Serendipity Rules As P&O Cruises’ Superliner Pacific Pearl Joins Vivid Sydney’s Celebration Of Light And Sound

An unusual two-night stay in Sydney on a cruise itinerary planned more than two years ago has led to P&O Cruises’ superliner Pacific Pearl becoming the canvas for a spectacular Vivid Sydney light and sound display – the first time a cruise ship has been part of the festival.

Timed perfectly for the start of the 18-day annual Winter festival of light, music and ideas, Pacific Pearl will come alive with the P&O Cruises’ ‘See Voyage’ taking excited viewers on a virtual cruise.

Pacific Pearl

Close to 2000 New Zealand visitors whose Pacific Pearl cruise to Australia started in Auckland on May 21 will have a front row viewing platform of Vivid Sydney on May 24-25.

“It’s unusual for a P&O Cruises’ ship to have an overnight transit call at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on a cruise itinerary that was determined two years ago,” said Tammy Marshall, Senior Vice President P&O Cruises.

“To have Pacific Pearl at Circular Quay on the first two nights of Vivid Sydney and to be able to project images of the sea and the islands on her side in an extravaganza of light and sound, was an opportunity that was just too good to miss.”

On both nights of Pearl’s transit call, the P&O Cruises’ ‘See Voyage’ five-minute presentation will run every 30 minutes from 6pm – midnight with the Sydney Opera House and its vicinity the best viewing spot to take in the eclectic display.

The colourful fast moving show captures Vivid Sydney’s festival of creativity, enjoyment and escapism, which are also part and parcel of cruising to the Pacific Islands to visit some of the world’s most beautiful destinations.

“Pacific Pearl’s passengers are in for a very special treat as their superliner becomes one of the many Vivid Sydney light installations around the world’s most spectacular harbour,” Ms Marshall said.

“In addition to taking in the Vivid Sydney sights and sounds, for two nights they will have all the time needed to fan out and enjoy the dining, shopping and touring opportunities that the city has to offer.

“To have Pacific Pearl’s two-night transit call to Sydney coincide with Vivid Sydney is pure serendipity and we couldn’t be more excited at this chance to present wonderful images of the islands and maritime themes.”

Fly Free with Celebrity Cruises

Click here to view this promotion in a browser window

Hi Cruisers,

Cruise New Zealand in a premium Veranda, Concierge Class or Aqua Class stateroom and receive free return flights~ from Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney.

For a limited time only, when you book a selected Celebrity Solstice cruise to New Zealand in the summer 2013-2014 season, you'll receive a free pre- or post-cruise flight to or from Auckland. This is your chance to enjoy New Zealand and take in some of the region's rich scenic views from your private veranda, as very few ever will.

Sale features:
- Offer is valid until 31 July 2013
- Book a selected Celebrity Solstice New Zealand cruise in a premium Veranda, Concierge Class or AquaClass and receive free return flights!
- Strictly for new individual bookings only made within the sale period

BOOK NOW! Free Call 1300 369 848

Keep Cruising,
Jay & the ecruising team

South America Fly and Cruise Package with Celebrity

CRUISE specialist ecruising.travel has released a new exclusive South American fly/cruise/tour package - a 35-night itinerary which includes a 14- night cruise aboard Celebrity Infinity from Buenos Aires in Argentina to Valparaiso in Chile.

"The Amazing South America" tour departs Sydney on February 9, 2014, for three nights in Santiago, Chile, before travelling to Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu by scenic train then flying to Rio de Janiero in Brazil.  Travel back to Argentina and spend three nights at Iguazu Falls to take in the superb waterfalls on both the Argentinian and Brazilian sides.

Fly to Patagonia in Argentina to experience the Perito Moreno Glacier and a full day River of Ice cruise. Head back to the capital BA to view the famous Tango show and have a traditional pampas gaucho party- the cowboys of South America- before boarding your ship.

Cruise through Uruguay towards Chile with port visits in Montevideo, Punta Del Este, Cape Horn, Punta Arenas and Puerto Montt, sail through the Strait of Magellan and the Chilean Fjords before reaching your final destination of  Valparaiso.

The itinerary includes private touring in Santiago, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rio de Janiero, Iguazu Falls, Patagonia and Buenos Aires.

Priced from $16,469 per person twin share, the package also includes return economy air fares from Sydney, 21 nights superior hotels including Grand Hyatt, Swissotel, Aranwa Boutique Hotel and Alvear Palace Hotel, 14 nights cruise accommodation with all meals on board the Celebrity Infinity, air and port taxes as well as all transfers with airport meet and greet service.

The cruise tour is for sale until June 30, for more details contact ecruising.travel on 1300-369-848 or check out www.ecruising.travel

 

P&O Cruises Showcases Multi-million Pound Ventura Refurbishment

A multi-million pound refurbishment has been carried out to Ventura to incorporate features which have proved popular with passengers on sister ship Azura.

Successful concepts from Azura, such as The Glasshouse, The Retreat, menus designed by Michelin -star chef Atul Kochhar in speciality restaurant East and single cabins have all been introduced on board Ventura as part of P&O Cruises ongoing refit programme.

Highlights include:

The Glasshouse

• The Glasshouse has been introduced, to replace Las Ramblas bar and restaurant on Deck 7
• Installation of enomatic wine system allows passengers to buy premium wines by the glass selected by TV wine expertOlly Smith
• Conversion to The Glasshouse menu with a selection of small and large plates available for lunch and dinner (additional charge). Small plates include:chorizo, pork belly and butter bean cassoulet and larger plates include a selection of steak, burger and fish dishes with triple cooked chips as well as vegetarian options including woodland mushroom and spring onion risotto with melting camembert

East
East now features a new menu designed by Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochhar
Atul has devised a unique Thai/Indonesian menu, which also includes influences from Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisine. Sample dishes include:

• -24 Hour Slow Cooked Lamb Rendang - Indonesian style curry with coconut milk, shallots, garlic and ginger
• -Spiced Sea Bream - wrapped in banana leaf and griddled with shallots and green chillies

Atul Kochhar said: "Exploring flavours from across the Far East, including Indonesia and Thailand, this new and exciting menu showcases modern Asian cuisine. Incorporating mystical spices with subtle ingredients this menu is inspired by my travels throughout Asia and my love of spice."

Single cabins
18 new single cabins added: 12 outside and six inside
Located in the same area as Azura, adjacent to the Exchange Bar on Deck 6, a central location

The Retreat

• Installation of The Retreat into the forward area on Deck 16
• The Retreat is a sumptuous open-air spa terrace with sun loungers, a separate pool and stunning sea views, exclusively for adults
• Passengers can buy a full day pass to The Retreat for a small cover charge

Other changes

• The atrium features a new dance floor which will host dance lessons day and night with a live band in the evening
• Ventura is now fully wi-fi enabled
• The cyberstudy has been converted into the ship's new library (with some fixed PCs)
• A new perfumery has replaced the old library
• A new enomatic wine system has been introduced in Waterside, the ship's buffet restaurant. This self-service system allows passengers to buy premium wines by the glass, similar to The Glasshouse, by purchasing a wine card on board

P&O Cruises managing director Carol Marlow said:

"This is the latest of several refits to our fleet. Oriana and Oceana have already had multi-million pound investments and Arcadia will be at the end of the year. We are delighted with the changes on Ventura. All of the enhancements have been made following feedback from both existing passengers and potential cruisers. Research showed that speciality restaurants were very important as well as a variety of dining with premium grills, classic fine dining, Asian and Indian menus being the most popular.

"As a result we have added these innovations onto Ventura. We have a new Asian Fusion menu in East, designed by Atul Kochhar and we added The Glasshouse grill and wine bar, both of which have proved so popular on Azura.

"Following the success of the single cabins on Azura and Oriana, we also now have 18 new single cabins on Ventura. This offers an attractive and cost effective option to solo travellers.

"The Retreat has also been a huge hit with passengers on Azura and so we now have the same concept on Ventura. The Retreat offers a private area, exclusively for adults and is the perfect place to relax, unwind and be pampered.

"All in all, these changes are very well suited to passengers seeking a relaxed and contemporary cruising experience - perfect for families, friends and couples alike. We are very excited to have these latest innovations in time for Ventura's new fly-cruise programme to the Mediterranean next summer. Our passengers can enjoy some of Europe's most iconic destinations in greater style and even more comfort on our new-look Ventura."

The changes are reflected in the new P&O Cruises 2014/15 brochure. The new programme, which has significant savings for early bookers, is on sale now.

A Ventura refit video is available with Laurence Llewelyn Bowen talking through the exciting changes. To view it, please visit P&O Cruises YouTube page or click on the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxl7apcPTac

Crystal's New Explorer Combinations Offer Longer Vacations for Less

For those for whom one luxury cruise just isn't enough, Crystal Cruises is offering incredible new discounts of up to 25% off the best cruise-only fares for combining select 2013 and 2014 voyages.

Crystal Cruises

The new Explorer Combinations promotion boasts savings of up to $12,200/person for travelers who combine two to three of the Crystal Serenity Mediterranean cruisesback-to-back. Itineraries feature calls in Dubrovnik, Sicily, Montenegro, Malta, Mykonos, St-Tropez and more, with overnight stays in Venice, Monte Carlo, Lisbon, Istanbul, Barcelona and Sorrento.

"Extending one's vacation via an Explorer Combination allows one to see more of Europe, in an extremely convenient and luxurious way," says Jack Anderson , senior vice president, marketing and sales. "All-inclusive fares start from just $217 per person per day – an incredible value for a Six-Star vacation visiting so many of Europe's most storied and charming locales."

Combo options include:

2013
October 17 & October 26: Istanbul to Rome (16 total days) from $3,770
October 26 & November 2: Venice to Lisbon (20 total days) from $4,535
October 17, October 26 and November 2: Istanbul to Lisbon (29 total days) from $6,320

2014
May 30 & June 8: Barcelona to Venice (16 total days) from $3,975
June 8 & June 15: Rome to Istanbul (14 total days) from $3,640
May 30, June 8 and June 15: Barcelona to Istanbul (23 total days) from $5,795

All fares are per person, and must be booked by June 28, 2013. Individual cruises and Crystal Getaways offer luxury vacations starting from just five days in length in the Mediterranean, as well as the Baltic, North Cape, Western Europe, British Isles, and Black Sea. Crystal also offers 5% savings for all other back-to-back cruises.

Crystal Cruises' award-winning "World's Best" ocean resort experience always includes a host of complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and all-inclusive beverages and gratuities.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888-799-4625, or visit www.crystalcruises.com.

Moose and Marsupials. Two great cruises unite South Pacific and Alaska

A double cruise aboard two fine Holland America Line cruise ships this year explores Alaska’s renowned Inside Passage and visits Los Angeles, Hawaii, Samoa, Vanuatu and Noumea before sailing back to Australia.

It’s part of a holiday from CruiseAway (cruiseaway.com.au) that also ventures into Canada’s Rocky Mountains on a two-day tour and spends five nights in Vancouver.

Rocky Mountaineer

‘Moose and Marsupials’ (as the holiday is named) uses Holland America Line’s ms Zuiderdam and ms Volendam. The latter ship will visit Australia this October, providing the perfect means of sailing back home across the Pacific after this great North American adventure.

‘Moose and Marsupials’ lasts over five weeks – 37 nights, to be precise. It costs from A$5599 twin share per person, valid at that rate till 30 June 2013 or until sold out, whichever comes first. That’s a reduction of A$400 on the previous price levels.

This fly-double-cruise Canada and Alaska adventure begins on 12 September 2013 with a flight from Sydney to Vancouver. Your hotel is the Rosedale on Robson in the heart of Vancouver’s entertainment district. Accommodation is in a deluxe suite, with time to explore one of North America’s most livable and scenically dramatic cities.

Then board ms Zuiderdam for a fabulous seven-night round-trip into the dramatic fjords of Alaska’s Inside Passage. Despite the snow-capped mountains, the region’s mild, maritime climate makes it prime habitat for bald eagles, sea lions, porpoise and whales. Highlights among these forested islands include the historic town of Juneau at the foot of mountain peaks, the Klondike gold-rush settlement of Skagway, Ketchikan with its totem poles and phenomenal Glacier Bay, where bears forage and 16 tidewater glaciers plunge into icy fjords.

All shipboard main meals (excluding specialty restaurants) and most onboard entertainment is covered. ms Zuiderdam amenities include The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine Magazine; Greenhouse Spa & Salon; and Explorations Café powered by The New York Times.

After another night in Vancouver, set out along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway on a two-day Discover Whistler mini-stay. The journey to Whistler includes free entry to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, focusing on the culture of two local indigenous nations. The Rocky Mountaineer rail trip back, from Whistler to Vancouver, is one of Canada’s great rail journeys, taking in the magnificent scenery of Howe Sound and British Columbia’s coastal mountains.

Your Whistler accommodation is the gracious Fairmont Chateau Whistler alpine resort, located dramatically between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Two more nights in a deluxe suite at the stylish Rosedale on Robson hotel give you time to relax in Vancouver. Perhaps saunter the cobblestone streets of Gastown, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, full of artists’ studios and boutique designer shops in refurbished heritage buildings.

The main cruise of the holiday is now about to begin – 24 nights from Vancouver to Sydney aboard ms Volendam, a ship known for flowers, art and fine dining. First port of call is Los Angeles, with time to visit Hollywood, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills or those famous LA shopping malls.

Four days at sea gives time to explore ms Volendam. Artwork aboard runs from pre-Columbian sculptures to Renaissance-era Italian fountains. Dining can involve five-course menus or you can opt for vegetarian or low-carb choices. Take time to explore the lounges, bars, Lido Pool and Frans Hals Show Lounge. Once again, all shipboard main meals (excluding specialty restaurants) and most onboard entertainment is covered in the price.

Next stop Hawaii – first at Hilo on the Big Island, then a full day in Honolulu to visit Pearl Harbor, stroll Waikiki Beach or do as you will. Onward to Pago Pago (pronounced pango pango), capital of American Samoa.

On the other side of the date line lies Suva, Fiji, for a full day to shop, take it easy, maybe sip kava. ms Volendam also visits Port Vila in Vanuatu and Lifou on the Loyalty Islands – perfect beaches on a far-flung archipelago. Then visit Noumea, capital of New Caledonia. Perhaps find a café, sip a Pernod; contemplate practicing your French.

The next stop is super-special. Try to rise early to catch dawn arrival in Sydney, ending your holiday on a serene and beautiful note.

For details, contact Cruiseaway 1300 887 590 www.cruiseaway.com.au

Windstar’s New Yacht and Voyages On Sale May 14th

This year continues to be an exciting one for Windstar Cruises. As most of the cruise industry focuses on bigger ships, we continue to invest in small-ship opportunities and intimate yacht-style cruising with the addition of our three new all-suite power yachts and the completion of the renovation on our three sailing yachts.

I am delighted to announce that voyages for Star Pride, Windstar Cruises' first all-suite power yacht, will open for sale tomorrow. Star Pride's Voyage Collection includes four new itineraries exclusive to the Star Pride. The one I am most excited about is Black Sea Tapestry. For the first time, Windstar Cruises will cruise the enigmatic, once hidden, wonders of the Black Sea in our signature, private yacht style. The voyage will depart from Istanbul, Turkey and visit Yalta, Sevastopol, and Odessa, Ukraine; Constanta (Bucharest), Romania; and Nessebar, Bulgaria. Visit our web site later this week to learn more about all Star Pride voyages. I'm also sending you a comprehensive brochure on the Star Pride Voyage Collection later this month.

As the three all-suite power yachts enter our fleet, with Star Pride being the first in May 2014, they will undergo upgrades and changes in styling and décor to align with Windstar's brand. The new power yachts will accommodate a maximum of 212 pampered guests with 106 suites, including four deluxe Owners' Suites, two beautiful Classic Suites, and 100 Balcony and Ocean View Suites.

Keeping true to our signature private yacht style, guests sailing on board Star Pride will experience Windstar's casual elegance and legendary service. With our new private all-suite yachts, you will continue to enjoy our celebrated Sail Away party, famous Yacht Deck Barbecue gala, access to the Bridge and exclusive experiences on shore as your yacht tucks into delightful tiny harbors and hidden coves that others can't reach.

I especially hope to see you on Star Pride's inaugural voyage in the Mediterranean, sailing May 5 to May 11, 2014. This six-day voyage is an exclusive event for Windstar's alumni members and invited guests. Following a christening ceremony, Star Pride will depart from Barcelona to Rome with several unique experiences throughout the voyage. Your invitation to this exclusive event will arrive soon and you are welcome to call Windstar Reservations for more information.

We will continue to share new details on these beautiful all-suite power yachts in the coming months. I look forward to seeing you on board one of our yachts soon.

Sincerely,

Hans Birkholz
President & CEO
Windstar Cruises