Australia ready for bumper 2019-20 cruise season

Australia is gearing up for a packed 2019-20 cruise season, with new vessels, extended visits and more than 60 ships on offer in one of the busiest summers experienced on the southern seas.

Four CLIA cruise lines will introduce first-time arrivals this year, joining regular visitors, home-ported vessels and one new cruise brand making its debut in Australian waters.

Carnival Splendor arriving later this year to become
the newest and largest ship homeported year-round in Australia

“This summer will undoubtedly be one of the busiest and most diverse cruise seasons we’ve ever experienced in Australia,” said Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz.

“The choice in cruise lines and ships is broader than ever and the range of itineraries offered this year will ensure the economic benefits of cruise tourism are spread far around the country and throughout our region,” he said. “This will be backed by significant infrastructure improvements in regional ports like Broome, Cairns and Eden, making them more attractive to both cruise lines and passengers well into the future.”

New to Australia this year is Dream Cruises which will operate its Explorer Dream in local waters for the first time. Sailing from Sydney, the ship will offer a series of Queensland coastal itineraries before crossing the Tasman for a season of New Zealand cruises from Auckland. It will then return to Sydney for a series of Tasmania cruises before returning to Asia via Cairns and Darwin.

Princess Cruises will have its largest-ever season in Australia with the maiden visit of Ruby Princess, joining Majestic Princess which has returned for her second season. Princess will also offer its Golden Princess, Sun Princess and Sea Princess. During her first local season, Ruby Princess will make 18 maiden visits to Australian and New Zealand ports.

Carnival Cruise Line also welcomes a newcomer, with Carnival Splendor arriving later this year to become the newest and largest ship homeported year-round in Australia. Sailing from Sydney, Carnival Splendor will join sister ship Carnival Spirit before Spirit relocates to Brisbane in October next year.

Wind Spirit will make its Australian debut (supplied)

Windstar Cruises will bring its four-masted sailing ship Wind Spirit to Australia for the first time next year, arriving in Cairns after a crossing from New Caledonia. The ship will then sail onwards through the Torres Strait and across the Top End to Darwin before heading to Indonesia.

Royal Caribbean International will bring three ships to the region this summer, including the recently modernised Voyager of the Seas and the largest ship to operate in Australia this season, Ovation of the Seas. They will be joined by Radiance of the Seas and together will operate 61 sailings to destinations in Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and Asia.

Regent Seven Seas will have three vessels in Australian waters this summer: Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Navigator and Seven Seas Mariner. The trio will offer itineraries to local Australian ports, New Zealand, Asia and the South Pacific, with Seven Seas Mariner visiting as part of her 2020 World Cruise.

They will be joined by visiting ships from sister brands, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel and Oceania Cruises’ Regatta, both of which will sail a variety of itineraries to ports in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.

The Australia-based P&O Cruises fleet – Pacific Explorer, Pacific Dawn and Pacific Aria – will offer an extensive season in the region, sailing from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide as part of the line’s year-round presence. Together the ships will make a total of 202 calls to Australian ports.

Other lines with a big presence in Australia this season include Holland America Line which will have three ships in local waters: Noordam, Maasdam, and Amsterdam - the latter on her world voyage. Between them, the trio will make 75 calls to ports around Australia.

Celebrity Cruises returns this year with Celebrity Solstice to offer her eighth season in local waters. The ship will visit several new destinations including Eden on NSW South Coast, Port Vila in Vanuatu and Mare in New Caledonia – a maiden call for Celebrity Cruises.

Azamara will mark its fifth local season with Azamara Journey offering a series of sailings around New Zealand, Australia and Asia. The line will introduce several new South Pacific ports of call on route to Australia, including New Plymouth and Doubtful Sound in New Zealand.

Cunard returns once more this season with Queen Elizabeth based in Australia for a record 101 days from December to March. Sister ship Queen Mary 2 will spend 18 days in local waters visiting eight ports from Darwin to Sydney and across to Fremantle as part of her 99-night world cruise.

Luxury line Seabourn also returns with several sailings aboard Seabourn Encore, which will make maiden calls to destinations including Portland in Victoria, Hobart, Adelaide and Kangaroo Island. Sister ship Seabourn Sojourn will visit as part of a world cruise, visiting six local ports including Brisbane and Airlie beach for the first time.

Small-ship luxury operator Ponant will offer an extensive program aboard its 184-passenger Le Laperouse, visiting Darwin, Cairns, Sydney and Hobart. It will also sail an expedition cruise from Hobart to Dunedin in New Zealand via the Sub Antarctic Islands before heading north for a series of Kimberley voyages between Darwin and Broome.

Silversea Cruises will offer its newest ship Silver Muse, sailing between Sydney and Auckland for a number of itineraries that include the north-east coast of Australia, New Zealand and several maiden calls in the South Pacific. It will be joined by Silver Whisper next year as part of its world cruise, which continues to Singapore via ports in Australia and Asia.

Crystal Cruises will welcome its 980-passenger Crystal Serenity to Australia as part of a world cruise of 105 nights. The luxury vessel will arrive in Sydney after a visit to New Zealand and will then sail up the East Coast via destinations including Mooloolaba, Hardy Reef, Airlie Beach, Cairns and Darwin.

MSC Cruises will welcome its MSC Magnifica in March as part of a world cruise, visiting ports including Hobart and an overnight stay in Sydney before heading north for maiden calls to Cairns and Darwin.

Coral Expeditions will offer its flagship Coral Adventurer alongside Coral Discoverer and Coral Expeditions II, operating a program of itineraries to destinations including the Great Barrier Reef, The Kimberley, Tasmania, Cape York, Arnhem Land, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

Other visitors to Australian waters this year include AIDA Cruises’ AIDAaura and AIDAvita, Costa Cruises’ Costa Deliziosa, Hapag Lloyd’s Bremen and Europa, and Fred Olsen Cruise Lines’ Boudicca.

Source: Cruise Lines International Association

Norwegian Encore now in the water

Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in global cruise travel, has announced that its newest innovative ship, Norwegian Encore, successfully completed another major construction milestone, when she departed the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany and sailed down the Ems River towards the North Sea.

On Monday, 30 Sept, 2019, Norwegian Encore began her conveyance to Eemshaven, Netherlands, with initial crew members on board already preparing to welcome her first guests this November. At 335 metres long, with a gross tonnage of almost 170,000 and a guest capacity of 3,998, the ship will be delivered to the cruise line on 30 Oct, 2019. She will be christened by Grammy Award-winning artist Kelly Clarkson in Miami on 21 Nov, 2019 and will commence seven-day voyages to the Caribbean on 24 Nov, 2019.

“Today we celebrate a huge milestone for our history-making ship,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Now is when the anticipation truly begins to build. Our partners at Meyer Werft have collaborated with us to bring the industry-leading experiences from the successful Breakaway Plus class ships to Norwegian Encore, making her truly the best in class.”

Taking the brand’s exclusive, stand-out attractions to the next level, Norwegian Encore will feature the world’s longest race track at sea at 335 metres with four high-speed curves extending up to 3.9 metres over the side of the ship; the largest outdoor laser tag arena at nearly 930 square metres with the addition of augmented reality elements; and new immersive escape room and interactive theatre experiences in the 930-square-metre Galaxy Pavilion.

In addition to featuring many of the highly rated restaurants and lounges that have made the Breakaway Plus class one of the most innovative and successful in the company’s history, Norwegian Encore will debut a new elevated Italian dining experience, Onda by Scarpetta, in collaboration with LDV Hospitality. The Tony Award®-winning musical, “Kinky Boots” will headline the world-class entertainment on board, with returning guest favourites “The Choir of Man,” “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical” and the rocking Beatles cover band of The Cavern Club.

As part of a recent partnership with JUST Goods, Inc., Norwegian Encore will be the first ship in the Company to be plastic bottle free when she debuts. By 1 Jan, 2020 Norwegian Cruise Line will be the first major cruise line to eliminate plastic bottles across its entire fleet, a significant effort towards providing guests with more sustainable options at sea.

Launching this spring, Norwegian Encore will offer seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean from Miami beginning 24 Nov, 2019; Bermuda, and Canada and New England itineraries from New York City beginning 22 Apr, 2020; and voyages to the Western Caribbean from Miami beginning 12 Dec, 2020. In the autumn of 2021, she will make her USA West Coast debut and sail to Alaska from Seattle.

For more information or to book a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line, please contact a travel professional; call Norwegian in Australia on 1300 255 200 or in New Zealand on 0800 969 283; or visit www.ncl.com

MSC Grandiosa boasts latest environmental features

The incoming new ship – featuring a state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and next-generation Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) systems - will be one of the most environmentally-sound ships at sea and an energy-efficient role model for modern cruising

MSC Cruises’ newest and most innovative ship to-date is due to enter service on 31 October and will see the line introduce two new major and important onboard environmental advances to complement a wide range of existing leading-edge environmental technologies across the company’s entire fleet: a state-of-the-art Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and next-generation Advanced Wastewater Treatment (AWT) system.

MSC Grandiosa, which will be christened in Hamburg, Germany on 9 November, will feature an SCR system which helps reduce nitrogen oxide by 90 per cent through advanced active emissions control technology. Nitrogen oxide from the engine operations is conducted through a catalyst – a high-density device made from noble metals – and converts them into nitrogen and water, both harmless compounds.

The ship will also be fitted with a next-generation AWT system. Through very fine filtration, wastewater from MSC Grandiosa will undergo a comprehensive purification process that transforms it to near tap-water quality. The system meets the so-called ‘Baltic Standard’ and treats the wastewater to a higher standard than most waste standards available in cities around the world.

MSC Cruises’ next flagship will adhere, therefore, to the world’s strictest environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which will lead to nearly zero impact in these areas. This will also allow MSC Grandiosa to be certified to operate in delicate environments such as the Baltic Sea and Alaska.

MSC Grandiosa will also be fitted with shore-to-ship power which connects cruise ships while at berth to a port’s local power grid to further reduce the ship’s air emissions while in port. This is a feature that is broadly available across MSC Cruises’ entire fleet and has come as standard across all its new builds since 2017.

These new features add to other effective environmental technologies deployed on the ship and across the Company’s fleet to minimise and continuously reduce environmental impact, including: cutting-edge hybrid Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) that remove sulphur oxide from ship emissions; advanced waste management and wastewater treatment systems; ballast water treatment systems; latest-technology systems for the prevention of oil discharges from machinery spaces and various state-of-the-art energy-efficiency improvements – from heat recovery systems to LED lighting.

Currently, MSC Grandiosa and 10 other ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet of 17 ships are equipped for cleaner emissions with hybrid EGCS’ which removes 98 per cent of sulphur dioxide from a ship’s exhausts. The line’s six other ships will be retrofitted with the technology by the end of 2021 and until then will rely on the use of low sulphur fuels to always fully comply with the strictest existing as well as new maritime regulations.

MSC Grandiosa, is the third Meraviglia class of ship to enter MSC Cruises’ fleet and the first of three Meraviglia-Plus ships. It will be MSC Cruises’ fifth new ship to enter into service in the past 30 months and is part of a plan to build 17 highly innovative and environmentally sound cruise ships between 2017 and 2027.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Shares Seven Firsts On Board Seven Seas Splendor™

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), the world's leading luxury ocean cruise line, will be launching its newest and highly anticipated ship, Seven Seas Splendor™ in February 2020, with limited suites still available for her coveted inaugural season. Lisa Pile, Vice President, General Manager at Regent Seven Seas Cruises shares Seven Seas Splendor's seven firsts for the brand, and why the remarkable ship will perfect luxury.

"With Seven Seas Splendor™, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has raised the bar for luxury ocean travel. We are excited to be delivering a ship that exhibits the highest level of elegance, from lavish marble finishes to one-of-a-kind artworks proudly displayed throughout. She is truly a masterpiece, and we can't wait for our guests to be able to experience what makes a voyage with Regent an unrivalled experience – with our all-inclusive, personalised offering being second to none," said Ms. Pile.

"We are inviting guests to join us for one of Seven Seas Splendor's 2020 itineraries to the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Mediterranean, where they will be some of the first in the world to experience these seven exclusive initiatives," adds Ms. Pile.

Seven Seas Splendor's Seven Firsts:

1. Speciality Coffee with Extra Sunshine

Fleet favourite, Coffee Connection, is being expanded with a new al fresco seating area, allowing guests to savour their custom coffee creations and delectable pastries while enjoying a sun-kissed morning or afternoon with a calm ocean breeze.

"As nations that are known for being home to coffee connoisseurs, as well as lovers of the outdoors, we are sure that the new al fresco seating area at Coffee Connection is sure to be a hit with our Australian and New Zealand guests," said Ms. Pile.

2. The New Flavour of Luxury – Destination Menus

The newest Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship will elevate the cruise line's legendary cuisine with destination dishes to be served during lunch at La Veranda that bring aboard local ingredients and culinary traditions from the exotic destinations where Seven Seas Splendor™ is sailing.

"La Veranda features a variety of delectable selections to chose from morning, noon and night. With Seven Seas Splendor™ taking in a raft of unique ports as part of her itineraries, guests will have the opportunity to truly taste the flavours of the world both onboard and ashore - from Mexican delights in Cabo San Lucas to Spanish Paella in Barcelona – your tastebuds are sure to be tantalised," said Ms. Pile

3. Dine Over Sea at Sette Mari

Enjoy the authentic Mediterranean flavours of Sette Mari in stunning, over-water alcove seating. Jetting out over the ocean for an even closer connection to the sea and surrounded on three sides by inspiring, magnificent views, guests will never forget this brand-new dining experience.

"One of my personal 'must-do's for when I'll be aboard Seven Seas Splendor™ next year. The new over-water alcove seating at Sette Mari at La Veranda will see guests seated out over the water for an even closer connection to the sea, surrounded by stunning panoramic views. I'll certainly be sampling some Tuscan wine, that will be perfectly paired with new dishes such as Spice-Crusted Tuna Steak with Braised Endive, Polenta and Salmoriglio – divine," said Ms. Pile.

4. The New Most Luxurious Residence at Sea

Building on the renowned reputation of sister-ship Seven Seas Explorer's Regent Suite, Splendor's preeminent accommodation perfects elegance with a US$200,000 Hastens hand-crafted bed and a 30% larger master bath and in-suite spa, with a stunning new floor-to-ceiling ocean-view shower. There's also a Treesse minipool spa placed on the front balcony, providing incredible views from dawn to dusk.

"The Regent Suite onboard Seven Seas Splendor™ is the crown jewel in Regent's accommodation offering, with no expense spared to ensure that we are providing our guests with the most luxurious residence at sea. The Regent Suite is the largest suite to ever be built on a luxury cruise ship - boasting 412 square-metres of beauty and comfort - making the Regent Suite nearly twice as large as the average Australian home, and 20 times larger than the average cruise ship stateroom. Guests can enjoy their personal in-suite sauna and steam room, unobstructed 270-degree views over the ships bow and a 120 square-metre wraparound veranda, to name but of few of the suites features," said Ms. Pile.

5. Brand New Culinary Creations, Made by You

With 18 individual cooking stations, the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Seven Seas Splendor™ will offer a range of 20 new culinary classes teaching professional techniques and recipes by master chef instructors. New classes vary from teaching seven methods to prepare seafood, to exploring emerging fusion cuisines from around the world.

"The Culinary Arts Kitchen is where our guests can let out their inner foodie in an environment reminiscent of the most prestigious cooking schools in the world. Due to the small class sizes, guests will enjoy personalised, hands-on instruction. Example class themes include something for all tastes and skill levels, from mastering crowd pleasing brunch recipes, to embarking on a culinary safari around the diverse countries of Africa," said Ms. Pile.

6. Explore New Tastes

Exclusive to the inaugural season of Seven Seas Splendor™ are the new Gourmet Explorer Tours, delivering one-of-a-kind epicurean adventures. Guests can choose from a variety of tours that take them to local markets to find exotic spices and allow them to sample delicious wines at breath-taking estates, or savour gourmet meals expertly prepared by locally renowned chefs.

"Our Gourmet Explorer Tours are designed to deliver bespoke epicurean adventures to our guests, with tours having been personally crafted by Regent's Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Enrichment, Kathryn Kelly. More information on specific Gourmet Explorer Tours will be announced later this year, so be sure to keep as eye out as spaces tend to book fast," said. Ms Pile

7. First Woman Captain to Launch a Brand New Cruise Ship

On 8th March, 2019 – International Women's Day – Regent Seven Seas Cruises proudly announced that Captain Serena Melani will take the helm of Seven Seas Splendor™, making her the first woman in cruise industry history to captain a new cruise ship.

"This is a first that I'm particularly proud of. Captain Serena has been with RSSC since 2010, and is definitely a trailblazer in the cruise industry – where she is admired by guests and crew alike. She has been very hands-on with the development of Seven Seas Splendor™, having spent much of this year at the shipyard in Italy where she is being built, collaborating with the engineers and designers to ensure the ship's form and function is perfect," said Ms. Pile.

Seven Seas Splendor™ will be sail through some of the most desirable destinations in the world including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and North America, with her inaugural sailing departing Barcelona on 6 February, 2020.

Please find a link to a brochure on Seven Seas Splendor here

Visit New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu aboard Silver Muse

Ultra-luxury cruise line, Silversea Cruises is inviting guests to discover the tropical wonderlands of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Vanuatu aboard the stunning Silver Muse when she sets sail in the region for the very first time in 2020. All-inclusive fly/cruise fares for a 14-day voyage start from just AU$8,400 per person, based on double occupancy in a Vista Suite, with cruise only fares starting from just AU$7,400 per person.

The only small-ship luxury cruise line to offer these itineraries, Silversea offers guests the opportunity to discover the jewels of the South Pacific whilst enjoying the intimate atmosphere of the all-suite Silver Muse. With comprehensive fares and highly personalised service, guests are encouraged to book now to avoid missing out on the following special offers and enrichments:

- Included Business Class Flights

Guests booking by 30 September 2019 will enjoy included roundtrip Business Class flights from select gateways in Australia and New Zealand, plus transfers between airport and ship.

- Last Minute Savings

Guests booking by 31 October 2019 will enjoy AU$1,000 on board credit per suite, plus a one category suite upgrade where available.

- Enrichment Lecturer: Joseph Snyder

Joseph Snyder was a diplomat with the U.S. State Department Foreign Service for 30 years. He served in Thailand, Iran, Taiwan, Malaysia and Austria, as well as in Washington where his positions included that of Director of the State Department Press Office and Spokesman. Joe will join guests on board as a destination and special interest lecturer.

- Enrichment Lecturer: Jon Fleming

Jon Fleming has sailed on over 200 cruises worldwide and his combination of personal experience and historical knowledge, plus an entertaining presentation style makes history interesting, accessible and relevant for his audience. Jon will join gests on board as a destination consultant.

- All-inclusive Fares

On board, Silversea’s all-inclusive fares include fine food from around the world, complimentary beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, and butler service for each suite.

Departing on 18 February 2020 for 14 days, guests sailing aboard Silver Muse will discover a magic realm of pristine beaches, colourful coral gardens, and cascading waterfalls as they journey through New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu. In the tropical playground of New Caledonia, Silver Muse makes ports of call in Pine Island, Lifou and Noumea whilst in the stunning archipelago of Vanuatu, Port Vila is waiting to be explored. In Fiji, guests will witness the volcanic landscapes of Dravuni Island, a new port of call for Silver Muse for 2020, along with the fascinating destinations of Lautoka and Savusavu.

For more information on this voyage visit: https://www.silversea.com/destinations/australia-new-zealand-cruise/sydney-to-sydney-6004.html#itinerary-58467

Voyages and special offers are subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time. 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

MSC new summer schedules for 2020

• The introduction of MSC Grandiosa to the fleet will offer guests the opportunity to rediscover the gems of the Mediterranean
• Guests looking for more flexibility can book onto MSC Cruises’ butterfly cruises
• A new itinerary for Asia is announced for MSC Bellissima

The greatest experiences are the ones you can share with others. Any MSC Cruises holiday is made unforgettable through the combination of international cuisine, world-class entertainment and award-winning* family offering - perfect for couples, friends and families alike. Now is the time to plan and book to travel in style to the world’s most beautiful locations.

The Mediterranean introducing MSC Grandiosa’s First Summer Season

Experts in Mediterranean-cruising style, MSC Cruises will deploy 10 ships in this popular cruise region. MSC Grandiosa will become the newest flagship in the Company’s fleet when she launches in November, calling at Genoa and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Valetta, Malta; Barcelona, Spain and Marseille, France. The new flagship will offer a richness of experiences, from world-class entertainment with brand new Cirque du Soleil at Sea shows, a wide choice of international dining options, original activities for families to an enhanced MSC Yacht Club. MSC Grandiosa will become the second MSC Cruises ship to feature ZOE, the world’s first virtual cruise personal assistant and new updates to the innovative MSC for Me digital innovation program.

Alongside MSC Grandiosa, three other ships will sail in the Western Mediterranean in 2020 - MSC Divina, MSC Fantasia and MSC Seaview, rediscovering the gems of the continent:
The beautiful MSC Seaview will call at Barcelona on Saturdays, followed by Ajaccio, France; Genoa, La Spezia and Civitavecchia, Italy; Cannes, France and Palma de Mallorca on Fridays.
MSC Divina will call at Genoa, Italy; Marseille, France, Barcelona, Spain followed by thrilling party-destination, Ibiza then Naples and Livorno, Italy.
MSC Fantasia, will call Genoa, Civitavecchia, Italy; Palermo, Sicily; Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, Spain and Marseille, France

In the Eastern Mediterranean, with six ships in region, MSC Cruises are offering a cruise that suits everyone looking for a charming experience in this picturesque region:
MSC Orchestra MSC Musica, MSC Magnifica, MSC Sinfonia and MSC Opera will all offer itineraries from Venice in the Greek Islands and the best of the Adriatic Sea: highlights include Dubrovnik, Mykonos and Santorini to name a few. During peak season, MSC Lirica will be offering itineraries including Valletta, Malta and Syracuse.

Experience Natural Beauty in the Caribbean

The sunny Caribbean is a must for cruise lovers and will feature two MSC Cruises ships throughout the summer season:
During 2020, the iconic MSC Seaside will continue her reign in the Caribbean, sailing seven-night itineraries from Miami and experiencing the rhythmic beats of Ocho Rios, the idyllic surroundings of George Town and the Mexican paradise of Cozumel.
Rounding out the Western Caribbean, guests will get the opportunity to sail in the Italian style aboard the MSC Armonia. This ship will call Jamaica, Cayman Islands and Mexico or Key West. Both ships will also call at the new private destination Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, officially opening this November. This stunning island will allow guests to discover the beautiful natural environment and soak up the spirit of The Bahamas.

Discover the Adventurous Wonders of Northern Europe

Four MSC Cruises ships will be deployed in Northern Europe for summer 2020, the perfect opportunity to visit Scandinavian and Eastern European gems, including:

Longer cruises of up to 14 nights will be offered on MSC Preziosa, sailing from Hamburg with cruises in the Baltics, Fjords and North Cape. MSC Preziosa will also offer seven-night Northern Pearls cruises from Hamburg calling at Le Havre, Southampton, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
MSC Poesia, homeported in Warnemünde will offer 11-night Baltic cruises and a mixture of seven-night cruises, visiting the Fjords in Norway and the Baltic capitals. Guests can experience a longer break with a larger range of destinations and combine two different routes by booking on one of the back-to-back butterfly cruises. MSC Poesia’s highlight will be her stunning 21-night cruise featuring Greenland and Iceland, two spots perfect for adventure-seekers and nature lovers.
MSC Meraviglia, the ship for all seasons, will return to Northern Europe, homeporting in Kiel (Germany) on Saturdays and taking you on a cultural trip round Copenhagen, Helsinki and St Petersburg as well as the Fjords including Hellesylt, Alesund and Flaam, Norway.
MSC Splendida, will join MSC Meraviglia in their homeport of Kiel, with a variety of itineraries, including a long cruise to the Emerald Isle of Ireland and the North Cape, calling at Tallinn and Stockholm offering cruises in the Fjords including Bergen, Olden, Flaam, Stavanger plus the Baltics.
MSC Poesia and MSC Splendida autumn cruises offer 12 or nine-night cruises respectively to Portugal and Morocco, or Madeira and Canary Islands.

Set sail in the charming Far East

Explore Asia in style and join MSC Belissima on one of three new itineraries for 2020 with a choice of different length cruises. In June, July and August, a six or seven-night cruise departing from Shanghai, Asia’s shopping paradise will then call at Japan’s second largest city, Yokohama and finally Osaka, none other than a perfect combination of energic cities, iconic street food markets and awe-inspiring city skylines. Meanwhile, a stunning nine-night cruise in October from Tokyo, Japan will offer guests the chance to visit Wakyama, Hiroshima and Matsuyama, Japan before calling at Ganjeong, Korea and then Yokohama, Japan.

For more information on Summer 2020 visit msccruises.com.au or msccruises.co.nz

Silversea countdown to Silver Moon

Today marks one year until the launch of Silver Moon℠ – an elegant new addition to Silversea’s ultra-luxury fleet of ships. Embarking on her inaugural voyage on 6 August 2020, the 596-guest Silver Moon will echo the whispered elegance of the cruise line’s current flagship, Silver Muse, while bringing unprecedented enhancements and elements of innovation.

Silver Moon will push the boundaries of travel with a pioneering new culinary programme, S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste)℠, which will adapt according to the visited destination to unlock immersive culinary experiences for guests. Elevating the role of food as a means to travel deeper into a destination, S.A.L.T. will showcase entire ecosystems around culinary cultures of the world through onboard and shore-based experiences. Guests will develop an appreciation for regional ingredients and culinary customs on board, before venturing ashore under the guidance of experts to experience food and drink cultures first-hand.

As part of the S.A.L.T. programme, three new venues will unlock immersive culinary experiences for guests on Silver Moon, forming a hub of culinary discovery on Deck 4. S.A.L.T. Kitchen will be one of eight restaurants on board Silver Moon, and will be the first large-scale regional restaurant on board a luxury cruise ship, offering an ever-changing menu and a regionally inspired wine list. S.A.L.T. Lab will enable guests to learn about local ingredients and artisanal techniques, through insightful workshops, tastings, and demonstrations. Finally, S.A.L.T. Bar will allow guests to sample the most authentic flavours of the destination, through a large selection of regional wines, spirits, and other drinks.

Also positioned on Deck 4, popular restaurants Atlantide and Kaiseki will each undergo an extensive redesign when compared to Silver Muse. Aboard Silver Moon, Atlantide will be enlarged to accommodate up to 230 guests. Minimalist yet sophisticated, the enhanced design of Kaiseki will take inspiration from the best sushi restaurants in the world. Here, guests will witness expert sushi chefs in action, as they prepare fresh sushi and sashimi. Serving fine French cuisine in an elegant atmosphere, Silversea’s signature restaurant, La Dame, will also enjoy a brand new design aboard Silver Moon, enlarged to accommodate more than 50 guests. Positioned on Deck 8, from which guests will enjoy far-reaching views out to sea, La Dame will also offer guests the opportunity to dine under the stars on Silver Moon. Moreover, as part of a unique new collaboration, Lalique – founded in 1888, now famous producers of hand-crafted crystal artworks - will craft bespoke crystal panels to enrich the restaurant’s aesthetic further still, for the enjoyment of Silversea’s guests.

While preserving the acclaimed signature venues and elegant design of Silver Muse, Silver Moon will feature enhanced lounges and public spaces to offer guests meaningful choices at any time of the day. At the heart of the ship on Deck 5, the Dolce Vita lounge will benefit from a new layout, in which the bar will be repositioned to the centre of the venue. Dolce Vita will welcome guests as both a sophisticated bar during the daytime and as an enchanting piano bar by night—the perfect venue for pre-dinner cocktails.

Positioned on Deck 9, the Connoisseur’s Corner will also be entirely reimagined aboard Silver Moon. In addition to benefitting from a new design, this enticing space will incorporate a new Wintergarden area, which will create a sheltered and inviting area outdoors. In the Connoisseur’s Corner, Silversea’s guests will enjoy a selection of cigars and premium liquors in a sophisticated atmosphere.

In addition to an enhanced pool deck—which will feature steps into the ship’s swimming pool and an enlarged, U-shaped bar area with additional seating—Silver Moon will offer guests the enjoyment of a redesigned Spa and Fitness Centre. The space will incorporate both indoor and outdoor areas, comprising a large thermal area, relaxation area, and gym. Other signature venues will include the Panorama Lounge, the Observation Library, the Venetian Lounge, and the Casino.

Enriched with elegant décor, premium materials and luxurious amenities, Silver Moon’s spacious suites will benefit from one of the highest space-to-guest ratios of any luxury cruise accommodation, offering superlative comfort to guests—a characteristic hallmark of the Silversea experience. Guests in every suite will enjoy the dedicated service of a butler, as well as an in-suite bar, stocked with preferred beverages; in-suite dining, available 24 hours per day; and various other luxurious amenities.

“Inspired by the success of our beloved Silver Muse, Silver Moon will raise the bar in ultra-luxury travel, unlocking immersive experiences for our guests in whispered luxury,” says Barbara Muckermann, Silversea’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Incorporating unprecedented concepts, the ship will bring innovation to the industry, while maintaining the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations that are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. From our pioneering new S.A.L.T. programme to the array of reimaged public spaces, every aspect of the new ship has been thoughtfully designed to enrich our guests’ experiences further still.”

Silver Moon will complete her inaugural voyage between 6 August and 17 August 2020, travelling from Trieste to Rome (Civitavecchia). The sailing is in very popular demand, but suites are still available for those who want to be among the first to experience Silver Moon. One of five Silversea ships spending the summer in the Mediterranean, Silver Moon will cruise the region for her maiden season until November, when she will cross the Atlantic Ocean to Fort Lauderdale. From there, she will spend time visiting some of the Caribbean islands, including Barbados, Antigua, Puerto Rico and more. Silver Moon will then continue to Central and South America, where guests will complete an incredible circumnavigation of the continent on the Grand South America 2021, visiting 37 destinations in 20 countries between 7 January and 17 March 2021.