Luxury Alaska Cruises with Silvesea

Uncover the wonders of Alaska with Silversea

Experience the wild wonders of Alaska, as you sail past sapphire-blue glaciers and vast evergreen forests on a 7-day cruise aboard the ultra-luxurious Silver Shadow.

Beginning the Alaska voyage in Vancouver, Canada, on 27 August 2015, guests will disembark in Seward (Anchorage) on 3 September 2015.  

Alaska is the wild wonder of the American north. On this cruise, wind your way through its Misty Fjords and intriguing inlets, and sail through the Inside Passage and breathtaking Hubbard Glacier. Perhaps see Iditarod dogs on land or watch a whale breach in the Gulf of Alaska. In a land that clearly calls out to be explored, you can kayak, hike, fish, snorkel and enjoy a vast array of other discovery activities.

Guests that begin or end their voyage in Seward will receive complimentary transfers to/from the Anchorage Airport Train Station via chartered rail service. The 4.5-hour scenic train ride along the Alaskan Kenai Peninsula is said to be the most scenic in all of Alaska.

Prices are per person starting from AU$4,550 in a Vista Suite double occupancy. Silversea fares include: 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.

Book this voyage by June 30 2015 and select a two-category suite upgrade, 50% savings on a second suite or US$1,000 onboard credit per suite to use for shore excursions, spa treatments, specialty restaurants and more.

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

 

Royal Caribbean International ‘buy one, get one up to fifty per cent off’

BUY ONE GET ONE HALF PRICE WITH ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Throughout the month of May, Royal Caribbean International guests are invited to take advantage of a special 'buy one, get one up to fifty per cent off' offer, applicable to most local and international itineraries and ships.

Plus, eligible bookings made on 2016 and 2017 departures will also receive a discount of up to 50 per cent off the cruise fare for third and fourth guests in the same booking, excluding taxes, fees, port expenses and gratuities.

This unbeatable offer is available to book from 1 – 31 May 2015 and is applicable on eligible itineraries departing from 1 June 2015 onwards of five-nights or longer.

Enjoy an eight-night South Pacific Bliss itinerary departing Brisbane onboard Legend of the Seas on 18 February 2016 from just $1,099 for the first person and $549.50 for the second. From Brisbane, where Legend of the Seas will call home, the roundtrip sailing explores the tropical paradise of Noumea in New Caledonia and Mystery Island and Port Vila in Vanuatu.

Experience South East Asia on a 10-night sailing from Singapore to Perth departing 3 November 2015 onboard Explorer of the Seas, priced from just $1,099 for the first passenger and $549.50 for the second. From Singapore, the cruise calls at Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand, before travelling down the coast of Western Australia to arrive in Fremantle.

Explore Australia's Top End over 16-nights onboard Radiance of the Seas from $2,799 for the first passenger and $1,399.50 for the second. Departing Perth 17 November 2015, the sailing travels up the coast of Western Australia to Bali before calling at Darwin, Cairns, Brisbane and arriving in Sydney.

Or sample New Zealand in summer on an 11-night roundtrip cruise from Sydney onboard Voyager of the Seas departing 18 December 2015, priced from $2,599 for the first person and $1,299.50 for the second. The sailing calls at Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington and Picton.

For more information about Royal Caribbean International or to book a cruise, visit royalcaribbean.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact your travel agent.

Terms and conditions for the offer: Valid for new individual bookings only. Offer excludes Quantum of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas, transatlantic voyages and all sailings departing from China. Price quoted is per person based on lowest available interior cabin and prices are subject to change. Sale is not combinable with any other offer or promotion and will expire on 31 May 2015 unless sold out prior. For full terms and conditions, visit: www.royalcaribbean.com.au.

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Silversea's pick of the world's luxury and adventure destinations

SILVERSEA'S PICK OF THE MOST DESIRED DESTINATIONS IN LUXURY CRUISING

Take your journey to the next level by exploring the world's most breathtaking and enticing destinations with Silversea Cruises, the leader in ultra-luxury cruising.  Karen Christensen, General Manager and Director Sales/Marketing, Australasia, shares her insights on this year's must-see cruising destinations.

"Silversea's voyages boast enviable, tailor-made itineraries visiting some of the most stunning corners of the world.  Our guests rely on us to provide them with journeys which showcase distinct, beautiful and dramatic landscapes, rich history and culture, and exotic cuisine, all while travelling in utmost luxury.

"Each year, our team of experts research and handpick the finest destinations to ensure that our itineraries are second to none.  We pride ourselves on continuing to be one step ahead, offering our guests the chance to discover destinations they may never have considered travelling to before," says Christensen.  

FEATURED DESTINATIONS

1.    French Polynesia (South Pacific) and the Marquesas Islands

Explore the stunning lagoons of the Tuamotu Archipelago, and encounter the diverse wildlife of the Marquesas Islands, aboard this 10 day voyage through the peaks and atolls of French Polynesia. As one of Silversea Expeditions' specialist diving voyages, guests aboard will have the opportunity to snorkel and discover colourful marine life such as  sea turtles and rays, while qualified divers will encounter sharks, barracuda, manta rays and eagle rays. Visit the French painter Paul Gaugin's grave at Hiva Oa and marvel at the spectacular peaks of the Marquesas Islands. This voyage is the perfect adventure for the snorkelling enthusiast, keen diver or passionate explorer.

9522 Silver Discoverer, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia roundtrip, 10 days, departs 25 October 2015. Silver Privilege fares from AU$10,750pp.

2.    Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Discover Ecuador's pristine paradise, a natural laboratory of evolution.  Experience up close encounters with marine iguanas, giant tortoises, blue and red-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins and Darwin's famous finches - guests have the opportunity to witness wildlife species found nowhere else on earth.  Silver Galapagos, Silversea's newly refurbished expedition ship, travels along the scenic coastlines with Zodiac exploration, snorkelling and walks across spectacular lava fields – experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.  

Silver Galapagos offers year-round 7-day roundtrip expeditions from Baltra. Fully-inclusive Galápagos voyages now include roundtrip economy air between Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, a two-night pre-cruise hotel stay, all transfers, National Park entrance  fees and more . Silver privilege fares from AU$8,150pp.

3.    Istanbul, Turkey

Witness the captivating remnants of ancient civilisations whilst sailing through the Aegean Sea, from Istanbul to the picturesque Greek Islands.  Guests can discover Istanbul's historic treasures during a scenic orientation of the city, including a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the world's largest covered market, a tour of the Topkapi Palace Museum, which housed the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries, and the Rustem Pasa Mosque, a small and exquisite mosque built in the 16th century.  

2530 Silver Wind, Istanbul, Turkey roundtrip, 9-days, departs 12 October 2015. Guests on this journey benefit from shore excursions and complimentary Wi-Fi; now included on every 2015 Mediterranean voyage. Silver Privilege fares from AU$5,750.

4.    Alaska, North America

One of the most pristine coastlines in the world, Alaska is home to national parks the size of nations, exquisite glaciers and incredible wildlife. Experience Alaska sailing along an insider's path through the Inside Passage. See diamond–blue icebergs and spot a plethora of wildlife including brown bears, bald eagles and humpback whales.  Guests will have the opportunity to fly over the world famous Mendenhall Glacier on an optional heli-flight, set foot on the 'river of ice', and take part in a private Catamaran cruise through Sitka Sound.

3524 Silver Shadow, Vancouver, Canada to Seward (Anchorage), AK, USA, 7-days, departs 27 August 2015. Includes complimentary scenic rail transfer along the Alaskan Kenai Peninsula. Silver Privilege fares from AU$4,550pp.

5. The Malay Archipelago

Explore the Malay Archipelago, an undiscovered and untouched part of the world.  Anchored off the Alor-Pantar Strait, guests will view traditional villages built halfway up the mountains of Alor Island and explore mangrove forests on the uninhabited island of Kakaban, Borneo.  On this Silversea Expeditions voyage, guests will discover abundant wildlife, on land and sea, from Borneo proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, rare birdlife and the orangutans of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC), to sea turtles, stingless Papuan jellyfish and other exotic marine life. The beauty of this region continues to radiate as guests uncover its rich history and culture, experiencing traditional village customs and ceremonies and visiting the towering menhir stones of Bori – "The Stonehenge of Indonesia".

9513 Silver Discoverer, Darwin, Australia to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 14-days, departs 29 May 2015.  Silver Privilege fares from AU$14,450pp.

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

From ancient Athens to the canals of Venice aboard Silver Spirit

Sail through the beautiful Adriatic Sea on a 7 day cruise aboard Silversea's luxurious Silver Spirit, exploring the wonders of Greece, Montenegro and the Dalmatian Coast.

Departing from Piraeus (Athens) on 26 June 2015, Silver Spirit travels north along Greece's shimmering coastline before docking in tiny Katakolon.  Here, guests can explore the birthplace of the Olympic Games or uncover stunning archaeological treasures including the Temple of Zeus and Olympic Village.

Continuing her journey, Silver Spirit ports in Corfu, the greenest and one of the most beautiful islands of Greece.  With emerald mountains, crystal waters, abundant olive trees and classic European architecture, Corfu is a mosaic of sights that reflect the island's profound history.  The voyage continues to dock overnight in Kotor, Montenegro, a coastal town filled with medieval jewels from the spectacular hilltop fortress of UNESCO World Heritage listed Stari Grad (Old Town) to the Cathedral of St Triphun.

Arriving in Croatia, guests will visit the magnificent fortified city of Dubrovnik, before sailing to the stunning island of Hvar.  Here, guests can wander through the island's splendid sights and sounds seeing the 16th-century Renaissance Cathedral and the Cathedral of St. Stephen, or be serenaded a cappella at the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery.

Sailing to Italy, Silver Spirit anchors in the majestic city of Venice for an overnight stay.  Guests can explore the islands of Murano and Burano, and experience the centuries-old traditions of glass-blowing and lace production, before disembarking on 3 July 2015.

To enhance Silversea's 2015 Mediterranean all-inclusive pricing, guests are able to take advantage of included Silver Shore Select excursions, which are offered in every port of call. In addition, guests aboard this Silversea voyage have access to two hours of Wi-Fi per day, and unlimited Wi-Fi in premium suites (Medallion and higher categories).

Prices are per person starting from AU$5,850 in a Veranda 2 Suite double occupancy. Silversea fares include: 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

Viking Star sets sail on maiden voyage

First Ship for Viking Ocean Cruises Launches New Era in Destination-Focused Travel

Viking Ocean Cruises (www.vikingoceancruises.com.au) today announced its first ship, Viking Star, has embarked on her maiden voyage from Istanbul to Venice, thus launching the travel industry's first entirely new cruise line in a decade. From Venice, Viking Star will make her way through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic on her way to be officially christened in Bergen, Norway during a citywide celebration on May 17 – Norwegian Constitution Day. Developed from the ground up to return the focus of cruising to the destination, Viking Ocean Cruises also has two additional sister ships on order – Viking Sky and Viking Sea – all of which will sail itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic; and the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.  

"We have always believed that cruising should be about connecting you to your destination – not just taking you to places on a map. It is our view that in the race to build bigger ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. "With our new ocean cruises, we have created a new kind of vessel that is smaller in size and smarter in design, offering an alternative to today's mega liners. Along with our privileged-access excursions and on board enrichment, we have made the destination the true focus of our new ocean cruises."

A Ship Designed for Destination Cruising

Classified by Cruise Critic as a "small ship," Viking Star has a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons and accommodates 930 passengers in 465 staterooms – each with its own veranda. Engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports, guests have an easy and efficient embarkation and disembarkation, allowing them more time to spend enjoying each destination.

Light-filled with modern Scandinavian décor, Viking Star was designed by experienced nautical architects and engineers, including the same interior design team responsible for the award-winning fleet of Viking Longships. Throughout the ship, details were incorporated to pay homage to Nordic heritage and to help guests immerse themselves in local surroundings. A glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern offers unobstructed views; indoor-outdoor spaces offer more options for al fresco dining than any other vessel in its class; huge windows and skylights blur the lines between inside and out; and a wrap-around promenade deck nods to a bygone era of classic ocean liners.

On board Viking Star, clean lines, woven textiles and light wood evoke the Viking spirit of discovery and connection to the natural world. A carefully curated collection of Scandinavian artwork adorns the walls of the restaurants and public spaces. In the two-deck Explorers' Lounge at the bow of the ship, the décor was inspired by ancient Viking trade routes and navigation methods – imagery of star constellations and astronomical maps are complemented by antique globes, astrolabes and sofas with cosy pelts. In the Spa, the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia is in mind – from the Nordic ritual of the hydrotherapy pool and the first Snow Room at sea, to materials inspired by Scandinavian nature: Swedish limestone and black slate; juniper and teak wood details; recycled and etched opaque glass; and cast iron. In the Wintergarden, blonde wood "trees" stretch their branches up to the glass ceiling, forming a lattice canopy over a serene space where guests can enjoy afternoon tea service. And in the Viking Living Room, a geometric garden was inspired by the wild lichen of Norway's Finse Mountain Plateau.

Destination-Focused Enrichment

Leveraging extensive feedback and input from Viking River Cruises passengers, Viking Ocean Cruises was developed with experienced travellers in mind. Itineraries are designed for maximum time in port, often with late evenings or overnights, so guests can experience local culture at night or evening performances. Ports include both cosmopolitan cities and "collector ports," appealing to those with an interest in history, art, music, and cuisine.

While on board, guests will enjoy informative talks from local experts and carefully selected lecturers in The Theatre. Dining options on board Viking Star elevate food as a cultural experience – the World Café features global cuisine with live cooking and open kitchens; Mamsen's features Norwegian deli-style fare, according to the recipes of Hagen's mother, Ragnhild, otherwise known as "Mamsen;" and Manfredi's Italian Restaurant embraces authentic Tuscan and Roman cuisine.  In the Kitchen Table, the high-tech space offers cooking classes featuring a wide range of regionally inspired dishes and culinary techniques; at night it transforms into an interactive dinner experience with fellow guests and Viking's esteemed chefs.

While every cruise fare includes a guided excursion in each port, Viking's optional excursion program was designed to provide guests with enriching privileged-access experiences that go beyond the iconic and expected. Highlighted examples include:

Booking Details

Viking Inclusive Pricing provides unparalleled value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all on board meals, gratuities and all port charges and government taxes. Passengers also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry and 24-hour room service—a value of more than US$2,400 per couple for an average cruise.

Contact a travel agent or call Viking toll free at 1300 062 326 (Australia) or 0800 447 913 (New Zealand).

For additional information, contact Viking Cruises at 1800 131 744 (Australia) & 0800 447 913 (New Zealand) or visit www.vikingcruises.com.au.

New Ovation of the Seas to homeport in Sydney

Royal Caribbean to position brand new cruise ship in Australia

Royal Caribbean International has just announced that its Ovation of the Seas will operate in Australian waters after it launches in late 2016.

A sister ship to the groundbreaking Quantum of the Seas (pictured) and the just-delivered Anthem of the Seas, Ovation will be the largest cruise ship to ever sail out of Australia, as well as being the most technologically advanced vessel in the region.

Carrying around 5,000 passengers and 1,500 crew, the Ovation of the Seas will "completely redefine the idea of cruising in Australia," said Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean regional vice president Asia-Pacific.

Smith said the deployment would take the industry to the next level by offering a host of incredible never-before-seen features and technologies.

"This demonstrates our belief in, and long term commitment to, the Australian cruising market," he said.

More details in Travel Daily today and tomorrow's issue of Cruise Weekly.This Cruise Weekly breaking news brought to you by Cruise Weekly.

The Blue Star Line (est.1911)

The Early Years (1911 – 1939):

The Vestey family originated from Liverpool, developing a butchery business. They were one of the first businesses to introduce refrigeration into their shops. Previously butchers had to sell off meat at reduced prices on Saturday, the shops being closed on a Sunday. From this developed a business importing meat from South America. Eventually growing to a huge business owning estancias to feed their meat works in Buenos Aires, the "Anglo Frigorifico". This meat works in its heyday could process 5000 head of cattle a day. The saying was that nothing was wasted. The carcasses being exported as chilled beef, together with the offal and hides. Even producing, as a by-product, insulin for diabetics!

The Blue Star Line was founded by the Vestey family to carry their chilled beef from Argentina and other South American countries, where they had large cattle ranches and freezer works. The company was formally registered on 28th July 1911 and the first ships were registered with Lloyds Register of Shipping between 1912 and 1913. Prior to the First World War, seven refrigerated ships sailed under the Blue Star Line banner, carrying eggs and other perishables to England from China. By the First World War it had 12 vessels, all their names starting with Brod. A considerable profit was made over these years with the carriage of beef to supply the allied armies in France. It was for these services that William Vestey was honoured with a baronetcy. It was not until 1920 that the familiar "Stars" began to appear the first being the Albion Star. Soon the ships of Blue Star Line, with their very distinctive funnel colours, became well known all over the world.

The company continued to trade profitably and became famous for its all first class passenger vessels the Almeda Star, Andalucia Star, Arandora Star, Avelona Star and Avila Star. The Arandora Star in particular became popular to the rich and famous for cruising in the Mediterranean, the Baltic and the West Indies. By 1939 the company traded some 38 vessels.

The Second World War (1939 – 1945):

On the outbreak of WWII, most of the vessels were commandeered by the British Government, continuing to carry much needed food to the United Kingdom. Many of the ships being fast for the period and sailed unaccompanied with the result that by the end of the Second World War some 29 ships and 646 Blue Star personnel lost their lives. Including 11 captains, 47 navigating and 88 engineering officers. Most famously was the sinking of the Doric Star by infamous German pocket battleship the Graf Spee and the tragic loss of the Arandora Star to a German Submarine off the west coast of Ireland.



Of the pre-war vessels, only the Albion Star, Australia Star, Brisbane Star, Columbia Star, Fresno Star, Gaelic Star, New Zealand Star, Norman Star, Sydney Star, Trojan Star, Tudor Star (ex. Empire Star) and Britanica survived.

The Final Years (1945 – 1998):

After WWII the company rebuilt the fleet by new building and the purchase of some second hand tonnage. Notable among the new building was the replacement Plate or so called "A"-boats. These cargo passenger ships, the Argentina Star, Brasil Star, Paraquay Star, and Uruquay Star carried some 68 passengers and hanging chilled beef. On a 7-week turn round they sailed from London's Royal Victoria Dock calling at Southampton, Lisbon, Las Palmas, occasionally Recifé, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Montevideo and finally terminating at Buenos Aires. Many of the passengers were employees of Vestey companies in South America travelling to and from leave in Europe, but the ships were also popular with many round trip passengers escaping the European winter. It must be remembered that this was before the Jumbo Jet, so flying to South America was only for the super rich, by flying boat. The cargo of chilled beef was loaded directly from the company's meat works in Dock Sud in Buenos Aires, taking 7 days. Some general cargo and small quantities of refrigerated cargoes such as fish were carried on the outbound passage.

The company continued trading successfully during the post war years, with operations as far a field as Australia, New Zealand, West and East Coasts of the U.S., South America and Central America, the latter on the banana trades.

The Legacy (1998 onwards):

The company finally was disposed of in 1998 to P&O Nedlloyd, complete with its name and ship's livery including the famous funnel. While most of the container vessels including those formally operating as ACT vessels were also sold to P&O Nedlloyd, most of the refrigerated liner ships were retained in the Vestey organisation under the ownership of Albion Reefers. These were operated by Star Reefers formed by the merging of the conventional reefer fleets of Hamburg Sud and Albion Reefers.

In July 2001 the Vestey Group announced that Star Reefers, operating a fleet of 24 ships had been sold to Norwegian Owners. The business would continue to be managed from London with the staff transferring over. The Norwegian Owners have since forged a joint operation with the Japanese NYK Group, and a new company, NYK Star Reefers Ltd., under the Chairmanship of David Habgood, now controls a fleet of 74 vessels. This finally ended some 90 years association of the Vestey family with the shipping industry. <>Some of the original Blue Star vessels sold to P&O Nedlloyd traded until recently (Feb. '03) under Blue Star colours on the West Coast of America to Australia and New Zealand. They were the America Star (ex ACT 3), Melbourne Star (ex ACT 4), Sydney Star (ex ACT 5) and Queensland Star (ex ACT 6). The last vessel trading, to carry the Blue Star funnel was the America Star which was handed over to the breakers on the 19th February 2003. This was truly the end of an era indeed.

On the 22nd April 2002, P&O Nedlloyd placed its first contract with its own, newly formed ship management company, Reederei Blue Star, based in Hamburg. The time charter agreement covers five 2,500-TEU ships, each for a period of five years, with the first deliveries commencing in late 2003. The vessels, which will be built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in Korea and owned by German KG private investors. They will be used to replace older tonnage to cover positions in the P&O Nedlloyd network. P&O Nedlloyd says it created Reederei Blue Star to diversify its sources for chartered ships.

P&O Nedlloyd Ltd. was acquired by the AP Moller Maersk Group (Maersk) in 2005 and was combined with their existing container shipping business Maersk-Sealand to form Maersk Line. However today the Blue Star colours still live on with the vessels of Reederei Blue Star who provide ship management services and is now owned by the AP Moller Maersk Group.