Azamara returns to Europe in 2013 with more inclusive amenities and free upgrades.

Verandah staterooms for the price of Oceanview on select Europe sailings

Azamara Club Cruises clearly strikes a chord among travellers through its distinctive longer stays, more overnights in port to offer guests the opportunity for night touring.  And the cruise line's 2013 Europe season will mark a crescendo in Azamara's evolution as the best choice for truly experiencing the destination, with four new compelling reasons to sail in Europe this summer.

1 - New Night Tours

Beginning March 27 and May 15, newly refurbished Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will respectively launch AzAmazing Evenings, exclusive, custom-designed evening events which give guests the opportunities to enjoy and explore cultures that intrigue them. The inclusive night touring experiences are tailored, intimate and authentic to the destinations where they take place.

2 - New Inclusions

Azamara's upcoming Europe season also marks the added inclusion of boutique wines, international beers and select spirits, as standard, in the price of every Azamara cruise. These are in addition to the existing range of inclusions – soft drinks, bottled water, specialty teas & coffees, self-service laundry, shuttle transportation to city centres and tips for housekeeping, dining and bar staff – worth up to $750 per person on a 14-night cruise.

3 - New Verandah Upgrade Offer

Guests eager to experience Europe anew can now take advantage of a brand new limited-time offer: free upgrades from an Oceanview cabin to a Verandah stateroom on 28 of Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest's 2013 Europe sailings. But bookings must be made by 31 March 2013.

4 - Newly Refurbished Ships

Both Azamara Club Cruises ships have recently undergone ship wide refurbishments ready for the 2013 season. The extensive facelift included a new "Azamara Blue" hull, the addition of a new champagne and caviar bar, a Chef's Table concept featuring three wine degustation menus, as well as ship-wide refreshments including new carpets, upholstery, colour pallets, sun loungers and verandah furniture. The Spa and fitness centre was also revitalized with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment, while the Casino Bar was expanded and enhanced with new furniture.

"Travellers should not miss out on Azamara's 2013 European season, where guests will be the first to enjoy our unique AzAmazing Evenings and even more onboard inclusions," said Edie Bornstein, senior vice president of Marketing and Sales for Azamara Club Cruises. "Our longer stays and more overnights in port will provide guests the opportunity to not only see, but join in the celebration".

The cruise line's twin jewel-box ships will sail European waters through to November 2013, calling at familiar favourites such as Monte-Carlo, Ibiza and Santorini, as well as some of the less-trodden gems such as Sochi, Russia, host to the 2014-Winter Olympics; Cassis, France; and Propriano and Palamos, Spain.  For an even more culturally-rich experience, guests can combine two, three or more consecutive voyages that repeat nearly no ports and multiply their choices of AzAmazing Evenings and destination immersion.

All 2013 Europe sailings are available for booking now, with lead fares starting from $2,739 per person for a free upgrade to a Verandah stateroom onboard Azamara Quest's seven-night Cote D'Azur to the Tagus sailing. Departing 23 May 2013from Nice, France and sailing to Lisbon, Portugal via Barcelona, Valencia and Granada (Motril), Spain and Gibraltar, United Kingdom, this sailing also includes an overnight stay in Barcelona with an AzAmazing Evening of flamenco dancing and a tour of Codorniu Cava winery which has been producing Spain's famous sparkling Cava wines since the 16th century.

For more information or to book an Azamara Cruise, contact your travel agent, visit www.azamaraclubcruises.com or call 1800 754 500. Travel professionals can call 1300 754 500 or visit www.cruisingpower.com.

New Med Cruises for Queen Elizabeth in Cunard's 2014 Program

Cunard has announced its new 2014 program, offering a range of new itineraries designed for international travellers, including Mediterranean cruises on Queen Elizabeth.

Cunard President and Managing Director Peter Shanks said the breadth of cruises would appeal to guests from markets around the world including Australia.

The program commences in the northern spring after Cunard’s three liners finish their 2014 world voyages and features new Mediterranean itineraries, a twist to Queen Mary 2’s Transatlantic crossings and a Three Queens event to celebrate Queen Mary 2’s 10th birthday.

“Our new 2014 itineraries offer added variety and innovation to our loyal Cunarders as well as appealing to today’s luxury traveller,” Mr Shanks said.

“By offering the best in cities and destinations, along with the outstanding luxury experience of a Cunard ship, Cunard is a compelling holiday choice for 2014. Our unique international appeal creates a cosmopolitan flavour on board, which appeals to the growing number of luxury travellers around the world who are looking for a discerning holiday experience”.

Queen Elizabeth’s first full season in the Mediterranean, an increasingly popular cruise destination for Australians, will include departures from June to November 2014 from Venice, Rome and Athens.

Travellers will be able to choose from 7, 14 and 21-night cruises, with the voyages visiting a selection of 25 different ports, offering a mix of famous cities, iconic sights and intimate islands. Cruise options will include overnight stays in Istanbul and Venice and maiden calls to seven ports including Elba, Kotor and Palermo.

With the popularity of Transatlantic crossings on Queen Mary 2 continuing to grow, the flagship liner will undertake 18 crossings between Southampton and New York during 2014. These will include new eight-night crossings, with some to include a call to the famous port of Halifax, and two “Birthday Crossings” on May 9 and May 16 to celebrate Queen Mary 2’s 10th anniversary.

Meanwhile Queen Mary 2 and her younger sisters Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will meet in Southampton on May 9 for a Three Queens event to celebrate Queen Mary 2’s anniversary.

As well as the Transatlantic crossings, Queen Mary 2 will offer four New York cruises focused specifically on the North American market, including Canada and New England itineraries.

Meanwhile, Queen Victoria will be based in Southampton for the northern summer and will offer a variety of strong itineraries to the Fjords, Baltic, Iceland, Britain, Black Sea and Atlantic Isles, as well as a Round Britain cruise coinciding in Liverpool on the 100th anniversary of the first sailing of Cunard’s Aquitania on May 30.

The new itineraries go on sale worldwide on April 9. Full details will be released in each market over the next two weeks. For more details on Cunard visit www.cunardline.com.au, phone 132441 or see a licensed travel agent.

This Weeks Great Deals from ecruising.travel

Hi Cruisers,

Queen Mary 2 arrived into Sydney this morning and the sun finally appeared for her arrival. I know we need the rain but hey, I've seen enough of it for a while! Aurora is on QM2 today for lunch and an inspection so I'm sure you'll read her report in next weeks edition.

Speaking of newsletters, we had a problem with our image server last week but we've moved the location of this now so you should not have any more problems... technology!

On my flight back from Melbourne last week, we circled for an hour waiting to get into Sydney airport. I'm sure Julia doesn't circle around waiting to land; my prediction is they'll build a 2nd Sydney airport around the same time we stop using conventional aeroplanes!

Now on with the newsletter... Ian went on Solstice earlier this week, below is his story and photos.

For my next ship inspection it couldn't have been more different. To go from the Queen Victoria to the Celebrity Solstice is about as far apart as it comes in the world of big ship cruising. The former is all about old world elegance of the past, the latter is bright and modern, with all the mod cons of today and into the future. The options these days for cruising are far ranging and this gives the public great options to choose from. I can see why almost every Solstice cruise is sold out for the rest of the year.

Clients who have never tried Celebrity or even cruising at all are jumping on the bandwagon. It's a sure thing, and such great value now the prices are coming down. Celebrity are known as a 5 star cruise, so you need to compare the ship with a top of the line 5 star hotel, then you might be coming somewhere close. Every area of this ship is in impressive. Being so new it's in great shape in all areas. Our group of agents were very impressed as we walked through the public areas and incredible speciality restaurants. When we got to the cabins, particularly the Celebrity Suites, many of our group were crying out wow! I was personally impressed with all the bars, and varied adult areas, many of which have perfect sea views. So much so I've booked a cruise for myself!

 


Masai Magic is selling well, this really is a trip of a lifetime. QM2 speaks for itself but the ground arrangements are first class, as good as you'll get anywhere and with a company you know will deliver. Why not join us and take advantage of the free upgrades, click here for details.

Star of the Rockies is almost sold out, we have a few spaces left in Gold Leaf, if you've been thinking about it, better get onto it! Click here for details.

Diamond Princess will be headed down our way 14 November 2014 and we have some amazing new fares on the Singapore to Sydney sector! This 20 night package starts with a night at the Shangri La Singapore before you join your ship on a 19 night voyage. You'll cruise to Laem Chabang (Bangkok), Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City) & Benoa (Bali) before bidding farewell to Asia.

Arriving in Australian waters, you'll visit Darwin and Port Douglas, arriving in Sydney for a spectacular daytime arrival, followed by a night in port. We've also included transfers in Singapore and, don't forget, that cruising back to Australia means you don't have to worry about airline excess baggage charges so you can shop as much as you like! From less than $120.00 a day - $2,339.00 for an inside or $3,149.00 for a balcony! Click here for details

This is your last chance to join Queen Mary 2 on her current world voyage. There is an extremely limited number of cabins available from Fremantle to Cape Town departing 26 March 2013. After emabrkation, this 17 night package begins with a week at sea so you'll have plenty of time to soak up the magic of the worlds most famous oceanliner.

First stop after crossing the Indian Ocean is Port Louis in beautiful Mauritius followed by your arrival in South Africa with stops at Durban, Port Elizabeth & Cape Town, where you'll be saying farewell to your ship after an overnight stop in port. You'll then be spending 2 nights at The Westin Cape Town before your flight. We've included a oneway flight back to Perth, but ask us about flights back to other cities. Priced at just $4,669.00! Click here for details

Here's a couple of new itineraries on Radiance of the Seas' next local season. First is this 8 night Queensland cruise departing 19 January 2014. You'll visit Newcastle, Airlie Beach and Brisbane before returning to Sydney. Second is this 7 night cruise to Tasmania departing 27 January 2014. Oddly enough, your first port of call is Newcastle before you head south to Hobart with a final stop at Melbourne on the way back to Sydney. Queensland from $1,009.00 or Tasmania from $999.00!
Click here for Queensland
Click here for Tasmania

Discover more of Europe on board Ruby Princess with this 29 night package from Barcelona to Rome departing 12 October. You'll begin with 3 nights hotel accommodation at the Hilton Diagonal Mar in Barcelona before boarding Ruby Princess for a 24 night cruise on the Mediterranean, Adriatic & Aegean Seas. You'll visit Toulon in France, Livorno, Rome & Naples in Italy.

Cruising through the Ionian Sea, you'll call in at the island of Mykonos on the way to the Aegean where you'll be stopping at Istanbul, Kusadasi & Athens. You'll then be off to Venice for a 3 day visit. This is followed by Dubrovnik in Croatia, Corfu, Katakolon in Greece as well as another stop in Athens, Mykonos & Kusadasi.

You'll then drop in at Santorini & Naples on your way to Rome where you'll disemabark and head to the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese for a 2 night stay before your flight home. We've also included transfers in Barcelona and Rome from only $5,829.00 for an inside or $7,229.00 for a balcony!
Click here for details

Spoil yourself on board Seabourn Odyssey with this huge 45 night package from Istanbul to Singapore departing 5 October 2013. Begin your life of luxury with a 2 night stay at the Ritz Carlton Istanbul before you join the 6 star all inclusive Seabourn Odyssey for 41 nights of pure indulgence and as always with Seabourn, you'll visit some places that the bigger ships don't often visit.

Your first port of call is Myrina on the island of Nisos Limnos, this is followed by Izmir & Cesme in Turkey and then Patmos, Santorini, Naousa & Athens in Greece. Stop in at Haifa & Ashdod before transiting the Suez Canal calling in at Hurghada in Egypt, Aqaba in Jordan followed by a 2 day visit to Safaga (Valley of the Kings). Next you'll be visiting Salalah & Sur in Oman, Dubai, Khasab & Khor al Fakkan.

Moving toward Asia you'll find yourself on the Indian Sub-continent where you'll spend 2 days in Mumbai and call in at Mangalore & Cochin before crossing the Bay of Bengal with a final stop in Phuket. You will then disembark in Singapore where you'll spend 2 nights at the famous Raffles hotel before your flight home and back to reality. As well as included transfers, for a limited time, if you book an Oceanview Suite, you get a FREE upgrade to a Veranda Suite from $14,899.00 for a 45 night experience! Click here for details

Brett & the ecruising team

"The cure for anything is saltwater – sweat, tears, or the sea"

Isak Dinesen

Islands made for cruising. Réunion for dramatic scenery

Snapshots of the world's best island cruising destinations.

By Roderick Eime

Characterised by an aggressive, still active volcanic landscape, Réunion is the Hawaii of the Indian Ocean with towering, thickly wooded peaks and a couple of decent beaches.

Almost overlooked by its better publicised Indian Ocean neighbours, Mauritius and Madagascar, Réunion is small enough to be romantic and civilised enough to offer a comfortable, European style experience. After all, it is part of France, yet with a sultry and tropical Creole flavour.

Réunion's interesting, predominantly French colonial history, serves as a fascinating counterpoint to the jaw-dropping terrain on this 2500 square kilometre island. A 'must-do' among the serious trekking community, it is mentioned in the same breath as the Himalayas and New Zealand, with the three "cirques" (natural amphitheatres) providing stunning venues for energetic strolls. The Cirque de Salazie, the Cirque de Cilaos and the Cirque de Mafate each evolved from the original Piton des Neiges volcano (3000m) that formed the island. There is also fascinating hiking around the still-active Piton de la Fournaise, a shield volcano on the eastern end which rises more than 2631 metres.

Most of the population is arranged around the coastal perimeter, but three tiny villages form superb little micro-destinations on their own; Cilaos, Salazie and La Nouvelle (in the Cirque de Mafate), which is only accessible only by foot or helicopter.

There are around thirty cruise visits to the island annually with P&O, MSC and Silversea the most regular. The main port is Pointe des Galets.

Official tourism site: www.reunion.fr/en/

Islands made for cruising. Sicily for food and wine.

Palermo market

Snapshots of the world's best island cruising destinations.

By Roderick Eime

Sicily is one the best Mediterranean island destinations, even if you don't consider it a gastronomic attraction. You'll enjoy fabulous food with lashings of rich history and culture against a stunning natural backdrop. Strolling through any of the local food and produce markets is an experience in itself as you are confronted with beautifully presented fish, fruit, vegetables and even packaged delights. Sicilians love their food and wine and you'll find their passion translates into the many restaurants, cafes and bars.

Acclaimed food and wine author, Sally Hammond, author of "Just a Little Italian" explains why she loves Sicily.

"Sicily has been over-run and colonised by many nations over its long history. Ancient Greeks and Romans, Goths, Vikings, Turks, Spanish and North Africans have all had a hand in the mixing pot which now constitutes Sicilian cuisine.

"So in western Sicily you'll see signs announcing couscous is being served that day, in the south, it's almond granita (a flaky ice) and a sort of brioche for breakfast, and some of the best chocolate, while everywhere there are food markets that would be at home in the Middle East.

"In the countryside expect to see prickly pear laden with red fruit on the roadside and olive and orange groves. Sicily is a fragrant, colourful, absolutely delicious island."

Palermo and Messina are the popular ports, but cruises also stop at Catania. Well serviced by all the major cruise lines like MSC, Costa Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, and NCL.

Official tourism site: www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/sicily.html

Islands Made for Cruising: Cuba

A street in Trinidad, Cuba. Trinidad has been one of
UNESCO's World Heritage sites since 1988. (Wikimedia)

Cuba for Romance and Music

By Roderick Eime

The incurably romantic Caribbean island of Cuba is one of the last true Communist redoubts of the 21st Century and has captured the imaginations of artists, poets and musicians for as long as we can remember.

Cuba is almost always in the news. The legendary revolutionary, Fidel Castro Ruz, who turned 86 this year, is clearly on a short countdown until his ultimate term expires. Even with his poor health and advancing years, the old revolutionary still wields surprising power.

The resilience of the Cuban revolutionary Government has created a nation that almost stands still in cold war time. With his imminent passing, and especially since the withdrawal of Soviet aid, Cuba will inevitably be drawn into the broader world economic community.

Cuba's attraction as a tourist destination is due in part because of the world’s curiosity with this stubborn regime. But Cuba, in its own right, is a vibrant and exciting destination blessed with idyllic beaches and fascinating early Spanish history dating back to Columbus. More recent figures like Ernest Hemingway, Desi Arnaz, Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan reinforce the romance and passion of the island. Cuba's rich musical heritage has reached world popularity with musicians such as the Buena Vista Social Club and the Afro-Cuban Allstars.

Glenn A Baker, popular music historian and social commentator says, “There is a constant, inescapable sensuality to the entire Cuban experience. For all the crumbling decay, the tarnished and faded glamour, and the shortages and sacrifices of a country whose economy virtually collapsed when the Soviets cut off the drip-feed more than a decade ago, there is nothing dormant or moribund about the place.

“Take Latin vibrancy and pride, wind it up a few notches with classic Cuban machismo, stir well with history, intrigue and uncertainty, garnish with a siege mentality, serve warm with Spanish style and you have the very core of the Caribbean, its only truly essential destination.”

The best place to relive the Cuban music made famous by the original Buena Vista Social Club, is Salón 1930 ‘Compay Segundo’ at the Hotel Nacional.

Fancy a toast to old Ernest? Saunter down to La Bodegita del Medio in Empedrado Street, in the old Havana district for a mojito made to Hemmingway’s own recipe. How do you know this? It’s written on the wall in his handwriting.

While it’s still tough for Americans to visit, all that will change eventually, even though Cuban ports lack the infrastructure to accommodate cruise vessels of the size Americans like to cruise on. Instead, small and medium ships from lines such as Fred.Olsen, Hapag Lloyd, Variety and Voyages of Discovery are among the lines that visit Cuba from non-US ports. Australians have no such problem visiting Cuba except when accessing funds, so taking cash is the way to go. American Express? Forget it.

Most cruise ships will visit Havana, but Variety’s 8-day “Sights and Sounds of Cuba“ will also visit Casilda/Trinidad, Cienfuegos (a World Heritage site since 1988), Playa Giron, Juventud Island or Cayo Largo and Bahia de Corrientes, ports that occupy most of the western half of the island. The romance of this forbidden fruit is further enhanced with the use of their 49-pax, 3-masted schooner, “Panorama”.

Interested? Try this itinerary from APT

Spirit of the Spanish Main
(15 days) Embark on a Caribbean adventure from the Bahamas to Belize. Step back in time as you roam the streets of Cuba, unwind on the powder-white beaches of far-flung islands, and explore ancient ruins of a lost empire.

Australia ready for Astor

All hands on deck as Australia prepares for Astor

Brochures now available for Fremantle-based premium cruise ship

The owners of the 620-passenger cruise ship Astor have left Australia confident in their decision to base the premium vessel in Fremantle for the next three summers.

Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) UK announced early last month that it will be sending Astor to Fremantle for the 2013-14 Summer, the first of three seasons that it will be based Down Under. There are 15 itineraries being offered during her inaugural season.

After a week-long visit that included Sydney, Perth and Fremantle, Mr Christian Verhounig (Chairman and MD of CMV UK) said: ``We are genuinely encouraged by the positive response that we received from members of Australia's travel industry of our decision to bring Astor to Australia. There appears already to be much anticipation surrounding her arrival in December.
``Our visit has left us more confident than ever in our decision to base a premium vessel in Fremantle for the next three Australian summers.
``Our discussions with key industry stakeholders also confirmed our belief that Australia's growing number of cruise-goers are ready to have a greater standard of vessel than they have ever seen based in their waters.''

Mr Nicolas Tragakes (Chairman of Global Maritime Group), Mr Verhounig and Mr Alexios Tsokos (CEO CMV USA) also oversaw the launch of operations of the CMV Australia office, in Sydney.

The purpose of the visit was to:
       Launch CMV Australia's website, www.cmvaustralia.com, which includes information about everything you need to know about Astor;
       Deliver Astor's 2013-14 summer brochure to travel agents;
       Open CMV Australia's sales office in Sydney;

The national sales office for CMV Australia is located at:
Suite 206, Level 2, 506 Miller Street, Cammeray, NSW.
Phone: Reservations – 1300 307 934.

Media wanting a copy of Astor's 2013-14 Australian summer brochure can contact Brad Elborough on 0417 175 434 or be.comm@yahoo.com.au.

SAVER FARES: ** For a limited introductory period, CMV Australia is offering generous early booking deals for Astor's inaugural 2013/14 summer cruising season. Saver Fares offer discounts of up to 25% on full published fares, applicable to a limited number of twin and single cabin bookings made prior to May 15, 2013. This discount is not applicable to the New Year's Eve celebration cruise.

Visit: www.cmvaustralia.com

About ASTOR
Length – 176.5m / Width – 22.61m / Draught – 6.1m
Gross tonnage – 20,606 tonne
Cabins / suites / premium suites – 247 / 39 / 3
278 international officers and crew

·          The ASTOR was built in Germany in 1987 and underwent an AUD$18.6 million refurbishment in 2010 to the cabins and public areas. She has cruised in Europe for the demanding German market for the past 10 years.
·          The ASTOR has seven passenger decks and is a premium, fully stabilised and air-conditioned cruise liner with a maximum capacity of 620 guests.
·          The ASTOR boasts the impressive Waldorf Restaurant, which offers traditional cruise two sitting, fixed-time dining options. Alternatively, passengers can opt for the more informal experience of the sun-drenched Übersee Club Bistro.
·          The ASTOR has five lounge areas - the theatre style ASTOR Lounge, for some truly sparkling entertainment from the highly acclaimed show-team; the elegant Captain's Club, a perfect venue for pre-dinner cocktails with the resident pianist; the intimate Hanse Bar which leads onto the stylish Sonnen (Sun) Terrace Bar, with wonderful panoramic ocean views; and the Poolside Bar.
·          A popular feature of the ASTOR is the Sports Deck, with a volleyball court, half court tennis, jogging track, golf practice facility, big board chess and space for yoga.
·          Other facilities include the ship's Library, the Card Room, an internet café, a shopping arcade featuring a boutique, jeweller, perfumery and the Wellness Centre, which offers hairdressing and beauty treatments, an indoor swimming pool, ocean view fitness and exercise equipment, and sauna and massage facilities.
·          There is an outdoor, plus an indoor swimming pool, two whirlpools and, in keeping with her heritage, a traditional walk around promenade deck. There is a very good selection of comfortable modern cabin accommodation from Standard to De Luxe with 70% of cabins having an ocean view and with individually controlled air-conditioning.

ASTOR 2013-14 Australia highlights

4 nights Wine, Food and Fitness Cruise
Sails from Fremantle on Monday, December 16, 2013. Routing – Fremantle, Albany, Bunbury, Fremantle.

35 nights Grand Round Australian Circumnavigation
Sails from Fremantle on Tuesday, January 28, 2014. Routing – Fremantle, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Hobart and Port Arthur, Melbourne, Eden for Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Lombok, Komodo Island, Broome, Fremantle.

About CMV
CMV is an established UK-based independent cruise line and is part of CMV Holdings London Ltd with as associate North American sales office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. CMV Australia will be structured as a sales office to support the new Australian cruise operation in conjunction with the Global Maritime Group, CMV's majority shareholders.
With an annual program capacity of 45,000 passengers, CMV specialises in operating traditional smaller ship cruises of distinction. Serving the British and international English-speaking cruise markets, the renowned passenger flagship MARCO POLO operated alongside the popular 800 passenger OCEAN COUNTESS from six UK ports to mainly European destinations over the past three years. In 2013, Ocean Countess will be replaced by the upgraded 700 passenger DISCOVERY under a long-term charter arrangement as a joint venture partnership will All Leisure Holidays Ltd, part of the highly respected All Leisure Group PLC.
Marco Polo and Discovery are operated under charter by CMV, who has a wealth of cruise industry expertise spanning almost four decades and is a member of the prestigious Passenger Shipping Association and ACE - the Association of Cruise Experts. CMV's international head office is based in London in Purfleet Essex, close to the port of Tilbury.
All holidays featured in all CMV's brochures are financially protected by South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages. Cruise arrangements not including air travel are financially protected with the Association of British Travel Agents 9ABTA Number: V9945) and cruise arrangements including air travel are financially protected with the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL No. 4619)
For more information, visit Cruise & Maritime Voyages at www.cruiseandmaritime.com.