SeaDream's taste of the Mediterranean's good life

START TO 2017 WILL HAVE YOU SEADREAMING

IF you'll be in the USA come early next January and know you'll have a few spare days up your sleeve, fill them in with an unforgettable 4-day start to 2017 aboard the world's highest-rated boutique motor-cruiser, SeaDream I on a big-discounted round-trip sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados in the Caribbean.

Departing on January 3, the price of this 4-day sailing has been slashed from US$4624pp twin-share to just US$2223pp twin-share.

You'll visit the uninhabited Tobago Cays with their green turtles and coral reefs (and doubtless recognise where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed,) Union Island dubbed "the Tahiti of the West Indies," Port Elizabeth that's home to the famed "Mac's Lobster Pizza," and tiny Mayreau where crew will host SeaDream's exclusive Champagne and Caviar Splash in a picture-perfect secluded bay…

Included will be wines with 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.

For full details see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com; SeaDream I carries a maximum of just 112 guests served by 95 crew.

[] IT'S unique Champagne and Caviar Splash will be a feature of SeaDream I's 4-day Caribbean sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados next January.

Silver Muse maiden voyage - get aboard

Silversea's new flagship, Silver Muse, is set to redefine ocean travel, enhancing the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations.  Igniting the start of an exciting 2017 Mediterranean cruising season, Silversea has tailored Silver Muse's maiden voyage to sail one of the most sought-after stretches of the European coastline.

Departing Monte Carlo, Monaco on 19 April 2017, Silver Muse sails west towards Spain.  The vibrant city of Marseille is the first port of call, where guests can be immersed in the countries rich history and culture, before exploring Barcelona, Spain.  Here guests can view ancient and modern architecture and relax on the sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. Guests also have the option of a variety of shore excursions ranging from a relaxing day of golf, to soaring to new heights on a helicopter tour of the city.

The voyage continues toward Italy's picturesque coast, stopping at the beautiful ports in Sicily, Amalfi, Sorrento and Rome.  Here guests can savour a delightful array of traditional Italian food, and bask under the hot Italian sun.  Guests return to the enchanting French Riviera, disembarking in Nice, on 03 May 2017, where a guided tour of the Old City awaits to conclude the truly luxurious Silversea experience.

Soak up the ambience and award-winning gastronomic pedigree of what is surely the most comprehensive dining experience at sea. Eight superb restaurants mean more choice than ever while our unrivalled culinary excellence raises the bar in offshore dining.

As part of Silversea's Early Booking Bonus offer, guests can save 10% on the published fare when booked and paid in full before 31 October 2016. Prices are per person based on double occupancy, in a Classic Veranda Suite:

·         Published fare starting from AU$10,950
·         Early Booking Bonus fare starting from AU$9,855

Silversea fares include: all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary onboard champagne, wines and spirits; and one hour of complimentary WiFi per day for each guest and unlimited WiFi for the ship's top suites (Medallion and higher categories) 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.

Cruise Bites: September 2016

Crystal have added a 3-person submarine to their fleet, so you can now take your cruise underwater. When Scenic and Crystal launch their new state-of-the-art expedition ships, both will feature these craft that can dive to over 100m. True.

The once impassable Northwest Passage welcomed its first full-size cruise ship when Crystal Serenity took a leisurely 32 days to sail from Alaska to New York. It’s on again for 2017.

No longer a best-kept-secret, New Zealand will see a record number of cruise ships including the largest ship to sail there, RCCL’s 167,000 tonne Ovation of the Seas. A total of 33 ships will make more than 600 port calls.

RCCL’s Ovation of the Seas will be the largest ship ever to visit Australia, eclipsing Cunard’s QM2 by 20,000 tonnes. The ship can fit almost 5000 passengers and will homeport in Sydney this summer.

Launched in May this year, the massive, 4000 passenger Carnival Vista will feature not only the first IMAX at sea, but a water park, an aerial bike ride and a brewery located in the onboard Red Frog Pub. Burp!

Passengers aboard the brand new Aranui 5 can indulge in an ancient Polynesian art by having an authentic tattoo by native artists during port stops in the remote Marquesas, considered the birthplace of this unique body art.

CMV’s Columbus to set off around the World

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And she's coming Down Under on her historic journey

Cruise & Maritime Voyages' (CMV) newest addition to its fleet, Columbus, will embark on a 121-night World journey in January, 2018. This amazing itinerary is the major highlight of CMV's 2017/2018 cruises from Britain.

Columbus, which is part of the same fleet as the premium cruise ship Astor, which will call Australia home this summer for a fourth consecutive season, will depart from London (Tilbury) January 5, 2018.

Announcing the new programme, Grant Hunter, Chief Executive of CMV Australia said: "The success of the Round the World cruise for another of our fleet, Magellan, told us that cruise-goers want these types of amazing itineraries. So, that's what we're providing, with the newest member to our fleet, Columbus. Plus, we're pretty excited to be showing her off at ports around the world."

Columbus will visit four continents, three oceans, 40 ports of call, including Tahiti, Auckland, Sydney, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai and will transit both the Panama and Suez on her world journey.

Sectors of varying lengths will also be available for separate purchase, allowing passengers to select their favourite ports to start and their journey.

Mr Hunter said: "She was built for deep sea ocean cruising and we believe that Columbus is still the ideal ship for this epic circumnavigation of the globe. Her expansive lounge and deck areas offer style and comfort in which to sit back and see the world."

To commemorate the occasion, CMV is offering some amazing fares. Fares for the whole 121-nights start from AUD$13,879pp, which is the equivalent of around AUD$114 per day. Free twin cabin upgrades for early bookers. This fare is based on two people sharing a twin cabin and includes delicious full board cuisine, afternoon teas and late night snacks, Captain's Cocktail parties, deck parties, self-service tea and coffee between 6am and midnight, big show entertainment, cabarets and classical interludes, daytime activities, leisure facilities, guest speakers, arts & crafts, porterage of luggage port to cabin and port taxes.

There are also 150 cabins available on board Columbus for solo travellers, with just a 25 per cent supplement on the equivalent category twin share prices as CMV continue to avoid penalising independent single travellers.

For details of this and other CMV cruises, visit:

www.cmvaustralia.com

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.

Follow Silversea on Twitter, Facebook and the Silversea Blog.

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