Monday 27 March 2017
Silversea Silver Cloud new designs revealed
The ship's multi-million dollar refurbishment to set new standards in luxury expedition cruising
Silversea has released a selection of renderings showcasing the beautifully crafted Silver Cloud interiors ahead of her conversion into an ice-class expedition ship, which will take place between August and October this year. Silver Cloud, which launched the Silversea fleet in 1994, will offer the ultra-luxury distinctions of a classic Silversea ship combined with the strength and maneuverability required for expedition cruising.
The new renderings highlight the luxurious design of Silver Cloud's public spaces including La Terrazza, The Restaurant, Observation Lounge, Panorama Lounge, and Venetian Lounge. The extensive refurbishment will include the creation of the Observation lounge, new teak flooring, upholstery and lighting in La Terrazza and new carpet and upholstery in The Restaurant. Silver Cloud will also feature a new gym with Technogym equipment.
In addition to interior updates, the multi-million dollar refurbishment will strengthen Silver Cloud's hull enabling her to explore polar waters. Silver Cloud's transition to an ice-class vessel will bring expedition guests the luxury, style and comfort synonymous with Silversea's classic ships. A guest capacity of 260 in non-polar regions and just 200 in polar regions means that guests will enjoy the highest levels of personalised and attentive service on board. The limited capacity in polar regions also means that all guests can disembark at the same time to explore each region.
"As the first ship in our fleet, Silver Cloud has a special place in Silversea's history, and we're delighted to reveal further details of her refurbishment. We look forward to welcoming guests aboard to experienceSilver Cloud's luxurious interiors as well as her incredible itineraries later this year," said Barbara Muckermann, Chief Marketing Officer at Silversea Cruises.
When Silver Cloud was launched in 1994 by Antonio Lefebvre, it set a new standard in luxury cruising. His son, Manfredi Lefebvre became chairman of Silversea in 2001 and has since expanded the fleet from four to eight vessels with a ninth currently under construction. The expansion has included the introduction of expedition cruising with the launch of Silver Explorer in 2008.
Silver Cloud will also have a team of up to 19 dedicated experts on hand to ensure guests leave with the best experiences from their voyages, whether they are the sights, the sounds, the history or the stories. Daily presentations and lectures by experts in the state-of-the-art theatre will also be streamed live to all suites.
For a copy of the Silver Cloud brochure or for more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com
Sunday 19 March 2017
New Look Pacific Dawn Delivers Top Deck Thrills at Sea
P&O Cruises' guests can now slip and slide their way to the Pacific onboard Pacific Dawn, which features the wildest and longest waterslides on an Australian cruise ship.
The two new slides, both around 80 metres long, form the centrepiece of a massive refurbishment of the Brisbane-based superliner which has taken place over two weeks in Singapore.
One slide is transparent so that spectators can watch guests shoot through its twists and turns, while the other slide is multi-coloured, with music pumping through it to give guests a high impact ride to the bottom.
Other additions include a waterpark and P&O's first virtual reality activity at sea from Sony Interactive Entertainment Australia.
As part of the refurbishment, the 2000-guest Pacific Dawn has also become the first in the fleet to wear the cruise line's striking new livery featuring the Southern Cross, a national symbol in both Australia and New Zealand.
Saturday 11 March 2017
New rail and sail tour from Brisbane to Sydney and return
New heritage rail and sail tour from Brisbane relives the golden era of travel
Six-day short break to Sydney and back by ship and historic train in June 2017
A cruise from Brisbane to Sydney, two nights in the harbour city and a two-day rail trip back to Brisbane form part of a unique, new rail and sail tour this June released by Cruise Express.
Ideal for train and cruise fans from across Australia, the six-day 'Tin Hare Express' tour features three, privately chartered CPH rail motors built in the 1920s. Affectionaly known as 'Tin Hares', the restored rail motors once served regional NSW and offer windows that can be opened for fresh air and clear views of the passing countryside. The June trip will be the first time all three of the rail motors have journeyed to Brisbane.
Perfect as a short break and hosted by Cruise Express, the tour starts in Brisbane on Saturday, June 3, 2017, with a relaxing, two-night cruise to Sydney aboard the 2000-passenger Sun Princess which now boasts the specialty restaurant, 'Share', curated by celebrity chef Curtis Stone. A welcome-aboard cocktail party is included for Cruise Express guests.
After sailing into Sydney Harbour, guests will stay two nights with daily breakfast at the historic Grace Hotel in the heart of the city. On the second night in Sydney, the package includes a three-course gourmet dinner in the 'O Bar & Dining' revolving restaurant on the 47th floor of the Australia Square building which boasts spectacular views of the city lights.
On the fifth day, guests will board the CPH rail motors at Sydney's Central Station for a two-day journey back to the Queensland capital, with train staff sharing the history of the rail motors, their restoration and return to heritage service. The rail trip will make several stops including the Rail Motor Society's home at Paterson in the Hunter Valley for morning tea, Taree for lunch and Grafton for dinner at the riverside Crown Hotel and overnight accommodation at the nearby Quality Inn.
The final day will see guests reboard the train for the final run to Brisbane with a morning tea stop in Casino in far northern NSW.
Including 12 meals, two morning teas and the services of Cruise Express Tour Managers, the six-day 'Tin Hare Express' rail and sail tour is available from $1890 per person, twin-share, or from $2490 for solo travellers. Flights to and from Brisbane, if required, are additional. Visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au
Silversea Silver Wind cruise Northern Europe & the British Isles
Silver Wind is set to depart London, England on 24 August 2017, on a 16-day voyage to Hamburg, Germany, taking in the beautiful sights of Northern Europe & the British Isles. Prices start from $12,645 per person in a Vista Suite, based on double occupancy and includes an Early Booking Bonus, if paying in full before 02 May 2017. In addition, Silversea now features free roundtrip economy class air or a business class upgrade to Northern Europe, on select voyages.
A key highlight of this exploration of Northern Europe & the British Isles is setting sail from the heart of London, along the River Thames, and through historic Tower Bridge (pictured). Tower Bridge was built over 120 years ago, with giant moveable roadways that lift up for passing ships. It is, to this day, considered an engineering marvel and one of London's favourite icons. This provides our guests with the opportunity to view the ancient city of London's famous landmarks, such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye, and see the tall, red, double-decker buses, all from the comfort of a Silversea cruise.
Guests can also visit St Petersburg, a beautiful city known as one of the most alluring Capitals in Europe. Filled with golden spires and gilded domes, of candlelit cathedrals and breathtaking palaces, St Petersburg is full of splendid gems.
For the last three days of this incredible voyage, guests also have the unique opportunity to participate in 'The Hamburg Cruise Days 2017'. This is a day and night event during which, the quays of the Port of Hamburg are transformed into themed areas that bring cruises onto dry land – with maritime markets, cultural highlights, live music and dance, culinary specialties, recreation and sports, as well as fun and games for children. Guests will disembark the voyage in Hamburg, Germany, on 09 September 2017.
Aboard Silver Wind's voyage, guests will enjoy a vast array of overnights stays, offering them the opportunity to have an in-depth exploration into some of the most spectacular destinations that this part of the world is renowned for. Guests will experience the stunning architecture, history and natural beauty of Antwerp, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Visby (Gotland), Stockholm, Tallinn, Helsinki, Warnemunde (Rostock) and the Kiel Canal.
Silversea cruise fares include: all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary onboard champagne, wines and spirits; and one hour of complimentary WiFi per day for each guest and unlimited WiFi for the ship's top suites (Medallion and higher categories) and all gratuities.
FEATURED EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
Fly Free to the Northern Europe: FREE ROUNDTRIP ECONOMY CLASS AIR or a BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE for only AU$4,998 per person on select Northern European voyages. Book by 02 May 2017.
Click here for all Silversea Exclusive offers
*This voyage is subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time. Terms and conditions apply.
Wednesday 1 March 2017
Around the world in 180 days with Oceania
OCEANIA CRUISES ANNOUNCES AROUND THE WORLD IN 180 DAYS VOYAGE FOR 2019
Global Journey Offers Convenient Departures from New York, Miami and Los Angeles
World travellers wanting to experience more travel milestones during a single journey than many do in an entire lifetime can achieve their dreams with Oceania Cruises’ announcement of another awe-inspiring 180-day world cruise for 2019. With the unveiling of this global odyssey, the line is offering guests the flexibility of embarking the full world cruise in New York, Miami or Los Angeles.
“Our exciting 2019 Around the World journey offers guests an expertly crafted route spanning the four corners of the globe, touching on nearly 100 captivating destinations and dozens of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s truly the journey of a lifetime,” said Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Asia Pacific of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings. “The added convenience of three departures, new for 2019, brings guests greater flexibility and can help simplify their travel plans.”
Aboard the elegant and intimate 684-guest Insignia, the Around the World voyage brings travellers the journey of a lifetime, sailing more than 45,000 nautical miles across two oceans and 16 seas while visiting 90 fascinating destinations in 36 countries. Departing New York on January 11, 2019; Miami on January 14, 2019; or Los Angeles on January 30, 2019, this epic five-continent expedition invites seasoned travellers to explore the far corners of the world in luxury and style.
Silversea’s Exclusively Yours -- Enriched Voyages’ Collection
From opera to the culinary arts, Silversea is offering the perfect blend of culture and travel with a range of specialty voyages featuring a complimentary onboard programme of exceptional enrichment activities, as well as free roundtrip economy airfares on select sailings.
The 'Exclusively Yours -- Enriched Voyages' Collection provide a unique opportunity for Silversea's privileged guests to indulge their personal interests and passions with special programmes designed to deepen their knowledge and make their cruise experience even more rewarding.
Featured voyages:
V5716: Departing Lisbon, Portugal, on 14 June 2017, this extraordinary 11-day Champagne voyage aboard Silver Spirit includes: Champagne tasting with Pommery cellar masters; Champagne classes; meet the legendary Vranken Pommery family; and an opportunity to explore the Domaine Pommery. This Mediterranean voyage visits iconic ports of Spain and the romantic and diverse cities of France. Cruise package fares including free return flights start from AU$7,950 per person.
V5717: For opera enthusiasts, Silversea will host three exceptional opera themed cruises during 2017 where guests will be serenaded by four soloists from the Accademia Teatro alla Scalla. With over 200 years of leadership in the arts, the Accademia's soloists will perform the enigmatic, evocative and beautiful librettos from the world's most magical operas on each voyage. Guests will also have the opportunity to listen to discussions and lectures with Opera experts on the music and lyrics of the recital programme.
The first operatic adventure departs from Rouen, France, on 25 June 2017 on a 12 day sojourn aboard Silver Spirit with highlights including Bordeaux, Mont St. Michel and the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao before arriving into Lisbon, Portugal.
Silversea cruise package fares include: all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary onboard champagne, wines and spirits; and one hour of complimentary WiFi per day for each guest and unlimited WiFi for the ship's top suites (Medallion and higher categories) and all gratuities.
FEATURED EXCLUSIVE OFFERS:
Fly Free to the Mediterranean: FREE ROUNDTRIP ECONOMY CLASS AIR or a BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADE for only AU$4,998 per person on select Mediterranean voyages. Book by 02 May 2017.
Silver Select: Book by 02 May 2017 and choose a two category upgrade, 50% saving on a second suite or US$1,000* on board credit.
*This voyage is subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, contact you travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com