The Duchess of Cambridge Names Royal Princess

In a spectacular ceremony in Southampton yesterday, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cambridge named the new ship Royal Princess when she released a bottle of champagne that smashed against its hull.

Standing on the naming platform with the ship's Captain Tony Draper, The Duchess pronounced, "I name this ship Royal Princess. May God bless her and all who sail in her." She then cut the rope that sent a giant Nebuchadnezzar-size bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne toward the ship, officially welcoming Royal Princess into the fleet of Princess Cruises, one of the world's largest international cruise lines.

"We can think of no more fitting godmother for our magnificent new Royal Princess," Princess Cruises President and CEO Alan Buckelew said.

"Her Royal Highness is an inspiring ambassador for Britain - with whom Princess Cruises shares strong ties – and she is admired around the world for her style and grace. We're so honoured she accepted our invitation to become godmother to our new ship."

Inaugural berthing of Mariner of the Seas at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong

The Kai Tak Cruise Terminal in Hong Kong received Royal Caribbean International's cruise liner Mariner of the Seas last night (12 June), marking the maiden call to Hong Kong by the cruise ship. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) organised a ceremony featuring lion and dragon dances, and drum performances to welcome the more than 3,000 passengers.

Attending the welcome ceremony were Mr Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism of the Hong Kong SAR Government; Ms Daisy Lui, HKTB Deputy Executive Director; Mr Barry D Nassberg, Chairman of Worldwide Cruise Terminals (WCT); and Mr Chan Kam Foo, General Manager of shipping agent Wallem Shipping (HK) Ltd. A plaque and key ceremony was also held for the guests and captain of Mariner of the Seas.

Ms Daisy Lui also presented souvenirs to the first batch of the cruise ship's passengers to show them the hospitable culture of Hong Kong and to encourage them to fully experience Hong Kong, Asia's World City, during their stay. 

Riding on the opportunities brought by the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the HKTB has been promoting Hong Kong's world-class cruise facilities and appeal as a cruise destination through different channels, with a view to strengthening the city's image as Asia's Cruise Hub and attracting international cruise companies to feature Hong Kong in their itineraries. In addition, the HKTB is working closely with the travel trade to develop new onshore excursions to enrich the experience of cruise passengers while they are in Hong Kong.

Event video can be downloaded via below link:

ftp://kwc-b:abc+123@202.85.167.142

Photo captions:

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal 1:

Mr Philip Yung, Commissioner for Tourism of the Hong Kong SAR Government (third left), Ms Daisy Lui, HKTB Deputy Executive Director (third right), Mr Barry D Nassberg, WCT Chairman (second left), Mr Chan Kam Foo, General Manager of cruise agent Wallem Shipping (HK) Ltd (second right), and Dr Zinan Liu, Regional Vice President, Asia and Managing Director, China, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (far left) pose for a group photo with the first batch of passengers of Mariner of the Seas.

Kai Tak Cruise Terminal 2:

Royal Caribbean International's Mariner of the Seas is the first cruise liner to officially berth at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.  The HKTB arranged dragon and lion dances, and drum performances to welcome the passengers.

Website: DiscoverHongKong.com/au

Norfolk Island $13m cruising boost

A significant infrastructure investment will see Norfolk Island planted firmly on the radar for cruise firms globally. FEDERAL Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories Catherine King has joined with Federal Member for Canberra Gai Brodtmann on Norfolk Island, off Australia’s East Coast to unveil a $13m funding package for the development of new facilities to encourage cruise operators to visit. Two jetties on the island will benefit from the funding package, with Cascade Jetty and Kingston Jetty upgraded to accommodate a mobile crane for efficient passenger transfers, ...

The above snippet is the first part of an article sent to subscribers in Cruise Weekly's issue from 11 Jun 13

CLICK HERE to download Cruise Weekly from 11 Jun 13

Ita Buttrose to host Tauck's French waterways river cruise

Travel the World and Tauck are very excited to announce that Tauck's Australian Ambassador, Ita Buttrose, will be hosting a French Waterways River Cruise from Paris to Lyon in May 2014.

In addition to rubbing shoulders with Ita, guests joining Tauck's French Waterways River Cruise will travel along the Rhône through spectacular French vineyard country, stay at the Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe in Paris, ride the high-speed TGV through the French country side and experience Tauck's newly refurbished ms Swiss Emerald.

Ita will host a fabulous cocktail party for Tauck guests onboard ms Swiss Emerald during the ten day cruise. Guests will also get to experience a private wine tasting in Beaujolais and Châteaneuf-du-Pape, explore Lyon's historic indoor food market, and enjoy an exquisite dinner overlooking the Pont du Gard.

For all earlybird bookings made prior to 31st August 2013, Tauck offers one complimentary night at one of its premium hotels, the day before or after the river cruise.

Ita says, "Ask any Tauck guest and they will tell you that Tauck is their river cruise operator of choice because Tauck takes care of every detail every day – allowing you to relax and enjoy your adventure. Virtually every travel expense is included in one up-front price with no hidden costs."

Ita Buttrose is an Australian icon and was named 2013 Australian of the Year. She is a journalist, author and businesswoman who is greatly admired for her stellar career, her wit and charm and her tireless efforts for charities such as Alzheimer's Australia, of which she is the National President.

Ita is proud to be Tauck's Australian ambassador. "Travel is one of my great passions and it's been a joy getting to know fellow Australians who are long-time 'Tauckers'. These fellow intrepid travellers are equally passionate about exploring the world and their loyalty to Tauck is indeed rare in the highly competitive travel industry. There are good reasons they trust Tauck with their travel dreams...they know through first-hand experience that Tauck not only delivers great value, but superior quality, personal service and insider access on over 100 tours and cruises worldwide."

About Tauck

Established in 1925, Tauck is a world-leader in upscale, escorted travel. Family-owned and operated, Tauck offers guided all-inclusive land journeys, cruises and family travel adventures in 65 countries.  The company showcases the "must-see" attractions in each destination, enhancing guests' experience with in-depth commentary and insights that add perspective and understanding.  Tauck complements visits to must-see sites with insider access to "off-the-beaten-path" locations that deliver authentic cultural experiences and are either unavailable or unknown to most travellers. Tauck travellers can be assured that virtually everything is included in their upfront prices, with no hidden fees or surprise add-ons. Tauck works closely with worldwide partners to ensure that travellers receive the best value deals in the upfront prices offered.

Tauck and Travel the World have been working together for over 25 years to provide Australians with wonderful travel experiences. For further information on Tauck and Travel the World, please visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

ASTOR ready for first season

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ALL inside cabins for two of ASTOR’s highly anticipated celebration cruises in her inaugural Australian season have been completely sold out.

However, there are still suites andoutside cabins available for both theNew Year and the Australia Daycruises. But considering the great interest shown for both itineraries in just nine weeks since going on sale, these are not expected to last long either.

ASTOR

The New Year cruise departs Fremantle on Monday, December 30 (7pm) and sails for three nights at sea before returning on Thursday, January 2 (7am – in time for guests to get to work).

There is likely to be a terrific party atmosphere aboard ASTOR as she sees in 2014, with groups of varying ages having already booked. Fares start from $609 per person.

The Australia Day cruise departs Fremantle on Saturday, January 25 (6pm) and also sails for three nights at sea before returning on Tuesday, January 28 (again nice and early, at 7am).

The Australian flag will fly high above ASTOR and a traditional barbecue will be held pool side as a part of the celebrations. Fares start from $409 per person.

ASTOR is expected to welcome close to the 620-passenger maximum on both cruises, promising a fantastic atmosphere on both voyages aboard this premium ship.

Plus all of the regular features of ASTOR can be enjoyed during the days and nights at sea. Highlights of ASTOR include (but are not limited to):

• A sports deck, with facilities for volleyball, tennis, jogging, golf, chess and yoga.
• 247 cabins, 39 suites and three premium suites.
• The traditional Waldorf Restaurant; Ubersee (Overseas) Club buffet restaurant; Restaurant Toscana and Romantic Dinner (speciality restaurant).
• Three bars and lounges
• Fitness Centre and spa
• Indoor and outdoor swimming pools
• Beauty salon and hairdressing salon
• Boutique shops
• Library and games room

SAVER FARES EXTENDED to JUNE 30: ** Due to the release of a new ASTOR European brochure, Australians have a longer chance to secure great discounts. Saver Fares offer discounts of up to 25% on full published fares, applicable to a limited number of twin cabin bookings made prior to June 30, 2013.

NOTE: This discount is not applicable to the New Year’s Eve celebration cruise. 

Visit: www.cmvaustralia.com

Sail Coast to Coast aboard Norwegian Jewel with ecruising.travel

Cruise specialist ecruising.travel has a new 37-night cruise itinerary for 2013 which takes in Alaska, North America and the Panama Canal on the Norwegian Jewel from Seattle to New Orleans, with discounted prices of up to 50 per cent for last minute bookings before 30 June 2013.

Departing on September 12, you will have a two-day stay in Seattle at the Fairmont Olympic hotel before boarding  the Norwegian Jewel  for a 29-night cruise through Alaska, Canada, California, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama Canal and Colombia with the final destination of New Orleans, Louisiana, for three nights at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside.

The itinerary finishes with three nights in Las Vegas to try your hand at the tables or take in a show before flying back to Australia.

Now priced from $6169 (was $14,469) per person twin share, from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, Adelaide from $6419 and Perth from $6669 , the package includes return economy airfares, 29 nights cruise accommodation with all meals, entertainment, on board gratuities, two nights hotel accommodation at the Fairmont Olympic in Seattle, three nights hotel accommodation at each the Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel and the Las Vegas Hotel and transfers.

For a full list of inclusions and reservations, visit www.ecruising.travel   or call 1300 369 848

Quantum of the Seas on sale now

Quantum of the SeasSM on sale now Quantum of the Seas is a true leap forward – with North StarSM, RipCordSM by iFly®, as well as the most sophisticated cabins in our fleet. Find out more about our groundbreaking new ship below. Sail a range of itineraries throughout the Caribbean and Bahamas, including our very own private beach paradises of Ladadee® and CocoCay®. Book Quantum of the Seas now

RipCord by iFly That’s right: Fly! This skydiving simulator lets you experience the sheer thrill and exhilaration of flying. RipCord by iFly’s air machine will keep you afloat in a safe, controlled environment. So you can feel the wind in your hair, the utter WOW of flying, all without ever having to leave the ship.

North Star The exclusive North Star promises to elevate you both physically and emotionally, revealling 360-degree views! Simply step into the intimate, jewel-shaped capsule and gently ascend over 300 feet above sea level, where you can take in breathtaking views of the ocean, the ship and destinations.

SeaPlexSM SeaPlex is the largest and most groundbreaking indoor active space at sea. By day, you can experience a circus school and flying trapeze, as well as a regulation basketball court. By night, it hosts the first-ever bumper cars and roller skating at sea, with a DJ that hovers above the activity.

Two70°SM Find yourself immersed in spellbinding performance art, mind-blowing light shows, and dazzling digital scenery. During the day, the space is a modern, open area living room with magnificent 270 degree panoramic views. By night, Two70° transforms as the lights go down and the music comes up.

Watch our full Quantum of the Seas video.