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.

Scenic Jade 2014 European river cruise program released

Due to unprecedented demand and an overwhelming response to their 2014 Europe River Cruising launch, Scenic Tours announced in May this year the commission of another new Scenic 'Space-Ship' to be delivered in 2014. Bringing their world-class fleet of Scenic 'Space-Ships' to nine, Scenic Jade will sail along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Since this decision was made after the 2014 Europe River Cruising program was launched, the Scenic Jade sailing dates are not listed in the printed brochure so Scenic Tours is excited to announce the release of these departure dates. Scenic Jade will be operating on the Scenic Tours flagship itinerary only, the 15 Day Jewels of Europe River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest and from Budapest to Amsterdam with City Extensions to Paris and Prague. These sailings take place from 14 May – 12 November 2014 with the last sailing departing on 29 October 2014.

Scenic Jade will feature all of the exceptional embellishments that have made Scenic 'Space-Ships' the most popular on the market. These include private butler service, the finest luxury suites, which boast the largest private balconies fitted with Scenic 'Sun Lounges', complimentary mini-bar stocked daily, and 32 inch Samsung HD TVs linked to Mac mini computers with complimentary internet access. Unlimited complimentary beverages handpicked by the company's sommelier will complement the exceptional range of cuisine prepared from fresh local produce in all dining venues including the River Café for casual fare and dégustation at Table La Rive.

For more information visit scenictours.com.au or call 1300 SCENIC (1300 723 642).

Australians just want to get away from it all this Christmas!

Royal Caribbean releases new survey findings about what Aussies really want at Christmas time

 

Forget the roast and fruit cake at gran's place! Most of us just want to get away from it all over the Christmas holidays according to a brand new survey* by Royal Caribbean.

The survey showed that a whopping two thirds of Aussies believe that getting away from it all would make Christmas better, and 50% of respondents said that a getaway was the number one thing that would make school holidays better.

When it comes to stress at Christmas time, money is the main cause of the headaches with 30% citing spending too much money among the most stressful part of the festive season. Over 95% of respondents find that Christmas usually costs more than expected. After that, the most stressful part of Christmas was those dreaded household chores. Plus, 94% of respondents said that they usually needed a break to get over the Christmas holidays!

However while we want to get away from the stress of Christmas, a lot of us are happy for the family to come along - 40% of respondents said that they would most like to go on a cruise with their family.

Adam Armstrong, Commercial Director at Royal Caribbean Cruises Australasia said: "A cruise is a great value option at Christmas time, from as little as $166 per person per day including meals, accommodation and lots of entertainment. And of course there's no arguing over who's going to do the washing up!"

It is hard not to get into the holiday spirit with all the special activities on board a Royal Caribbean cruise at Christmas time. The season comes to life with carol singing, Christmas parties, visits from Santa, holiday-inspired menus and Christmas treats such as gingerbread houses built by talented onboard pastry chefs.

Royal Caribbean's summer 2013-14 wave season will begin in October 2013, with Rhapsody of the Seas arriving in Sydney on 5 October, Radiance of the Seas on 11 October and Voyager of the Seas on 7 November. In total, the three ships will offer 55 sailings calling at 56 beautiful Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific ports, with departures up until April 2014. Each ship will offer a South Pacific Christmas cruise over the December holidays.

Fares for a nine night South Pacific cruise onboard Voyager of the Seas start from $1,499 per person departing Sydney, 18 December 2013. For a limited time only book a Balcony cabin for the price of an Oceanview from $2,199 per person.**

For additional information or to a make reservation, visit royalcaribbean.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent. Travel professionals can call 1300 754 500 or visit www.cruisingpower.com.

*Survey conducted via Survey Monkey from 16-19th July, 2013. Survey tallied over 1,600 responses across Australia and New Zealand, with majority of respondents ranging from under 20 to over 70 years old.  

**Conditions apply. Subject to availability.

 

 

Snap Shot of Key Survey Findings:

 

·         Over 61% of respondents cited spending too much money and household chores the most stressful at Christmas time.

·         Over 67% of respondents said that getting away from it all would make Christmas better for them.

·         Nearly 94% of respondents said that they always or sometimes need a holiday to get over the Christmas holidays.

·         Nearly 76% of respondents said that taking a holiday would be the perfect way to spend Christmas.

·         Over 95% of respondents find that Christmas expenses always or sometimes cost more than expected.

 

RCL Cruises Ltd Australia commenced operation in December 2008 as the Australian arm of global cruise holiday company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.  The company offers three cruise brands in Australia and New Zealand: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.  Royal Caribbean International has three ships sailing in the region: Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas.  This is in addition to two Celebrity Cruises ships, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium. 

 

For additional information or to make reservations, visit royalcaribbean.com.au or celebritycruises.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent. Travel professionals can call 1300 754 500 or visit cruisingpower.com.

 

Viking River Cruises partnership with Australian National Maritime Museum

International Blockbuster "Vikings – Beyond the Legend" opens 19 September 2013

Today, Viking River Cruises, the world's leading river cruise line was proud to announce its partnership with revered Australian National Maritime Museum. Viking River Cruises is the museum's Major Partner supporting the international blockbuster and historical exhibition "Vikings – Beyond the Legend" opening at the museum in September.

"We are extremely proud to support and collaborate with the Australian National Maritime Museum on this exciting project. It is a rare opportunity to find something so intimately connected to our history and where there is such an obvious connection to our brand" says Ms Teresia Fors, Managing Director, Viking River Cruises Australia. Fors continues " At the core of our brand and product offer is to bring opportunities for our Guests to explore history and culture in comfort and it is therefore a natural step, to now also in Australia, partner with a distinguished cultural institution such as the Australian National Maritime Museum."

Developed by the Swedish History Museum Vikings – Beyond the Legend draws on recent archaeological discoveries and hundreds of rare artefacts to shed new light on the Viking way of life and quash stereotypes of Vikings as ferocious, plundering pagans in horned helmets. Visitors to the exhibition will see hundreds of unique artefacts, many never before seen in Australia, including exquisite gold and silver pendants, the oldest known Scandinavian crucifix, beautifully designed jewellery such as arm bands, neck rings, and brooches, small statuettes of Norse gods, and Viking swords ranging in date from 700- 1100AD which demonstrate the intricacy of Viking arts, craft, and metal work technologies. "Vikings have come to symbolise the terror of the so-called Dark Ages in Europe. They are a persistent presence in popular culture and hold a fascination for people even here in Australia," says Australian National Maritime Museum curator Dr Stephen Gapps.

Modern day Vikings

Viking River Cruises, founded by Chairman and cruise industry stalwart, Norwegian Mr Torstein Hagen, is offering 22 itineraries in 2014 ranging from 8 to 23 days in length. While the majority of its river cruises are in Europe, the company is also a Russia specialist with a comprehensive journey and following the Vikings old sailing routes along the Volga, Neva and Svir between Moscow and St. Petersburg.

As previously announced Viking River Cruises set a world record in March 2013 with the christening of ten new Viking Longships®, developed using techniques used by the historical Vikings and named after Gods and Goddesses from the Viking pantheon. The first-of-its-kind simultaneous christening ceremony in Amsterdam debuted the ships and was certified by a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM adjudicator as 'The Most Ships Inaugurated in One Day by One Company.' A further 12 Longships will be launched in 2014. Designed by legendary naval architects Yran & Storbraaten, the team behind The Yachts of Seabourn, these new vessels offer state-of-the-art engineering, patented design* and luxury.

Today's Longships

These ships features: 95 comfortable outside staterooms (2 Explorer Suites [except Viking Hemming and Viking Torgil], 7 Veranda Suites, 39 Veranda Staterooms, 22 French Balcony Staterooms, 25 Standard Staterooms), all suites feature two rooms with a veranda off the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom. Sun deck with 360-degree views and shaded sitting area; organic herb garden and solar panels; putting green, and walking track. Aquavit Terrace® with a revolutionary indoor/outdoor viewing area at the bow of the boat, and grills for al fresco dining. Observation lounge and bar with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, Restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows for panoramic views. Library corner and on board boutique, elevator and free shipwide wireless internet service. These ships also feature ecologically friendly hybrid engines producing less vibration for a smoother ride.

For bookings travellers can call toll-free 1800 131 744 (Australia) or 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) and visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au for more information.


About Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises, the world's leading river cruise company, offers scenic cruising along the rivers of Europe, Russia, China and Southeast Asia. The company has been honoured multiple times as the top river cruise line on Condé Nast Traveller's "Gold List" and Travel + Leisure's "World's Best" Awards as well as recognized as the World's Leading River Cruise Operator at the World Travel Awards in 2009 & 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and by the editors of Cruise Critic as "Best River Cruise Line" in the website's 4th Annual Editors' Picks Awards. Since its 1997 inception, the company has grown to own and operate the largest river cruise fleet, and provides unique, deluxe vacations to experienced travellers with an interest in geography, culture and history. For additional information, contact Viking River Cruises at 1800 829 138 (Australia) or 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) or visit the company online at http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.au

Packing for a Worry-Free Cruise Holiday

Cruise season is here again and there's nothing like a seemingly-endless parade of glistening cruise ships visiting ports all around Australia to prompt travellers to consider a cruise holiday.

For the first time cruiser, the thought of packing enough different outfits to last an entire holiday is always a major concern, so the International Cruise Council Australasia has come up with a simple guide to make cruise holiday packing that little bit easier.

General Manager Brett Jardine said the best way to ensure Australian travellers chose the cruise line to suit their lifestyle would be to first speak with a cruise expert, such as an ICCA-accredited travel agent.

"When you know you've picked the right ship and the right destination for you to enjoy a great holiday, everything else will fall into place," Mr Jardine said.

The first thing people think about is what to wear on board ships. Usually the dress code during the day is comfortable and casual so t-shirts and shorts, skirts and sun dresses teamed with sneakers, thongs and sandals are all good options. But note that swimmers and sarongs are fine around the pool but not in public or dining areas anywhere around the ship.

At night, most cruise lines offer a mix of formal, semi-formal and casual nights throughout a cruise with your average week-long cruise including at least two formal nights (usually on sea days), a couple of cocktail evenings and the rest smart casual.

Evening dress codes usually apply to restaurants and public areas from about 6pm but for those who don't enjoy formal nights, passengers can usually choose to dine in the more casual buffet alternative.

Double check the dress code information the cruise line sends with the tickets – it's the best way to ensure packing appropriately.

Apart from your wardrobe, there are a few other essential items:

• Passport with at least six months' validity after your return and any destination visas
• Comprehensive travel insurance
• Sufficient quantities of any medications you may need – these may be unavailable onboard
• Sunglasses, hats and sunscreen
• A camera for all those happy snaps as well as any cables you need to download shots onto Facebook to update family and friends
• Laptops or iPads – most ships have wi-fi connectivity to make staying in touch easier
• A good book or two – and there's always extras at the onboard library
• Any sporting equipment you can't cruise without – such as snorkelling gear in the tropics, you can often hire these onboard but it can be easier to carry your own.

A great final tip is to check the type of electrical plugs used on board – there's nothing worse than a camera that can't be charged without a US or European adaptor plug!

The International Cruise Council Australasia is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 1996, committed to training travel consultants and raising consumer awareness of cruising.

Tauck Sees Huge Growth in French River Cruising

Company's Bookings Jump 137% in Two Years as it Adds Ships and Itineraries on the Rhone, Seine and Saône

When Tauck's ms Swiss Emerald sailed on the company's first-ever departure of its new Rhone River family river cruise earlier this month, it was just the latest milestone in Tauck's rapidly increasing presence in French river cruising.  Although the Connecticut-based company (recently named the "World's Best River Cruise Line" by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine) has only been operating on France's rivers for three years, it has already chalked up some impressive growth statistics.
 
Since its debut on the Rhone in 2011, Tauck's French river cruise bookings have increased 137%, and the company has gone from zero itineraries in France in 2010 to a total of seven for its 2014 operating season, including three popular specialty cruises for families, food lovers, and art aficionados.  The company will also deploy its ms Swiss Sapphire to sail on two new itineraries on the Seine next year, doubling the number of ships it has in France.  (The newly refurbished ms Swiss Emerald will continue to sail on the Rhone and the Saône.)  Tauck's success in France shows no sign of slowing, with pre-season bookings up more than 650% over the same time last year, and up nearly 1,300% over this same point just two years ago.
 
TWO NEW ITINERARIES ON THE SEINE
Helping fuel Tauck's incredible growth in preseason bookings are two new-for-2014 itineraries on the Seine.  The new "Cruising the Seine Plus Versailles, Paris & London" (from $6,790 per person, plus airfare) is a comprehensive two-week journey that begins with an included two-night stay in London at the landmark Savoy, featuring guided sightseeing plus a Tauck-exclusive lecture by Winston Churchill's biographer and granddaughter Celia Sandys.  After travelling via high-speed train beneath the English Channel to Calais, guests will board the ms Swiss Sapphire in Caudubec-en-Caux for a nine-day cruise along the Seine.
 
Highlights along the Seine will include an excursion to Normandy's D-Day beaches, an exclusive dinner with music at a private chateau in Rouen, and private tastings of absinthe in the Absinthe Museum in Auvers-sur-Oise and Calvados at Chateau du Breuil, a distiller of the spirit since the 1500s.  The journey continues in Paris, where the ms Swiss Sapphire will dock for three nights as Tauck guests enjoy an in-depth exploration of the city with included sightseeing.  After disembarking in Paris, guests will have their choice of a guided exploration of the city's colorful Montmartre district, or a guided visit to Louis XIV's palace at Versailles.  The 14-day itinerary concludes with a two-night stay in Versailles at the Trianon Palace Versailles, a Waldorf Astoria property, highlighted by an exploration of the Chevreuse Valley and a visit to the 12th-century Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay.
 
Tauck's second new French itinerary, "Rendezvous on the Seine," (ten days from $4,590 per person, plus airfare) also begins with an included two-night stay in Paris, at the Hotel Pullman overlooking the Eiffel Tour.  A subsequent seven-day cruise on the Seine includes ports-of-call at Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, Giverney (where guests will visit the home and gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet), Vernon, Les Andelys and Rouen.  Highlights include a farm visit and tasting of local farm-to-table specialties in Étretat, a visit to the seaside town of Honfleur, a lecture on the events of D-Day followed by a tour of Normandy's iconic beaches, and guided visits to historic abbeys and chateaux.
 
THE NEWLY REFURBISHED MS SWISS EMERALD
Elsewhere in France, Tauck's Rhone and Saône River cruises will sail aboard the newly renovated ms Swiss Emerald.  Launched in 2006, the ship received a makeover earlier this year when its décor was enlivened with new carpeting, new upholstery, new bedding and other enhancements.  The Swiss Emerald is one of four Tauck vessels in its Jewel Class of riverboats, along with the ms Swiss Sapphire, ms Swiss Jewel and ms Treasures.
 
Two new and larger Tauck riverboats, the ms Inspire and ms Savor, are currently under construction.  Set to launch next year, the 443-foot newbuilds will together comprise Tauck's Inspiration Class of ships.  Each will have twenty-two 300 square foot suites (a third of all cabins), as well as thirty-two 225 square foot cabins.
 
Eight of those 225 square foot cabins will be located on the lower (Emerald) deck, and they will feature an innovative "loft" design with a raised platform seating area.  Each seating area will have a table with two chairs, plus a raised ceiling that allows the use of a much taller window than can normally be incorporated into cabins on a riverboat's lower deck.  The upper portion of this window can be opened for fresh air, and being taller, the window will allow far more natural light to fill the cabin for a much brighter and more airy ambiance than can typically be achieved in lower level cabins.

ALL 2014 TAUCK RIVER CRUISES NOW OPEN FOR BOOKING

Each of the 19 European river cruises in Tauck's 2014 portfolio (on the Danube, Rhône, Rhine, Seine, Moselle, Saône, Main and Maas rivers) is now open for booking, and departure dates, prices and a host of additional information are contained in the company's new 100-page 2014 river cruise brochure.  Tauck has also debuted an expanded and redesigned section of its website at www.tauck.com dedicated exclusively to river cruising.  The new micro-site contains details on Tauck's river cruise itineraries and ships, a collection of nine new videos, the latest Tauck river cruise news, guest message boards, and more.

Tauck is also expanding its river cruising outreach to the travel agent community with the appointment of Mary Murrin as the company's first Business Development Manager – River and Small Ship Cruising.  A Tauck Cruise Director aboard the company's riverboats for five years prior to assuming her new role, Murrin is a travel industry veteran who has also worked with Ritz-Carlton and in events management.  In her new position, Murrin will focus on agent and consumer education, represent Tauck at cruise-related conferences and other events, and help Tauck maintain its leadership position within the river and small ship ocean cruising segments.

 ABOUT TAUCK

Tauck is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with nearly 100 land and cruise itineraries to some 70 countries and all seven continents.  The company has been named to Travel + Leisure magazine's list of the "World's Best Tour Operators & Safari Outfitters" in each of the past 15 years, and it has also been named to the magazine's list of the "World's Best River Cruise Lines" in each of the past four years.

ABOUT TRAVEL THE WORLD

Travel the World has been providing discerning travellers with unique luxury experiences for over 30 years. From premium cruise holidays with the world's best cruise lines to enriching cultural tours and indulgently luxurious resorts, Travel the World offers an exciting range of travel options beyond the predictable. The company has established new benchmarks of excellence in travel-related services to the Australian travel industry and consumers since 1977.

For further information on TAUCK please contact Travel the World on 1300 950 622 or visit www.traveltheworld.com.au

Uniworld launches 2014 Asia brochure

Experience China, Vietnam and Cambodia by land and luxury river cruise

 

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has released its 2014 Asia Boutique River Cruise and Tour brochure showcasing 11 to 18 day itineraries throughout China, Vietnam and Cambodia. Additionally, it introduces the 12-day Treasures of China & the Yangtze cruise/tour providing travellers with a new luxury option to discover the glories of China's history and culture.

 

John Molinaro, General Manager of Australia, said: "We're delighted to have our new brochure on the shelves.  Our itineraries include a combination of land touring and cruising the Yangtze and Mekong Rivers. Onboard the Century Paragon and Century Legend guests stay in Uniworld Signature Suites with private balconies. On land they'll enjoy five-star hotels such as the Sofitel and Ritz Carlton in Beijing, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai and the Intercontinental Hanoi and Park Hyatt Saigon.

"As with our European cruises, the culinary experience is key and the combination of cruising and city touring means we can incorporate special regionally-themed meals from a dim sum lunch in Shanghai, traditional dumpling and Tang Dynasty dinner in Xi'an, family-hosted lunch in a Beijing hutong and of course Beijing's signature Peking duck. In Cambodia a real highlight is the Apsara dance show accompanied by a traditional Cambodian meal.

 

"The Mekong and Yangtze are the lifeblood of these regions and our shore excursions provide guests an opportunity to see what life is like along the rivers. During the Mekong River cruise, guests can take a sampan among traditional floating markets to a village and fish farm while shore excursions along the Yangtze River include a smaller riverboat cruise to the exceptionally beautiful Lesser Gorges and visit to the landmark Shibao Pagoda. Of course there is also plenty of time just to relax on the sun deck and just watch as the scenery floats by" said Mr Molinaro.

 

River Orchid

• Guests on Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong will navigate the Mekong on the French colonial River Orchid. With accommodation for 58 guests, the intimate ship provides an up close view of life along the river. Staterooms are designed with French doors that open to a shared promenade. Public areas include a panoramic restaurant, lecture and movie room, sun deck with full-service bar, and spa for massage treatments.

 

Pay in Full and Early Bird Savings

• Uniworld is currently offering Pay in Full savings of up to $1200 per couple on 2014 Asia cruises, valid until 31 October, 2013.
• Early Booking savings of up to $600 per couple are also available to guests who book 2014, simply book and pay a deposit at the time of reservation. Offer valid until 15 January, 2014.

 

Itinerary highlights

• NEW 12-day Treasures of China & the Yangtze – Shanghai to Beijing. Priced from $4290 per person twin share, cruise/tour. Sample China's top sights from Shanghai, Xi'an and Beijing as well as the Yangtze.  Price includes 4-night Yangtze River cruise and 7 nights in centrally located luxury hotels, all transportation throughout the trip, many meals, 10 days of fully escorted excursions with English-speaking local experts, the services of a Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager and all transfers on arrival and departure days.
• 18-day Grand China & the Yangtze – Beijing to Hong Kong. Priced from $6465 per person twin share, cruise/tour. Discover both old and new China on this comprehensive journey to Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Hong Kong and the Yangtze. Price includes 4-night Yangtze River cruise and 13 nights in centrally located luxury hotels, all transportation throughout the trip, many meals, 16 days of fully escorted excursions with English-speaking local experts, the services of a Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager and all transfers on arrival and departure days.
• 15-day Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong – Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Priced from $5614 per person twin share, cruise/tour. Experience the contrasts of Southeast Asia from the ancient Angkor Wat to the lively cities and floating villages of the Mekong. Price includes 7-night

Mekong River cruise onboard the River Orchid and 7 nights in deluxe hotels, all transportation throughout the trip, many meals, complimentary wine and beer with all dinners throughout the cruise, 12 days of fully escorted excursions with English-speaking local experts, the services of a Uniworld Cruise/Tour Manager and all transfers on arrival and departure days.

 

For more information visit www.uniworldcruises.com.au or call (02) 9028 5199.