’s 2015-16 Caribbean season features a diverse range of options up to 21 days that include calls and ports not regularly found on typical Caribbean cruises. Seven of the line’s ships will explore the entire region on cruises that sail roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, while ms Veendam returns to the Caribbean in January 2016 to take over the roundtrip Tampa departures. From October 2015 through to April 2016, Eurodam, Maasdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Oosterdam, Veendam, Westerdam, Prinsendam and Zuiderdam sail a total of 98 seven, 10, 11, 12 and 14 day cruises that can be combined into longer Collectors’ Voyages ranging from 14 to 21 days. The itineraries span the Showcasing a World of Whisky Caribbean on eastern, western and southern routes, as well as a partial transit of the Panama Canal. All Fort Lauderdale itineraries feature a call at Half Moon Princess Cruises is introducing its guests Cay, the line’s private Bahamian island known for its pristine beaches, exciting to the world of whisky with the Dawn shore excursions, exclusive beach cabanas and child-friendly activities. Princess now featuring the cruise line’s first dedicated whisky bar. From Be Among the First to Set Sail Around Europe Scotland’s windswept Isle of Skye to on the National Geographic Orion the alps of Japan and the northern Lindblad Expeditions-National Spain: from the Algarve to Catalonia coastline of Tasmania, the new Geographic is giving adventure expedition departing 24 April 2016, with concept brings together 63 different seeking Australian travellers the the program concluding with Culture whiskies from around the globe to chance to rediscover Europe aboard and Cuisine from Oporto to Basque provide a diverse tasting experience for all palates. Princess Cruises Vice the much-loved National Geographic Country departing 18 September 2016. President Australia and New Zealand Orion, choosing from 11 one-week The ship will call in major ports as well Stuart Allison said a renewed interest in itineraries and 22 sailings as part of its as off-the-beaten track destinations inaugural 2016 European program. whisky amongst Australians and New such as the Skellig Islands off the After many successful seasons sailing Zealanders had prompted the decision Ireland coast. Passengers will have a across the seas of Indonesia, the South to create a specialist menu during a wide choice of activities, including Pacific and Australia, the National major refurbishment of Dawn Princess Geographic Orion will embark on its dinner in a vineyard, a rooftop tour of in May. “Whether you’re a seasoned maiden voyage of Portugal, Spain, Stockholm or scuba diving in Scotland. whisky drinker or a newcomer to the France, England, Ireland, Holland, The Orion will sail with its own fleet of world of drams, Princess has created a Belgium, the Baltic Republics and bikes, Zodiacs and kayaks. whisky list which provides something for Scandinavia by land and sea. The itineraries have been designed for everyone,” Mr Allison said. The first European deployment guests to have the option to “hop on- “The new concept makes whisky commences with the Portugal and hop off.” approachable for all our guests so we think it will be a big hit, with guests able New itineraries for Majesty of the Seas to enjoy a drop after dinner and a By popular demand, Majesty of the Seas will continue to offer short cruises sailing show or during a languid sea day.” with Royal Caribbean International and not transfer to Pullmantur. The ship will The cosy Magnums bar provides the homeport in , starting in the northern summer of 2016. Before her ideal setting to explore the new whisky season in Port Canaveral where she will sail to the Bahamas, Majesty of the Seas menu, with its range drawing on will go into drydock for upgrades and receive transformational new onboard remote region Scottish whiskies such as amenities. Majesty of the Seas will sail three and four night cruises to the Bahamas Talkiser, classic American bourbons like with visits to the cruise line’s private island destination, CocoCay. Knob Hill and approachable Japanese With Majesty of the Seas’ move, the cruise line is now able to deploy Rhapsody blends such as Hibiki. Meanwhile local of the Seas – which was announced to sail short Bahamas itineraries from Port drops include Bakery Hill’s Double Canaveral – to Tampa offering seven night Western Caribbean cruises in the 2016 Wood whisky from Melbourne and New northern hemisphere winter. Zealand’s South Island Single Malt. Seven days, four islands and two overnight stays… Say Aloha to the best Hawaii accommodation, spacious suites and experience ever. No one lets you lots of private balconies – perfect for capture the real spirit and soul of whale watching, witnessing active Hollywood Theatre, make use of the Hawaii like Norwegian Cruise Line’s Kīlauea Volcano at night or taking in state-of-the-art fitness centre and . Only Norwegian visits the dramatic views of the Nā Pali Coast. sports court, bars and lounges of all all four main islands on one perfect There is a host of delicious choices from kinds, pools, hot tubs, kid’s centres, week afloat with overnight stays in traditional fine dining to endless buffets teen discos and more. Cabins range Maui and Kauai, so you’re on an island with custom-order action stations. For from affordable Staterooms to versatile each day and every day. That means an additional cover charge, there is Family Suites and the over-the-top that you’ll have plenty of time to hike opulence of the Owner’s Suites and up a waterfall, take a helicopter ride access to gourmet French, Japanese Teppanyaki and a first class steakhouse accommodation for solo travellers – over an active volcano, brush up on where no single supplement is required. your hula at an authentic luau and and Brazilian Churrascaria. Only relax on surf-washed beaches. NCL is Norwegian offers the freedom and Enjoy the onboard ambiance with its the only cruise line that sails round trip flexibility of Freestyle Dining, which spacious decks, two swimming pools from Honolulu year-round. means no fixed dining times or pre- and six hot tubs. assigned seating. Dress up or down for From the moment you step onboard Oahu, the Gathering Place… Maui, Pride of America, you’ll enter into the the occasion. Because it’s Freestyle the Valley Isle… Hawaii, the Big Capitol Atrium, with its soaring Tiffany- Dining, you are free to choose where Island… and Kauai, the Garden Isle – style glass dome and grand staircase. to dine and when every day of your experience all the contrasts of each There are 19 dining options and 10 cruise holiday. island on one exciting holiday with bars and lounges, excellent family See the fantastic shows in the Pride of America.

56 August 2015 Coral Expeditions to go where few other cruises can Coral Expeditions will expand its Passengers can look forward to an expedition cruise program to Tasmania active adventure, with kayaking this summer. Continuing the company’s opportunities and expert-guided pioneering tradition, Coral Expeditions bushwalks in five national parks I will be the first cruise ship to sail some and two World Heritages Areas. The of the remote coastlines of the island itinerary includes hiking the start of the state. The first of 16 departures embarks famed South Coast Track at Cockle 16 November 2015 and the season will Bay, an early morning walk to a run until February 2016. A highlight of scenic lookout over Wineglass Bay in the seven night itinerary from Hobart Freycinet National Park, and exploring will be two days exploring the pristine the remarkable beauty and wildlife of Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage rarely-visited Maria Island, including Area at Port Davey and Bathurst its UNESCO-listed historic town of Harbour with Coral Expeditions’ Parks Darlington. The cruise will also present and Wildlife Ranger. a different side of the Port Arthur “Normally only accessible by seven- Historic Site on an exclusive ‘Behind day hike or light aircraft, this region is the Scenes’ tour. The site’s resident undoubtedly one of the most pristine archaeologist will guide guests through and beautiful landscapes on earth,” buildings and exhibits not normally said Group General Manager Mark open to the public before cocktails in Fifield. “Our Australian-flagged ship the beautiful surrounds of Port Arthur’s is well suited for Tasmania. With her Asylum building. shallow draft and manoeuvrability, With only 46 guests, small-batch she can hug the coastline and go food and wine experiences will be a the option to gather berries on Bruny where few cruise ships can. Her tender focal point of the Tasmanian cruises. Island. The onboard menu will feature vessel, the Explorer, allows all our The itinerary includes picturesque the freshest of Tasmanian produce guests to disembark in remote areas Grandvewe Farm to sample its unique and local specialities and a wine list throughout.” sheep milk cheeses and liqueurs and showcasing Tasmanian varietals.

New ‘Worldwide Cruises 2016/17’ Brochure cover of the new ‘Worldwide Cruises and Wellington – on a 107-night 2016/17’ brochure showcases a variety ‘Around the World’ cruise. Boudicca of the exciting and exotic destinations will be offering a 77-night ‘South that the cruise line visits, such as the American Discovery’, which includes Norwegian fjords, Venice, Peru and the stops in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro and Caribbean, in the brand’s stylish, eye- Buenos Aires, in Argentina, as well as catching ’mosaic’ design. a cruise of the Chilean fjords and a Nathan Philpot, Sales and Marketing maiden call at Laguna San Rafael. Director for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Fred. Olsen’s new ‘Worldwide Cruises said: “We are very excited to be 2016/17’ brochure includes a record launching our new ‘Worldwide Cruises 23 maiden calls: Arendal (Norway), Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has launched 2016/17’ brochure, as it brings to Baltimore (Maryland, USA), Fort William its new ‘Worldwide Cruises 2016/17’ life the vast array of destinations (Scotland, UK), Tasiilaq (Greenland), main brochure, featuring its most that we visit and the unique cruise Pyramiden (Svalbard), Holy Loch ambitious and unique cruise program experiences that we offer.” Fred. ever. In 2016/17, Fred. Olsen’s fleet Olsen’s Black Watch and Boudicca (Scotland, UK), Laguna San Rafael of four ships – Balmoral, Braemar, will be embarking on two epic ‘Grand (Chile), Isla de San Andrés (Colombia), Boudicca and Black Watch – will be Voyages’ in January 2017, visiting Gloucester (Massachusetts, USA), visiting no fewer than 253 destinations a total of 67 ports in 38 countries Klaksvik (Faroe Islands), Charlotte in 84 countries around the globe – between them. Black Watch will be Amalie (St. Thomas, United States more than ever before! In keeping with taking in the exotic destinations of Virgin Islands), Falmouth (Jamaica), Fred. Olsen’s aim of ‘Bringing the world Hanga Roa (Easter Island), Bora Bora, Banana Coast (Trujillo, Honduras), closer to you’ – taking guests right to in French Polynesia, and three stops in Tampa (Florida, US), Rosslare (Ireland), the heart of the destination – the front New Zealand – Auckland, Tauranga Aabenraa (Denmark), Rovinj (Croatia).

PONANT’s Classic European Cruises Collection – 2016 PONANT has announced an extensive layers of history, art, music, architecture Montenegro, Turkey, Italy, Scandinavia range of European voyages for 2016. and boundless culinary temptations. and Russia – often venturing off the The PONANT European Collection The European Collection takes you main marine highway to explore released both as a printed brochure to the legendary Corinth canal; the smaller, less visited ports of call including and a convenient e-brochure intimate bays such as in Hvar and the Elba, Corsica and the dramatic coasts download features 41 hand-crafted Cyclades islands; you will view the of Ireland and the United Kingdom, voyages, many including important legendary Mt Stromboli; stroll the walls Estonia and the Norwegian fjords, with UNESCO listed World Heritage of Dubrovnik, explore the preserved the flexibility of exploring by Zodiac to highlights. The itineraries showcase streets of Valletta and wonder at the get even closer to the action. the crossroads of ancient cultures that Imperial grandeur of St Petersburg. This European Collection of itineraries have shaped the modern world; a Destinations include Corsica, Spain ranges in duration from 7 nights to 12 diversity of destinations endowed with and Malta, Greece, Croatia and nights.

www.cruisingnews.com 57 Four New Itineraries Cruise Global, Eat Local Viking Ocean Cruises® has four new the Mediterranean, travellers visit Tunis, Azamara Club Cruises has announced itineraries and 2017 departures for Valletta and Athens before concluding a new dining program designed to Viking Star. The 2017 program includes the trip in the ancient cosmopolitan please the finickiest of pallets. Now, sailings on Viking’s most popular city of Istanbul. guests can participate in Azamara’s itineraries in the Mediterranean, New for 2017: Secrets of the Southern new Cruise Global, Eat Local program Western Europe, Scandinavia and the Mediterranean (8 days; Rome to boasting meals at a deliciously Baltic. Barcelona)—Guests will set sail through curated selection of local restaurants New for 2016: Ancient Empires & Holy the southern Mediterranean, departing affording guests to eat where locals Lands (15 days; Rome to Istanbul)—This from glorious Rome and continuing love to eat. “Azamara offers guests true destination immersion through our 15-day itinerary offers the opportunity on to some of North Africa’s most Land Discoveries, AzAmazing Evenings, to explore historic destinations in historically significant destinations, Nights & Cool Places and Insider the Eastern Mediterranean and including Tunis, a dazzling city that Access programs,” says Larry Pimentel, experience some of the sacred sights mixes North African tradition and President and CEO of Azamara Club of the Middle East while travelling French colonialism, and Algiers, home Cruises. “Through Cruise Global, Eat through the heart of the Holy Land. of the Notre Dame d’Afrique. The Local, we are yet again taking our Guests will have the chance to spend itinerary also stops in Valletta, Sardinia destination expertise to the next level three days in Israel, making stops in and Valencia before concluding by bringing guests to the best and Jerusalem and Haifa, gateways to the trip in beautiful Barcelona; most authentic local restaurants while Bethlehem and Nazareth, and will also Barcelona, the Baltic & Beyond (22 in ports of call across the globe. Guests be able to explore the ancient cities days; Barcelona to Stockholm)—This are always asking our concierges of Rome, Athens and Istanbul; Bergen voyage travels through the waterways where to dine once in port and where to the Bosphorus (15 days; Bergen to of Western Europe and the Baltic, the locals like to eat. This program is Istanbul)—This epic journey begins in giving guests the opportunity to the answer!” beautiful Bergen before cruising south explore iconic world-class cities such Cruise Global, Eat Local is kicking off to the Mediterranean, stopping in Paris as Barcelona, Lisbon, Paris, Amsterdam in Europe this summer including 35 and Lisbon along the way. Once in and St. Petersburg. restaurant recommendations across 27 European ports including La Gomera, Natalie Cole to Join Roster of Musicians on board Queen Mary 2 Canary Islands; Split, Croatia; Santorini, Cunard has announced that multiple Greece; Sorrento, Italy; Barcelona, Grammy® Award-winning vocalist Spain; and Marseille, France. Each Natalie Cole will headline its first- destination offers an authentic local ever Blue Note jazz themed cruise, dining experience that will satisfy the which will debut on Cunard’s flagship most discerning of palates and provide Queen Mary 2 in October. Ms Cole an inside taste of the local culture. will join a roster of venerable jazz Azamara Club will also debut in musicians on the special Transatlantic Australia later this year, when Azamara Crossing including Grammy® Award- Quest arrives in Darwin for the first winning jazz pianist and record time on 28 December 2015. During producer Robert Glasper, acclaimed her inaugural season, Azamara Quest trumpet player Keyon Harrold, tenor will offer five voyages ranging from 10 saxophonist Marcus Strickland, guitarist to 17 nights, stopping in a number of Lionel Loueke, bassist Derrick Hodge The daughter of famous vocal legend ports including Darwin, Newcastle and and drummer Kendrick Scott. and trailblazer Nat King Cole, Ms Cole Cairns. Azamara Club will also sail in The seven-night Transatlantic cruise was introduced to the world of jazz as the region for the next two consecutive departs New York on 29 October 2015. a child in the 1950s. seasons, with coming for the first time in 2017 and Azamara Quest returning in 2018. Pacific Pearl at Mooloolaba Hull artwork for Norwegian Escape Famed marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey has laid eyes upon his largest canvas to date, the hull artwork on the new Norwegian Escape, debuting this November in Miami. Currently being built in Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Escape is Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest Pacific Pearl enjoyed a warm visit to the Sunshine Coast on Saturday 18 July as ship, the largest the local community gathered to welcome the ship during its successful call to Mooloolaba. It was ‘take two’ for P&O’s inaugural call to the Sunshine Coast in the company’s after last year’s scheduled Pacific Pearl visit was disrupted by severe weather. history. Spanning The visit gave the ship’s 1800 guests an opportunity to enjoy the many attractions more than 1,000 of Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast, including day trips to Noosa and the feet in length Eumundi markets and paddle boarding along the coast. With the ship at anchor from bow to off Point Cartwright, guests were transferred from ship to shore by tender vessels, stern, the custom- stepping ashore at the Underwater World Sea Life Aquarium jetty at Mooloolaba. designed artwork Pacific Pearl is scheduled to return to Mooloolaba on August 21 and October 6. features a scene Images Randy Martin Photography and Ian Hunter. of marine wildlife.

58 August 2015 Farewell Captain John Foley Family, friends and colleagues Merchant Navy. At the age of 15 you mum on Fridays gathered together at St. Augustine’s signed the indentures and went to sea. at Portside, Church, Hamilton, Brisbane on 26 The spark of ambition to join the watching the June 2015 to farewell John Foley and illustrious ranks of the then Queensland Broncos play, commemorate his life. Coast and Torres Strait Pilot Service hearing stories Master Mariner, Great Barrier – now Australian Reef Pilots – came from your Reef “Grand Pilot” and Cruiseship early in your career. In 1957, after less grandkids, and Coordinator honorary cruise than a year as cadet, your ship loaded anything to ambassador for Tourism Events sugar in Cairns for the UK and on sailing do with ships, Queensland, former director and embarked a pilot to guide it through particularly the strategic adviser for the Brisbane Cruise the treacherous ‘Reef’. You were cruising variety. Terminal, a Fellow of the Royal Historical hooked. This started the blueprint you You were always chuffed when Society of Queensland, accomplished had for your life, from then on all your someone who had attended your shipboard lecturer and the author career moves were directed towards lecture would tell you how much they of five books John was a fountain of achieving one uncompromising goal – enjoyed your talk. But you also had knowledge and was happy to share to become a Reef Pilot. some lows, none more so than the loss of David. I take comfort as I imagine this information with the Global Cruise The 2nd Mates, 1st Mates, and Masters you both now together, laughing at Industry. ‘tickets’ took time, but in June 1965 at some of those quirky jokes you always For a man who achieved so much in his the Sydney DOT offices, at the tender shared. lifetime, Captain John Foley was age of 25, you first held in your hand well spoken, polite and scholarly – a that coveted ‘pink slip’ telling you that One of life’s greatest gifts is to love great guy – a gentleman who you were you had passed your Masters Foreign- your work. And boy did you love your proud to know and have as a friend. Going. At last in mid-1975 the long- work. I’m sure you didn’t see it as work – you felt very blessed to be able to The following are excerpts from the awaited interview with the Queensland do what you did. How many people eulogy given by his daughter Lisa. Marine Board took place and shortly afterwards a License to Act as a Pilot get to travel the world on luxury cruise “Dad, you always loved to tell stories. with the Queensland Coast and Torres ships and mega yachts, schmooze with To David and me, our cousins and Strait Pilot Service arrived. You were 35 fascinating and even famous, powerful my children you told wonderful quirky years old, the second-youngest pilot people, and be sought after and fairy tales, and as we grew the stories ever appointed. admired for their expertise. were of your life, learning’s and often Later in life you became the oracle experiences of the sea. Today I hope Of course, there was another life- of all matters related to cruising in you will indulge me as I tell you, your changing experience for you during Australia, in fact I like to think you were family and friends a story. A story these early years at sea. In December probably the most respected and about a great man, a wonderful, kind 1960 you were visiting Vancouver on knowledgeable in your field. gentleman. This is your story. board the merchant ship MV Capitol. I’m told by the nautical folk here that Born on 30 April 1940, at Purley Cottage You and your good buddy Scotty Hospital in Croydon, Surrey, England Finlayson set out for an evening at the the highest accolade you can give a to Ivy Ann and Bertie Hallidey, a little Mission to Seafarers in Vancouver. Little seafarer is to call him a ‘good seaman brother to sister Jean. You were born did either of you know that your destiny and a good hand’. This certainly into war torn Europe. During one of the awaited, in the form of two beautiful applies to you Dad. many air raids on London, the hotel Aussie girls, who just happened to be Dad, it was so hard to capture all of was badly damaged, and despite living in Vancouver teaching at local your achievements, and I can’t possibly being buried under rubble you were schools. On this fateful evening, the in this short time give true justice to your injured but alive – saved by your cot universe introduced you to your soul character. We have been inundated and a large piece of the roof. The mate, a young Denice West. Engaged with messages and stories from around resulting scar on your head would in Battle, near Hastings in 1961, you the world, from those whose lives enable you to tell many a tale about married here in this church on 11 May you have touched. The volume of that experience. When your father 1963. information is overwhelming. This, in Bertie died in 1942, like so many other You started your married life living in itself, is a true testament to you and children at the time you and Jean were Sydney, soon after moving to Brisbane, the amazing life you have led, and the evacuated to the English countryside. then I came along, followed roughly impact you had on others. We will miss That same year your mum met William two years later by David. Your pigeon you everyday, forever.” Foley, a baker and Petty Officer at pair. John is survived by his wife Denice, Hastings and they married that year. Growing up with a nautical dad daughter Lisa, husband Travis and three Your first introduction to the sea was also meant learning another grandchildren. when the family was living in Rochester language. Learning to drive with Also sad news with the death of Kent, and you joined the Chatham Sea you as my instructor, it’s lucky I knew celebrated Maritime historian, author Cadets at age 13. You discovered your such language – “look aft before and cruise ship lecturer John Maxtone- first real passion – the ocean. You loved indicating”, “full astern” and “watch Graham at the age of 85. He was the it right from the start and were in your the starboard side” were all perfectly author of many ocean liner books, element leading the marching Cadets normal driving instructions to me. including the best selling “The Only swinging the Drum Major Baton. There were many wonderful highs Way To Cross”, “Liners To The Sun” From this experience, and some wise in your life, yet you seemed to take and “Crossing and Cruising” and the counselling from the Commander of the most enjoyment from the little recently released “SS United States: the sea cadets, you decided to join the things. Having fish and chips with Red, White, and Blue Riband”.

www.cruisingnews.com 59 Cruising Towards 2025 137 delegates attended the annual perfect and a 4,000 passenger ship Lines International Association. 95% of Cruise New Zealand Conference the cut off” Steven said. He urged the Chinese took an Asia cruise and only recently in Auckland. A hot talking Government to reconsider the levy and 4% flew to international regions (63% point prior to the conference was the at least delay until 2017 and not include to the Mediterranean and the Baltic, New Zealand government decision the crew. He said “they should consider 17% each to Alaska and the Caribbean in their recent budget (there was no the economic contribution of cruise and 2.1% to the Pacific region). 94% consultation with the tourism industry) companies and how the impact of of all cruises taken are under a week for the introduction of a Border redeployment could outweigh the tax.” because of short vacation time and Clearance Levy (Travel Tax), effective 1 Infrastructure investment should be long ability to get away. January 2016. Described as a bad tax term over 50 years. By 2020 over two million Chinese are with serious implications for the cruise Raewyn Tan, General Manager of expected to cruise with even four industry, this levy could mean a cost of Cruise New Zealand presented a million feasible. $100,000 per cruise ship visit as the tax snapshot of the soon to be released will also be imposed on ship’s crew, not 2014/15 economic impact report. She He said there are many reasons just passengers. said “32 ships on 127 voyages and for optimism, including new ships, The associate Minister for Tourism Paula 716 port calls saw 201,370 passengers customising ships for China (Carnival Bennett opened the conference arrive which amounted to 1,125,547 is close to forging a new China and when questioned about the levy passenger port days. In addition brand), new Chinese entrants, the gave the impression it was here to there were 75,400 crew with 420,632 growing middle class with disposable stay, however said the industry could crew port days. Australia is the largest income and more freedom to travel. engage with the Government. source market with just over half of the Opportunities will come from the market passengers and 16.5% coming from moving beyond 3 to 5 day cruises the United States. Passengers spent an and new destinations and itineraries. average of 4.64 hours ashore with 45.9% Blamey said New Zealand has unique purchasing a tour and 68% buying and exotic appeal. In the short term from the cruise line. Cruise is currently cruise lines are seeking alternative worth $436.05 million in value-added destinations from November to March to New Zealand and supports 8,365 for deployment to the Pacific Region. jobs. Passenger numbers are expected Chairman Kevin O’Sullivan in his closing to increase by 33% next season to remarks thanked delegates for their Simon Douwes, Raewyn Tan & Steven Young 267,800 and the value-added estimate attendance and involvement and said for 2015/16 is NZ$543.25m.” Tan was Simon Douwes from Holland America “it was a cracker of a conference.” and Steven Young of Carnival UK were upbeat saying the future looked good; The Cruise New Zealand AGM was held the keynote speakers and they set the however the travel tax could dent the day before the conference. The agenda for the day referring to the levy, economic growth. new Board for the 2015-16 financial year port costs, infrastructure, availability of Neil Linwood from CLIA Australasia is Kevin O’Sullivan, Southland Regional berths not only in New Zealand ports said dialogue is happening regarding Harbourmaster, Environment Southland but also in Sydney, New Caledonia and infrastructure from various quarters both (re-elected as Chair), Leigh Robins, Vanuatu, fuel costs and environmental in Australia and New Zealand, however Manager Marine and Cruise Operations, matters. Both speakers had been on a collaborative plan is necessary Ports of Auckland (Deputy Chair), Craig a familiarisation of NZ ports prior to the and posed the question of finding a Harris, Managing Director, ISS-McKay, Ian event and were very impressed with the different business model for planning McNabb, Chief Executive Officer, Port state of the industry and its on-going infrastructure. Marlborough, Jason Hill, Manager, Tourism appeal to consumers. It was noted during the panel discussion for Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic “Port costs are the major factor in regarding infrastructure that when Development, Peter Brown, Commercial itinerary planning, ports are often slow Ovation of the Seas visits Auckland from Manager, Port Otago, Rhys Arrowsmith, to recognise that declining calls are December 2016 the ship will have to General Manager, Tourism Bay of Plenty, a result of high port costs” said Simon. use tenders as earlier plans for docking Tansy Tompkins, Trade Marketing Manager “We will employ our ships where we have stalled. However Rick Walden for Tourism New Zealand (Tourism New make the most money and will consider from Auckland City Centre Integration Zealand representative) and Tony Petrie, extending port time, especially in said there are some challenges to Managing Director, Renaissance Tours Napier and Tauranga and continue to work through before we can make an look at cruising out of Auckland to the announcement in mid 2016. He advised South Pacific to Tonga, Fiji and Samoa, that Auckland will provide for longer although they are not considered to and larger ships. be easy to market.” He told delegates Throughout the conference there Border clearance costs will add 20/25% was reference to the growing China in port costs and move New Zealand to market and how Australia and New the high costs marketplaces. Zealand stand to benefit from ship Steven Young said the future is about deployment. Ted Blamey, principal of large ships with accessibility and Sydney-based Chart Management nautical considerations, suitability told delegates despite China being the Left to Right – Craig Harris, Raewyn Tan, of infrastructure, availability of port fastest growing source market in the Peter Brown, Leigh Robins, Ian McNabb, services (bunkering, grey water, tugs world (almost 700,000 passengers last Tansey Tompkins, Kevin O’Sullivan, Rhys and fresh water) and shore excursion year) it has a long way to go before it Arrowsmith, Tony Petrie and Jason Hill. capacity most important. “When matures. He has prepared two papers Wellington will host the Cruise New tendering is necessary 3 miles is on the region and last year prepared Zealand 2016 Conference on 25 and absolute maximum and half a mile ‘Asia Cruise Trends’ project for Cruise 26 August.

60 August 2015 Lines and Tours and national Australian cruise sector; and Frances-Anne Keeler, icon the Sydney Opera House – all Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Tourism indicative of the very varied and broad Australia, who will provide an insight scope of CDU members. into the organisation’s strategy for We are delighted to welcome our selling Australia to traditional markets new members on board, all of whom such as North America and Europe. represent a broad cross section of Celebrating its 19th year in 2015, the the stakeholders engaged in the conference, sponsored by Tourism NT, cruise industry. They will benefit from Darwin Port Corporation and Tourism the important work CDU does as an Top End, is shaping up to be one of the organisation. strongest programs delivered to date cementing its position as the key cruise We are also looking forward to this industry event in Australia. From the CDU desk: year’s Cruise Down Under conference Cruise Down Under “Uniting Australia’s Cruise Future,” The conference will run over 2 ½ continues to grow which will be held from 2-4 September days and include sessions exploring as the peak cruise at the Hilton Darwin. emerging markets, with a focus on industry association China, ports and infrastructure and We are excited to announce new environmental regulations. and has recently speakers, adding to the already welcomed four stellar line-up of keynote presenters. The program and online registration new members, The additional speakers are all highly is available on the CDU website – strengthening our respected in their fields and include: http://www.cruisedownunder.com/ overall membership to 78. Sheldon Thompson, Worldwide Port conferences The latest partners to join are: Western Operations and Product Operations Look forward to seeing you there! Australia’s Pilbara Ports Authority; Manager for RCL, who will examine Further Details – and all media enquiries: Southern Great Barrier Reef regional supply and logistics issues for new Jill Abel , General Manager, tourism agency Gladstone Area generation ships; Grant Gilfillan, CEO Cruise Down Under Promotion and Development; Perth- Port Authority NSW, who will discuss the Tel/Fax: +61 3 6223 7334 based coach operator Adams Coach impacts of port privatisation on the Mob: 0419 511 966

The New Zealand government pay to install smarter controls at the provided, this Travel surprised the tourism industry on Budget presumed pathways in question since Tax is an arrogant Day when it announced that the it is to their benefit. Instead, travellers transfer of costs without adding value Crown will no longer pay for the costs have to because they presumably to the visitor experience. This levy will of border clearances. Instead, this cost bring the risk into New Zealand. The dent New Zealand’s current reputation will now be burdened on travellers in government even had the cheek to as a cruise-friendly destination, and the form of a travel tax, the Border blame increased tourism forecasts for will add to New Zealand’s unfortunate Clearance Levy, as of 01 January 2016. increasing border costs. What about reputation as one with high port costs. the $24 billion that the tourism sector Cruise New Zealand, together Cruise New Zealand predicts this is worth to New Zealand? What about with Tourism Industry Association Travel Tax will cost the cruise sector the $700 million that travellers already New Zealand and other sector its repositioning cruises, cruises that pay in GST that is not refunded to representatives, lobbied against this homeport out of Auckland, and more them? tax when we met with the Ministers for cost-conscious cruise lines will start to Primary Industries and Customs as well It seems that the government has exit the market. New Zealand will most as senior government officials. Not only chosen to impose the tax on travellers certainly lose even more market share did they seem indifferent to the impact because they are convenient to to the South Pacific and increasingly this tax will have on the travel sector, tax, they have no way of fighting to South East Asia too. Cruise New but they also passed the Bill in such future increases to the levy, and Zealand estimates the loss to New a hurry that little thought was paid to they will not impact the popularity of Zealand will be far more than the how the levy will be administered. the government. It is ironic that the $8 million the government hopes to government has put its weight behind It seems unfair to burden travellers with recoup from this Travel Tax. this tax when border clearance is a Tourism 2025, the growth framework We only need to look to the head public good, like the police in making for tourism, and yet has implemented tax imposed on the state of Alaska to the community a safer place. The such a tax that will most definitely Ministry for Primary Industries is under discourage airlines and cruise lines know that the Travel Tax will dent New severe pressure from primary industries from increasing New Zealand’s Zealand’s cruise growth forecast. We where passenger pathways were connectivity with the world. implore the government to rethink. Or blamed for the recent Queensland In this competitive world, where any at least delay its implementation till fruit fly outbreak. You would think cost increases must be matched by an due diligence can be done. that primary industries would have to equivalent improvement of the service Raewyn Tan – General Manager

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Ferry Service from White Bay Cruise Terminal Captain Cook Cruises has unveiled and Christened Beatrice Bush – the first Sydney Harbour mobile passenger terminal pontoon. Beatrice will allow for Captain Cook Cruises to operate a Airlie Beach long awaited charter ferry service from the city to White Bay to service the and the ferry service will coincide with Plus a comprehensive cruise market. all cruise ship arrivals and departures coverage of Global Beatrice Bush, named after the at the White Bay Cruise Terminal from colourful local Balmain and Rozelle August 2015. The ferry will cost $7 per Passenger Cruising identity, will be stationed at White Bay person.

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62 August 2015 Now you have read the news it is time to book with your Worldwide friendly Worldwide Cruise Cruise Centres Centres cruise specialist. www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au

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HALF PRICED UP TO $200 FREE OCEANVIEW SAVE UP TO FREE SOFT DEPOSIT˚ + ONBOARD CREDIT# + ROOM UPGRADE∆ + $1000 PER ROOM* + DRINK PACKAGE‡

HUNDREDS OF CRUISES ACROSS THE ENTIRE FLEET

VANUATU EXPLORER 11 Nights FIJI ADVENTURE 14 Nights 11 Nights

Interior Interior Balcony Cruise: Interior Interior Balcony Cruise: Interior Interior Balcony Cruise: Quad Twin Twin Sydney, Champagne Quad Twin Twin Sydney, Isle of Pines, Quad Twin Twin Brisbane, Santo, Fares per FREE Oceanview Upgrade∆ Bay, Santo, Vila, Fares per FREE Oceanview Upgrade∆ Suva, Dravuni Island, Fares per FREE Oceanview Upgrade∆ Champagne Bay, Vila, person Mystery Island, Isle Of person Port Denarau, Vila, person Mystery Island, Isle from* $999 $1,299 $2,349 Pines, Sydney from* $1,299 $1,999 $3,249 Mystery Island, from* $999 $1,499 $2,099 Of Pines, Noumea, Noumea, Sydney Brisbane Onboard Sydney Onboard Onboard Credit per $100 $100 $200 Departures: Credit per $100 $100 $200 Sydney Credit per $100 $100 $200 Brisbane room# 2016 > 15^ Feb, room# Departures: room# Departures: Fares shown based on 23 May 2016 ~ 16^ & 23 May, 22 Aug ^ Port order and/or itinerary varies 2016 > 27 May, 12^ Aug Fares shown based on 1 Feb 2016 ~ 2016 > 1 Feb, 14^ Jun, ^ Port order and/or itinerary varies 2017 > 20^ Mar ^ Port order and/or itinerary varies 16^ Aug, 17^ Oct, 28^ Nov 2017 > 16^ Jan

BOUNTY ADVENTURE 14 Nights EXPLORE LOYALTY ISLANDS 11 Nights INDONESIAN ADVENTURE 12 Nights

Interior Interior Balcony Cruise: Interior Interior Balcony Cruise: Interior Interior Balcony Cruise: Quad Twin Twin Brisbane, Noumea, Quad Twin Twin Melbourne, Noumea, Quad Twin Twin Fremantle, Komodo Fares per FREE Oceanview Upgrade∆ Nuku’alofa, Vava’u, Fares per FREE Oceanview Upgrade∆ Isle of Pines, Lifou, Fares per FREE Oceanview Upgrade∆ Island, Makassar (Ujung person Mutiny On The Bounty person Mare, Melbourne person Pandang), Lombok, from* $1,249 $1,999 $3,099 Site (Cruise by), Suva, from* $949 $1,499 $2,199 Melbourne from* $999 $1,699 $2,499 Probolinggo, Bali, Port Denarau, Vila, Departures: Fremantle Onboard Brisbane Onboard Onboard Credit per $100 $100 $200 Credit per $100 $100 $200 2016 > 2 & 22 Feb Credit per $100 $100 $200 Fremantle room# Brisbane room# room# Departures: Departures: Fares shown based on 22 Feb 2016 ~ Fares shown based on 7 Jun 2016 ~ 2016 > 2 May, 7 & 28 Jun 2016 > 4 Mar

*Fares are cruise only, per person in AUD in complete quad or twin room as specified, based on lead categories at publication date (21 Jul 2015), inclusive of all discounts, charges and taxes (which are subject to change). Supplements apply for other room categories. Savings of up to $1000 per room is based on 11 night Vanuatu Explorer cruise in Oceanview Quad and twin share Cabin Bookings departing Sydney on 23 May 16. Comparison “WAS” fares based on Pricebreaker fares launched into market from April 2013. A 1.5% surcharge applies to credit card payments for direct bookings made via our call centre and website. Travel agents may charge additional fees - check with your travel agent. Valid for new bookings and not combinable with any other offer. Offer ends 16 Sep 2015 unless sold out prior. Once this offer ends, fares may revert to a higher fare but also may be further discounted. Offers subject to availability. Some oceanview rooms have obstructed views. ~ Fare based on specified departure dates. Different fares apply to other dates listed. #Onboard credit is per room in AUD and applies to selected cruises. Onboard credit amount varies by room type and itinerary duration (2-6 nights: $50, 7-10 nights: $100, 11-14 nights: $100 for Interior or Oceanview / $200 for Balcony or Mini Suite, 15-18 nights: $100 for Interior or Oceanview / $300 for Balcony or Mini Suite), and applies to the first 2 guests only per room. Credit is not transferable, not redeemable for cash and cannot be used at the medical centre or casino.∆ Room upgrade offer is available on selected advertised cruises based on the price difference between the lead interior to lead oceanview for quad and twin rooms. Upgrades at the prices shown are subject to availability of rooms in the higher grade. ˚ 50% reduction off the standard adult deposit applies to selected cruises. Pay only half the standard deposit amount upfront and pay the rest on final payment of the booking. ‡ Free Soft Drink Package includes unlimited Coca Cola, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Lift, ginger ale and tonic and soda water per person during the cruise. The Soft Drink will be served by the glass, one drink per order, per eligible guest. Soft drinks package does not apply to orders made through room service. To be read in conjunction with the P&O Cruises Australia Booking and Passage Conditions available at www.pocruises.com.au which passengers will be bound by. Whilst all information is correct at time of publication, offers are subject to change or withdrawal. Carnival plc trading as P&O Cruises Australia. ABN 23 107 998 443.

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