Exclusive Australian Cruise: Murray Princess meets Cunard Queen

Murray Princess

A unique journey around southern Australia by rail on the Indian Pacific, cruising the Murray River on the Murray Princess paddlewheel and four nights sailing from Adelaide to Sydney aboard Queen Mary 2 is now available from cruise specialists ecruising.travel

The adventure begins on March 5, 2014, with two days travelling from Sydney to Adelaide in Gold Class on the Indian Pacific, including all meals and beverages as well as a whistle stop tour of Broken Hill.

After disembarking the train you will have a night in Adelaide before travelling to the historic riverside town of Mannum to board the PS Murray Princess, an elegant inland paddlewheeler purpose-built for the Murray River.

Cruising downstream from Mannum you will moor at Mundarra with its active nocturnal wildlife for entertainment and a tour of historic Murray Bridge the next morning. The vessel then travels up-river through massive river gorges and past 90-metre cliffs before stopping at River View Lodge where a smaller vessel departs on a backwater wildlife cruise.

Then there's a coach back to Adelaide to join the elegant Queen Mary 2 and spend four nights sailing back to Sydney. Enjoy the luxurious Cunard five star services with gourmet meals, numerous lounges and bars and endless activities on board.

ecruising is selling this exclusive package from $3309 per person, which includes meals, beverages and gold class accommodation aboard the Indian Pacific, one nights accommodation at the Sebel Playford Adelaide, three nights' accommodation with meals on the PS Murray Princess, four nights' accommodation and all meals on the Queen Mary 2, transfers, port charges and government taxes.

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

Discover the World from Brisbane on Princess Cruises in 2014

Princess Cruises will establish its biggest ever presence in Queensland next year with a raft of new cruise itineraries set to launch Brisbane as a gateway to the world.

The cruise line has announced a series of new Princess Cruises' options to sail roundtrip from Brisbane to destinations from the South Pacific to South America making a cruise holiday even more accessible to Queensland holidaymakers.

Combined with Princess Cruises' existing offerings from Brisbane, the new options will mean that Queenslanders can sail roundtrip from their doorstep on cruises ranging from 7 to 104 nights.

The new roundtrip voyages for 2014 from Brisbane now on sale are:

Australia and New Zealand 35-night cruise on Dawn Princess sailing April 15, priced from $4499* and with shore tour highlights including Yarra Valley wine tasting and Maori cultural performances in Auckland
Hawaii, Tahiti and South Pacific 41-night cruise on Sea Princess departing April 7, priced from $5799* and includes visits to the reefs of Bora Bora and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
104-night World Cruise on Dawn Princess departing May 20, priced from $18,999* visiting a range of ports in South America as well as favourite cities like New York, Rome, Singapore and Athens.

The new cruises join a range of shorter Brisbane roundtrip itineraries on Sea Princess including:

Fijian Jewels 11-night itinerary sailing January 22, priced from $1099* with visits to New Caledonia, Fiji and Vila
New Zealand 14-night voyage departing February 2, priced from $1399* with calls to picturesque Akaroa, and vibrant cities including Wellington and Auckland
Queensland and Great Barrier Reef 7-night cruise departing May 18 priced from $999* with visits to the Whitsunday Islands and Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Princess Cruises Executive Vice President Sales, Marketing and Customer Service Jan Swartz said the new itineraries from Brisbane opened up a whole new world for the cruise line's Queensland passengers.

"With a growing number of Queenslanders choosing to holiday at sea, Princess Cruises' Brisbane sailings are the perfect way to see the world," Ms Swartz said.

*Fares are per person, twin share, subject to availability.

 

Silversea Launches New 2014 Brochures

 

Unveiling its 2014 Voyage and 2014 Adventure brochures, Silversea reinforces its reputation as an innovator in the luxury cruise market.  The brochures reveal Silversea's commitment to discovering new and secluded harbours and creating life-enriching experiences.  Silversea sails to all seven continents in 2014 and has over 200 sailings visiting over 500 destinations.

Karen Christensen, Silversea's General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing in Australasia, explains what guests can expect from the new collections as the cruise line prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

 

"For 2014, we have added new itineraries and 12 new ports to our Classic Fleet.  Our World Cruise 2014, which sets sail on 6 January 2014 from Los Angeles to Barcelona, is a major highlight, visiting five continents, 29 countries and 54 ports over 113 days.  Also, Silver Spirit's circumnavigation of South America will be another epic journey not to be missed," says Christensen.  

 

Christensen explains that, although the Mediterranean and Northern Europe remains Silversea's biggest sellers, there is an increasing interest in destinations such as Myanmar, South America and northern Asia.  However, expedition cruising is the cruise line's fastest growing market segment.

 

Silversea's new 2014 Adventure brochure features a complete list of the extraordinary expedition voyages available aboard Silver Explorer and the new Silver Galapagos.  In 2014, Silversea's expedition fleet will explore five continents and 234 of the world's unique destinations.  

 

"We are very proud to launch our expedition vessel, Silver Galapagos.  Accommodating only 100 passengers, guests will be able to explore the remarkable Galápagos Islands like never before, whilst travelling in the utmost style and elegance.  Guests can also choose from a new range of optional land packages, giving our guests the opportunity to experience South America's ultimate highlights, including Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca & Puno and the Amazon," says Christensen.

 

"Over the years, our fleet has grown to eight magnificent vessels, yet I am pleased to say that Silversea has retained its family values.  Silversea still has fewer guests and a higher staff to guest ratio, therefore we can tailor our service to our guests' individual needs.  There's luxury and then, there's Silversea - anyone who has been onboard one of our ships will know exactly what I mean." 

 

"For guests who enjoy the finer things in life, luxury continues to set Silversea apart.  We offer a personal butler service in every suite onboard, not just the top suites.  We even have personal butlers onboard all our expedition vessels, which is very special," says Christensen.

 

The brochures are available in digital and print formats, and can be viewed online at Silversea.com by clicking the E-BROCHURE link.

For more information and a brochure contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea. com

 

Azamara upgrade offer

Nothing beats sailing to the far reaches of the world in the warm comfort and experienced hands of Azamara Club Cruises^®. Well, maybe one thing… getting a really great deal. This month we have a choice of two AzAmazing Upgrade offers...now which one to choose?

Double Upgrade Offer* 
There’s no better way to take in breathtaking worldwide destinations and ocean sunsets then from your very own private balcony. For a limited time only receive a Verandah Stateroom for the price of an Interior, and experience a voyage where spectacular views are only ever a few steps away.

With a range of sail dates available and countless captivating destinations to choose from including Europe, The Far East, South and Central America, The West Indies and the West Coast of America you’re sure to find the perfect voyage.

To receive your complimentary double stateroom upgrade, simply book any of our select 2014 voyages before 30 September 2013.

Asia Upgrade Offer* 
Experience the exotic beauty and ancient mystique of Asia onboard Azamara Journey with another fantastic upgrade offer. Book select 2013-14 Asia voyages and receive a Club Oceanview stateroom for the price of an Interior. Offer ends 31st October 2013.

With longer stays in port and more overnights you’ll have time to get beneath the surface and explore what makes each place unique. Back onboard enjoy world class cuisine, personalised service and beautifully appointed staterooms. And with two AzAmazing upgrade offers now available there has never been a better time to book your next Azamara voyage.

Royal Caribbean: Two of its largest and most innovative ships, Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas sailing Asia again in 2014

Two of Royal Caribbean International's largest and most innovative ships will sail in Asia again in 2014, calling at some of the most enticing and exciting destinations.

With so many exotic and enticing destinations in Asia it can sometimes be difficult to see all you want to see, while still travelling in style and comfort. That's where Royal Caribbean International comes in!

"Royal Caribbean now offers the two largest and most modern cruise ships sailing in Asia: Mariner of the Seas and sister ship Voyager of the Seas, which also sails in Australia during the southern summer. In 2014 they will offer a range of over 70 cruises," said Adam Armstrong, commercial director, Royal Caribbean International.

"Asian cruises are a fantastic way to explore many different destinations and cultures all in one trip – and at the same time, travel in comfort onboard a state-of-the-art ship. Plus, you only have to unpack once. Guests of all ages will also enjoy the only DreamWorks Experience in Asia, a wide range of signature Royal Caribbean onboard amenities, and our award-winning entertainment and family programming."

Itineraries range from three to 10 nights in duration and include varied ports of call in Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, South Korea, Taiwan and Japan. In addition to roundtrip sailings from five major-city homeports (Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing) both ships offer 'open-jaw' repositioning cruises, which are extremely popular with Australians:

·         Voyager of the Seas sails a brand new 10-night Singapore to Tokyo itinerary on 10 April 2014. This sailing will call at Hong Kong, China; Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China; and Nagasaki, Japan with fares starting from $989 per person for an interior stateroom.*

·         Voyager of the Seas' second open-jaw itinerary departs 8 October 2014 from Hong Kong and sails for nine-nights to Singapore via Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Ho Chi Minh (Phu My), Vietnam; and Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand, with fares starting from $899 per person for an interior stateroom.*

·         Mariner of the Seas will offer two eight-night open-jaw sailings between Singapore and Shanghai in March and November 2014. Both sailings offer calls at Ho Chi Minh (Phu My), Vietnam; Hong Kong, China; and Xiamen, China, with fares starting from $939 per person for an interior statroom.*

Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas are among Royal Caribbean's Voyager class of ships and feature iconic Royal Caribbean International amenities such as the rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, a nine-hole mini-golf course, full-size basketball and sports court, and the Royal Promenade – a boulevard that stretches nearly the length of the ship and flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques. Both ships also exclusively offer the DreamWorks Experience at sea. Guests can partake in parades, themed activities and other onboard events based on DreamWorks Animation's popular feature-film characters, including Po of "Kung Fu Panda;" Shrek, Fiona and Puss In Boots of "Shrek;" and Alex the Lion, Gloria the Hippo, and the Penguins from "Madagascar." Each ship also is equipped with a 3-D movie theatre playing the latest DreamWorks Animation films.

Voyager of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas will spend the remainder of their (northern) summer season sailing from China (Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong) and Japan (Tokyo), offering itineraries from three- to seven-nights and visiting ports in Korea, Japan and Taiwan.

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

Royal Caribbean International Launches World’s First Instagram Film Festival

Royal Caribbean International has announced that they will host the world’s first Instagram film festival. The cruise company is calling out for entries to the Royal Caribbean InstaFilmFest, inviting everyone to capture their “WOW moments” in 15 seconds of video footage and upload to Instagram via the hashtag #InstaFilmFest. The Instagram competition starts from today, and winners will be announced at a grand finale event in early 2014.



Royal Caribbean’s InstaFilmFest was created to celebrate the moments in life that take your breath away – or even just make you smile. An unforgettable sunset, waves lapping at your favourite beach, indulging in a beautiful meal, a baby’s first steps, the look on the guest of honour’s face at a surprise party – the possibilities for “WOW moment” entries are endless – and not just limited to cruising or holidays.

The Royal Caribbean InstaFilmFest grand finale will take place onboard a Royal Caribbean superliner in Sydney harbour in early 2014. Finalists and VIPs will be invited to the exclusive event, where the finalists’ videos will be shown and the winners will be announced.*

An expert panel of judges will choose the winners, with the judging panel to be announced in late 2013. The winner of this world’s first event will enjoy a cruise to the South Pacific onboard Radiance of the Seas. There will also be a prize for the most popular WOW moment (People’s Choice) - a two night cruise onboard Rhapsody of the Seas. And everyone who votes online for their favourite WOW moment will go into the draw to win a Black Edition GoPro camera.

Adam Armstrong, Commercial Director, said: “Royal Caribbean is thrilled to announce that we are hosting the world’s first Instagram film festival. Royal Caribbean has a huge online community - fans love connecting and sharing their experiences with us and each other through social media. When we heard about Instagram’s new video function, we realised that this was a perfect opportunity to do something fun. The Royal Caribbean InstaFilmFest campaign highlights just some of the onboard WOW moments that Royal Caribbean’s guests experience everyday like rock climbing, ice skating, cupcake decorating, delicious meals or just simply chilling out. We can’t wait to see all the WOW moments which our guests and the Instagram community share via the hashtag #InstaFilmFest.”

Royal Caribbean has two superliners and one megaliner based locally from October 2013 for the summer cruise season – Rhapsody of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas. The ships sail to an array of exciting ports in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific until April 2014.

Royal Caribbean ships are “designed for WOW”, featuring innovative onboard experiences that cannot be found on other cruise lines – such as rock climbing walls, speciality dining restaurants, DreamWorks character parades, cupcake decorating classes, surfing simulators, an ice skating rink and much more.**

Royal Caribbean’s InstaFilmFest is part of a new brand campaign which celebrates WOW moments. The “Designed for WOW” marketing campaign represents the biggest local marketing investment by Royal Caribbean in the Australasia region to date. A microsite has been created to anchor this fully integrated campaign which spans across online and offline channels both above and below the line. Royal Caribbean is proud to be working with Hulsbosch, an award winning strategic brand and design company specialising in the travel sphere, and Circul8, an innovative and dynamic social media agency, on this project.

Useful Links

InstaFilm Fest Microsite: instafilmfestival.com.au

Royal Caribbean AU & NZ Instagram: instagram.com/royalcaribbean_aunz

Royal Caribbean AU & NZ Facebook: facebook.com/rciaustraliaandnz

Royal Caribbean AU & NZ YouTube: youtube.com/rciaustraliaandnz

For more information about Royal Caribbean International, visit: RoyalCaribbean.com.au

For more information about Hulsbosch, visit: hulsbosch.com.au

For more information about Circul8, visit: circul8.com.au



*For full competition terms and conditions, visit: www.instafilmfestival.com.au

**Facilities vary per ship.

Costa Concordia refloated. Now vertical and ready for scrapping.

After a marathon 19-hour operation, the Costa Concordia is now upright.

Shortly after 4am Tuesday (local time), a foghorn rang out on Giglio Island and the head of Italy's Civil Protection agency, Franco Gabrielli, announced that the ship had reached vertical and that the operation to rotate it was complete.

Applause rang out among firefighters in the tent where Gabrielli and other project engineers made the announcement.

Officials said there was no apparent pollution in the waters around the ship as a result of the operation.

Follow the whole story at news.com.au