New England “Features of the Fall” cruise tour - exclusive features

THE exclusive 36-night Canada and New England "Features of the Fall" cruise tour has just been released by cruise specialists ecruising.travel with special prices for the September 14, 2014 departure and a free 15-minute "New York Tour" by helicopter and a night time helicopter flight over the Las Vegas strip if you book before December 31, 2013.
 
Fly from Australia to Las Vegas for three nights Mandarin Oriental before flying to New York to explora the city that never sleeps. You will have four days to take in a show in Broadway, hit the shops on 5^th Avenue and visit the numerous tourist sights the city is so famous for.
 
At Cape Liberty embark on your Celebrity Summit vessel for a 14-night round trip cruise which includes port visits to Maine, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Quebec.
 
The escorted touring component begins after the cruise with extensive sightseeing during two weeks travelling to Massachusetts, Vermont, Quebec, Ontario and Michigan before arriving at your final destination of Chicago. Highlights include visiting Morse farm,  a cruise on Lake Champlain, getting up close and personal with Niagara Falls onboard the "Maid of the Mist" and much more.
 
Now priced from $11,449 (was $20,089) per person twin share it includes return economy airfares from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, 15-nights fully escorted tour including hotel accommodation,  daily breakfast, transportation, all sight-seeing and entrance fees with a tour director, three nights' accommodation in Las Vegas, four nights at the Grand Hyatt New York, 14 nights cruise accommodation with all meals on board plus a complimentary bottle of champagne and chocolate coated strawberries, entertainment and on-board gratuities, transfers and port charges and government taxes.

 

For departures from Adelaide the tour is priced from $11,749 and for Perth passengers from $11,949 per person twin share.
 
The tour is limited to 50 guests, to reserve your place now contact ecruising.travel on 1300-369-848 or check out www.ecruising.travel

 

Couple missing on cruise ship. Did she slip and fall?

Kristen Schroder and Paul Rossington drowned after they
went missing from a cruise ship. Picture: Facebook

A WOMAN who plunged off a cruise ship balcony may have slipped while trying to climb around to visit family members in a neighbouring cabin, it has emerged. 
 
The theory is among several under active investigation as police prepare a brief for the coroner into the deaths of real estate agent Kristen Dennis, 27, and her paramedic boyfriend Paul Rossington, 30, on May 8.

They have not been found.

Read more: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/national-news/victoria/slip-theory-emerges-on-missing-cruise-ship-couple/story-fnii5sms-1226694826921#ixzz2bcXYqS4y

Royal Caribbean International dual milestones

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES DUAL MILESTONES FOR QUANTUM OF THE SEAS AND ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

Keel Laying and Steel Cutting Ceremonies Held for new Quantum Class

Excitement was palpable at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany on Friday as Royal Caribbean International marked two important milestones in the development of its Quantum class of ships. Quantum of the Seas, scheduled to be delivered in the autumn of 2014, received its first block as the keel was officially lowered and put into place. In conjunction, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum's sister-ship, had its first piece of steel cut, signalling the first step in the ship's construction.

"Today is a very special day in the development of our new Quantum class, as we are now two steps closer to delighting guests around the world with Quantum cruising," said Adam Goldstein, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "It's incredibly rewarding to seeQuantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas coming together so well, and today we not only honour these two very important milestones, but also recognize the years of hard work and dedication from the team developing these ships."  

The keel laying marks an important milestone in the development of Quantum of the Seas as it signifies the beginning of the ship's physical construction. During the ceremony, a 430-ton block measuring 59-ft by 75-ft (18 x 23 meters) was lifted into the building dock with an 800-ton crane. Newly minted coins were placed under the keel which then stays in place until the end of construction. Once the ship is nearing completion the coins are retrieved and presented to the ship's Captain and crew to be placed onboard the ship. According to maritime tradition, the coins are said to bring luck to the ship during its construction and then to its Captain and crew when she is out to sea.

The groundbreaking Quantum class ships will debut new unprecedented features, such as RipCord by iFLY, the first skydiving experience at sea; the North Star, an engineering marvel that transports guests more than 300 feet above the ocean; transformative venues, such as The Sea-Plex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line's largest and most advanced staterooms ever, including the industry's first-ever Virtual Balcony staterooms, which offers expansive, real-time views of the ocean and exciting destinations for interior staterooms.

The Quantum class will debut in autumn 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015.  Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms.  More information on Quantum of the Seas is available at RoyalCaribbean.com/QuantumoftheSeas.

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.

Image 1  - Royal Caribbean International took a major step this week in the development of the cruise line's next generation of cruise ships when the first piece of steel was cut for Anthem of the Seas, sister-ship to Quantum of the Seas. The steel cutting took place at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.
 
Image 2 - Quantum of the Seas, scheduled to be delivered in the autumn of 2014, received its first block today as the keel was officially lowered and put into place. The 430-ton block measuring 59-ft by 75-ft (18 x 23 meters) was lifted into the building dock with an 800-ton crane and signifies the beginning of the ship's physical construction.
 
Image 3 - Quantum of the Seas, scheduled to be delivered in the autumn of 2014, received its first block today as the keel was officially lowered and put into place. Newly minted coins were placed under the keel which then stay in place until the end of construction. According to maritime tradition, the coins are said to bring luck to the ship during its construction and then to its Captain and crew when she is at sea. Present at the event were (lefto to right): Bernard Meyer, Harri Kulovaara, EVP, Newbuild and Design, Royal Caribbean International; Mika Heiskanen,  
Project Manager, Royal Caribbean International and Jan Meyer, Managing Partner, Meyer Werft.
 

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