Myanmar: rare opportunity to sail in style into the former Burma

 

WITH mysterious Myanmar (the former Burma) sizzling near the top of the 'hot list' of places to visit as it now opens its doors to tourists after being "closed" for four decades, SeaDream Yacht Club has a unique half-dozen opportunities to visit aboard its luxury 5-star SeaDream II in November and December this year.

And it includes staying aboard in capital Yangon (Rangoon) for up to 2.5 days to avoid hotel and shore-side meal costs while sightseeing this photographer's paradise.

The mega motor-cruiser SeaDream II will sail from Singapore on November 25 this year for 13-days to Yangon and onwards to Phuket in Thailand, and a second 13-day opportunity sailing on December 8 from Phuket to Yangon and back to Singapore  – including visits to eight popular as well as smaller and lesser-visited ports and islands in South East Asia, and with prices (inclusive of 5-star dining with wines and bar drinks) starting from US$8044pp twin share.

Alternatively these two-week itineraries can be split into two 6-day or 7-day sailings beginning or ending in Yangon, and which each include a night aboard SeaDream II in Yangon and are priced from US$4189pp twin-share.

 

SeaDream II has just 56 staterooms for a maximum 112 guests served by 95 crew. Prices include all 5-star dining, drinks from the open bars, wines with lunch and dinner, nightly cocktail gatherings, use of a fitness centre and 30-course golf simulator, power and sail water-sports where permitted, gratuities and port charges and taxes.

For details of SeaDream II's Myanmar and other Asia and northern Australia sailings from October this year to April 2014, see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com

(Prices do not include air fares to ports of embarkation and disembarkation.)

                                                                

More ships for Viking River Cruises

World's Leading River Cruise Line Seeing Unprecedented Demand;
Will Launch 14 New Viking Longships® Next Year

Amid record levels of consumer interest in river cruising, Viking Cruises (www.vikingrivercruises.com.au) today announced it has increased its order for additional Viking Longships, bringing the total number of new ships launching in 2014 from 12 to 14 vessels. The increased order reflects the popularity of river cruising as the fastest growing-segment of the travel industry and the leadership position of Viking, the world's leading river cruise line. By the end of 2014, Viking will have introduced a total of 30 new ships in a three-year period – the most rapid fleet expansion program the cruise industry has ever seen. The 14 new ships in 2014 will sail Viking's most popular itineraries in Europe.

                  "We are working hard to match supply with demand, and with these new builds, we have the best designed, newest and most extensive offer of ships on the rivers – more than double all our competitors combined," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. "More than ever, travellers want experiences that bring them closer to the destination, which is why we continue to design ships and itineraries with destinations and enrichment as the focus."

                  Over the last few years, river cruising has grown at an average annual rate of approximately nine percent*. Within this segment, Viking has grown at a much faster clip than its competitors – an average of 22 percent* per year, compared to the estimated four percent* annual growth of other river cruise lines.

                  In March of this year, Viking set a world record with the inauguration of 10 new Longships for the 2013 sailing season in a first-of-its-kind simultaneous christeningceremony in Amsterdam. This made way for its most successful sailing season, with more than 90 percent of all available staterooms sold during the spring andsummer months and record sales for the holiday sailings. Customer satisfaction is also central to Viking Cruises' growth, specifically in attracting repeat travellers. In fact, for the 2011 sailing season, 97 percent of Viking passengers rated their experience as "above expectations."

Named "Best New River Ships of 2012" in Cruise Critic's® Editors' Picks Awards, Viking Longships integrate patent-pending design and cutting-edge technology with comfortable amenities that reflect guest preferences and current travel trends. These new features include a revolutionary new all-weather indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace that reinvents the onboard lounge experience by bringing the panoramic outdoor river scenery indoors with retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors and allows guests to enjoy the views and dine al fresco. Accommodating 190 passengers in 95 staterooms, Viking Longships have a patented layout that allows for two Explorer Suites – the largest river cruise suites in Europe – as well as seven two-room Veranda Suites with a full-size veranda in the living room and a French balcony in the bedroom; 39 Veranda Staterooms with full-size verandas; and 22 French Balcony Staterooms. Additionally, all Longships have sustainability upgrades, such as onboard solar panels and organic herb gardens, and energy-efficient hybrid engines that also reduce vibrations for a remarkably smooth ride.

For more information, visit http://www.vikingrivercruises.com.au/longships-feature/ or contact teresia.fors@vikingrivercruises.com.

*Source: Cruise Lines International Association, Inc.; http://www.cruisemarketwatch.com/growth/ Jan 28, 2013

 

New port of call for SeaDream: Macau

For the first time the former Portuguese enclave of Macau will be a port of call for luxury cruise ship SeaDream II.

Petite by today's standards and rated world's Number 1 in the boutique category by the respected Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, this lavish 4300-tonne mega yacht will make the historic visit in March 2014 during her 13-day Asian voyage.

Macau was chosen as an overnight port for its fascinating Portuguese-infused characteristics and the fact that it was easily accessible by a ship of the SeaDream II's compact measurements, which are identical to sister ship SeaDream I.

 

That's SeaDream in the foreground! Look closely.

Like on many other cruise programs she is able to reach such interesting ports as Macau normally bypassed by larger cruise ships.

"To have a cruise ship of SeaDream II's calibre call on Macau speaks volumes for the appeal of city as a genuine port of call, perhaps for future small cruise ships to visit," said Helen Wong, general manager of the Macau Government Tourist Office (Australia and New Zealand).

"Macau's mix of east-meets-west, old-meets-new features makes for a fascinating visit for the 100 or more cruise ship passengers," she said.

"To sample and see elements of Portugal in the midst of Asia makes for a unique experience, very different from the other ports on this cruise.

"It will be our aim to ensure those who visit return to spend more time in what is a very special part of Asia."

The SeaDream II Asian voyage begins in Bangkok on March 2 with calls on Ko Chang/Ko Kut in Thailand, Sihanoukville in Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) in Vietnam for an overnight stay, Nha Trang also in Vietnam, Sanya on China's Hainan Island, Halong Bay (Vietnam) and Macau, ending in Hong Kong.

The ship will also have three days at sea, during which time guests will be able to enjoy the complimentary 30-course golf simulator and fitness centre, extensive library, the optional-cost Thai Spa.

SeaDream prices begin at $US7699pp, twin share (about $A1910) and include five-star dining, select premium brands from the open bars and at nightly pre-dinner cocktails, wines with lunch and dinner, use of an on-board golf simulator and fitness centre, gratuities, and port charges and taxes.

And with a mere 56 staterooms, SeaDream II can only cater for a maximum of 112 guests and 95 crew members.

The ship is rated World's Number 1 in the boutique category by the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships for its relaxing and casual ambience with smart casual (no need for jackets, ties or formal wear at dinner,) and on-deck dining under shade cloths at breakfast and lunch, and several times each sailing at dinner as well,

Details: Travel agents or visit www.seadream.com

Details on Macau, www.macautourism.gov.mo

Cruise Deal - Celebrity Cruises perks up your next modern luxury sailing with four great offers

Celebrity Cruises is enticing guests to book their next overseas modern luxury cruise holiday now, with four great offers to choose from on more than 290 sailings when booked by Sunday 6 October. If you have been dreaming of a tropical getaway in the Caribbean or Bermuda, discovering breathtaking Alaska or exploring Europe or the US, Celebrity Cruises has a sailing for you, and with the "Pick Your Perk" offer Celebrity rewards you with what you want.

Offer: Book an Oceanview stateroom or above on any Celebrity Cruises sailing in Europe, Alaska, The Caribbean, Bermuda or the US of four nights or longer, departing between 1 November 2013 and 31 December 2014 by Sunday 6 October and guests can select one of four great offers. The four great offers include:

1.       Free Classic Beverage package – the first two guests per stateroom receive beers to the value of $5 per serving; spirits, cocktails and wine by the glass to the value of $8 per serving; all soft drink selections, fresh squeezed and bottled juices, premium coffees, specialty teas and non-premium bottled water for the length of the cruise. Server Gratuities are also included, and a Premium Beverage Package upgrade is also available for US$11.50 per person per day.
2.       Free gratuities – all gratuities for stateroom attendant, waiter, assistant waiter and head waiter will be covered for two guests.
3.       Up to US$300 bonus onboard credit – bonus onboard credit can be used for those extra luxuries onboard including spa treatments, shore excursion, duty free shopping and cocktails. Bonus onboard credit amount varies by sailing – four to five night sailings receive US$100 per stateroom; six to nine night sailings receive US$200 per stateroom; and 10 night and longer receive US$300 per stateroom.
4.       Up to AU$600 Air savings – Celebrity Cruises will help cover some of the costs to fly to your cruise. Air saving amounts vary by sail nights and must be booked through Choice Air to qualify – four to five night sailings will receive AU$200 per stateroom; six to nine night sailings will receive AU$400 per stateroom; and sailings of 10 night or longer receive AU$600 per stateroom.

Lead Fare

Fares start from $1,169 per person for an eight-night Alaska voyage onboard Celebrity Solstice. Departing Vancouver, British Columbia on 8 May 2014, this sailing calls at Tracy Arm Fjord, Juneau, Skagway, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan and Seattle (Washington).

Terms and Conditions

·         Offer is valid for new bookings only on Celebrity Europe, Alaska, Caribbean, Bermuda and Pacific Coastal (USA) voyages of 4 nights or longer departing between 1 November 2013 and 31 December 2014. Please note that to be considered a European voyage the cruise must embark and disembark in a European port.
·         New Bookings must be made between Friday, 30 August and Sunday, 6 October 2013 in order to qualify for the offer.
·         Offer consists of choosing one of the following four options a.) Free Classic Beverage Package OR b.) Free Gratuities OR c.) up to US$300 Onboard Credit OR d.) up to $600 Air Savings
·         Offer applies to Oceanview staterooms and above (interior staterooms are excluded).
·         Redemption Process: Consumers/trade must notify Celebrity Cruises at coupons@rccl.com of the option chosen no later than Friday 11 October 2013 otherwise the Onboard Credit will be automatically applied. Changes to option requests will not be accepted after 11 October 2013.
·         Some further terms and conditions apply. Please see www.celebritycruises.com.au for further details.

Berlitz Cruise Guide 2014: EUROPA and EUROPA 2 receive top distinction of 5-stars plus

Berlitz Cruise Guide 2014: EUROPA and EUROPA 2 receive top distinction of 5-stars plus

·         For the first time, two ships have been awarded the 5-stars-plus rating
·         The expedition ship HANSEATIC took first place in the "boutique ships" category

The latest edition of the popular "Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships" has awarded the two sister ships in the luxury sector, the EUROPA and the EUROPA 2 of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, the highest distinction of 5-stars-plus. This makes both ships global leaders. The expedition ship HANSEATIC was ranked in first place in the top ten "boutique ships" with up to 250 passengers.

Attaining 1,860 points out of a possible 2,000, the EUROPA 2 achieved the highest score. Together with its sister ship, the EUROPA has once again been included in the 5-stars-plus category with 1,851 points. This allowed both luxury ships to claim first and second place amongst the top ten "small ships" with up to 750 passengers. The HANSEATIC improved its score with 1,765 points and, as the only expedition ship to be awarded five stars, is featured in the top ten list of "boutique ships" for the first time. The BREMEN also improved its score with a total of 1,555 points and was awarded the 4-stars-plus rating.

"In the 29-year history of Berlitz ratings, this is the first time two cruise ships are in the exclusive 5-stars-plus-club. No other ships currently achieve such a high standard, which are set by the EUROPA and EUROPA 2 and their crews," says Douglas Ward at the presentation of the Berlitz award to the management of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. "The EUROPA 2 has also achieved the highest score ever in the history of the book. She offers a great space per passenger ratio, much light through the high windows, an excellent and high-class culinary choice and attentive and unobtrusive service," explains Douglas Ward.

"We are especially proud to be global leaders in the luxury sector with both ships," said Karl J. Pojer, chief executive officer of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. "This score is a special distinction for the crews of the EUROPA and the EUROPA 2 who are setting the bar in the sector with their quality and service. It is also a huge 'thank you' to the team in Hamburg and a welcome affirmation of our strategy in the luxury and expedition sectors," explained Pojer.

Author Douglas Ward and his team tested a total of 285 cruise ships around the world and scored them based on criteria such as ship fittings, menus, restaurant quality, service, crew, entertainment and the cruise experience.

For more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' exciting destinations and itineraries, visit www.hl-cruises.com. All press releases and a picture gallery can be found at www.hl-cruises.com/press. For EUROPA 2 images, visit http://www.hl-cruises.com/press/photoarchive/cruises-fleet/ms-europa-2/.

Reservations: Please call +49 40 3001-4580 (English-speaking hotline), send an e-mail to salesteam@hlkf.de or visit www.hl-cruises.com/contact-services for local agents.

Discount on Voyager of the Seas Cruise

HUGE SAVINGS ON VOYAGER CRUISE

MANY of the most exciting port calls in New Zealand, Australia and Asia are included in a 44-night fly/cruise package which has been reduced in price by nearly $4000 per person by cruise specialists ecruising.travel if you book by October 30.

The cruise onboard  Voyager of the Seas departs Sydney on March 9, 2014, and the price includes all accommodation and meals during the cruise, one way air fares from Tokyo to Sydney and all air taxes and port charges. Priced from $5319 per person twin share.

When Voyager of the Seas departs Sydney she will call firstly at Auckland and then travel down the NZ coast to Tauranga, Napier, Dunedin, and the Dusky, Doubtful and Milford Sounds before crossing to Melbourne. The ship will then make calls at Adelaide, Perth and Port Hedland before a few days at sea on the way to Bangkok for a two-day stay.

After stops at Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Singapore and Hong Kong the ship will make calls to unusual destinations like Kaohsiung and Taipei in Taiwan and the Japanese city of Nagasaki before disembarking in Tokyo for a two night stay at the Shangri-La hotel.

Voyager of the Seas has a great selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, plus an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall, spa and fitness center, golf simulator and casino.

For more information on this itinerary contact ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or check-out www.ecruising.travel

Viking's 15-day Grand European Tour from $5,795*per person SAVE $1,000* per couple

15-day Grand European Tour from $5,795*per person SAVE $1,000* per couple

Amsterdam to Budapest or v.v.

 

Imagine 15 magical days along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. From Holland's windmill-studded tulip fields to Germany's fairytale castles, from the engineering marvel of the Main-Danube Canal to the picturesque vineyards ofAustria's Wachau Valley, this epic voyage presents the highlights of Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Savor a decadent Sachertorte in a Viennese café and panoramic views of imperial Budapest—and along the way, discover the legend of the Lorelei, the ancient art of glassblowing, the music of Mozart and more. Guests who choose this voyage soon see why it is our most popular itinerary.

 

Includes: 14-nights onboard NEW Viking Lif or Viking Skadi in river-view stateroom, 13 guided tours, all onboard meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners, Culture Curriculum, port charges, all tipping and gratuities.

 

PLUS, book before 30 September, 2013 to receive complimentary on board Silver Spirits Beverage package including unlimited wine, beer, premium cocktails, soft drinks, juices and specialty coffees.

 

For more information visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au or call us now on 1800 131 744.

 

Conditions: Price is in Australian Dollars, per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. Single supplements apply. Valid on 2014 sailings only. Price includes current booking discount and isbased on: 15 Nov 2014 departure in cat F stateroom. Must book by 30 September 2013. Viking River Cruises reserves the right to revise and withdraw pricing and discounts throughout the season without prior notice.  Conditions apply, visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au.