Windstar Cruises Introduces New Yacht and Voyage Collection

 
Windstar Cruises, a leader in yacht-style cruising, has announced the debut of its new all-suite yacht, Star Pride, and the 2014 Pride Voyage Collection. The new voyages are now open for sale and feature four new itineraries exclusive to the all-suite yacht, including Windstar's new itinerary through the Black Sea. Star Pride's nine distinctive voyages highlight small-ship ports throughout the Mediterranean seas and French Riviera, tucking into tiny harbours and hidden coves that others cannot reach. The collection features voyages from May 5 to October 21, 2014.

"

We are thrilled to welcome Star Pride to our fleet in Spring 2014, enabling Windstar to cruise a global set of itineraries to new destinations including our new Black Sea Tapestry voyage," said Hans Birkholz, Windstar Cruises' chief executive officer. "With a maximum of 212 guests on board, Star Pride delivers our promise of the private yacht experience in a casually elegant setting, all while exploring some of the world's most legendary destinations and hidden harbours."

The four exclusive Star Pride 2014 European voyages include:

Black Sea Tapestry

For the first time, Windstar offers the enigmatic, once hidden, wonders of Europe's Black Sea in signature Windstar yachting style. This seven-day, roundtrip voyage from Istanbul, Turkey departs June 13, 20; and September 8, 2014, and visits five new ports including Yalta, Sevastopol, and Odessa, Ukraine; Constanta (Bucharest), Romania; and Nessebar, Bulgaria. Highlights include: Istanbul's elegant Blue Mosque; Swallow's Nest Castle in Yalta; the intriguing Potemkin Steps in Odessa; Sevastopol's beautiful beaches; and medieval Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its impressive collection of historic churches.



Pride of the Aegean

Explore the breadth of the Aegean Sea, from the southernmost azure tip of Crete to the soaring spires of Istanbul, in one comprehensive nine-day sailing departing from Athens, Greece or Istanbul, Turkey on June 4, and 27; August 30; September 15 and 24; and October 3, 12, and 21, 2014. Star Pride visits Monemvasia, Chania, Santorini, and Rhodes, Greece; and Bodrum, Kusadasi, and Cesme, Turkey. Highlights include: Chania's beautiful Venetian mansions and churches; the whitewashed buildings and blue domes of Santorini; the ancient Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes; Cesme's 14th century Genoese castle, as well as the marble, myths, and magic of Athens and Istanbul's world-famous Grand Bazaar.

Riviera Enchantment

Discover the glamour, the enchantment, the excitement, and the exquisite élan of the world's most famous yachting playgrounds on this seven-day voyage roundtrip from Rome, Italy departing May 21; and August 6, 2014. Rome sets the stage for this exciting cruise which visits some of the world's most glamorous ports along the French Riviera including Cannes, France; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Portoferraio, Portofino, and Portovenere, Italy. For an added thrill, guests sailing on the May 21 departure can add Windstar's Grand Prix Cruise Package and experience the perfect combination of luxury cruising and Formula One racing.

Venetian Passageways

Uncover the wonders of Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic, as Windstar overnights in this magical city on this nine-day voyage along the ancient trade routes through the narrow Corinth Canal, to the ancient oracle of Delphi, and into the majestic fjords of Montenegro. Star Pride departs July 6; and August 21, 2014 from Athens, Greece or Venice, Italy visiting Hydra, Corinth Canal, Delphi/Itea, and Zakynthos, Greece; Butrint, Albania; Kotor, Montenegro; and Dubrovnik and Hvar, Croatia.

Also new for 2014, is Windstar's Sicilian Splendors voyage. Sail around the Isle of Sicily and discover wonders from the ruins of Pompeii and Capri's Blue Grotto to Baroque marvels and the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast with this 10-day sailing roundtrip from Rome, Italy departing May 11, 2014. This new 2014 voyage visits five new ports including Catania, Porto Empedocle, and Trapani, Italy; and Valletta and Gozo, Malta; as well as Lipari (Sicily), Sorrento, and Capri, Italy, and also spends one romantic night at sea. Highlights include: the ancient city of Syracuse in Catania; historic tapestries and armor in Valletta's Palazzo Parisio; and some of the world's best-preserved Greek ruins at the Valley of the Temples in Porto Empedocle.



In addition, Star Pride will offer many Windstar favourites including:

·         Classic Italy & Dalmatian Coast: Discover the magic of Venice, the grandeur of Rome and the captivating island of Capri before cruising the privileged waters of the Ionian Sea with visits to the breathtaking fjords of Montenegro and the sundrenched shores of Croatia on this eight-day cruise departing from Rome or Venice on July 15 and August 13, 2014.

·         Glitter & Glam of the Rivieras: From the sparkling cities of Marseille and Portofino to the chic style of Monaco and Cannes, Star Pride explores the legendary ports of the world's most privileged yachts on this seven-day voyage departing from Rome or Barcelona on July 23 and 30, 2014.

·         Enchanting Greece & the Amalfi Coast: This seven-day cruise departing May 28, 2014, explores the idyllic islands, charming cobbled villages, spectacular scenery, and intriguing history of the heart of the Mediterranean.

·         Star Pride, with a guest capacity of 212 in 106 suites, will undergo several upgrades and changes in styling and décor to align with Windstar's brand. Star Pride will showcase many signature Windstar experiences, including the line's famous Sail Away party, Yacht Deck Barbecue gala and Open Bridge policy.

About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates a fleet of small luxury cruise ships known for their intimate yacht-style experience and unique voyages to the world's best small ports and hidden harbors. Its three recently renovated sailing yachts carry just 148 to 310 guests and cruise to 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and Central America. In February 2013, Windstar entered into an agreement to purchase three all-suite motorized yachts with a capacity of 212 passengers each. Under the project name Global Windstar, the expansion will double the size of Windstar's fleet, making the company the market leader in small-ship cruising with 300 or fewer passengers, with a total of 1,230 berths.

For bookings please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or www.traveltheworld.com.au

   
 

Holland America Line Summer Sale

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.