Silversea World Cruise 2015

  

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has opened the books on its World Cruise 2015.

This grandest of travel adventures will commence on 5 January 2015, when the elegant, all-suite Silver Whisper is set to embark on a 115-day epic voyage, encircling the world and embracing the cultures of five continents, 30 countries and 50 unique destinations.

Departing Los Angeles with no more than 382 guests on board, Silver Whisper will sail the warm waters of the South Pacific to explore the idyllic isles of French Polynesia, then head west to Australia, and north to the South China Sea. From there, the journey continues to Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and across the Indian Ocean to the Seychelles. Silver Whisper then traces a course to some of Africa's most intriguing destinations, including Mombasa, Zanzibar, Cape Town, Walvis Bay and Dakar. The voyage concludes with a leisurely Atlantic crossing to Fort Lauderdale, highlighted by stopovers in the sunny Caribbean islands of St. Lucia, St. Bart's and Puerto Rico.

World Cruise 2015 offers travellers the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in local culture with late-night departures in eight ports, plus overnight calls in Papeete, Sydney, Fremantle, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore, Mombasa, and Cape Town.

"This exceptional voyage has been crafted to appeal to luxury travel's most discerning clientele," said Karen Christensen, Silversea's General Manager and Director Sales and Marketing Australasia. "Our World Cruise guests will visit the most exotic places and fascinating cultures on Earth -- all while enjoying the pampering luxury of Silver Whisper."

Silversea is offering guests the option to extend their World Cruise by adding a pre-cruise Panama Canal voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles (17 days), or continue on board from Fort Lauderdale to New York (3 days) or Southampton (15 days).

A Host of Added-Value Amenities

Full World Cruise guests will enjoy a variety of special amenities, including a gala Bon Voyage reception, dinner and overnight stay at a luxury hotel, baggage valet service, transfers (between home, airport, and Silver Whisper), a US$4,000 onboard spending credit (per suite), complimentary laundry service, Internet package and commemorative gifts.

For guests sailing the full 115 days, there will also be two complimentary Silversea Experiences, including one in Walvis Bay, offering the rare opportunity to dine under the stars in the Namib Desert, plus three exclusive complimentary World Cruise shoreside events. These include an elegant cocktail reception and evening performance at Sydney Opera House, and a scenic journey by vintage train in Sri Lanka to explore the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, renowned for its conservancy work. Plus, guests will be treated to a tour of Cape Town's magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, followed by a visit to the historic Résidence de France for a sumptuous lunch set in its beautiful garden, with Table Mountain providing a stunning backdrop.

Guests will also have the chance to meet and mingle with distinguished destination experts, academics, journalists, diplomats and other specialists. Local entertainment, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and regional specialties will provide further immersion in each global destination.

Fares for World Cruise 2015 start at AU$56,950 per person, based on double occupancy. 

Click here to view the complete itinerary or visit Silversea.com/worldcruise2015.

For more information contact your preferred Travel Professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com

About Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises, which is chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, is recognised as an innovator in the luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships Silver Explorer and Silver Galapagos (debuting late 2013), Silversea Cruises' itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to both polar regions and over 500 fascinating destinations in between.

In Asia Pacific, Silversea has been voted "Best Luxury Small Ship Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel & Style Magazine every consecutive year from 2006 to 2012 and Silver Whisper or Silver Shadow have also won the Gold Award as Best Small Cruise Ship in each of those years. Silversea has won similar awards from readers of Australia's Cruise Passenger Magazine. In the US, Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and awarded "Best Cruise Line for Luxury Small Ships" by Luxury Travel Advisor (2011).

Follow Silversea on Twitter, Facebook and the Silversea Blog.

Royal Caribbean cruise deals - Exciting Asia sailings, all for under $1,500!

 

Exploring Asia's exotic shores has never been more affordable.  Royal Caribbean has three hot Asia sailings on offer, including itineraries to Japan, Singapore and a special repositioning cruise from Singapore to Sydney onboard Australia's largest ship, Voyager of the Seas.  Please see below for full details and lead fares.

 

LEAD FARES:

 

1)      What:  12-night All Japan Explorer Cruise calling at Toyama, Japan; Sapporo, Japan; Tokyo, Japan; Nagasaki, Japan and Busan, Republic of Korea onboard Voyager of the Seas

When: Departing roundtrip from Tianjin, China on 7 September 2013

Lead fare: Fares from $1,139 per person for an interior stateroom

 

2)      What: 5-night Exotic Asia Cruise calling at Hong Kong, China; Ho Chi Minh , Vietnam; and Singapore onboard Mariner of the Seas.

When: Departing Hong Kong, 5 November 2013

Lead fare: Fares from $569 per person for an interior stateroom

 

3)      What: 14-night Asia Repositioning Cruise calling at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Darwin, Australia; Brisbane, Australia; and Sydney, Australia onboard Voyager of the Seas.

When: Departing Singapore on 24 October 2013

Lead fare: Fares from $1,499 per person for an interior stateroom

Special Offer: Splash out on an Oceanview cabin on Voyager of the Seas' repositioning cruise from Singapore to Sydney and get a free upgrade to Balcony cabin.  Fares start from $1,999 per person.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

All quoted fares are per person and include taxes and gratuities. 

 

BOOKING: www.royalcaribbean.com.au or visit your local travel agent.

 

ecruising.travel - Royal Caribbean WOW Sale

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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