P&O Cruises' Australia's NEW Ships Pacific Aria And Pacific Eden Meet For The First Time Spending The Weekend Together In An Historic Double Dry Dock In Singapore.

P&O Cruises’ latest ships Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden have met for the first time, spending the weekend together in an historic double dry dock in Singapore.

In the first look at the sister ships, which are set to become game changers for the Australian cruise industry, images from the dry dock provide a sneak peak at striking design elements including stunning trompe l’oeil visuals creating an optical illusion in Pacific Eden’s lifts.

The extensive transformation of both ships will see more than 900 contractors from 43 different nationalities spend about 250,000 man hours laying an estimated 20,000sqm of carpet and adding 2500sqm of wall covering, more than 300 pieces of art, 2500 pieces of furniture and 2500 signs, as well as 500 litres of paint.

Pacific Eden has left dry dock and is expected to arrive in Fremantle on Tuesday November 10, the same day sister ship Pacific Aria finishes her dry dock at Sembcorp Marine Admiralty Yard.

The ships will meet again in Sydney Harbour for their dual naming ceremony on November 25.

Please see the attached images of Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden in dry dock in Singapore.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn Has Made History As The Largest Cruise Ship To Sail Under Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge.

Carrying 2000 guests, the 47.6 metre high Pacific Dawn passed under the West Gate Bridge, which has a clearance of 50.1 metres, before berthing at Victoria Dock, next to Melbourne’s Docklands early this morning. The central location will give Pacific Dawn’s 2000 guests unprecedented cruise ship access to the city during their two-day stay for the Melbourne Cup. 

The 70,285-tonne superliner is one of a record four cruise ships visiting Melbourne for the Cup. P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel are both docked at Station Pier along with Carnival Spirit, from P&O’s sister cruise line Carnival Cruise Line.

Between them, the ships’ 8000 guests will represent around 8 per cent of total attendees at the Melbourne Cup. The four-ship visit is expected to inject more than $7 million into the economy in passenger and crew spending as well as port charges and fees, with the ships spending a combined 12 days in Melbourne.

Please see the attached images of Pacific Dawn sailing under the West Gate Bridge and berthing at Victoria Dock in Melbourne today. Photos by James Morgan.

Also here is a short video clip of Pacific Dawn coming under the Westgate bridge :

COMING IN HOT! Happy Melbourne Cup Day from the P&O Family. Pacific Dawn as the largest ship arriving under Melbourne's West Gate Bridge! https://youtu.be/p4SfIqDk05g

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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P&O Cruises Australia NEW Ships In Singapore Geting Referbished For There New HOME In Australia.

It's ALL HANDS ON DECK during P&O Cruises Australia double ship dry dock as we transform Pacific Aria & Pacific Eden, the newest members of our family! Check out the highlights from dry dock so far in this video.

Australia YOUR NEW ships are getting ready !

https://youtu.be/9ZKe5Uy_5Mk

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Giant Spider Creeps Into Sydney As Carnival Kicks Off Halloween 

With a new survey finding that Halloween is increasing in popularity down under, Carnival Cruise Line has kicked off this year’s celebrations in a truly Aussie way.

On the eve of Halloween, the cruise line’s Australian-based superliner Carnival Spirit has crept into Sydney with a giant spider on its bow.

But this morning’s spooky visitor is no ordinary spider – to add an Australian bite to the US tradition, it’s a massive Redback that’s two-storeys high (6m) and 10 metres wide.

A recent Halloween survey by Carnival Cruise Line found that half the nation is afraid of spiders, with creepy crawlies topping the list of things that most scare them – well ahead of public speaking, heights and the dark.

The survey of more than 1000 Australians also revealed that a fifth of respondents believe October 31 is about scaring people, with more than a third saying they get dressed up as something scary like a witch or a ghost.

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said when they realised Australian-based superliner Carnival Spirit would be in Sydney on the eve of Halloween, they couldn’t resist getting in on the act.

“As an American cruise line, we could be accused of going a bit OTT with Halloween. It’s a big event across our 24-ship fleet - including our Australian-based superliners Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend - and we wanted to share some of that frightful fun with Sydneysiders by doing something big that screamed Aussie Halloween,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

Carnival’s Halloween survey found that 71 per cent of Aussies feel Halloween has become more popular in recent years, while a fifth would like to see October 31 become a public holiday.

Other key findings include:

* About a third (31 per cent) of respondents get dressed up and go trick or treating on Halloween

* 42 per cent of respondents believe Halloween is a chance for kids and adults to have fun together

* Almost 40 per cent of respondents celebrate on October 31 by throwing or attending a themed party

* 61 per cent of Aussies have lollies at the ready for trick-or-treaters 

* Almost 60 per cent feel trick or treating is best left to kids aged 13 or younger, although 28 per cent say you’re never too old to get involved

Carnival Cruise Line will also be ‘treating’ one lucky winner and three of their friends to a free cruise, in a one-day-only ‘Name the Spider’ competition run via their Facebook and Instagram accounts. Sydneysiders are invited to come down to Circular Quay between 9am and 3pm to take a photo of the giant spider and give it a name via Instagram using the hashtag #CarnivalHalloween. They can also enter on the CarnivalOz Facebook page by submitting a spooktacular name in a comment on the competition post.

For tips on how to make the most of Halloween, visit www.cruisetips.carnival.com.au

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Melbourne Raises The Curtain On Golden Princess – The Biggest Ship To Call Victoria Home

As Australians’ passion for cruising continues to grow, Melbourne today welcomed the largest cruise ship ever to be based in Victoria – the 2600-guest Golden Princess – in spectacular style.

The megaliner was greeted by two massive golden curtains, each measuring 20,000 sq ft, which were flown out to the ship by two helicopters as it sailed down Port Philip Bay.  In a theatrical move, the curtains were then drawn apart, revealing the ship to the city as it made its maiden call to its new homeport.  

At 108,000-tonne, Golden Princess is 40 per cent larger than the previous biggest ship to be based in Melbourne, Dawn Princess, and will carry 23 per cent more guests during her inaugural Melbourne deployment, with 40,000 guests set to cruise on her over the next five months. 

The season is expected to deliver around $15 million to the Victorian economy in passenger and crew spending as well as supplies and port charges.

The decision to base the megaliner in Melbourne for her maiden Australian season from October 2015 to March 2016 follows growing demand for cruise holidays from Victorians over recent years.  Industry figures show that more than one million Australians took a cruise in 2014, including more than 175,000 Victorians. With numbers increasing by 24 per cent compared to 2013, Victoria is one of the fastest growing cruise states in Australia.

Golden Princess is also an appropriate choice for Melbourne as it was recently selected to be the first vessel in Princess Cruises’ 18-ship fleet to offer a selection of Curtis Stone menu items in its main dining room. The Melbourne-born international chef and restaurateur has just formed an exclusive partnership with Princess Cruises which will see “Crafted by Curtis” menu items featured across the fleet, while a number of Princess’ ships will also offer Curtis’ first restaurant at sea, SHARE.

In all, Golden Princess features more than a dozen different dining options – as well as four swimming pools, a large spa, a child-free Sanctuary retreat and more than 1300 staterooms, with 55 per cent offering private balconies.  

With her 290-metre length almost equal to the height of Melbourne’s Eureka Tower, the ship also boasts the spectacular Skywalkers Nightclub suspended at the rear of the ship and reached by a moving walkway above the decks. 

Golden Princess’ five-month Melbourne season will feature 15 roundtrip cruises to New Zealand, the South Pacific and Tasmania and is a key feature of Princess’ largest ever summer Down Under with a record five Princess ships based in Australia.

Speaking in Melbourne today, Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said the cruise line had sailed from Melbourne every summer since 2008-09.

“Over that time a growing number of Victorians have come to appreciate the ease of cruising from their doorstep, and recognise the great value that a cruise holiday offers.  There’s no question that a grand-class Princess ship like Golden Princess, with all its beautiful features, will entice even more Victorians to holiday at sea,” he said.

Golden Princess fares start from $1699* pp twin share for a 13-night cruise to New Zealand departing January 23, 2016.

For more information and bookings see a licenced travel agent, call 13 24 88 or visit www.princess.com

*Fares are per person twin share. Subject to availability, conditions apply 

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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As a US-based Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line knows How To Make The Most Of Halloween.

During a sales blitz this week, the cruise line’s Aussie sales team got into the spirit of the American tradition and dressed as ghoulishly and scarily as possible during visits to nearly 100 travel agencies in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

The blitz is promoting the cruise line's “Spooktacular Sale” offering half price deposits and onboard credit of up to $400 per cabin until November 9, 2015.

Continuing the celebrations in the lead up to October 31, the cruise line’s Australian-based superliner Carnival Spirit will kick off Sydney’s Halloween celebrations tomorrow (Friday October 30th) in a very big and very Australian way, creeping into the Harbour with a giant Redback spider on her bow.

Measuring two-storeys high and 10-metres wide, the spider, with glowing red eyes and the fearsome red stripe along its back, will be one of the biggest Sydney has ever seen.

Sydneysiders are invited to come down to Circular Quay to take a photo of the giant spider and give it a name via Instagram using the hashtag #CarnivalHalloween. They can also enter on the CarnivalOz Facebook page by submitting a name in a comment on the competition post. The most creative name will win a 10 day cruise to the South Pacific.

The giant Redback will remain on Carnival Spirit’s bow until 3pm on Friday October 30, 2015.

Please see the attached image of Carnival Cruise Line’s Australian sales team at Flight Centre Narellan during their Spooktacular Sales Blitz this week.

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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P&O Cruises Announces First Cruise Calls To Fraser Island 

In another spectacular development in its suite of cruise itineraries, P&O Cruises today announced that it will next year make two calls to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island located off the southern Queensland coast. 

Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden -- the two latest additions to the P&O Cruises fleet -- will call at Fraser Island on April 3 and December 12 respectively, the first of a number of calls to the Island which boasts some of the world's most magnificent scenery, wildlife and visitor experiences.

The calls to Fraser Island, one of 15 regional destinations in Australia pioneered by P&O Cruises in recent years, are an exciting part of the line’s soon to be released cruise program for its five-ship fleet (with the arrival in November of Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden). 

The first two Fraser Island cruises will be on the 1500-guest Pacific Aria on a roundtrip itinerary from Brisbane in April and on the 1500-guest Pacific Eden on a roundtrip cruise from Sydney in December. 

Both cruises are being conducted in conjunction with the world renowned Kingfisher Bay Resort which 

offers a range of eco-friendly four wheel drive tours of the island along its beaches and 1500km of tracks. 

“Fraser Island's Indigenous inhabitants gave their island home a name that means paradise and our cruise passengers will have the opportunity to discover this for themselves,” said Ann Sherry CEO of Carnival Australia which operates P&O Cruises, one of seven cruise lines in the company's house of brands. 

“Visiting Fraser Island by cruise ship with its 184,000 hectares of diversity from pristine beaches, lake and sand cliffs to rainforests will be a unique experience for our cruise travellers. We are delighted to be working with the Queensland Government, Queensland National Parks, Kingfisher Bay Resort and the Fraser Coast Region to make sustainable cruise tourism part of Fraser Island's visitor experience.”

Queensland Minister for Tourism Kate Jones welcomed the announcement and said it was great to see P&O Cruises expand its offering to include Fraser Island, off the back of recent announcements of Mooloolaba, Hamilton Island and Gladstone.

“We’ll now see more visitors enjoying Fraser Island’s natural beauty, which is great news for local tourism operators. We hope that the incredible experiences visitors will have on Fraser Island make them want to return to Queensland again,” Ms Jones said.

Kingfisher Bay Resort Group General Manager David Hay said the partnership with P&O Cruises would deliver increased tourism opportunities across the Fraser Coast.

“The domestic cruise market has grown significantly in recent years and we welcome this exciting opportunity to attract more visitors to Fraser Island and the region,” Mr Hay said. 

“The Fraser Coast has some incredible products and experiences to offer our domestic and international visitors and it is pleasing to see this potential being recognised by major companies like P&O Cruises,” Mr Hay said.

For more please visit : www.pocruises.com.au

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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P&O Cruises Announces Name Of Its Latest Ship: Pacific Explorer

P&O Cruises has announced its latest ship will be called Pacific Explorer and will join the fleet in early 2017.

Continuing the cruise line’s modern Australian evolution, Pacific Explorer will build on the fresh and contemporary design of this year’s newcomers, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.

The 2000-guest ship will offer an array of dining experiences including Angelo’s Italian, Dragon Lady and Waterfront restaurant which also feature on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.

Taking entertainment to a whole new level, Pacific Explorer will feature new and exciting entertainment concepts and spaces which are guaranteed to excite and surprise passengers. 

The ship will offer more than 400 balcony rooms as well as resort-style pool areas and the incredibly popular dining experience, The Pantry. 

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell said his team was busy working on the design of the latest member of the fleet. 

“Just as we’re preparing to welcome Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden next month, we’re thrilled to have another ship on the horizon that will continue the exciting evolution of our modern Australian cruise product. We have grand plans for Pacific Explorer and we think her new features are going to cause a lot of excitement in the local industry,” Mr Myrmell said.

The 77,000-tonne ship, currently sailing as Princess Cruises’ Dawn Princess, is scheduled to enter the P&O fleet in May 2017 and will sail from Sydney during its inaugural season. The first program featuring Pacific Explorer will be  released early next month. For more details on the ship visit www.pocruises.com.au/ships/pacific-explorer

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Princess Cruises Introduces ‘The Salty Dog’ Gastropub Princess Cruises is debuting The Salty Dog Gastropub onboard Crown Princess, pairing gourmet small dishes inspired by pub favourites with craft beers, cocktails and wines. 

The Salty Dog menu offerings, including a signature burger, were developed in collaboration with Ernesto Uchimura, former executive chef of Umami Burger and current chef of Plan Check Kitchen + Bar in Los Angeles, who was recently awarded “Chef of the Year: The Comfort Master,” in Los Angeles Magazine.

Presented each night within the Wheelhouse Bar, in refreshed surroundings and with live entertainment, guests will have the choice of three small plates from The Salty Dog Gastropub menu featuring new twists on classic pub dishes. Plates include Pale Ale Pork Cheeks, Spicy Stout Short Ribs, Wild Mushroom Sauté, and Lobster Mac & Cheese, among other delicious options. 

The pièce de résistance is “The Ernesto” burger from Chef Uchimura – a rib eye and short rib beef patty, grilled pork belly, caramelized kimchi, beer battered jalapeño and charred onion aioli, topped with cave-aged gruyere cheese. 

Princess Cruises Executive Vice President of Guest Experience Rai Caluori said The Salty Dog Gastropub was an enticing addition to the cruise line’s onboard culinary offerings and brought another unique dining option to its guests.

“Chef Uchimura’s signature burger is sure to be savoured, along with pub favourites reinvented for a more upscale dining experience,” Mr Calouri said.   

Chef Ernesto Uchimira said the ‘gastropub at sea’ was an innovative concept that had inspired him to get creative in the galley.

“The Salty Dog Gastropub’s menu will not only satisfy comfort food cravings but also offer guests new pub food flavours and tastes, perfectly paired with a craft beer or fine whiskey,” said Mr Uchimura.

Adjacent to The Salty Dog Gastropub, also in the Wheelhouse Bar, is an expansive new, international whiskey bar, featuring some of the best Scotch whiskeys, American Bourbons and international whiskeys from countries including Japan, Ireland and Australia. Offerings include Johnny Walker Blue, Bakery Hill Classic (Australia), Connemara Whiskey Irish Cask (Ireland) and Hakushu 12 year (Japan). The menu offers daily specialised whiskey flights, allowing guests the opportunity to taste and compare selections from around the world. 

The Salty Dog Gastropub and new international whiskey menu, both available in the Wheelhouse Bar, have just launched onboard Crown Princess, and will be onboard Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess in mid-December. A food charge of US$19 per guest applies.  

The whiskey menu will also be available in the Wheelhouse Bar onboard Dawn Princess, Sea Princess, Sun Princess, Diamond Princess and Golden Princess by the end of 2015, and onboard all ships with the exception of Pacific Princess by the summer of 2016. 

For more information about The Salty Dog Gastropub, including the full menu, visit http://www.princess.com/gastropub.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Carnival Australia’s Melbourne Cup ‘Megafleet’ Prepares To Sail

It’s a Melbourne Cup quaddie made in punters’ heaven, with a record four Carnival Australia cruise ships carrying 8000 passengers plus a host of Cup personalities and entertainers, heading to the race that stops the nation next month. 

Working out just where to put four superliners – P&O Cruises’ entire current fleet, Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Dawn, and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit -- is a challenge in itself for Melbourne’s port authorities. 

Three of the ships will be at Station Pier but the marine experts have had the slide rules and tidal charts out to enable the fourth ship, the 70,285-tonne Pacific Dawn, to become the first cruise superliner ever to sail under Melbourne’s iconic Westgate Bridge which has a clearance of 50.1 metres and berth well upstream in the Yarra River at Victoria Dock, close to the heart of Docklands. 

With a soaring air draft of 47.6 metres, Pacific Dawn will safely pass under the bridge around 7am on Tuesday November 3, with a handy clearance giving passengers a ‘bridge experience’ comparable to sailing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Brisbane’s Gateway Bridge.

Getting so many eager punters to Flemington for their Cup experience is another logistics challenge that would have Army planners scratching their heads but a cavalcade of 164 coaches will take care of transport from wharf to track.

“Cruising is all about fantastic experiences and having a record four ships sailing to the Melbourne Cup offers thousands of eager racegoers a unique way of experiencing all the excitement of the race that stops the nation,” said Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which accounts for P&O Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line among its seven iconic cruise brands.

“Sending a megafleet to Melbourne delivers the biggest single contingent of interstate visitors to the Cup. It really demonstrates Melbourne’s reputation for being the events capital of Australia, with our ships also sailing to the Australian Tennis Open and the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.”

Between them, the four ships’ 8000 passengers will be contributing around 8 per cent of the total attendees at Flemington on Cup day – with the megafleet delivering the biggest single contingent of interstate visitors to the Cup (about 14 per cent).

Ms Sherry said the four ships would inject more than $7 million into the economy in passenger and crew spending as well as port charges and fees, with the ships spending a combined 12 days in Melbourne.

Carnival Spirit, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel will sail out of Sydney to arrive in Melbourne in time for the Cup on Monday November 2, while Pacific Dawn sails from Brisbane to arrive early Tuesday. Transfers and general admission to the Melbourne Cup are part of the cruise package for the 8000 passengers aboard the megafleet.

The fleet is also awash with Melbourne Cup personalities and jockeys, Australia’s most famous race caller, fashion and style experts, famous name Australian entertainers and even an actual Melbourne Cup or two with which passengers can get up close and personal.

Attractions on the P&O Cruises’ ships include:

* Legendary Melbourne Cup jockeys John Marshall and Michael Clarke (Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel), owner of Cup winning horse Rogan Josh, Wendy Green (Pacific Pearl and Pacific Dawn); and Bart Cummings’ Flemington track rider Joe Agresta (Pacific Dawn).

* Popular Australian personalities including Carmelo Pizzino (Pacific Jewel) from Dancing With The Stars, author and radio personality Bianca Dye (Pacific Pearl), and TV presenter Zoe Sheridan (Pacific Dawn) joining their maiden Cup cruises to host P&O Cruises’ Myer Fashions at Sea events. 

* Fashion designer and stylist Katie Perry (Pacific Pearl), stylist Naomi Bell (Pacific Dawn) and Kylie Sultana from the Style Vine (Pacific Jewel), will also sail on their first Cup cruises, offering styling workshops and taking part in the onboard fashion parade. 

* Fascinator-making classes will be hosted by award-winning milliner Kathleen Watson (Pacific Dawn), Melbourne Cup Ambassador and renowned Australian milliner Kim Fletcher (Pacific Jewel) and Serena Lindeman (Pacific Pearl), who created the infamous “million-dollar hat” which took out the inaugural Fashions on the Field.

* Aussie entertainers Normie Rowe (Pacific Dawn), The Glenn Shorrock Band (Pacific Jewel) and The Tap Pack (Pacific Pearl).

Carnival Spirit will have two of Australia’s leading beauty and style experts onboard – stylist to the stars Penny Hunt and Beauticate website founder Sigourney Cantelo, both former Beauty Editors at Vogue. Other Cup-themed events on Carnival Spirit include:

* A ‘Q and A’ session with Australia’s most gifted race caller John Tapp sharing his vast knowledge of Australian racing and amazing tales of Cups past

* Melbourne Cup tips from popular racing personality Richie Callander with the latest ‘mail’ in passengers’ quests for a likely winner at Flemington

* A special Cup-themed degustation dinner plus a Mad Hatters’ afternoon tea and a post-Cup recovery lunch

“After this year’s Melbourne Cup there will be just two groups of people in Australia – those who sailed to the Melbourne Cup in 2015 on the Carnival Australia megafleet and those who wished they had,” Ms Sherry said. “It’s a quintessential Australian experience that is just too good to miss.”

Information supplied by: Carnival Australia.

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Royal Caribbean International Reveals Top Destinations As Voted By Captains In The Fleet

 Many of the world’s most spectacular panoramas are hidden from normal view, only accessible to the world’s more adventurous travellers. So, in a bid to share some of the world’s best kept secrets, Royal Caribbean has worked with its Captains around the world to uncover their most memorable views and destinations around the world.

The cruise holiday company, which sails to 260 destinations globally, has surveyed the Captains of its 23 ships to identify 12 destinations which even its most seasoned travellers consider to be breath-taking every time they make the journey into port.

Sydney Harbour, Australia 

Regarded as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world with more than 240 kilometres of shoreline and meandering waterways, it also plays host to the iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.  Captain Rick Sullivan who is now onboard Explorer of the Seas, visited Sydney Harbour during his time onboard  Rhapsody of the Seas and called it “the most iconic harbour in the world.” Explorer of the Seas will make her maiden debut in Sydney this year, on 28 November 2015, crossing in beautiful Sydney Harbour with twin sister Voyager of the Seas.

The Hubbard Glacier, Alaska 

The glaciers of Alaska were chosen as a favourite view by several of the captains surveyed, who commented on the magnitude and scale of the view from Yakutat to Disenchantment Bay. Voyager of the Seas’ Captain Sindre Borsheim, commented that he loves the view because: “it is different every time, as the colours vary with the light” while Captain Juan Caranti, from Radiance of the Seas, added: “when a piece of ice falls into the ocean it makes an extraordinary roar, like a thunderstorm.”

The Hubbard Glacier, located in Eastern Alaska is joined by the Valerie Glacier to the west and joins Disenchantment Bay waters.  

Venice Harbour, Italy 

Chosen by several of the Captains surveyed, Venice’s stunning architecture was considered to be at its best when the sun is rising over it first thing in the morning.

Geiranger Fjord, Norway

The Geiranger fjord is located in the southwestern part of the county of Møre og Romsdal, in Norway.  The deep blue water is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls and lush, green vegetation. Captain Espen Been, from Grandeur of the Seas, described how: “where the mountains meet the sea and the snow from the surrounding tops is mirrored, it seems like everything is blooming.”

Stockholm archipelago, Sweden

The archipelago through which ships sail as they come into Stockholm was described as being like “nothing else”  due to the thousands of rocks and tiny islands which have to be navigated on the entry to the port. Captain Espen Been, from Grandeur of the Seas said that “homes look like doll’s

houses” as you sail past. With nearly 30,000 islands, islets and rocks - from Arholma in the north to Landsort in the south - rugged nature blends with wooded islands, rocky cliffs and sandy beaches in the second largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea. 

Vesuvius, Naples, Italy

The landscape of the Mediterranean was regularly cited by the Captains as housing some of the best views in the world. But several identified the view of Vesuvius towering over Naples at sunrise as an extraordinary image to capture from the sea.

Golfo di Poeti, La Spezia, Italy

Lord Byron was so enamoured with Lerici that the bay became known as the Bay of Poets. The Captains commented that it was “easy to see why” it earned such devotion, with comments that the view of the Golfo di Poeti as ships sail out of the port of La Spezia is “enchanting.”

Nice, France

A popular destination for the well-trodden holidaymaker, the Captains commented that the view of Nice as they sail into the neighbouring port of VilleFranche deserved a place in the top 20 thanks to its mountainous backdrop. Captain Tomas Busto, from Adventure of the Seas, said he loved it because: “when the ships arrive in the Mediterranean in April, the mountains are still snow-capped but the beaches are welcoming sunbathers.”

Kotor, Montenegro

Captain Lis Lauritzen, from Vision of the Seas, commented that Kotor in Montenegro deserved a spot in the list of favourite views as it is “completely different in terms of view and environment.”

The port is located in the Gulf of Kotor which is considered to be one of the most indented parts of the Adriatic Sea. The historic town of Kotor has little commercial traffic and is known for its Venetian style architecture set against a mountainous backdrop.

Island of Moorea, French Polynesia

The “beautiful green, jagged volcanic mountains” of the Island of Moorea helped it finds its way into the top views for the ship Captains. The French Polynesian island paradise is known for the juxtaposition of sandy beaches against its dramatic mountain ranges, with rainforest trails and scuba diving popular activities for adventurous travellers.

Vancouver, Canada

Captain Rick Sullivan, from Explorer of the Seas, explained that Vancouver made the list due to the perspective of sailing under the First Narrows Bridge into Vancouver Harbour looking at the city against the backdrop of the mountains.

The English Channel, UK

Captain Henrik Loft Soerensen, from Brilliance of the Seas, commented that his favourite view is of the expanse of English Channel as it is “beautiful and peaceful”. 

For further information or to book a cruise, contact your local travel agent, phone 1800 754 500 or visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au.

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

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It’s Time! The Transformation Of Pacific Aria And Pacific Eden Begins 

After months of anticipation, the time has finally come – the ships that will become Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden are starting their dry docks in Singapore as P&O Cruises prepares to expand to a record five ship fleet.

Over the next three weeks, more than 900 contractors from 43 different nationalities will work around the clock to transform the ships, which are set to become game changers for the Australian cruise industry.

The work starts on Pacific Eden today with the ship docking at Sembcorp Marine Admiralty Yard this morning, while Pacific Aria arrives on October 31, in what will be Singapore’s first ever double dry dock. 

The extensive nature of the work means about 250,000 man hours will be spent on the ships.  Each ship will spend 11 days in dry dock with work continuing as they sail to Australia in November.

During dry dock, each ship will receive an estimated 20,000sqm of carpet, 2500sqm of wall covering, more than 300 pieces of art, 2500 pieces of furniture and 2500 signs, as well as 500 litres of paint.

About seventy 12-metre shipping containers are waiting at the shipyard, filled with an assortment of nearly 5000 products ranging from forks to furniture. 

Dwarfing the humble weekly grocery list, P&O’s shopping bill for both ships is more than 430 A4 pages long and includes purchases ranging from 47,000 glasses to 74,000 pieces of china and 30,000 items of cutlery. 

As well as the walls being decorated, shelves stocked and drawers filled, the ships will be reconfigured with Australian power points and beer taps will be installed in preparation for their new home down under. 

Pacific Eden is scheduled to emerge from dry dock on November 3 and will cruise via Fremantle and southern Australia en route to Sydney Harbour for her dual naming ceremony with sister ship Pacific Aria on November 25.  Pacific Aria will leave dry dock on November 12 sailing straight to Sydney.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell said the 1500-guest ships would set a new path for the local industry with stunning new features including luxe bars, a plush private dining room, a resort-style pool deck, contemporary dining including Luke Mangan's Salt grill and some of the most spacious rooms across the fleet.

“We can’t wait to introduce Australians to Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden. They’re unlike anything we’ve ever seen in these waters – they’re stylish but relaxed, just like modern Australia, so we think local cruisers will love them,” Mr Myrmell said.

For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au, or see a licensed travel agent.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Celebrity Solstice Returns To Australia For Her Fourth Season.

The ultimate way to cruise the idyllic South Pacific, right from Australia’s doorstep.

 Australia’s favourite cruise ship*, Celebrity Solstice, makes her triumphant return to her Sydney Harbour home today as she kicks off her fourth season down under.

“With 15 decks and capacity for close to 3,000 guests, Celebrity Solstice cuts a fine figure at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal,” said Adam Armstrong, commercial director, Celebrity Cruises Australasia. 

“She is truly one of the most striking megaliners to call Australia home, at 317 metres long and weighing 122,000 tonnes, but she is also just seven years old – making her by far the youngest cruise ship to sail these waters,” he continued.

Celebrity Solstice boasts unique features not found on any other cruise ship in Australia. The local favourite*  is best known for her Lawn Club, a freshly manicured half acre of real lawn on her top deck, as well as an internal atrium that spans 10 decks, and a two story, floor-to-ceiling glass wine tower – capable of holding 2800 bottles of wine. Plus, 85 per cent of her cabins have their own private balcony –the highest ratio of any cruise ship in Australia. 

Her other elegant offerings include spa treatments in the world-renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub, stylish bars, lounges and ten remarkable dining choices – including Tuscan Grille, Murano Restaurant, Silk Harvest Restaurant and the Grand Epernay Dining Room, with capacity for 1,400 people in a single sitting.   

Returning from an 18 night trans-Pacific voyage from Honolulu via New Zealand, Celebrity Solstice brings with her the brand new Suite Class experience. Launched in April this year, all Suite bookings onboard Celebrity Cruises receive a host of added extras, including complimentary dining at the exclusive Luminae restaurant, a VIP lounge, complimentary beverages and specialty dining experiences, unlimited WiFi and more.

Celebrity Solstice also offers a new style of stateroom, AquaClass, sharing the same deck as the Canyon Ranch SpaClub. This accommodation option incorporates select spa elements into the staterooms including special access to spa amenities, such as complimentary visits to the Relaxation Room and the Persian Garden, an exotic aromatherapy steam room.  AquaClass guests also enjoy exclusive, complimentary seating at Blu specialty restaurant which serves deliciously healthy food in sophisticated surroundings. 

“We believe it’s the little things that make a big difference to your cruising holiday experience. With Celebrity Cruises, the suites are roomier, the champagne is finer, and the grass really is greener. We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Celebrity Solstice back down under,” Adam concluded.

The best way to experience the Celebrity Cruises difference this season is on a South Pacific voyage. While Celebrity Solstice’s New Zealand cruises are very close to sold out, the best availability remains on South Pacific voyages in March and April. Plus, with the new pricing structure – Go Big, Go Better, Go Best – guests have more freedom to choose the inclusions that suit them best, such as a Classic Beverage Package, unlimited internet, pre-paid gratuities and/or USD$150 in onboard credit.

Celebrity Solstice will offer several South Pacific Cruises this season ranging from 8 to 12 nights, including an eight night roundtrip cruise departing Sydney on 1 April 2016. Calling at Lifou in the

Loyalty Islands as well as Noumea and Isle of Pines in New Caledonia, prices start from just $1,299 per person.

***Watch out for Mighty Cruise Ships on Channel Seven this Thursday at 8:30pm, when Celebrity Solstice opens her doors and decks to viewers for an in-depth look at life on Australia’s youngest and highest rated cruise ship***

For more information about South Pacific cruises, visit www.celebritycruises.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or call your travel agent.      

*Celebrity Solstice is the highest rated ship in Australia according to the Berlitz Guide and was recently awarded Best Cruise Ship – Domestic 2015 at the AFTA National Travel Industry Awards.

Information supplied by: Celebrity Cruises.

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Global Demand For Cruising Surpasses 22 Million Passengers -

Cruise Tourism Generates Nearly $120 Billion In Global Economic Contributions.

Global demand for cruising reached 22.04 million passengers1 in 2014, up 68 per cent from 13.1 million passengers in 2004, according to a new study from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the largest cruise industry trade association and the leading authority of the global cruise community. 

The study reveals that global demand for cruising has grown by 3.4 per cent from 21.3 million passengers in 2013, with Australia now ranked as the fourth largest cruise market in the world.

CLIA’s 2014 Economic Impact Analysis, an independent study commissioned by CLIA and conducted by Business Research and Economic Advisors (BREA), shows that total contributions2 of the cruise industry to the global economy reached $119.9 billion in 2014, up from $117 billion the previous year. This includes supporting 939,232 full-time equivalent employees earning $39.3 billion in income. Direct expenditures generated by cruise lines, passengers and crews totalled $55.8 billion.

Releasing the study, CLIA acting CEO Cindy D’Aoust said the cruise industry was a truly global and dynamic industry.

“We’ve enjoyed progressive growth over the last 30 years, driven initially by demand from North America, which expanded to Europe, Australia and now Asia. As a result, the cruise industry impacts the global economy, generating jobs, income and business growth in all regions of the world,” Ms D’Aoust said.

According to CLIA’s study, the global cruise industry’s 22 million passengers are sourced from around the world. North America accounted for 55 per cent or 12.2 million cruise passengers. Europe accounted for 29 per cent or 6.4 million passengers. Other regions of the world, including Australia, China, Singapore, Japan and South America, accounted for the remaining 16 per cent or 3.5 million passengers.

 “The potential for new cruise passenger growth is huge,” Ms D’Aoust said. “Apart from North America and Europe, other regions of the world account for nearly 85 per cent of the world’s population, yet represent only 16 per cent of cruisers. That reflects a tremendous opportunity for the cruise industry.”

CLIA’s 2014 Asia Cruise Trends Study shows that cruise tourism in Asia is growing at double-digit rates, both in capacity and as a passenger source market. Between 2013 and 2015, the number of ships deployed in Asia grew at a 10 per cent compound annual growth rate, and the volume of cruises and voyages within and through Asia increased 11 per cent. Passenger capacity in Asia increased 20 per cent. 

1 Ocean cruise passengers, does not include river cruise passengers 2 Total economic contributions include direct, indirect and induced impacts. This includes direct spending by cruise lines and passengers, including food and beverages, fuel, financial and business services and entertainment in support of cruise operations, as well as the goods and services purchased by the directly impacted businesses and employees from other B2B and B2C enterprises.

“Asia is a prime example of the cruise industry’s growth opportunity,” Ms D’Aoust said. “The cruise industry is bringing more cruise visits to Asia and the volume of cruise travellers sourced from Asia for cruise tourism worldwide nearly doubled since 2012.”

CLIA’s study shows that a total of 19.2 million cruise passengers were sourced from the top ten countries, accounting for 88 per cent of global cruise passengers. These top ten countries are located in all major global regions. 

The United States, with 11.21 million passengers, sourced the largest number of cruise passengers, accounting for more than half (51 per cent) of global cruise passengers. Germany and the United Kingdom accounted for 15 per cent of global passengers (3.38 million). Australia, Italy and Canada each had more than 800,000 passengers and accounted for 12 per cent of global passengers. China, France, Spain and Norway combined accounted for nearly 2 million passengers, or about 10 per cent of global passengers. 

CLIA’s research shows that China is a main driver of passenger growth in Asia, adding 480,000 more cruise travellers since 2012 – a nearly 80 per cent compound annual growth rate. And, among the nearly 1.4 million cruise passengers from Asia, China accounted for nearly half of the regional passenger volume in 2014.

Information supplied by: CLIA [ Cruise Lines International Association ].

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Sydney Welcomed A New Princess Into The Harbour Yesterday, When The Stunning Golden Princess Made Her Maiden Call To Australia.

Sydney welcomed a new visitor yesterday, when Princess Cruises’ stunning Golden Princess sailed into the Harbour to make her  maiden call to Australia.

Stretching 290 metres long, the 108,000-tonne, 2600-guest Golden Princess joins four other Princess ships to offer roundtrip cruises in local waters during the cruise line’s biggest ever Australian summer season.

Golden Princess’ many standout features include Skywalkers Nightclub, suspended at the rear of the ship and reached by a moving walkway above the decks, as well as more than 1300 staterooms, four pools, nine whirlpools, two show lounges and 12 dining options.

Golden Princess is also the first ship in the Princess’ fleet to feature Crafted by Curtis menu items in its dining room, following the cruise line’s exclusive partnership with Australian chef Curtis Stone

Arriving after a 28-day cruise from San Francisco via the Pacific, Golden Princess departed on a 10-night South Pacific cruise yesterday afternoon.

She will sail to Melbourne next week for a five-month season of cruising from the city, arriving on October 30 to claim the mantle of the largest cruise ship to be based in Victoria.

For more on Golden Princess please go to: www.princess.com

Photos Credit: Damian Shaw.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Carnival Voted Australia’s Favourite Family Cruise Line.

Just three years after basing its first ship down under, Carnival Cruise Line has been voted Australia’s Best Family Cruise Line in the annual Out & About with Kids Best of Family Travel Awards.

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said the award was a real honour for the cruise line which prides itself on offering fun family holidays.

“Fun and families are at the heart of everything we do on our ships so this award means a lot – especially because it’s voted by Aussie families,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

“To receive this nod only a few years after moving into the Australian market is great recognition for our staff and crew.”

From interconnecting cabins in family-friendly configurations to the top deck splash park, youth programs starting from two-years-old and late-night babysitting, families of all types and sizes are looked after on Carnival’s ships.

Australian-based superliner Carnival Spirit, which sails year-round from Sydney, and sister ship Carnival Legend, which sails from Australia over the summer months, also offer Seuss at Sea, 24-hour pizza and ice cream, Cherry on Top lolly shop and Hasbro the Game Show, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in life-size versions of their favourite childhood games.

The 2015 Out & About with Kids awards feature 16 categories across a variety of Australian and international travel products and are voted for by the magazine’s readers.  For information on the awards see the latest issue of Out and About with Kids or visit http://www.outandaboutwithkids.com.au/winners-finalists-best-of-family-travel-awards-2015/

For more information and bookings call 13 31 94, see a travel agent or visit www.carnival.com.au

Photos Credit : Brian Gaskin of Cruise The Seas Travel And Media.

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Coach To Cruise – Greyhound Offers Special Rates For Princess And P&O Passengers In Queensland.

Greyhound Australia is offering new cruisey transfer deals to make it even easier for Queenslanders to enjoy a holiday at sea.

The coach line has launched special $34 return coach transfers to connect travellers from Toowoomba, the Gold Coast, Hervey Bay and the Sunshine Coast with P&O and Princess Cruises’ ships at Brisbane’s Portside Wharf.

Meanwhile cruisers from other parts of the State can now purchase $15 return transfers from Brisbane Domestic Airport and Roma Street Transit Centre to their Princess Cruises and P&O ships at the wharf.

Fares include two standard luggage pieces of up to 20kgs each and one hand luggage item of up to 8 kgs per passenger. Prams and wheelchairs can also be carried free of charge.

Coach features include free wi-fi, airconditioning and onboard restrooms.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia, Greyhound Bus Lines, Australia.

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Carnival Legend Has Received A Warm Welcome Back To Australia, Arriving In Sydney Yesterday Morning For Her Second Summer Of Cruising Down Under.

The Carnival Cruise Line superliner will carry an estimated 50,000 holidaymakers on 21 cruises between now and April, as she joins her full-time Australian-based sister ship Carnival Spirit cruising from Sydney.

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said the same crew who Aussie guests had come to know and love last summer, had returned with the ship.

“With the jacarandas in full bloom and the sun shining, Sydney really turned it on for Carnival Legend’s return. We’re so excited to have Carnival Legend back for the summer and know the crew are thrilled to be cruising from Sydney again,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

Please see the attached image of the Australian Carnival Cruise Line team celebrating the return of Carnival Legend to Sydney with some of the ship’s crew on the top deck of the superliner.

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF THE HOLIDAYS WITH A CRUISE

Azamara Club Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International offer a truly relaxing holiday this Christmas and Easter

 Holiday time isn’t always the fun, relaxing and enjoyable time off from work we imagine. From rushing around cooking, cleaning and arranging the family, you can sometimes end up more worn out than before the holidays. That’s why a Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Club Cruises voyage over the hectic Christmas period is the perfect solution.

“Although many of us count down and look forward to the holidays for some well-deserved R&R, often it doesn’t always work out that way. A cruise removes the stress of cooking, cleaning and entertaining – so you too can truly relax and enjoy quality time with friends and family during your precious time off,” said Adam Armstrong, commercial director, RCL Cruises Australia.

“When you are on a Royal Caribbean, Celebrity or Azamara Club cruise, our attentive and caring crew take care of everything. There is no need to cook, make the bed, wash up, entertain the kids – it’s all done for you.  So you actually have time to read that new book, sip an uninterrupted cocktail by the pool or treat yourself to a manicure or massage onboard,” continued Adam. 

“Christmas and Easter are also particularly special on a cruise. Along with the usual activities and indulgent amenities that you’ll only find on our ships, you can truly enjoy the holiday cheer with extra special touches like themed entertainment, menus, carolling and Easter egg hunts.”

Christmas Cruises

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, famous for her 10 onboard dining options, will spend Christmas sailing the South Pacific during her 11-night cruise departing Sydney on 15 December 2015. Your Christmas holiday period will be filled with crystal blue waters, palm trees and tropical weather with your hardest task deciding which of the incredibly diverse dining options to try next. Fares start from just $1,499 per person and if booked by 7 November 2015 guests also receive US$200 onboard credit per stateroom.

Celebrate Christmas and the New Year onboard Australia’s largest and most feature-packed cruise ship, Explorer of the Seas, during her maiden Australian season. Departing Sydney 24 December 2015, this 13-night sailing lets you explore beautiful New Zealand and New Caledonia for the festive season. While sea days can be spent surfing on one of only two FlowRiders sailing our seas (the other on twin sister Voyager of the Seas), indulging in incredible food in one of eight dining options onboard including Japanese, Italian and an authentic steakhouse, shopping up a storm in the Royal Promenade or relaxing in the world class spa. Fares start from just $2,399 and if booked by 7 November 2015 guests also receive US$200 onboard credit per stateroom.

If you want to spend Christmas in a more exotic locale, Celebrity Millennium’s Christmas and New Year cruise lets you experience South East Asia during a 14-night sailing from Hong Kong to Singapore via Vietnam and Thailand. Fares start from $2,139 per person for an interior stateroom, or upgrade to an Oceanview stateroom to qualify for Celebrity’s new Big Better Best onboard inclusions from just $2,339.

Big Better Best lets guests choose one of four complimentary inclusions for Oceanview bookings: Classic Beverage Package, unlimited internet, pre-paid gratuities or USD$150 in onboard credit per person.

Azamara Club Cruises will debut in Australia this year and you can be part of history as her Christmas and New Year cruise is the first cruise ever to arrive in our local waters. Azamara Quest will sail for 14-nights from Bali on 22 December 2015 via Lombok and Komodo, Indonesia and Darwin, Thursday Island, Cooktown and Port Douglas before arriving in Cairns. Guests sailing onboard Azamara have even less to worry about with more onboard inclusions on every cruise, such as beverages, gratuities and self-service laundry as well as longer stays in port; more overnight calls and exclusive AzAmazing Evenings. Fares for Azamara Quest’s Christmas and New Year cruise start from $3,979 for the first guest and $1,990 for the second guest in an interior stateroom when booked by 31 October 2015. Plus, for bookings made between 11-17 October 2015, the Azamara Flash Sale includes an upgrade to a Verandah Stateroom from just AU$200 additional per person.

Easter Cruise

Australia’s highest rated cruise ship^ and recently crowned best domestic cruise ship^^ Celebrity Solstice takes the stress out of Easter holiday planning. Departing Sydney 20 March 2016 on a 12-night sailing, she’ll take guests to the beautiful islands of New Caledonia, Loyalty Island and Fiji all while you relax in her exceptional spa facilities, enjoy an array of fine dining or sink your toes in her real grass lawn on the top deck. Fares start from just $1,999 per person for an interior, or spoil yourself with a Balcony from $2,559 and qualify for the Go Big pricing tier, letting you select one of four complementary inclusions: Classic Beverage Package, unlimited internet, pre-paid gratuities or USD$150 in onboard credit per person at no extra cost.

For more information, or to book a cruise see www.royalcaribbean.com.au, www.celebritycruises.com.au or www.azamaraclubcruises.com, phone 1800 754 500 or visit your local travel agent.  

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.

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