'Big Apple to Big Kahuna': New York, Hawaii and two American cruises

 'The Big Apple to the Big Kahuna' – that's New York and Hawaii. This great 23-night, fly-double-cruise-and-stay holiday offers those two classic American destinations and a lot more: seven-night cruises around New England and Hawaii respectively aboard Norwegian Gem and Pride of America, plus hotel stays and tours.

Like a lot of great adventures, 'The Big Apple to the Big Kahuna' starts in New York.

This cruise-holiday offering, exclusive to Worldwide Cruise Centres (worldwidecruisecentres.com.au), includes a flight from Sydney to New York. On return, you'll stop in Hawaii.

'The Big Apple to the Big Kahuna' also includes five nights at a three-star hotel in New York City, a seven-night Canada and New England cruise aboard Norwegian Gem (round-trip from New York), a visit to the top of the Empire State Building, four nights accommodation in a three-star hotel in Honolulu's celebrated Waikiki Beach area, the Big Kahuna VIP Luau feast at Honolulu Ridge historic estate, and a seven-night cruise exploration of the Hawaiian Islands aboard Pride of America.

Much more is included, such as ship's gratuities on both cruises, so you can forget about that quaint American custom of shipboard tipping.

'The Big Apple to the Big Kahuna' costs from A$7199 twin-share per-person, valid for sale at that rate until the end of January 2016, unless it sells out earlier.

It gets underway with a flight from Sydney to New York on 1 September 2016.

www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au

Silversea announces 2017 itineraries

 Schedule features many longer, port-intensive voyages

Silversea Cruises, known for its luxurious ships and exotic destinations, unveiled an exciting collection of 246 voyages for 2017 that are available for travellers to reserve as of today.  These include itineraries for Silversea's current fleet of eight ships, which will collectively visit over 800 destinations across seven continents.

"Every year Silversea strives to offer inspirational journeys that combine the luxury of intimate cruising with the thrill of making new cultural discoveries," said Karen Christensen, General Manager and Director Sales/Marketing, Australasia at Silversea.  "We believe our voyage collection for 2017, with its wealth of longer, port-intensive cruises, will accomplish just that. From the rainforests of South America to the castles of Europe and the temples of Asia, guests will enjoy experiences that will enrich their lives for years to come."

The following are highlights from Silversea's 2017 schedule:

OCEAN CRUISES

New Ports of Call: Among several new ports are Sassnitz, Germany; Galway, Ireland; Bodø, Norway; Geraldton, Australia; Ilhabela, Brazil; Fredericia, Denmark; Gisborne, New Zealand; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Sir Bani Yas Island, U.A.E.

World Cruise 2017: Departing San Francisco on 6 January 2017, this 116-day ocean voyage to Monte Carlo will visit 62 destinations in 25 countries.  Following a westward path, Silver Whisper will sail through the idyllic isles of Hawaii and cross the International Date Line to the South Pacific, New Zealand, and Australia.  Weaving her way through such tropical wonderlands as Bali and Sandakan, she will then arrive at the shores of vibrant Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore, before setting a course for the ancient temples of India, Arabia's enchanting desert dunes, and the storied capitals of the Mediterranean.

Circle South America: Silver Spirit departs 16 January 2017 on a 63-day roundtrip Grand Voyage from Fort Lauderdale.  Highlights include a crossing of the Panama Canal, two days cruising Chile's majestic fjords, a two-day stopover in Rio de Janeiro during Carnival, plus overnight calls in Buenos Aires and Callao (gateway to Lima and Machu Picchu).

South Africa: Silver Cloud offers a series of four 10-day voyages showcasing South Africa's east coast with convenient roundtrip departures from Cape Town.  The sailings feature calls in Port Elizabeth, Durban, East London, Maputo, and an overnight stay in Richards Bay.  A 14-day voyage includes an overnight stay in Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Mediterranean, Northern Europe & Baltic: From the Greek Isles to the British Isles and Scandinavia, dozens of intriguing voyages, ranging from seven to 17 days, offer a variety of options for travellers seeking to discover the regions' cultural treasures, picturesque harbours, and storied cities. Notable itineraries include:

• Silver Spirit's Voyage 5713, sailing from Barcelona to Rome, will overnight in Monte Carlo on 27 May 2017, during the city's famous Grand Prix Formula One racing event.

• Silver Spirit will overnight in Venice on 15 and 16 July 2017 (Voyage 5718), during the celebrations of the Festa del Redentore, offering guests the opportunity to experience the city's amazing display of fireworks and other festivities.

• Two Silver Wind voyages in September (2722 and 2723) will overnight in Hamburg during the historic port's annual Cruise Days event, when the city welcomes the world of cruises with special attractions and entertainment.

• On two Silver Cloud sailings (1713 and 1714) and seven Silver Wind voyages (2716 - 2722) the ships will sail the Thames River to dock near (or depart from) Tower Bridge in the heart of historic London - a journey most cruise ships are too large to navigate.

• A crossing of the legendary Corinth Canal, which is too narrow for most ships to undertake, highlights two Silver Wind voyages (2727 and 2728) and Silver Cloud's Voyage 1711.

Alaska: Silver Shadow returns to explore the majestic natural wonders of Alaska on 16 seven-day voyages between Seward and Vancouver.

Myanmar: Two Silver Shadow voyages (3702 and 3705) feature multi-day stopovers in Myanmar, where guests can explore its famous golden pagodas and ancient temples in depth.

EXPEDITION CRUISES

Silversea's luxury expedition fleet will expand to four ships in November 2017 when Silver Cloud joins Silver Explorer, Silver Discoverer, and Silver Galapagos.  Over 100 expedition cruises will explore the world's most fascinating and remote regions.  Featured among dozens of inaugural calls are such places as Ampangorinana, Nosy Komba (Madagascar); Aride Island, Seychelles; Maheshkhali Island, Bangladesh; Makura Island, Vanuatu; Isle of May, Scotland; and Grimsey Island, Iceland.

Fresh from an extensive refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class expedition ship, Silver Cloud launches a series of Antarctica voyages in November and December, featuring itineraries from 10 to 19 days, and sailing mostly roundtrip from Ushuaia.

Silver Explorer's schedule retains its ever-popular expedition cruises to Antarctica, South and Central America, the British Isles, Northern Canada, Greenland, and Arctic Norway.  Of special note is a 15-day expedition (7719) focused on Greenland and the Canadian Arctic.  Sailing 31 August 2017 from Kangerlussuaq to St. John's, this voyage features a rare visit to Canada's remote Torngat Mountains National Park, renowned for its spectacular natural scenery.

Silver Discoverer's six expedition cruises along Australia's Kimberley Coast from March to May highlight an exotic program that encompasses Madagascar, Seychelles, Indonesia, Melanesia, Micronesia, Russian Far East, and remote Alaska.  On the schedule is a new 16-day, Colombo-to-Kolkata sailing (9704) departing 11 February 2017, to explore the Andaman Islands and make the first-ever cruise ship visit to Bangladesh, with explorations of Chittagong, Maheshkhali Island, and the Sundarbans, one of the world's largest mangrove forests and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Silver Galapagos will again operate year-round voyages exploring the pristine and biologically diverse islands of the Galápagos.

For all-inclusive at its most inclusive, Silversea is leading the way.  Guests enjoy ocean-view suites, gourmet cuisine, the personalised service of a butler, and a generous selection of all-inclusive shipboard amenities, including complimentary beverages, wines and spirits, a stocked in-suite beverage cabinet, onboard gratuities, and complimentary WiFi for each guest.

Voyages for Silver Muse, scheduled to debut in early 2017, will open for reservations in the coming weeks.

For more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Capture the timeless traditions of Asia aboard Silversea

Uncover Asia's fascinating history, tantalising cuisine and intriguing culture on this 16-day voyage aboard Silversea's ultra-luxurious vessel, Silver Shadow. With a spectacular itinerary including four overnight stays, all-inclusive shore excursions, two nights pre-cruise accommodation at the Shangri-La, and complimentary WiFi, guests are left to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of this region.

Departing Hong Kong on 21 April 2016, Silver Shadow sails first to Keelung, Taiwan, where guests can enjoy an included Confucious Temple and Market excursion, before porting in Shanghai, China. Here, guests can spend the next two days venturing through one of East China's traditional waterside towns, discovering the remarkable ancient architecture, walking the famous Bund, or exploring the cobbled alleyways of the Yu Yuan Gardens with Silversea's included shore excursion.

Silver Shadow continues her journey to Dalian, China, situated at the tip of Liaodong Peninsula. Here, guests can marvel at the colonial buildings located at the prominent People's Square, before experiencing the ancient art of kite flying. Arriving in Tianjin, Beijing, guests are offered the unique opportunity to view one of the New Seven Wonders of the World from the air with an optional exhilarating 15-minute aerial flight-seeing tour over the Great Wall of China. Silver Shadow then cruises to Korea's southernmost volcanic island, Jeju, boasting stunning white sand beaches and lush countryside.

Anchoring at Osaka, for an overnight stay, guests are offered ample time to truly embrace the Japanese culture with an excursion to the beautiful Mt Rokko, followed by a guided tour of a Sake Brewery.. The following day, guests are welcomed into the fascinating capital of Tokyo, a city of many contrasts, from shrines and gardens, to bustling streets and exquisite fine dining. This voyage concludes in Tokyo, with guests enjoying their final overnight stay, before disembarking on 07 May 2016.

As with all of Silversea's 2016 Asia voyages aboard Silver Shadow, this departure includes a two night pre-cruise stay at the Shangri-La, with transfer to the ship, complimentary Silver Shore Select shore excursions and free WiFi.

Prices are per person, starting from AU$10,650 in a Vista Suite double occupancy. Silversea fares include: all-suite accommodation with butler service; all-inclusive shore excursions; gourmet meals with menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits served throughout the ships; complimentary WiFi and all gratuities.

This voyage is subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com.

Princess Cruises names new ship: Majestic Princess

Princess Cruises announced today that its ship now under construction, a sister ship to Royal Princess and Regal Princess, will be named Majestic Princess. The new ship will be based in China year-round beginning in summer 2017 and become the first vessel built specifically for Chinese guests incorporating a unique blend of international and Chinese features.

"Royal Princess and Regal Princess were named after iconic previous vessels, while Majestic Princess will carry a name that was chosen by our global employees," said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. "The name Majestic Princess is well suited to the Princess Cruises experience in China, and she will offer a truly magnificent experience to our Chinese guests," added Swartz.

Befitting her dedication to the Chinese market, Majestic Princess will also carry a Chinese name on the hull (Shèng Shì Gōng Zhǔ Haò) – an interpretation selected by Carnival plc's China employees, which has the suggestive meaning of "Grand World" or "Grand Spirit."

The 143,000-ton vessel, Majestic Princess, is being built at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. She will be home-ported in Shanghai, carrying 3,560 guests for cruises to Japan and Korea, and will offer many of the special features that have made Royal Princess and Regal Princess so popular and distinctive. These include a dramatic multi-story atrium serving as the social hub of the ship; the unique over-the-ocean SeaWalk - a glass-floor walkway extending 8 meters (28 feet) beyond the edge of the ship; the Princess Live! interactive studio; and the special Chef's Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds guests in a curtain of light

Royal Caribbean set for biggest season yet

3,2,1…GO! ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES KICKS OFF ITS BIGGEST, BOLDEST, RECORD-BREAKING SEASON YET

3: All three Royal Caribbean brands in Australia for the first time with Azamara Club Cruises' debut

2: Voyager-Class ships based in Sydney, Australia including new ship Explorer of the Seas

1: Legend of the Seas – the first Brisbane-based ship for RCI

9 October 2015: Today marks the start of RCL Cruises Australia's biggest, boldest season yet, with the arrival of Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas to Sydney – the first of seven of the biggest, youngest and most exceptional cruise ships to sail local waters this summer.

For the first time ever, all three RCL Cruises brands will be based down under, with Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and new arrival Azamara Club Cruises offering a range of 95 itineraries around Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Asia.

RCL will carry a quarter of a million guests over the season with almost 60,000 of them coming from overseas countries including the USA, Canada, UK and Germany.

"Today marks the start of a record-breaking season in which we will double our guest capacity, introduce a new cruise brand to the region and offer a total of seven ships – around 20 percent of RCL's global fleet," said Gavin Smith, Regional Vice President, RCL Cruises Asia-Pacific.

"For nearly a decade we have delivered the world's biggest and best ships to Australians, offering them a cutting edge cruise product and a style of holiday that they would previously have had to travel overseas to experience," Smith continued.

Already an Australian favourite, the destination-focused Azamara Club Cruises brand will sail in Australia for the very first time this summer.  Normally based in Europe and Asia, the 686-passenger Azamara Quest arrives in Darwin on 28 December as the first of three new ships to join the local fleet this season.

Sydney's biggest summer cruise line, Royal Caribbean International, will welcome Explorer of the Seas, which sets sail from Barcelona today en route to Sydney.  The 3,800-passenger megaliner will take the title of Australia's largest cruise ship from her twin sister, Voyager of the Seas, and the ships will meet in beautiful Sydney Harbour on Saturday evening on 28 November for a historic big-ship harbour rendezvous.

Both Voyager Class vessels are the largest cruise ships based in the southern hemisphere and have recently emerged from a combined USD$160 million bow-to-stern facelift, equipping them with brand new features never seen before at sea in Australasia such as the FlowRider surf simulator and revolutionary Interior "Virtual" Balconies.

Finally, Royal Caribbean International will base a ship in Brisbane for the first time.  From 8 December, Queenslanders will have their very own world class ship, Legend of the Seas, when she commences sailing from Portside Wharf, Hamilton with no less than 15 itineraries.

The seven ships will make 185 port calls and 85 turnarounds in Australia this season, which is expected to inject more than $185 million into the local economy in passenger spending alone.


Key Dates

Friday 9 Oct: Radiance of the Seas: Arrives Sydney, kicks off RCL's cruise season

Wednesday 21 Oct: Celebrity Solstice: Arrives Sydney, starts Celebrity Cruises' local season

Thursday 5 Nov: Voyager of the Seas: Arrives Sydney, starts local season

Friday 13 Nov: Explorer of the Seas: Arrives in Fremantle (Perth), first ever Australian port

Tuesday 17 Nov: Explorer of the Seas: Maiden Adelaide call

Thursday 19 Nov: Explorer of the Seas: Maiden Melbourne call

Saturday 28 Nov: Sydney Harbour Rendezvous: Explorer of the Seas is welcomed to Sydney for the first time by twin sister Voyager of the Seas

Wednesday 2 Dec: Legend of the Seas: Arrives in Darwin – first Australian call for season

Tuesday 8 Dec: Legend of the Seas: Arrives in Brisbane to start maiden season and Royal Caribbean's first season sailing out of Brisbane

Monday 28 Dec: Azamara Quest: Arrives in Darwin – first ever Australian port call for Azamara Club Cruises

Monday 4 Jan: Azamara Quest: Maiden Cairns call

Tuesday 5 Jan: Azamara Quest: Departs Cairns on first ever local voyage

Monday 11 Jan: Azamara Quest: Maiden call in Brisbane

Thursday 14 Jan: Azamara Quest: Maiden arrival Sydney

Monday 18 Jan: Azamara Quest: Maiden arrival Melbourne

Wednesday 20 Jan: Azamara Quest: Maiden arrival Hobart

Saturday 13 Feb: Azamara Quest: Departs Sydney on last local sailing

Saturday 19 Mar: Explorer of the Seas: Maiden Hobart call

Tuesday 29 Mar: Celebrity Millennium: seventh and final ship of the season arrives in Sydney

Sunday 3 Apr: Radiance of the Seas: Departs Sydney, completing local season

Saturday 9 Apr: Celebrity Solstice: Departs Sydney, completing local season

Saturday 16 Apr: Voyager of the Seas: Departs Sydney, completing local season

Wednesday 20 Apr: Legend of the Seas: Departs Brisbane, completing local season

Saturday 23 Apr: Explorer of the Seas: Departs Sydney, wrapping up the 2015/16 international cruise season


For more information visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au, www.celebritycruises.com.au or www.azamaraclubcruises.com, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent.

Sail along French and Spanish shores with Silversea

From the sun-drenched shores of Nice, to the bohemian spirit of Barcelona, sail through the Balearic Sea on a 7-day luxury cruise aboard Silver Cloud.  

Commencing on 15 April 2016, guests are first treated to an overnight stay in beautiful Nice, France, offering ample time to discover the Old World charm, admire the beauty and explore the stunning architecture of the city and its surrounds.  Continuing her journey through France, guests then travel to Saint Tropez, made famous by Brigitte Bardot, before anchoring in Marseille, home to the Notre-Dame de la Garde, a basilica boasting panoramic views of the Mediterranean and the city.  From here, Silver Cloud ports at the gateway to Montpellier, Sete, where guests can choose to visit the Château de l'Engarran, a prestigious wine estate dating back to the 18th century, or play a round of golf at the Cap d'Agde Golf Club, a championship course, as part of Silversea's optional excursions.

Beginning the Spanish portion of this journey, Silver Cloud sails south to the island of Mallorca, renowned for its coastal beauty.  Silver Cloud then sails to Valencia, where guests can enjoy a range of optional activities, from a culinary introduction to cooking Paella, to a sightseeing excursion where guests are taken underground to the cellars and caves situated beneath the Old Quarter.  To conclude this spectacular voyage, Silver Cloud docks in Barcelona overnight, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia, wander down La Rambla and indulge in the regional tapas cuisine, before disembarking on 22 April 2016.  

Prices are per person starting from AU$3,650 in a Vista Suite double occupancy. Silversea fares include: one hour of complimentary WiFi for every guest per day, all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet meals with menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary wines, Champagne and spirits served throughout the ships; and all gratuities.

This voyage is subject to availability.  Terms and conditions apply.  For more information, contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to headline Bravo! South Pacific cruise

DAME KIRI TE KANAWA HEADLINES BRAVO! CRUISE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS 2016


 
SAILING FROM SYDNEY TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC
7 NIGHTS FROM 17TH – 24TH OCTOBER, 2016
On sale Tuesday 6 October, 2015
 
Australia's leading music themed charter company Choose Your Cruise is pleased to announce BRAVO! Cruise of the Performing Arts 2016 featuring a stunning program of over 30 acts and artists from musical theatre, the classics and opera.   The star-studded line-up is the largest gathering of artists from the world of the Performing Arts ever assembled on water.  Tickets go on sale Tuesday 6 October.
 
For an exclusive performance and headlining this grand maritime production is Dame Kiri Te Kanawa,  one of the most beloved sopranos in the world who says "I was delighted to be invited to share my music on the high seas!  I've performed at venues as diverse as Glyndebourne, Tanglewood and the Verona Arena – and in many unusual places – golf courses, vineyards, viaducts, the Outback of Australia and even a helicopter hanger – but this will be my first performance during a Bravo! South Pacific cruise and I'm really looking forward to it."

On the concert stage, her natural serenity and vocal beauty have joined with major orchestral ensembles on the world's most coveted stages, and she "can't wait to do it with BRAVO!"

Born in New Zealand with European and Maori heritage, Dame Kiri gained legendary status almost overnight following her sensational debut in Figaro and moved rapidly into the front rank of international opera to become a familiar figure in the leading opera houses of the world including Covent Garden, the Metropolitan, Paris Opera, La Scala and the Sydney Opera House.
 
Choose Your Cruise is delighted to reveal Dame Kiri Te Kanawa will be joined on BRAVO! by a long list of sensational artists showcasing an array of magnificent music, traversing classical, musical theatre, opera and much more, including:-
Teddy Tahu Rhodes, David Hobson (Ambassador of Bravo!), Marina Prior, Cheryl Barker AO, Peter Coleman-Wright AO, Greta Bradman, Jonathon Welch AM, Simon Tedeschi, The Idea of North, Richard Fidler, Rachael Beck, Guy Noble, The Metropolitan Orchestra and many more. Over 30 acts in total.

Internationally renowned operatic bass-baritone, Teddy Tahu Rhodes, is thrilled to be included in the line-up for the second time and joining the star-studded extravaganza at sea, bringing his award-winning performances to the stage. Teddy has established an international career on both the opera stage and concert platform having enjoyed huge success with South Pacific for Opera Australia, in 2014 the role of the King in The King and I, and more recently his leading role performance of Don Giovanni for Opera Australia.

Passengers will have the opportunity to experience performances by world class International and Australian acts, all while taking in the dazzling indulgence of Royal Caribbean's luxurious cruise-liner, Radiance of the Seas, featuring seven unique performance venues to be explored and experienced across seven days and nights October 17 – 24, 2016.  Departing from Sydney BRAVO! will visit the best that the South Pacific has to offer including Mare and Noumea (New Caledonia).  
   
As well as its 1000 seat Aurora Theatre, Radiance of the Seas features acres of glass enclosing the nine-storey central atrium, lifts facing the sea and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.  Plus eight new dining experiences, ranging from casual eats to premium dining.

The return of BRAVO! is another affirmation of the cruise industry's incredible growth in Australia. The Australian cruise industry is celebrating a quadruple whammy of accomplishments, revealed in its latest source market figures cracking one million passengers (1,003,256) in a calendar year for the first time, becoming the world's fastest growing source of cruise passengers, retaining its top global position for market penetration, and becoming the first nation to exceed 4% penetration in cruising history.
 
Prices start at $2,414.00 pp Twin Share

For more information including how to book your cabin go to
 www.chooseyourcruise.com.au

OR call 1300 247 371.