2017 World Cruise – Ancient Wonders & Modern Marvels

Sail aboard Silver Whisper for its epic World Cruise 2017, an exclusive 116-day voyage from San Francisco, to Monte Carlo, and 62 ports in between. This incredible voyage offers guests the opportunity to experience the diverse cultures from 25 different countries, on five continents, all the while experiencing the unbelievable elegance and luxury Silversea is known for.

Departing San Francisco, California, on 6 January 2017, Silver Whisper journeys through the majestic isles of Hawaii and across the International Date Line to explore the South Pacific, New Zealand and Australia. The voyage then continues to the forested island of Bali and the vibrant cities of Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore, before setting course for the rich terrains of India, the ancient ruins of Arabia, and the captivating treasures of the Mediterranean.

Guests sailing aboard the full 116 days of World Cruise 2017 will enjoy a variety of special amenities and events, for example: a gala Bon Voyage reception; dinner and overnight stay at the Four Seasons Hotel in San Francisco; transfers (between airport, hotel and Silver Whisper); a US$4,000 Onboard Spending Credit (per double-occupancy suite); complimentary laundry service; and commemorative gifts.

As an added benefit to World voyage, an exclusive 3-night voyage aboard Silversea's new flagship Silver Muse is on offer. Guests will be among the first to experience Silver Muse and her exciting innovations, exquisite décor and handcrafted suites sailing from Nice to Rome, from 3 May to 6 May 2017.

Prices are per person, starting at AU$81,989 in a Vista Suite, based on double occupancy. Silversea fares include: all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary onboard champagne, wines and spirits; included gratuities. In addition, Silversea is enhancing its offering in 2017 with complimentary dry cleaning service and free unlimited WiFi for all full-cruise guests.

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.

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Holland America Line deploys ms Maasdam to Australia this October

New ship and new exotic itinerary for Australian cruisers

Holland America Line's ms Maasdam will be deployed to Australia this October joining ms Noordam for sailings around Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific throughout 2016 and 2017. It will be the first time the 1,259 capacity vessel has visited local shores.

In a brand new itinerary for Holland America Line, ms Maasdam will be departing on 22 November 2017 for the inaugural 31-day Pacific Explorer. This will be a highlight of ms Maasdam's stay, with the itinerary taking guests on a journey to some of the region's most beautiful destinations such as Tauranga, Nuku'alofa, Moorea and more. There will be no shortage of pristine landscapes, crystal clear waters and cultural experiences on the month long sailing, and overnight stays in many ports will ensure cruisers have ample time to explore and experience them all.

"We're so pleased to be welcoming ms Maasdam to our region for the upcoming season. She's a much loved ship, and one, in fact, that Holland America Line Mariners consistently name as one of their favourites in the fleet," said Tony Archbold, Holland America Line Director of Sales, Australia and New Zealand.

"It's also great news that she'll be back again later in 2017 for the 2017/18 season. With this is mind, we felt it only fitting that the Maasdam be the first of our ships to sail the new Pacific Explorer itinerary. We know our guests are going to be delighted and excited by this culturally rich and spectacular sailing."

In keeping with Holland America Line's tradition of ship themes, ms Maasdam is themed around treasures collected by the merchants of the Dutch East Indies. On board items that reflect the theme includes a golden gilt bronze figure of a Boddhisattva from China's Qianlong period (1736-1795), charts on the walls depicting maritime navigation of the time and a portrait of a nobleman.

As always, cruisers will be delighted by the excellent enrichment, culinary and entertainment initiatives that the line has become so well known for including the Culinary Arts Center, Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Restaurant, Explorations Café and Rembrandt Show Lounge to name a few. Holland America Line's extensive Journeys Ashore™ program will also continue to inform and engage guests at each port throughout their cruise.

2016–17 Maasdam departure highlights

17-day Australia and New Zealand Christmas and New Year from $2,199 pp
Departing 16 December 2016, this festive season sailing from Sydney to Auckland offers an in-depth exploration of the stunning eastern coasts of New Zealand's South and North islands. Making her way to New Zealand via Eden, Melbourne, Burnie and Hobart, ms Maasdam will visit some of the land of the long white cloud's most spectacular places, including Milford Sound, Akaroa and the Coromandel Peninsula.

13-day Australia and New Zealand from $2,899 pp

For those looking for a slightly shorter but still comprehensive exploration of New Zealand, the 13-day Australia and New Zealand sailing is sure to suit. Departing Auckland on 2 January 2017, ms Maasdam will make her way down the eastern coasts of New Zealand with calls including Napier, Wellington and Akaroa before embarking on scenic cruising through the incredible Fiordland National Park. From here, she makes her way across the Tasman to stop in at Hobart, Melbourne and Burnie before sailing into Sydney Harbour for a spectacular end to a spectacular cruise.

31-day Pacific Explorer from $6,999 pp

Departing 22 November 2017 from Sydney, this roundtrip sailing will call in at ports throughout Tonga, Tahiti, the Cook Islands and Fiji. A shorter 22-day roundtrip segment will depart Auckland on 27 November from $5,749 pp.

For more information about Holland America Line, contact a Travel Professional, call 1300 987 322 or visit hollandamerica.com  


 

Monaco Grand Prix with 5 day SeaDream sailing

IF you're into motor-racing and a taste of the good life also appeals, combine both on the French Riviera in May of next year when SeaDream Yacht Club sails a 5-day return voyage from Nice that includes the chance to visit the 2017 Monaco Grand Prix.

SeaDream I sails from Nice on the evening of May 25, has a day and an overnight in St Tropez, Saturday of the race weekend at Cannes and then Sunday at Monte Carlo for either an optional-cost visit to the race final or to go sightseeing, and a final last day in San Remo before returning to Nice.

Sailing price on SeaDream I begins from US$3604pp twin-share including wines with onboard gourmet lunches and dinners, premium drinks from the open bars, power and sail water sports where locally permitted, mountain bikes for shore expeditions, a no-charge onboard golf simulator and fitness centre, and port charges and taxes.

Cost of entry to the Grand Prix is additional and will be announced six months prior to SeaDream's sailing.

SeaDream I has just 56-staterooms for a maximum 112-guests served by 95-crew.

                                                     
 For more details, call Cruise Express on 1300 764 509 or visit www.cruiseexpress.com.au.

For bookings and further details, see SeaDream specialist Cruise Express

Boutique Line Azamara Club Cruises Offers The Best Of Both Cruising Worlds – Ocean And River

Boutique cruise brand, Azamara Club Cruises is known for its destination immersion, smaller ships that can berth in ports other large ships can't, and a style of cruise that offers more included in every fare. Lesser known, but no less unique, is the fact that Azamara's 686-passenger ships can offer the best of both cruising worlds – ocean as well as river cruising.

Both Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey recently emerged from multimillion dollar makeovers that overhauled the jewel-box ships from bow to stern. They offer a range of unique itineraries with longer stays, more overnights and night touring so guests can experience the authentic culture of the destinations they visit, including those on the banks of some of the world's most famed rivers.

Travellers can cruise the storied River Thames right up to Tower Bridge in London, or visit New Orleans via the mighty Mississippi River. Azamara's ships can sail the Garonne River to Bordeaux in the heart of one of France's prime wine-making regions, and to the dynamic Canadian city of Montreal via the St. Lawrence River.

Or, choose to navigate Russia's Neva River en route to the czarist treasures and grand palaces of St. Petersburg, or the Iberian Peninsula's Guadalquivir River to the Spanish city of Seville, where passengers can explore the charming, historic Santa Cruz Quarter.

The River Liffey flows right through Dublin, and Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest can cruise a part of this waterway to enter the Irish capital. One of Dublin's top attractions, the Temple Bar district, has been developed along the south bank of the Liffey. This neighbourhood is considered the city's cultural heart, with restaurants, lively pubs and outdoor markets lining the cobblestone lanes.

Destinations truly are the hero of Azamara's itineraries on every cruise. Wherever adventure presents itself, Azamara's unique Land Discoveries programs, including Insider Access, Nights and Cool Places and Cruise Global Eat Local, set the brand apart by inspiring guests to think outside the ship by offering special access to museums, iconic and exclusive attractions, hidden gems, tours, intimate meals and more. Azamara's signature AzAmazing Evening events also bring guests a unique cultural experience – which is complimentary on all voyages seven nights or longer.

While destinations are the highlight, what's onboard keeps guests coming back for more. Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest guests receive exceptional and personal service and enjoy fine cuisine and boutique wines from around the world. More is included in each cruise – such as beverages, gratuities, self-service laundry, English Butler service for suite guests, shuttle transportation to city centres in ports, where available, as well as Azamara's signature AzAmazing Evening Events. 

To experience Azamara's unique hybrid ocean and river cruise offering, fares start from $3,359 for the first guest and just $1,677 for the second guest in an interior stateroom when booked by 31 August 2016, for a 10-night Thailand and Vietnam voyage. Departing Singapore on 30 November 2016, this itinerary lets guests sail Thailand's Chao Phraya River to Bangkok where the ship docks overnight. Here, passengers can tour the Royal Barges Museum, which showcases elaborately carved and decorated teak vessels used only for special ceremonies on the river. The voyage also includes calls to Thailand's famed Ko Samui for some of the world's best beaches as well as an overnight in Ho Chi Minh City, before concluding in Hong Kong.

To make a booking or for further information visit www.azamaraclubcruises.com, phone 1800 754 500 or contact your local travel agent. Travel professionals can call 1300 754 500 or visit cruisingpower.com.

Included return flights to Asia with Celebrity Cruises

FREE return flights to Asia with Celebrity Cruises #traveldeals

Celebrity Cruises is offering guests free return flights for two repositioning Asian sailings onboard award-winning Celebrity Solstice. This incredible offer will provide free flights for bookings made in Balcony Staterooms or above and is valid for new individual bookings made before 24 May 2016*.

Fares start from $3099 per person in a Balcony Stateroom departing Sydney 8 October 2016. The 14-night cruise onboard the modern luxe cruise ship will make calls to Brisbane, Cairns, the Whitsundays, Darwin and Bali before arriving in Singapore. The free flight offer extends to domestic flights from Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne or Adelaide to Sydney to meet the ship, and home to the same ports from Singapore at the conclusion of the voyage.

Or choose the same 14-night itinerary in reverse, departing Singapore on 31 October and including international flights to meet the ship, and domestic flights to either Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne or Adelaide if guests live outside of Sydney at the conclusion of the cruise; all priced from $3349 per person (Balcony).

For more information about Celebrity Cruises or to book a cruise, visit celebritycruises.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent.


*Terms & conditions: Applicable to twin share only.  Offer available til 24th May unless sold out prior. Offer is combinable with standard pricing only and will not be combinable with Celebrity Cruises Go Big Better Best promotion or any other offer, price code or promotion. For a list of full terms & conditions please visit - http://www.celebritycruises.com.au/specials/fly-free-asia-deal/

Mothers Day Special - Cruise with MSC

Make mother's day the gift that keeps on giving and take the whole family on an unforgettable holiday!

Say thank you to your mum, grandmother or wife this year with an MSC Cruise. Spoil your special lady with the gift of luxury, relaxation and indulgence as she sets sail to some of the world's most beautiful destinations.

Take advantage of our special offer leading up to Mother's Day and receive 25% off your second cruise. Call MSC Musica home as you embark on an 11 night adventure to the magical Mediterranean. Departing from Genoa, cruise to Rome, Olympia, Athens, Rhodes, Limassol, Crete and Valletta and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of these magical towns. Plan for the year ahead and book a second cruise to take advantage of this great offer. Why not enjoy the perfect balance of history, culture and relaxation as you discover the stunning sights of Portofino, Barcelona, Casablanca, Canary Islands, Madeira Islands and Civitavecchia. Departing in September 2016, this itinerary makes the perfect school holidays getaway with something for everyone in the family to enjoy. With prices starting from $2,486 per person, for these two spectacular itineraries enjoy great savings while you treat the whole family.  

Our Mother's Day deal is available on range of selected departures throughout summer 2016 and winter 2017 itineraries cruising the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Arabian Peninsula and Cuba.

There is no better way to give Grandma a much deserved break than with our all organised fantastic Fly, Land and Cruise Packages. Surprise Grandma with the trip of a lifetime with a range of packages to choose from. Consider Lawrence returns to Arabia 27 night package, discovering Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Jordan, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain as well as cruising the Suez Canal on board the stunning MSC Fantasia. With transfers, accommodation and return flights already organised for you, this package is the perfect gift to give and an even better one to receive. Starting from $4,799  per person, this Mother's Day, the special ladies in the family will enjoy an experience not to be forgotten.  


www.msccruises.com.au

Ovation of the Seas reveals show-stopping entertainment

OVATION OF THE SEAS TO DEBUT WITH SHOW-STOPPING ENTERTAINMENT

New and Imaginative Shows Headline Australia's First New-Build Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean International has today revealed the show-stopping entertainment line-up on board Australia's newest, biggest and most technologically advanced cruise ship Ovation of the Seas. A product of the largest entertainment production operation at sea, Ovation's entertainment will continue the innovative brand's standard of combining talent, technology and special effects with a spectacular selection of stage shows, productions and events that will exhilarate guests' senses and leave them spellbound. On board Ovation of the Seas, unique technologically advanced venues and exceptionally talented performers will come together to deliver unparalleled entertainment experiences each day of a guest's adventure.

Tech-focused Entertainment in Two70

The leading cruise line will deliver an endless landscape of one-of-a-kind entertainment in Two70, a multi-level great room that seamlessly fuses entertainment and technology. The venue affords audiences vast possibilities, with immersive experiences taking place all around the room. With the integration of Vistarama – expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that can be set into any scene, real or imagined, by combining 18 projectors to create an ambient surface over 30 metres wide and over 6 metres tall. In addition, a troupe of six, agile Roboscreens combined with highly trained live performers, music and special effects, gives guests front-row seats to stunningly visual shows that can only be seen while sailing on board Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships, including the spectacular Spectra's Cabaret.

Spectra's Cabaret is a completely original production, created by Royal Caribbean International and Moment Factory exclusively for Two70. This wildly popular show, already a fan-favourite on Anthem of the Seas, features the Maestro and his Agents of Rhythm as they invite the audience to an electric, multi-dimensional cabaret that transports them to invisible realms. Each night, the portal opens for a limited period of time and immerses guests' imaginations into a multimedia show brimming with kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colours and dazzling movement. "Spectra's Cabaret" blends live performance and experiential cinema with music from contemporary pop culture. It creates a world seen through the lens of music and technology, all while exploring the deepest recesses of the heart.

Headlining the Main Theatre

Seating 1,300 guests, the magnificent Royal Theater is home to Ovation of the Seas' two new production shows:

The Dream – This thrilling production chronicles the story of a man who is visited by his departed soulmate in a very special dream. His long-lost love has come to help him rediscover his passion for life and gives him the will to pursue his wildest dreams and to find love again. In his slumber, he will confront his deepest and most secret fears and journey on a rite of passage towards his eventual awakening. The unique combination of wonderful storytelling, soulful performances and spectacular production values will surprise and delight audiences time and time again.  This is the biggest adventure of this man's life, and Royal Caribbean audiences are invited to join him on a wild and audacious journey of discovery.
Live. Love. Legs. – The same highly-acclaimed creative team behind the wildly popular "Sequins & Feathers" on Quantum of the Seas has brought its signature combination of talented artists, high-energy performances and remarkable beauty, to deliver another unforgettable theatrical experience. "Live. Love. Legs" brings a collection of incredible aerial acrobatics, next-gen choreography and superb vocal performances that come straight from the Broadway stage. Infusing all the hallmarks of the Sequins & Feathers experience, featuring lavish costumes, jaw-dropping video effects, special musical arrangements, and a dedicated group of international artists, this all-new production on board Ovation of the Seas will reward audiences with a full sensory overload.

With Royal Caribbean, the entertainment doesn't end on stage. Ovation offers guests a line-up of fully produced late-night events and parties. In the ever popular Music Hall, guests are treated to the most exciting live music venue at sea, where travellers can dance till the wee hours of the morning as well as enjoy theme parties such as Groovy Town. Two70 hosts late-night themed parties such as Twist & Shout and Fireworks Party along with the Roboshows that perfectly incorporate live performers and technology.

Australia's very first new-build ship will also deliver entertainment experiences for its youngest guests, with events and activities featuring DreamWorks Animation's popular film characters. From DreamWorks character breakfasts in the main dining room, impromptu 'meet-and-greet' experiences to photo-ops throughout the day and exclusive DreamWorks merchandise – families will have a plethora of options to keep kids of all ages engaged. Guests can also watch the latest DreamWorks Animation films in the ship's movie theatre or on the dedicated DreamWorks TV channel in their stateroom.

Ovation and her sister ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas belong to the Quantum class of ships and are built with the most advanced technology. Ovation of the Seas will introduce unprecedented first-at-sea experiences and amenities to Australia when she arrives in December, including the North Star, an observation capsule that gently rises more than 92 metres in the air to treat guests to breathtaking panoramic views as high as the Harbour Bridge; thrilling skydiving and surfing experiences; Two70 a daily social space which transforms into a multifunctional entertainment place in the evening; and SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, which includes basketball, roller-skating, bumper cars, a circus school and more. Dining has also been redefined on board, with each ship offering Dynamic Dining - 18 distinct restaurants with a variety of cuisines to choose from - as well as the industry's most relaxing and luxurious accommodations at sea with the unique Loft Suites and groundbreaking Virtual Balcony staterooms, interior accommodations that feature large digital screens displaying real-time views, ensuring that every room has a view.

Ovation of the Seas will officially launch in April 2016, when she departs Southampton, England for Tianjin, China on a 52-day "Global Odyssey" voyage. On 30 November 2016, she will set sail on a 15-night Singapore to Sydney voyage via Fremantle, Adelaide and Hobart, repositioning to her new home down under for her maiden season.

Ovation spans 18 decks, encompasses 168,666 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,091 staterooms. Media can find more details, images and videos at www.RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com/Ovation.

For further information or to make a booking, visit www.ovationoftheseas.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.