Azamara Club Cruises Announces Expansion Of Boutique Fleet

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Boutique cruise line Azamara Club Cruises has announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase a sister ship to Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, with delivery taking place in March 2018.

"We are pleased to expand our portfolio by 50%, allowing us to visit even more regions of the world through the acquisition of this sister ship," said Larry Pimentel, President and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. "Our loyal guests and travel partners have asked for this expansion for a long time; we are very pleased to deliver this to them."

The new addition, Azamara Pursuit, is comparable in size to Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. As such, it will also allow visits to unique ports that larger ships are unable to reach. Together, the three ships will support the brand's commitment to enrich destination immersion around the world, by staying longer in port to allow guests to experience more.

The ship's décor will be updated to match the brand's upmarket position. These updates will be similar to the renovations recently introduced on the Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, bringing guests the experience of a boutique hotel at sea.

Information about deployment and itineraries for Azamara Pursuit will be available in October. For additional information please visit www.azamara.com/pursuit.

Cunard to add fourth ship to fleet

This investment is part of the company's ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally.

Carnival Corporation - the world's largest cruise company and parent of the Cunard brand - has signed a memorandum of agreement with Fincantieri, Italy, to build a new ship that will join the Cunard fleet in 2022.

The as yet unnamed ship will join Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth as the fourth member of the Cunard fleet, the first time since 1998 that the luxury cruise brand will have four ships in simultaneous service.

The iconic cruise brand is going from strength to strength, having seen crowds of more than one million people gather in 2015 to celebrate the company's 175th anniversary.

Cunard has subsequently invested over £120 million refurbishing the flagship Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria.

Alongside an array of exciting new itineraries featuring new destinations and special event voyages for 2018 and 2019, Cunard has also continued to evolve the guest experience to meet the needs of the luxury consumer by introducing new bar and dining signatures, entertainment offerings and brand partners across the fleet.

Simon Palethorpe, senior vice president, Cunard, said: "We have only recently marked the 50th anniversary of one of Cunard's much loved ocean liners, the legendary QE2.

"What better way to celebrate her important role in Cunard's past than by announcing our commitment to Cunard's future with the commissioning of a new ship.

"Cunard offers unrivalled luxury ocean experiences and the new ship firmly underpins our plans to continue our growth across international markets."

Cunard will be revealing exciting details about the new ship during the course of 2018 and through to the ship's launch.

Cunard is a luxury British cruise line based at Carnival House in Southampton, owned by Carnival Corporation since 1998.

It has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, celebrating 175 years of operation in 2015.

Thomas Keneally to sail with Silversea on world cruise

Silversea Cruises, the world's leading luxury and expedition cruise line, is pleased to announce acclaimed Australian author Thomas Keneally as its newest guest enrichment lecturer, featuring aboard Silver Whisper as part of the incredible World Cruise 2018.

Joining for 13 days from Sydney to Bali as part of the magnificent World Cruise 2018, Keneally will deliver a range of thought-provoking enrichment lectures.  Guests will hear Keneally's unique insights into his personal stories and profound experiences, all while travelling through a variety of incredible destinations in all-inclusive, intimate luxury.

Keneally is a critically acclaimed Australian novelist, playwright, and essayist and has published more than 30 novels and screenplays during his career.  Keneally's novel, Schindler's Ark won the 1982 Man Booker Prize, and was later adapted into the Academy Award winning Spielberg classic, Schindler's List.

Amber Wilson, Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Silversea Cruises said:

"We are delighted to welcome one of Australia's most distinguished novelists aboard Silver Whisper in February 2018.  Guests will have the opportunity to attend fascinating and stimulating discussions with the highly regarded author and will be thrilled with his array of riveting stories and insightful lectures."

Designed to spark the imagination of avid travellers, Silversea's World Cruise 2018 is an epic 121-day voyage from Los Angeles to Civitavecchia, Rome, on board the elegant, all-suite Silver Whisper.  This extraordinary one-of-a-kind voyage will encompass 60 unique ports in 21 countries across 5 continents.  Including numerous late-night and overnight stays, guests have ample time to take in all the amazing sights, sounds, and flavours of the beautiful cities, great wine regions, and architectural spectacles of this incredible journey.

In addition to Keneally, a stimulating program of eminent lecturers, wine experts and renowned chefs will also be on offer to engage guests for the duration of World Cruise 2018 along with certified ACBL instructors, and the ever-popular L'École des Chefs by Relais & Châteaux®.

Featured voyages:

V4804 - Departing Sydney on 20 February 2018 on this 13-day voyage to Bali, Keneally will join guests on boardSilver Whisper as they journey up the beautiful coastline, experiencing the indigo waters of the Whitsundays, the Great Barrier Reef, and the Northern Territory's spectacular wildlife and searing sunsets before arriving into Bali on 5 March.  Fares start at AU$12,200* per person based on double occupancy in a Vista Suite.

World Cruise 2018 - Departing Los Angeles on 6 January 2018, an exclusive 121-day voyage aboard Silver Whisper, will venture to 60 ports across 21 countries.  This ultimate cruise showcases: the blue lagoons of Polynesia, the mesmerising landscapes of New Zealand, ancient wonders including Angkor Wat and the Taj Mahal, Sydney's Opera House, the Petronas Towers of Kuala Lumpur, and the soaring skylines of Singapore and Hong Kong; and much more.  Fares start at AU$96,245* per person, based on double occupancy in a Veranda Suite.

Silversea's cruise fares include: all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary on board wines, Champagne and spirits; and one hour of complimentary WiFi per day for each guest or unlimited WiFi for select suite categories, and all gratuities.

*These voyages are 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.

MSC Cruises Caribbean combo- making it easy.

MSC Cruises offers an incredible cruising experience aboard their luxury fleet, and makes combining cruises a seamless experience for a truly immersive holiday.   As the leading cruise company in the Mediterranean, MSC Cruises offers a range of wide and varied itineraries in this beautiful region, all year-round.  MSC Cruises' popular Grand Mediterranean cruise combines east and west Mediterranean itineraries to discover Italy, France, Spain, Malta, the Greek Islands, Greece and Crete.

With a choice of four Mediterranean itinerary combinations departing every Saturday and two combinations departing every Sunday, from Genoa or Venice, you can enjoy 14 or 21 nights.  MSC Cruises will also look after your transfers from Genoa to Venice (or vice versa) complimentary for two adults and $100pp for additional persons travelling together.  Your luggage will also be transferred direct to your ship, allowing you to explore Genoa for the day before setting sail in the evening!  

Northern Europe with MSC Cruises is sure to tick off your bucket list experiences.  With weekly departures, you can combine Baltic capitals, Norwegian Fjords and Iceland itineraries to explore spectacular glaciers, historical architecture, meet locals in Reykjavik, or simply take in the beauty of the midnight sun at the North Cape.  With a range of flexible embarkations to choose to commence your cruise, MSC Cruises are really good at making it really easy for you at a really great price.  Depart every Saturday from Kiel (Germany) or Copenhagen or every Sunday from Copenhagen or Warnemunde (Berlin).

But, it is not just in the Mediterranean or Northern Europe that affords you this flexibility.  Why not join West and East Caribbean itineraries.  MSC Cruises will have you dancing the tango, exploring cobbled streets and lush rainforests or simply soaking up one of the most beautiful and fascinating destinations in the world over 14 or 21 nights.

Take advantage of MSC Cruises Caribbean combination cruise with 50% off the second passenger.  Departing Miami January 25, 2018 sail the Bahamas, British Virgin Islands, St Maarten, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda and Martinique for some French flair.  You will then savour the sights of Jamaica, Colombia and Costa Rica in the south of the Caribbean.  Priced from $3,112 for the first passenger and $1725 for the second passenger.

To book your 21 night Caribbean combination special today, call 1300 028 502, www.msccruises.com.au or your local travel agent.  

 

Aussies tops in cruising

David Ellis

AUSSIES it seems just can't get enough of ocean cruising, with 1.28-million of us spending 12-million days at sea in 2016, and our ocean cruising industry growing at a faster rate than anywhere else in the world.

And while that 1.28-million ocean cruise-goers was a staggering 21.4% more than in 2015, or one in 19 of us taking an ocean cruise holiday in 2016,  it did not include the many thousands more who took local river, lake or estuary cruise holidays.

An actual increase of a whopping 220,000 on Australian ocean cruise-goers in 2015, the figure was the largest ever for a single year as Aussie cruise holidaymakers streamed aboard the vessels of some nine lines operating here either permanently or seasonally, joined others visiting as part of Asian or world cruises, or flew off overseas to join yet other ocean-goers at international cruise ports.

And according to the Cruise Lines International Association of Australasia (CLIA), an amazing 76.7 per cent of Australian ocean cruise-goers actually stayed local, choosing to cruise into the South Pacific (the majority,) to New Zealand, or sticking purely to Australian waters.

And CLIA says the way we're going, it looks like two million of us will be enjoying either a local or international ocean cruise holiday annually by 2020.

 

New flagship for Silversea christened in Monaco

 
Silver Muse christened by Silversea Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio's daughter, Costanza Lefebvre, in Monaco

The ninth ship in the Silversea fleet offers the highest expression of excellence at sea

Ultra-luxury cruise line, Silversea, welcomed VIPs and other distinguished guests to Port Hercule in the heart of Monaco yesterday, including: His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco; His Excellency Minister of State of the Principality, Serge Telle; His Excellency Archbishop of Monaco Barsi; Mr. Peter Greenberg (CBS-TV Anchor and News Travel Editor, Master of  Ceremony); Mr. Geoffrey Kent (Abercrombie & Kent Founder) and Mr. Gerald Lawless (Chairman of WTCC), for an intimate ceremony marking the christening of the latest addition to the fleet, Silver Muse. 

The historic celebration, hosted by Silversea Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, was honoured with incredible performances by the Sinfonietta Orchestra of Rome and renowned violinist Charlie Siem, both of whom enriched the ceremony with sublimely moving musical renditions.

Silver Muse, the ninth ship in the Silversea fleet, caters to the most discerning passengers at sea, offering the highest expression of elegance and comfort while aiming to redefine the ultra-luxury cruising experience.

Over the past two weeks, guests from around the world were invited to preview the new flagship on a number of exclusive voyages in the Mediterranean. Initial feedback from media, as well as trade and industry representatives has been overwhelmingly positive, with the quality of the finished Fincantieri vessel and Silversea's level of service by the Silver Muse crew exceeding guests' expectations.  

Accommodating 596 passengers, the ship boasts an unrivalled selection of dining options on board, including three restaurants new to the Silversea fleet: Atlantide, a seafood and grill concept representing the ultimate in culinary excellence and creativity by using the finest ingredients sourced from around the world; the Asian-accented Indochine; and an Italian-themed poolside restaurant, Spaccanapoli, which serves homemade Italian pizzas throughout the day. With the addition of these new culinary venues, Silver Muse guests have a choice of eight onboard restaurants and the freedom to dine on "anything, anywhere, at any time" on the ship.

Silver Muse is also home to the unique Zàgara Beauty Spa, which offers a relaxing sanctuary while transporting guests on a journey of the five senses tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

Monaco is not merely the base of Silversea's operations, it is also the home of the company's proud Monegasque history. Silversea shares the culture, traditions and values of the Principality with the world, with its nine ships visiting more than 900 different ports of call each year.

Attending the christening ceremony, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco said: "On behalf of the Principality of Monaco, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Silver Muse, its crew and passengers. She represents the next generation of cruise ships with respect to both fuel efficiency and energy saving technology. We share with Silversea common values and principles surrounding responsible environmental practices, and the development of sustainable business activities. The preservation of the oceans is a crucial priority for future generations."

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Silversea Chairman, said: "The close ties between Silversea and the Principality of Monaco reflect not only our commitment to this beautiful region but also to the history and values to which we adhere. Silversea is an Italian, family-owned business, yet our heart will always be shared with the Principality as we continue to move forward. As the home of Silversea, Monaco was always the natural choice for the christening of our new flagship, Silver Muse, and it is with great pleasure that we can share this milestone with both the residents and guests of the Principality."

Roberto Martinoli, CEO of Silversea Cruises

Roberto Martinoli, CEO of Silversea Cruises, added: "Silversea is associated with exceptional quality and voyages that leave long-lasting memories of discovery and wonder. As we continue to invest in our entire fleet, Silver Muse offers guests a taste of what is to come. Silver Muse represents an evolution of the Silversea hallmarks that set the company apart from the competition. With eight dining options, offering 28 varieties of culinary delights, Silver Muse has redefined the art of gastronomy at sea. With more open-air spaces and state-of-the-art facilities on board, we are positive that both new and returning guests will enjoy unforgettable memories."

For more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Renewed Norwegian Jade resumes service

Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel-class ship returns to service with upgraded dining options, newly designed spaces and clean modernisations across the entire ship just in time for her summer season in Europe.

 


Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jade sailed into her seasonal homeport of Tampa as an essentially new vessel this morning, following a three week dry dock where she received enhancements to every part of the onboard experience, from two brand new restaurants and two new bars and lounges, updated design and décor in many public spaces, and a refurbishment of all staterooms. Norwegian Jade's extensive renovation is a part of The Norwegian Edge™, an investment program that sets a high standard of excellence encompassing the entire guest experience across Norwegian's fleet. Norwegian Jade's extensive enhancements come just in time for her highly anticipated summer season, the brand's first ever complete season sailing from Hamburg, Germany to the Norwegian Fjords, with embarkation also available in the UK.

"We're thrilled to welcome Norwegian Jade back into the fleet with her new stylish finishes and modernised onboard atmosphere," said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. "It is our sincere goal to deliver a fantastic holiday experience across our entire fleet, and this update to Norwegian Jade is an opportunity for us to enhance the ship's hardware to match the fantastic guest experience our hardworking crew delivers to our guests every day."

Norwegian Jade guests can now enjoy two new restaurants, as well as redesigned spaces in many of the ship's existing restaurants. Norwegian's 24-hour neighbourhood pub-style restaurant, O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill, has been added to deck eight. Serving up cold brews and snack-time favourites in a relaxed atmosphere, the new venue features modern flooring, refurbished front and back bars and new banquet seating. The Pit Stop, a newly installed concept for Norwegian Jade, will serve up poolside fun and fare in a 1950s-style American diner atmosphere, clad with vintage licence plates, gas station signage and classic car elements.

Moderno Churrascaria received a new home on deck 13 and features a new upscale glass door entrance, floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for stunning panoramic views of the ocean enhanced by new flooring, wall coverings and upgraded furniture. Now, even more Norwegian Jade guests can enjoy Cagney's Steakhouse, as the ever-popular restaurant has added additional seating to the completely refurbished space, which offers a new color scheme befitting of a classic steakhouse, upgraded flooring, new wall linings and an intimate new virtual fireplace. La Cucina, Norwegian's signature Italian specialty restaurant, received an elegant modernisation with several new features including updated décor and furniture, flooring, a new decorative bar and an impressive wine display wall. Teppanyaki, Norwegian's Japanese hibachi grill restaurant, was enhanced with updated furnishings and fittings while complimentary favourites Jasmine Garden and the Garden Café also received extensive enhancements including newly designed spaces with upgrades to furniture, new flooring and much more.

Those looking to dance the night away aboard Norwegian Jade can now do so in the chic new Bliss Ultra Lounge on deck seven, which has the feel of an upscale Miami nightclub and features a cool colour palette of silvers, greys and black. Guests who wish to indulge in  an exotic cocktail can enjoy their favourite mojito, or opt for a flight and try them all, at the new Sugarcane Mojito Bar on deck 13 adjacent to Moderno Churrascaria, a Norwegian fan favourite since the concept debuted on Norwegian Getaway in 2014.  Sugarcane features, new granite bar fronts, as well as new furnishings and finishes. Norwegian Jade's Spinnaker Lounge also received a complete redesign of the entire space to include new flooring and window treatments, decorative chandeliers, reupholstered seating and refurbished bars with contemporary mosaic tiling and LED lighting.

Every stateroom on the ship was enhanced during this renovation, with all receiving new carpets, furniture, flat screen TVs, new larger headboards with USB charging outlets and more than 2000 new pieces of artwork. Guests sailing in The Haven®, Norwegian's ship-within-a-ship luxury suite concept, will now enjoy a more modern chic atmosphere in all suites and villas, as they now feature new finishes to walls and ceilings, new flooring throughout the suites and balconies, plus new soft goods and drapery. Norwegian Jade's villas and suites also received more than 250 new pieces of artwork alone. Luxury has been taken to the next level aboard Norwegian Jade with a complete refurbishment of the ship's Haven Courtyard. Guests of the ship's top villas and suites can soak up the sun in style one of the Haven's four new plush cabanas nestled at the top of the ship or take a dip in the newly refinished pool surrounded by modern furnishings and new artwork.

The Atrium, the heart of the action on Norwegian Jade, has been enhanced with a refreshed look and décor brought to life with an eye-catching, custom-designed marquee chandelier, as well as new modern finishes in modern calming grey tones, updated flooring, enhanced reception and shore excursion areas, a new large TV screen and relaxed banquette seating so guests can relax in a contemporary lounge atmosphere while enjoying all of the ship's excitement. Norwegian Jade will also now offers guests easier ways to view and purchase mementos of their cruise vacation with an upgraded "Photo Gallery" featuring new individual digital monitors  and larger photo display panels, along with sleek furniture and tile flooring. The ship's main pool deck was also touched by this extensive refurbishment, with the addition of glistening new lighting fixtures as well as new flooring and tiling around the pool and whirlpools.

Norwegian Jade now offers fitness enthusiasts the opportunity to work up a sweat with all-new TechnoGym fitness equipment and new rubber flooring, ideal for weightlifting and plyometric workouts. Junior cruisers aboard Norwegian Jade can now enjoy playtime with new floorings in Splash Academy that include new noise reducing mats so kids are free to play into the evening hours. The ship's elevator landings were also all refurbished with updated interior finishes and flooring, new wall coverings, new carpet and updated light fixtures.

Norwegian Jade is currently sailing the final part of her winter season, cruising from Tampa to the Western Caribbean. On April 30, she will journey across the Atlantic to her summer homeports of Southampton and Hamburg, where she'll sail the Norwegian Fjords as well as Norway & North Cape itineraries.

To book a cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line or for general information, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian's local hotline, Australia: 1300 255 200, New Zealand: 0800 969 283, email resoffice@ncl.com or visit www.ncl.com.au.