Here Comes the Fun and Sun: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises Arriving Soon

The arrival of five superliners gives Australians five more reasons to look forward to summer!

September 2013, Sydney: – Five world-class Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises superliners are making their way Down Under for a sizzling 2013-14 cruise season. The combined fleet will keep adventurous travellers happy with a selection of 73 cruises available throughout Australian, New Zealand, Asian and South Pacific waters; and dock-masters in Sydney busy with a total of 59 turnarounds in Sydney Harbour.

First off the mark is Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas, which departed Vancouver earlier this month and arrives in Sydney on 5 October to start her seventh consecutive Australian season. She will be followed closely by Radiance of the Seas on 11 October. Arriving on 23 October is Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Solstice, Australia's youngest superliner epitomising 'modern-luxury'. The largest and most innovative ship in the region, Voyager of the Seas, returns to her Sydney home port on 7 November. Celebrity Millennium calls on Sydney on 20 November on her way to Asia.

"It is full steam ahead for an even bigger Australasian cruising season this year. We are offering a total of 73 cruises and are looking forward to welcoming over 210,000 guests on our five luxurious superliners – 10% more than last year," says RCL Australia & New Zealand Commercial Director, Adam Armstrong.

"Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises now offer the newest, biggest, most modern and amenity-rich cruise ships sailing from Australia. As Australians have become more 'cruise savvy' we have responded to their evolving demands by bringing a superior fleet to deliver a calibre of cruise holiday that you couldn't previously experience in local waters. We're especially pleased to welcome back Australia's largest ships, Voyager of the Seas and Celebrity Solstice for their second seasons.

"We continually look for ways to improve our guests' experiences. This season we introduce the Barbie Experience At Sea on Royal Caribbean ships and a host of new itineraries; whilst on Celebrity Cruises, we've introduced a new craft cocktail selection, Xbox At Sea and iTake movie workshops for teens."

New itinerary highlights this season include the chance to sail to the South Pacific islands of New Caledonia and Fiji for the first time on Australia's highest rated premium cruise ship, Celebrity Solstice; a shorter 11-night itinerary to New Zealand; additional 2- and 3-night Sampler cruises; and a 15-night New Year cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas which uniquely combines ports in Queensland and the South Pacific islands for the very first time.

"Bookings for this season show the continued popularity of multigenerational cruising –kids, parents and grandparents travelling together. Our South Pacific cruises are particularly popular for travelling families.  More people are also turning to cruising as a way of seeing their own country, for instance on a Tasmanian,  Queensland or Round Australia cruise, and these itineraries remain ever popular with overseas guests," says Mr. Armstrong.

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine, said: "This summer season will see a wide range of ships sailing our waters, so it will really demonstrate the many different styles of cruise holidays now available locally. Cruising is a year round industry for Australia now, but a busy summer season like this will be worth hundreds of millions of dollars to our economy."

Royal Caribbean International remains Sydney's largest cruise line this coming summer, offering more cruises and carrying more guests than any other cruise line in the 2013-14 season. Royal Caribbean International was also recently voted 'Best Australian Based Cruise Line' at the National Travel Industry Awards.

Deal: Take a Luxury Cruise Around Italy For Less With APT

 

 
 Images L to R: M/Y Variety Voyager; Sundeck Bar on the Variety Voyager; and Venice.

 

  

Take a Luxury Cruise Around Italy For Less With APT

Book APT's 11-day Bella Italia Luxury Small Ship cruise aboard the M/Y Variety Voyager and pay $6,495 per person, twin share, a saving of $1,000 per couple. The cruise sails from Rome, around the coast of Italy, taking in the Lipari Islands and Sicily, to Venice.

Highlights include the chance to visit Sorrento and Capri, cruise the Amalfi coast, explore ancient Italian villages and sample the country's gourmet cuisine and outstanding local wines.

Included are 29 meals, local guides, shore excursions, onboard lectures, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunches and dinners and all port charges, and tipping.

The offer is subject to availability and bookings must be made by 30 November 2013. Terms and conditions apply.

To book call 1300 278 278 or visit www.aptouring.com.au or see your travel agent.

 

Exclusive Australian Cruise: Murray Princess meets Cunard Queen

Murray Princess

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover the World from Brisbane on Princess Cruises in 2014

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Silversea Launches New 2014 Brochures

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

Azamara upgrade offer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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