Micky Arison leaving Carnival

Carnival Corporation has announced its plan to split the roles of chairman and chief executive officer.

Present incumbent Micky Arison will continue to serve as chairman of the company, while Arnold Donald, a highly experienced and respected business leader, who has served on the company’s board for the past 12 years, will assume the chief executive role from July 3rd.

Arison became chief executive in 1979.

At that time the company was privately held and operated three cruise ships under one brand, generating $44 million in revenues and carrying approximately 160,000 passengers a year.

By 1987, Carnival Cruise Lines had become the world’s largest cruise operator and Arison took the company public.

Working in partnership with current vice chairman and chief operating officer Howard Frank, Arison led the company through an aggressive expansion that included the acquisition of several iconic cruise brands, including Holland America Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard and Seabourn.

In 2003, a merger between Carnival Corporation and P&O Princess Cruises plc – comprised of Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK), P&O Cruises (Australia), and German cruise brand AIDA – was completed, creating the first global cruise operator and one of the largest leisure travel companies in the world.

In addition, the company undertook an ambitious schedule of new ship introductions. Under Arison’s leadership, Carnival Corporation & plc has grown to more than 100 ships, carrying ten million passengers a year and generating more than $15 billion in annual revenues.

In his role as chairman, Arison will continue to provide board level oversight for the company and will remain the company’s largest shareholder.

Donald will lead the executive team, initially focusing on achieving the company’s long-term strategic goals while working directly with the operating brand executives.

Frank will continue to serve in his current role as vice chairman and chief operating officer of the company, supporting Donald in working with the corporate level executive team.

The move has received unanimous approval from the company’s nominating and governance committee as well as the full board of directors.

“I have been discussing this with the board for some time now and feel the timing is right to align our company with corporate governance best practices and turn over the reins after 34 years as chief executive,” said Arison.

“Arnold is an exceptional professional with extensive experience in organizational leadership who will bring a fresh perspective to the company.

“I have come to value and rely on his judgment and insight during the 12 years he has served on the company’s board and I am very confident in his ability to move the organization forward,” Arison added.

“As chairman, I will still be working closely with Arnold to ensure a great future for all our stakeholders.”

Seven metre giant red nose sails into Sydney

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES SHOWS SUPPORT FOR AUSTRALIA'S 26th ANNUAL RED NOSE DAY

Carnival Spirit, the newest and largest ship to be home ported in Australia, sailed into Sydney this morning proudly sporting the largest-ever red nose on a cruise ship, to mark today's 26th annual Red Nose Day.

Spanning seven meters in diameter and illuminated from within, the giant red nose celebrates Carnival Cruise Lines' partnership with national charity SIDS and Kids, as they encourage all Aussies to get silly for a serious cause today and don their own red noses.

SIDS and Kids is dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and to supporting bereaved families. Red Nose Day is the charity's major fundraising event held annually on the last Friday of June, raising money for vital research, as well as education and bereavement support services for Australian families.

Over the last 26 years SIDS and Kids has helped save thousands of babies' lives through education and community awareness programs, and has contributed $16 million to research.

Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director Carnival Cruise Lines Australia and New Zealand is thrilled to mark Carnival Cruise Lines' ongoing partnership with SIDS and Kids on Red Nose Day: "By supporting SIDS and Kids we hope to give back to Australian families. In addition to Carnival Spirit getting into the Red Nose Day spirit with her own red nose, we are giving away a cruise for two onboard Carnival Spirit for the person who has the most fun creating an image on rednoseme.com."

Guests and crew sailing on Carnival Spirit will show their support for SIDS and Kids by participating in kids colouring in competitions, Red Nose find-a-word games, Red Nose desserts served onboard by the Captain, and fundraising walks around Spirit's outer decks.

Carnival Spirit guests, crew and passers-by will enjoy the carnival atmosphere at the Overseas Passenger Terminal today with Red Nose Day celebrations including clowns, face painters, a fire eater, unicyclist and more.

"Since Carnival Spirit made her debut in this market just eight months ago, she has proved a huge hit with Aussie families. Therefore it's only fitting that we support this great Australian charity. The mantra of Red Nose Day - 'get silly for a serious cause' - resonates strongly with Carnival Cruise Lines because we are serious about providing playful (and sometimes even silly) experiences for our guests" said Ms Vandekreeke.

SIDS and Kids CEO, Leanne Raven, is delighted with the Carnival Cruise Lines partnership: "Red Nose Day is all about being silly for a serious cause and the enormous red nose on Carnival Spirit certainly does that! We hope this gave people a giggle whilst encouraging them to show their own support for SIDS and Kids on Red Nose Day."

For further information or to book your next cruise visit www.carnival.com.au

Cruiseco Uniworld European river luxury

Explore Europe in luxury and save up to 75% off the second passenger

Cruiseco is offering guests incredible savings of up to 75% off the second passenger when making new bookings to travel onboard selected Uniworld European river cruises*.  The unbeatable special offer is available exclusively on two cruises: Uniworld's Venice and Po River cruise, departing on 6 October; and Uniworld's Portugal, Spain and the Douro River Valley, departing on 20 October 2013.

Amber Wilson, Cruiseco's National Marketing Manager, explains that Uniworld's river cruises are widely regarded as one of the best ways to discover Europe.

"Uniworld's river cruises travel into the heart of European cities, giving guests easy access to the best of what Europe has to offer.  They can admire the views from the luxury of their room, explore the cities and countryside, sample a variety of local wines from village vineyards and feast on traditional dishes prepared using the finest ingredients."

"For guests who have always dreamt of a European getaway, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of a great saving before cabins sell out," says Wilson.

This seven night cruise onboard a luxury Uniworld river cruise includes: all meals onboard; fine wines, beer and soft drink with lunch and dinner; selected tours in each port; captivating local entertainment; and onboard gratuities.  Book now to receive this special offer.

*The special offer applies to the below Uniworld cruises.  Terms and conditions apply.  This offer is subject to availability.

Venice and the Po River: 6 October 2013

Cruise Venice and the Po River for seven nights aboard the River Countess.

First passenger from $4,280 and second passenger from $1,070* based on per person twin share, cruise only.

Portugal, Spain and the Douro River Valley: 20 October 2013

Visit Portugal, Spain and the Douro River Valley for seven nights aboard the Queen Isabel.  First passenger from $4,095 and second passenger from $1,025* based on per person twin share, cruise only.

To book whilst cabins are still available, or to find out details of your local Cruiseco agent, please visit www.cruising.com.au or call (02) 9492 8520.  *See full terms and conditions.

• Cruiseco is a unique travel organisation, offering a wide range of worldwide cruise holidays from over 50 different cruise line products, offering breadth of product and a wide selection of exotic destinations. 
• The company provides a benchmark of excellence in professional knowledge on cruising holidays, offering unique and exclusive options to exotic and exciting destinations. 
• There are 216 specialist Cruiseco agents in travel agencies throughout Australia and New Zealand.  These agents have been selected for their expert and first-hand knowledge of the cruise industry.  As Cruiseco agents, they receive extensive training.
• Cruiseco is the only company in the industry to offer Qantas Frequent Flyer Points on every cruise purchased.

Great deals from ecruising.travel

Hi Cruisers,

What a week, can you believe what happened yesterday in Canberra, one good thing to come out of it, The Australian dollar has risen today!

Mekong Magic has sold like hot cakes in the last week and we now only have one Superior cabin left! Better get in quick if you want it - call Ian on 1300 369 848 or click here for details.

Coast to Coast has also sold well with only a few cabins left, it's a great holiday and an amazing price, $181.00 a day for just about everything, I'd say never to be repeated in fact! Click here for details.

Have you got plans for September yet? If not - join Dawn Princess from Rome to Sydney on this 39 night package. Sailing 4 September 2013, you'll begin with a 2 night stay at the Sofitel Rome before joining Dawn Princess on a 37 night voyage as she returns to Australia. You'll cruise to Livorno in Italy followed by Cannes, Barcelona, Marseille & Malta before leaving Europe and transiting the Suez Canal.

You'll then spend a day in Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and then Aqaba (Petra) in Jordan. Salalah in Oman is next as you leave the Middle East on the way to Asia. Calling in on the Sub-Continent, you'll visit Mumbai in India as well as Colombo in Sri Lanka. Closer to home, you'll stop at Kuala Lumpur and finally Darwin before disembarking in Sydney. Lots of great ports and plenty of sea days as well! All from $5,699.00 for an inside or $8,049.00 for an oceanview! Click here for details

The ultra exclusive SeaDream II will be in Asia this year and they've announced plans for a very special excursion to visit the ancient temples of Bagan in Myanmar (Burma). This 18 night package sails from Phuket 8 Dec 2013, but first you'll have a 3 night stay at the amazing Banyan Tree before boarding your 'Yacht' for 13 nights of luxury and adventure.

Being a small ship (just 4,260grt and 100 passengers) you'll visit some unique ports such as Lanta Yai & Racha Yai Islands in Thailand and Pila Kyun Island in the Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar before you arrive in Yangon (Rangoon) for a 3 day call. After breakfast on the second day, you'll be taken to the airport for a short flight to Bagan.

Bagan was one of the first capitals of an ancient Burmese empire and today is one of the world's major
heritage sites. With thousands of pagodas and temples dating back more than 1,500 years, ancient Bagan
rivals the temples of Angkor and is one of Southeast Asia's most memorable sights.

You'll see numerous temples & pagodas, visit a local village and even enjoy a short ride by local horse & cart at sunset to see the Sunset Temple! You'll spend the night at Aureum Palace Hotel before returning to Yangon & SeaDream II. You'll then cruise to Thahtay Kyu, the Similan Islands, Phi Phi Don Island, Langkawi & Pangkor Island before disembarking in Singapore for a 2 night stay at the iconic Raffles Hotel. Oceanview from $12,459.00. Remember - 'It's Yachting not Cruising'! Click here for details

Cruising onboard True North is another unforgettable experience and a great way to get a taste of the True North style is with this 8 night cruise from Adelaide departing 15 January 2014. After being collected from your accommodation, you'll be driven to the famed McLaren Valley wine region where you'll spend the morning visiting art galleries & local farmers markets and of course wine-tasting followed by a gourmet lunch. Then you will have a scenic drive to meet the ship for welcome cocktails as you cruise to Kangaroo Island and beyond.

Your cruise will take you to some amazing places both on and off shore. You can dive with Great White Sharks (optional!), explore the Gambier Islands, swim with giant southern blue-fin tuna, visit Port Lincoln's commercial fishing industry, eat the famous Coffin Bay oysters (in Coffin Bay of course) plus any number of included activities along the way. After disembarking in Ceduna, you'll be flown back to Adelaide by light aircraft for the conclusion of your adventure. A truly unforgettable experience from $6,999.00! Click here for details

Variety Cruises offers a range of unique cruises around Europe on board their fleet of small vessels. Experience it for yourself with this 10 night Classical Greece package departing from Athens 25 April 2014. As well as a 3 night stay at the Royal Olympic Hotel, you'll enjoy a 7 night cruise on the 55 metre long, 46 passenger Motor Yacht Harmony V.

You'll cruise to Kea, Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Kythira, Monemvasia, Nafplion & Hydra before disembarking back in Athens. Given the intimate nature of the ship and the fact that there is such a small number of people on board, you get to experience the local cultures in a way that you never would with a floating resort ship! Package including flights with Emirates from $5,779.00! Click here for details

Seabourn is bringing Legend to Asia later this year and here's a great way to take advantage of the repositioning cruise savings! This 22 night package departs Athens 20 October 2013 and begins with 2 nights at the Royal Olympic before you join Seabourn Legend on an 18 night cruise to Dubai.

After Transiting the Suez Canal, you'll visit Hurghada in Egypt and Aqaba in Jordan. Next you'll spend 2 days in Safaga so you can visit Luxor and the Valley the Kings. Next, you'll spend some time at sea on your way to Salalah & Khsab in Oman before you arrive in Dubai for a 2 night stay at Raffles before your flight home. True indulgence from $6,999.00 for an oceanview suite or $7,799.00 for a balcony suite! Click here for details

Holland America's ms Prinsendam is heading for the Black Sea & the Aegean in October and this looks to be one not to be missed! This 28 night package onboard the former Seabourn Sun & Royal Viking Sun begins in Athens with 2 nights accommodation before you head off to Volos in Greece then through the Bosphorus into the Back Sea to Sinop in Turkey, Sochi in Russia, Sevastopol in the Ukraine, Constanta in Romania & Nessebur in Bulgaria.

Next you'll have an overnight call in Istanbul, back to Athens and on to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Then you're off to Corfu, Katakolon, Santorini & Rhodes in Greece as well as Kusadasi in Turkey. A visit to Mykonos is followed by a further stop in Istanbul and Lesbos culminating in 2 nights alongside in Athens before your flight home. Oceanview from $6,729.00, Deluxe veranda from $9,559.00! Click here for details

We've got more great seniors specials on Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas. This particular 33 night Sydney roundtrip departs 24 October 2013 and showcases the best of cruising Australia and New Zealand. You'll head north to Brisbane, Airlie Beach & Darwin before making a stop in Bali. Sailing south, you'll stop at Port Headland, Geraldton & Fremantle.

Eastbound and you'll cruise to Esperance, Adelaide & Melbourne before crossing the Tasman to Milford, Dusky & Doubtful Sounds, Dunedin, Akaroa Wellington and finally Picton before returning to Sydney. A comprehensive month or so from just $3,689.00 for an inside, $4,449.00 for an oceanview or $6,789.00 for a balcony! Click here for details

For a different 'Down Under' perspective, join Celebrity Solstice & the Indian Pacific on this 25 night package departing 3 February 2014. You'll fly to Auckland where you'll have 2 nights at the Stamford Plaza before joining Solstice for an 18 night cruise to Fremantle. After calling in at the Bay of Islands, you'll also stop at Akaroa, Dunedin & cruise Fjordland National Park.

Back over to Australia and you'll visit Melbourne, Adelaide & Esperance before disembarking in Fremantle where you'll have 2 nights at the Esplanade Hotel. Making your way to Perth railway station, you'll then board the famous Indian Pacific for a 3 night journey across the country to Sydney travelling in the newly upgraded Gold Class which now includes all beverages as well as en-route 'Off Train Excursions' at Kalgoorlie, Adelaide & Broken Hill on the way to Sydney. Insides from $4,469.00 or verandas from $5,279.00 Click here for details

Sun Princess will be cruising to Asia from Fremantle in September and we've got some great last minute fares on this 26 night cruise departing 3 September 2013. You'l head up to Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Phuket, Singapore, Saigon, Sihanoukville (Angkor Wat, Cambodia), Bangkok, Koh Samui & Lombok before returning to Fremantle. A great way to warm up after winter! Insides from $3,269.00, oceanview from $3,959.00 or balconies from $5,439.00! Click here for details

Brett & the ecruising team

Royal Caribbean Royal Roundup - June 2013

Cruise deal: Spain to Vegas with eCruising.travel

SAVINGS of up to $5000 per person are now available through ecruising.travel on a 33-night fly/cruise/stay package, which includes a cruise on board Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas from Spain to Florida.

The itinerary begins in Barcelona with three night's pre-cruise accommodation at the Renaissance Barcelona Hotel before boarding Liberty of the Seas on October 19 for a 25- night cruise to Florida.

The cruise visits various cities in France, Italy, Spain and The Canary Islands before crossing the Atlantic to the U.S. and onwards to Belize City, Belize and Cozumel in Mexico before reaching your final destination of Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

The package also includes two nights' accommodation at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort and a three night stopover at the Las Vegas Hotel before heading back to Australia.

As an added bonus book by August 30 and receive a free night time helicopter flight over Las Vegas.

Now priced from $5999 per person twin share the offer also includes return economy airfares from Sydney, Melbourne and or Brisbane, a Barcelona City Sightseeing pass, 25 nights cruise accommodation with all meals and entertainment, plus use of the swimming pools, spas and sauna. Other facilities on Liberty of the Seas include the Casino Royale, a rock climbing wall, nine-hole miniature golf course, a full sized boxing ring, sports court and an ice skating rink.

Transfers, air taxes and port charges are also included in the price. Prices start from $6299 per person from Adelaide and $6399 per person from Perth.

More information from ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or check-out www.ecruising.travel

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.