Dawn Princess Launches Mega Melbourne Cruise Season

As the popularity of cruising surges across Australia, leading cruise line Princess Cruises has kickstarted Victoria’s busiest cruise season with the arrival of superliner Dawn Princess in Melbourne yesterday.

Dawn Princess will be based in Melbourne for the next six months, headlining a summer cruise season which will see 28 ships make 78 calls to the city between October 2014 and April 2015. This represents an increase of 16 per cent on the 67 visits made during the 2013-14 season, and a 34 per cent increase on the 58 visits the season prior.

With three Princess ships – Dawn Princess, Diamond Princess and Sun Princess - making 24 calls this summer, including Dawn Princess’ 14 turnaround visits, the cruise line will account for almost a third of the mega Melbourne season and is set to contribute more than $18 million into the State economy between October and April.

Dawn Princess alone will carry more than 30,000 holidaymakers on cruises from Melbourne this summer, with many of them spending time in the city pre and post cruise.

Princess Cruises’ spokeswoman Meg Koffel said the cruise line had been a driving force behind the city’s emergence as a cruise hub in recent years, with more plans for growth on the horizon. 

“We’ve been cruising from Melbourne for seven years, offering Melburnians the chance to see the world from their doorstep. Next year, we’re thrilled to be bringing Golden Princess down under for the first time and basing it in Melbourne. The 108,000-tonne Golden Princess will be the largest cruise ship ever to be deployed in the Victorian capital and will see our capacity in the State increase by 23 per cent next year,” Ms Koffel said.

Speaking onboard the 2000-guest Dawn Princess to launch Melbourne’s cruise season yesterday, Victorian Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said a record cruise season meant a record economic injection into the State. 

“Cruising is booming across Australia but with this record season and more ships on the horizon in 2015, Melbourne has firmly established its position on the Australian cruise map and we’re enjoying all the flow on effects from cruise tourism. Every time a cruise ship docks in Melbourne we see hundreds of thousands of dollars poured into the local economy and with 28 ships making a record 78 visits to our State – that’s a healthy injection of about $50 million in the coming months,” Ms Asher said.

The 78 calls for the summer cruising season will feature 24 turnaround visits, which are estimated to inject about $1 million each through supplies, port fees and charges as well as passenger and crew expenditure on items such as shopping, meals, accommodation and taxis.

Ms Koffel said guests on Dawn Princess enjoyed fresh Victorian produce and wine.

“Our shopping list ranges from Goulburn Valley to King Valley and includes thousands of kilograms of fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meat and, of course, Victorian wine. In fact, we stock more wine from Victoria than any other wine region in Australia across our four locally-based ships,” Ms Koffel said. 

Latest figures from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia showed that the number of Australian cruise passengers grew by an impressive 20 per cent to 833,348 in 2013 with Victorian cruisers accounting for 17 per cent of the market (141,669 passengers).  “Australia’s record passenger numbers in 2013 cap off a decade featuring a staggering annual growth rate of 20 per cent. Clearly Australian holidaymakers love cruising and we think that Victoria is part of the future growth story for the industry,” Ms Koffel said. 

When Golden Princess debuts down under in Melbourne next year, the cruise line will have a record 5 of its 18 ship-fleet sailing in Australian waters, with Australia its number one market outside America.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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P&O Cruises Banishes the Buffet to Start a Food Revolution 

In one of the biggest transformations in Australian cruising, P&O Cruises has announced a food revolution that will see buffets banished from its latest cruise ships. As part of a major overhaul of dining at sea, the cruise line has revealed that both Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will feature its largest ever array of restaurant offerings when they join its fleet in November 2015 – including a market place of fresh food outlets replacing the traditional cruise buffet. To be known as The Pantry, the new area will offer a variety of food outlets including a gourmet delicatessen, fresh fish and chips and modern cuisine restaurants. Guests will able to enjoy their meals in a stylish setting featuring high tables, communal benches and comfortable banquettes. 

Unveiling details of Pacific Eden and Pacific Aria, P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said The Pantry would take dining at sea into new waters. “It will be a haven for food lovers, offering a contemporary relaxed vibe as guests indulge and discover what’s in The Pantry,” Ms Marshall said. Ms Marshall said the latest ships would each offer 15 bars, restaurants and cafes. “Guests on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will enjoy a dining experience like no other, with our fresh food and stunning décor transforming the way cruise guests dine at sea.” New additions include Dragon Lady, serving Pan-Asian cuisine in a sultry setting featuring dark timbers and midnight blue furnishings, and an elegant Italian restaurant Angelo’s, named after photographer Angelo Frontoni, and offering traditional food with undeniable Italian flair. Guests will also be able to indulge at the ships’ Open Kitchen featuring a culinary school as well as dining, while a dedicated Chef’s Table dining area will be available for a more intimate experience. The popular Salt Grill by Luke Mangan restaurant – already featured on P&O Cruises’ existing fleet of Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Dawn – will be served with a twist on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, with the inclusion of Salt Grill Bar offering sophisticated Luke Mangan cocktails. Meanwhile a new Cellar Door will provide guests a boutique winery experience, with an opportunity to taste the wines onboard and pre-order for dinner. 

Ms Marshall said the dramatic new look and feel of the ships would extend to the pool area, with day beds, sheer white curtains and outdoor rugs and lamps providing a luxury residential feel and a great setting for entertainment day or night. 

Attached is a release with details of the food revolution along with a stunning image of The Pantry on P&O Cruises’ latest ships.

You can download more P&O Cruises’ images and a great fly-thru video for the news ships via this link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pmm6m3pznpxq21j/AADzyqfp_PnocX2FA1JHRce7a?dl=0

Information supplied by: P&O Cruise Australia.

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Carnival Cruise Lines’ latest Australian ship, Carnival Legend, cruised from Sydney for the first time with thousands of legends onboard – compliments of the travel industry.

The shipload of legends included Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis and Abba as well as some Aussie legends like Nemo, Dame Edna, Kylie and Crocodile Dundee.

The legendary overnight cruise showcased Australia’s newest ship to agents and industry members and included a walk of fame with “legends” greeting guests at each checkpoint.

Guests were also treated to tasting plates from Bonsai Sushi, Thirsty Frog beers in the RedFrog Pub, an epic rock show in the theatre and an entertaining glimpse into Hasbro, The Game Show with Crocodile Dundee, aka Carnival CEO and President Gerry Cahill, firing the winning shot in a life-sized Connect 4 game.

Carnival Legend departs from Sydney today on its first official Australian itinerary, a 12-night roundtrip cruise to Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Please see the attached images of some of the legends onboard Carnival Legend including Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry as Dame Edna, Carnival Cruise Lines Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke as Kylie, Carnival Cruise Lines CEO and President Gerry Cahill as Crocodile Dundee and Carnival Cruise Lines ambassador Shannan Ponton.

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Carnival Legend Kicks Off Australian Cruise Season with the World’s Biggest Chorus at Sea

Australia’s biggest ever cruise season is officially underway, with Sydney staging a spectacular welcome this morning to mark the maiden arrival of the latest ship to call Australia home – Carnival Cruise Lines’ superliner Carnival Legend.

In keeping with its name, the 88,500-tonne ship enjoyed a legendary entry into Sydney Harbour with the Australian Girls Choir performing a medley of well-known Australian tunes, along with the American and Australian national anthem, with 3000 guests and crew singing along.

Carnival Cruise Lines Vice President Australia and New Zealand Jennifer Vandekreeke said the biggest chorus at sea was a truly fitting arrival for Australia’s latest ship as she sailed into the iconic Sydney Harbour.

Carnival Legend is the first international ship to arrive in Australia for the 2014-15 summer cruise season which will see a record flotilla of more than 35 different ships sailing in local waters, making more than 600 calls to Australian ports and injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the local economy.

In a move which underlines the surging demand from Australians for cruise holidays, Carnival Legend is the second ship to be based in Australia by Carnival Cruise Lines, the world’s largest cruise operator, which deployed Carnival Spirit in Sydney in 2012.

Carnival Legend will sail on 22 cruises from Sydney over the next seven months, giving 55,000 Aussie families and couples a fun-packed holiday and injecting an estimated $20 million into the local economy through passenger and crew spending, supplies, port fees and charges.

Ms Vandekreeke said the cruise line had carried more than 190,000 Australians and New Zealanders on local cruises since 2012.

“Australians have shown a real affinity for Carnival Cruise Lines because we share a similar outlook on life – a passion for fun, new experiences and adventure. It’s because of this great fit that we decided it was time for an encore, bringing Carnival Legend out to join sister ship Carnival Spirit,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

Before reaching Australia, Carnival Legend undertook a massive $47 million “Aussification” to ensure the ship was right for this market, combining the best mix of award-winning American innovations tailored to suit Australian tastes. The ship has been kitted out with great features including the jaw-dropping Green Thunder water slide – the fastest and steepest water slide at sea – as well as bespoke menus, coffee and wine to meet Australian tastes.

Carnival Legend also boasts a number of features and facilities never before seen in Australia, including a Bonsai Sushi restaurant and the Red Frog Pub with locally brewed ThirstyFrog Summer Ale. For the kids, Hasbro, The Game Show, the whimsical Seuss at Sea program and the Cherry on Top lolly shop are exclusively available in Australian waters on Carnival Legend. Spanning 12 decks, the 293-metre superliner also offers a sports court, jogging track, two-deck fitness centre, 20 restaurants, bars and lounges and world class entertainment.

Fares on Carnival Legend start from $779* per person twin share for a 10-night Pacific Islands cruise departing Sydney October 27, 2014. For more information call 13 31 94, see a travel agent or visit www.carnival.com.au

*subject to availability, conditions apply

FAST FACTS ON AUSTRALIA’S LATEST CRUISE SHIP

* During an average week, Carnival Legend guests consume more than 3000 steaks, 2268kg of chicken and poultry, 442kg of salmon, 1500 tomatoes, 13,700 potatoes, 5320 bananas and 3000 apples

* In a month 400kg or 48,000 coffees are consumed and the onboard baristas receive regular training from the Australian Coffee School to ensure every cup meets high Aussie standards

* With a gross registered tonnage of 88,500 tonnes, Carnival Legend is equivalent in tonnage to 77 Manly ferries

* If tipped on her stern, the 293-metre long Carnival Legend would stretch more than 42 metres above the observation deck of Sydney Tower, the city’s tallest building

* At 12 decks high and three footy fields long, Carnival Legend is filled with things to do, see, taste and try

* The ship was christened by British actress Dame Judi Dench in 2002 and originally sailed to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Panama Canal and the South Pacific

About Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in the world with over four and a half million guests travelling every year. Carnival Legend is the second ship in Carnival’s 24-strong fleet to be based in Australia, following Carnival Spirit’s arrival in October 2012. With 45 daily activities from zen to adrenalin to enjoy, Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend offer fun-loving couples and families memorable holidays at great value.

Information supplied by; Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Princess Cruises Launches New Seawitch Beer

Princess Cruises is launching a new beer to toast its forthcoming 50th anniversary. 

The Seawitch West Coast IPA – named after the line’s logo – has been developed exclusively for Princess Cruises in partnership with US-based Strike Brewing Company.  The beer will be introduced onboard Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Regal Princess, when it provides the setting for Princess Cruises’ 50th anniversary celebrations in November this year and is expected to be available fleetwide by early 2015. 

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said the cruise line was eagerly counting down to its 50th anniversary celebrations.

“Being able to raise a glass of our own Seawitch beer will make for the ideal toast. We hope all of our guests, from those who have travelled around the world with Princess Cruises to those just starting out, will celebrate our milestone anniversary onboard with us,” Mr Allison said.

Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage Services Jonathan Wilson said the Seawitch West Coast IPA not only commemorated Princess Cruises’ milestone anniversary, it was also meant to inspire guests to celebrate their sea journeys with Princess.

“We know our guests love distinct experiences and authentic flavours so we’re excited to debut a new craft beer series with this special 50th anniversary blend aboard our newest ship,” Mr Wilson said.

The Seawitch West Coast IPA (India Pale Ale) features the balanced aroma of lightly roasted malt and barley which is strongly accented by the crisp dry flavour of a unique hop blend. 

Further Seawitch beers, developed in partnership with regional breweries specialising in local flavours, are set to be introduced from next year and will represent some of the cruise destinations Princess Cruises’ ships visit.  Princess Cruises will officially launch its 50th anniversary year with the naming ceremony of Regal Princess on November 5 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The company is honouring the role the Love Boat played in its history by having the original Love Boat cast members serve as godparents for its newest cruise ship.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Their uniforms did little to protect them when it came time for passengers to dump buckets of icy water over Pacific Pearl’s senior crew members in P&O Cruises first Ice Bucket Challenge at sea.

 With passengers bidding big bucks to be the one to throw the bucket, not even Captain Tony Herriott could escape the challenge.

Somewhere on the high seas between Papua New Guinea and Sydney, Captain Herriott, along with Hotel Director Roland Ringwald, Chief Engineer Gaetano Festa, Executive Chef Patrice Mick, Cruise Director Gemma Gregory-Jones and People and Performance Manager Simon Belmar Clark, were showered with buckets of icy water as part of the global social media phenomenon.

As well as the satisfaction of putting some of their favourite crew on ice, passengers raised more than $500 for motor neurone disease.

Since the original challenge went viral in the US, the Ice Bucket Challenge has raised more than $2 million globally for motor neurone disease research.

Cruise Industry Continues Global Growth with More Than 21 Million Cruise Passengers and $117 Billion in Economic Contributions in 2013

A new report released by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) shows that demand for cruising across the globe increased 77 per cent over the past decade, with passenger numbers rising from 12 million to 21.3 million.

The report also reveals for the first time that cruise industry expenditure worldwide generated $117 billion in total economic contributions, supporting the employment of more than 890,000 full-time equivalent employees with total wages of more than $38 billion. 

“The cruise industry is truly global, bringing together a diverse mix of international passengers and crew to experience exciting itineraries, multiple destinations, and exceptional holiday value on every continent,” CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy said. 

“With so many fun and great value options, it’s not surprising that the popularity of cruise holidays continues to grow. This inaugural study shows that the cruise industry’s growth is also generating increased jobs, income, and revenue in all regions of the world.”

The report shows the Asia Pacific region was the source of 10 per cent of the cruise industry’s global capacity (13.5 million bed days), with Australia accounting for about half of this total (6.6 million bed days) in 2013. 

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the new report provided a great overview of the size and value of the global cruise industry as well as a further insight into Australia’s contribution. 

“The figures published today underline that Australia is an integral part of the global cruise industry,” Mr Jardine said. 

“While we already know that 833,348 Australians cruised worldwide in 2013, this new global report gives us another piece of the picture by showing us that our region is a sought after cruise destination for passengers from all over the world.”

The independent report is the first to assess the worldwide economic impact of the cruise industry. Commissioned by CLIA from Business Research and Economic Advisers (BREA), The Global Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism 2013 found that:

* 21.31 million cruise passengers embarked from ports around the world

* 55 per cent of global passengers were sourced from North America (11.82 million), including 10.92 million that reside in the US 

* 30 per cent of passengers resided in Europe (6.4 million), including 1.73 million from the UK and Ireland, and 1.69 million from Germany

* Australia (833,000 passengers), Brazil (732,000), and China (727,000) also accounted for substantial passenger numbers

* The average length of a cruise was seven days, with three or four port calls

* The cruise industry generated nearly 115 million passenger and crew visit days at ports around the globe; cruise ship passengers and crew spent an average of $126.93 each port day.

A separate report on the economic value of cruising in Australia is due to be released by CLIA Australasia in the coming weeks.

Information supplied by: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

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CLIA Cruise Week Rides Growing Wave of Success 

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia and its member cruise lines and agents have labelled the region’s third Cruise Week a phenomenal success. 

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said he had been inundated with positive feedback from agent and cruise line members in the wake of the third annual promotion.

Staged in the lead up to another record summer cruise season, Cruise Week, which ran from September 1-8, featured special deals with CLIA member cruise lines, only available through CLIA accredited cruise consultants. 

For the first time, the campaign also included prominent mainstream print coverage including a national cruise magazine and a $100,000 promotion. 

“Each year Cruise Week is making a bigger splash and with a focus on new-to-cruise this year, the campaign helped spread awareness among a broader range of consumers,” Mr Jardine said.

“When we launched the event in 2012, we knew it would take a few years for the industry to get onboard with the concept. The vision is a lot stronger now than two years ago and we still have a lot of room to grow. As cruise lines and retailers make a greater effort to support the national campaign, we’ll see more and more positive results.”

National Marketing Manager Cruiseabout, Monique van Gelder, said Cruise Week was a great promotion. 

“We saw a dramatic increase in enquiries with 30 per cent more traffic to our website during Cruise Week. We have definitely seen an increase in bookings as well and we had record numbers to our events,” Ms van Gelder said.

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said it was a bookings boon. 

“Monday was one of our biggest booking days on record. The awareness amongst the trade is better than ever,” Mr Allison said.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises General Manager John Molinaro said Cruise Week was always a strong sales week and this year proved no different.

“Monday and Tuesday were extremely lively with a great number of enquiries and bookings for 2015. Additionally, we’ve also had many agents enquiring about 2014 space for clients who are planning travel from October onwards,” Mr Molinaro said.

Cruise Week is set to run again in early September 2015.

For more information visit www.cruising.org.au

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise association and is dedicated to the promotion and growth of the cruise industry. CLIA is composed of more than 55 of the world's major cruise lines and serves as a non-governmental consultative organisation to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), an agency of the United Nations.

Information supplied by: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

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P&O Cruises Gives Early Birds the VIP Treatment

P&O Cruises has reported a strong start to its latest cruise program, with holidaymakers taking advantage of its new VIP packages which reward guests who book early with a range of complimentary benefits valued at up to $700* a room.

A first for the cruise line, the VIP Packages include free extras such as a welcome bottle of wine, canapes, bathrobes and slippers and a premium bathroom amenities pack.

For longer cruises of seven nights or more, the packages also offer guests a free cruise photo per room, a USB stick for images, a $20 cocktail voucher, $50 shore tour voucher, and discounted internet as well as free laundry for four items.  Guests on longer cruises will also enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine when they book a dinner onboard at Salt Grill by Luke Mangan or Luna.

All packages also feature VIP check-in and preferred room choice, while travellers booking oceanview rooms will enjoy an onboard credit of up to $200 per room and those in balcony, mini-suites and suites will enjoy credits of up to $400 per room.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said the new VIP offerings had been very well received since the 2015-16 program went on sale on August 19.  

“We know many of our guests like to book well in advance to ensure they get the room they want on their cruise, but these wonderful VIP extras provide another great incentive to get in early,” Ms Marshall said.

*The VIP packages are available for bookings made by April 30, 2015 on the advertised Price Breaker Fares on P&O Cruises’ holidays departing from November 1, 2015, excluding P&O MainEvent cruises. The packages are available to the first 200 guests booked on each cruise and are subject to availability.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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CLIA Partners with South Pacific Tourism Organisation

Peak cruise industry body Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has launched a partnership with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) to promote the sustainable growth of cruise tourism in the region.

Announced during the United Nations Small Islands Developing States meeting in Samoa this week, the partnership will encourage sustainable cruise tourism which can deliver economic and social benefits to the South Pacific.

The South Pacific is the most popular cruise destination for Australian and New Zealand cruisers, with CLIA statistics showing almost 350,000 holidaymakers from the two nations enjoyed cruises to the region last year.

SPTO Chief Executive Ilisoni Vuidreketi said the new partnership would enable both organisations to combine their resources, networks and experience to create an important leadership forum in the region.

"The projects implemented through this partnership will aim to serve the interests of both the SPTO member nations and the cruise lines that bring tourists to the islands,” Mr Vuidreketi said.

"Specifically, it will create a platform of information and insights for developing a coordinated and collaborative strategic plan for cruise tourism in the Pacific.”

Mr Vuidreketi said the partnership would enable South Pacific nations to better understand the cruise industry and address practical issues such as the facilities and services that cruise lines require.

“At the end of the day, for cruise lines and member nations, the partnership will provide essential information and analysis on capacity, source markets, destinations and shoreside experiences plus an assessment of challenges and constraints of operating in the region," Mr Vuidreketi said.

"This partnership gives us the opportunity to share any major development activities and opportunities and to work towards mutually beneficial outcomes in terms of the growth of the cruise tourism sector."

CLIA Australasia Executive Director Neil Linwood said the partnership recognised the importance of sustainable cruise tourism in the beautiful South Pacific region.

“It is very important to our member cruise lines that we work collaboratively with the region to develop cruise tourism in a manner which will help to deliver further economic benefits to our South Pacific neighbours over the years ahead,” Mr Linwood said.

Mr Linwood said the importance of cruising in the region had been underlined this week by the release of a report which showed that cruise tourism injected A$34 million into the Vanuatu economy last year and brought a further A$18 million in indirect economic benefits. The report also highlighted a further A$35 million of net economic benefit opportunity based on further investment in Vanuatu’s cruise tourism sector.

Funded by the Australian Government, World Bank Group member IFC and cruise operator Carnival Australia, the report also showed that the cruise industry provided more than 3000 employment opportunities in Vanuatu, with twice as many visitors arriving by ship than by plane.

Information supplied by: Carnival Australia.

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Entertainment Feast Awaits PNG Cruise Guests

Passengers cruising to Papua New Guinea on upcoming P&O Cruises’ sailings can look forward to plenty of local culture in the entertainment offerings. Sture Myrmell, Vice President Hotel Operation for Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said guests on Pacific Pearl’s current cruise to PNG would be treated to some wonderful presentations, where guest lecturers and guest entertainers were one and the same.  Special guest presenters Dobi and Bemu Kidu are well known in PNG as the daughters of Dame Carol Kidu, the only female member of the PNG Parliament from 2002 to 2012 and Sir Buri Kidu, the first indigenous Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea.  As guest lecturer, Dobi will give presentations on ‘Learning to Live in Many Worlds’ and ‘Body Art in PNG’. 

Bemu is a wonderful vocalist and dancer who will be assisting in the lectures. Both sisters will perform together in a series of onboard events including a cultural performance in the Marquee theatre, an acoustic ‘pop up’ performance in the Atrium and cultural dance classes for passengers. The pair have even made special lap laps (waistcloths) for the female cruise guests.  Melanesian princess and Voice contestant Samantha Clark will return to Pacific Dawn on September 10 along with guest lecturer Dr Ceridwen Spark.  A recognised PNG expert, Dr Spark is a research fellow in the State, Society and Governance in Melanesia Program at the Australian National University.  She recently received AusAID funding for the Pawa Meri Project which involved making six films about leading women in PNG, to be released across the Pacific and Oceania and is also editor of the recently released collection, Australians in PNG: 1960-1975.  “Our PNG lecturer and entertainment schedule is very strong with plenty of interesting and experienced lecturers and performers participating in future voyages,” Mr Myrmell said.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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New Report Shows Cruise Tourism Brings More Than $34million into Vanuatu Economy Annually 

Apia, Samoa, September 1, 2014—Cruise tourism injected $34 million Australian dollars into the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu and brought an estimated further $18 million dollars in indirect economic benefits last year, according to a new study. 

The study, jointly funded by cruise company Carnival Australia, the Australian Government, and World Bank Group member IFC, also found that the cruise industry is estimated to provide more than 3,000 employment opportunities in Vanuatu. 

Vanuatu Prime Minister, the Hon Joe Natuman, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, the Hon Julie Bishop, World Bank Group Vice President Rachel Kyte, and Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry AO, announced the results of the study at a press conference held in Apia today to coincide with the Small Island Developing States conference.

In Vanuatu, the findings were announced simultaneously in Port Vila by the Hon Ham Lini, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Industry, Commerce and Tourism. 

Prime Minister Natuman said, “There are twice as many visitors arriving in Vanuatu by ship rather than by air, but until now we have had no real data validating the importance of cruise tourism on the country’s economic growth and job creation.” “Based on this report’s recommendations, we can further grow the industry and provide more business and employment opportunities for our people,” Natuman said.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the private sector is a major catalyst for development, and as part of its economic diplomacy agenda, Australia is committed to strengthening links with businesses across the region. 

”The study will help determine future areas of focus under the Australian Government’s partnership with Carnival Australia to enhance the economic opportunities tourism can bring to countries in the Pacific,” Minister Bishop said. 

According to the Assessment of the Economic Impact of Cruise Tourism in Vanuatu, each cruise ship arriving in Vanuatu brings $257,000 worth of direct benefits to a range of businesses and organisations.  Cruise tourism annual expenditure of $34 million is equal to nearly 10 percent of the country’s exports. Data for the study was provided by the Pacific’s key cruise ship operators Carnival Australia and Royal Caribbean, as well as passengers, businesses and government.

The World Bank Group, through IFC, has been working to attract more tourists to the Pacific nations of Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. “Cruise tourism can boost household incomes and create jobs for local people,” Kyte said. “We hope that other Pacific countries such as Samoa and Tonga can make use of this Vanuatu study and sustainably grow their tourism industry.” 

Carnival Australia and DFAT are working together to further the sustainable development of Pacific economies, and the study is one of the key outcomes of their partnership. The partnership focuses on Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea and has the potential to be implemented in other countries in the region.

Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry said the Vanuatu economic impact study and Carnival Australia’s partnership with DFAT confirmed that the long value chain of cruising was reaching deep into the South Pacific to deliver economic opportunity.

“In addition to being a landmark study, this report is also a forward looking document that paints a picture of how other destinations in the South Pacific can leverage the benefits of cruise tourism as demonstrated by Vanuatu’s experience,” Sherry said.  “We stand ready to work with other governments and communities in the region to identify the next steps to open up new destinations to cruise ship visits.”

Tourism is vital to the sustainable growth of the Pacific islands, contributing an estimated 11 percent of the region’s gross domestic product and 13 percent of total employment in 2012, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. 

About IFC

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. Working with private enterprises in about 100 countries, we use our capital, expertise, and influence to help eliminate extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity. In FY14, we provided more than $22 billion in financing to improve lives in developing countries and tackle the most urgent challenges of development. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC’s work in the Pacific is guided by the Pacific Partnership, through which we work with the Australia and New Zealand governments to stimulate private sector investment and reduce poverty in the region.

About Australian Aid 

On 18 June Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs launched a new development policy, Australian aid: promoting prosperity, reducing poverty, enhancing stability. Australia’s aid program has a stronger focus on private sector development, including aid for trade, recognising that the private sector is the primary driver of economic growth and poverty reduction. Australia is investing in education, health, humanitarian assistance, and empowering women and girls, reflecting the links between human development and economic growth. Australia’s aid effort is focused firmly in the Indo-Pacific.

About Carnival Australia

Carnival Australia was formed in July 2004 to meet the growing demand for cruising and the number of Carnival Corporation & plc cruise companies homeporting ships from Australia and New Zealand. Since then Carnival Australia has led the rapid expansion of the industry which has seen a 150 per cent increase in passenger numbers over the last five years alone with 834,000 Australians taking a cruise holiday in 2013 with 596,000 of them sailing on Carnival Australia brand ships. Today Carnival Australia represents three homeported brands in Australia – Carnival Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises and Princess Cruises – as well as another four international cruise brands that visit the region annually – Cunard Line, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises World Cruising and Seabourn. For more information, visit www.carnivalaustralia.com.

Information supplied by: Carnival Australia, The Australian Government and International Finance Corporation.

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Australia Sails into Another Record Summer Cruise Season

Australia is about to witness another record summer cruise season, with more than 600 cruise ship visits scheduled for ports around the country over the coming months, according to the peak cruise industry body.

As the popularity of cruise holidays continues to surge, figures compiled by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia show that its member cruise lines will have 36 ships cruising Australian waters between October 1, 2014 and April 30, 2015 making a total of 642 calls to Australian ports.

Among the flotilla will be three ships making their maiden visits to Australia: Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Legend, which will kick off the summer cruise season with its arrival in Sydney on September 22; Compagnie du Ponant’s L’Austral which will make its first call to Australia on December 24 when it arrives at Cape York; and MSC Orchestra which will arrive in Cairns on March 13, 2015.

Across the country there will be an impressive 38 maiden port calls to a range of cities and regional towns including Busselton, Eden, Esperance, Albany, Port Hedland and Geelong.

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said 18 of the ships would make a total of 253 roundtrip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle over the 2014-15 summer – a significant increase on last year’s 202 roundtrip cruises.

“This summer we’ll be seeing growth across the board – not only have the number of member line ships cruising our waters risen from 34 to 36, the total number of Australian calls by those ships has risen from 588 last year to 642 this year. In addition, the number of roundtrip cruises has also increased significantly, which means there’ll be greater economic returns all round,” Mr Jardine said. 

“It’s also wonderful to see there’ll be 38 maiden port calls, up from 17 last year. So many maiden visits, particularly in regional towns, means that more holidaymakers are being introduced to more parts of Australia, which is great news for local communities.” 

The 36 ships includes seven which are based in Australia year-round, another 11 which will be deployed for all or part of the summer cruise season and 18 ships which will visit Australia. Between them they will carry tens of thousands of Australian and international tourists.

“Cruising generates economic benefits for Australia 12 months of the year but there is always a peak over the summer period so it’s fabulous that we’ll be hitting a new record over the coming months,” Mr Jardine said.

The new figures come at the start of Cruise Week, CLIA’s Australia-wide consumer promotion which will run from September 1-8 (www.cruiseweek.org). CLIA’s international membership includes more than 60 major cruise line brands, which represent approximately 98 per cent of global cruise capacity. The body’s latest figures show Australia is the fastest growing major passenger source market with Australian cruisers rising by 20 per cent in 2013 to reach 833,348. 

Mr Jardine said highlights of the upcoming cruise season included Carnival Legend’s debut in Sydney on September 22, a Royal Rendezvous of Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria on Sydney Harbour on March 12, 2015, the local deployment of two Celebrity Cruises’ ships and the first ever Australian visit by an MSC ship.

Information supplied by: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia.

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Three Ships Sail One World in P&O Cruises 2016 Program 

Three ships will take on the world in P&O Cruises World Cruising’s 2016 World Journeys Program with Aurora, Arcadia and Oriana cruising a total of 90,000 nautical miles and visiting more than 20 countries across the globe in three special voyages.

The adults-only Arcadia will sail on an epic 115-night roundtrip voyage from Southampton on January 11, 2016, calling at 32 destinations from Salvador and Santiago to San Francisco and St Maarten and introducing P&O Cruises World Cruising’s passengers to Alotau in Papua New Guinea and Jeju-do in South Korea for the first time.

The South America and Japan Adventure will also include some maiden ports for Arcadia including Hilo in Hawaii, St Vincent in the Cape Verde Islands, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands and Tauranga in New Zealand. Arcadia will make an overnight visit to Sydney and will also call at Brisbane and Cairns during the Australian leg of the cruise in early March.

Priced from $22,949* per person twin share other highlights include a Panama Canal transit, scenic cruising around Cape Horn and Chile’s glaciers, and a visit to Japan timed with the Cherry Blossom season.

Brandishing its striking Union Jack livery, Aurora will depart Southampton on January 2, 2016, for a 114-night world cruise priced from $22,699* per person twin share.

The world circumnavigation will include 38 destinations in 24 countries including the cruise line’s first calls at Banjul in Gambia and Cebu in the Philippines and the ship’s maiden visits to Keelung in Taiwan, Lahaina on Maui in Hawaii, Malacca in Malaysia and the Seychelles’ biggest island, Mahe. Australian port calls in February will include an overnight in Sydney plus visits to Brisbane, Airlie Beach and Darwin.

The cruise line will also offer a shorter 50-night cruise on Oriana taking in the best of the Caribbean and America and including P&O Cruises’ first visit to Progreso in Mexico for the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza.

Priced from $6449* per person twin share, Oriana’s cruise features calls to Puerto Limon in Costa Rica, Madeira, Portugal, overnight visits to New Orleans and Miami and lots of opportunities to snorkel in crystal clear Caribbean waters at Aruba, Antigua and St Lucia.

The 2016 World Journeys Program is on sale from 5pm on September 10. Key sectors include:

* A 16-night cruise on Arcadia from Sydney to Hong Kong departing March 2 from $2309*

* A 21-night cruise on Arcadia from Chile to Sydney departing February 8 from $3009* 

* A 22-night cruise on Aurora from Sydney to Hong Kong departing February 20 from $3149*

* A 28-night cruise on Aurora from Sydney to Singapore departing February 20 from $3989*

* A 49-night cruise on Arcadia from Southampton to Sydney departing January 11 from $7169*

* A 66-night cruise on Arcadia from Sydney to Southampton departing March 2 from $9869*

For more information and bookings please see a travel agent, call 132 428 or visit www.pocruises.com

*Fares are in AUD on a per person, twin share basis; subject to availability, conditions apply

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises.

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Cunard Reveals Australian Firsts in 2016 World Voyage Program

Cunard has unveiled some exciting Australian highlights in its 2016 world voyage program, including maiden visits to Kangaroo Island, Adelaide and Newcastle and Queen Victoria’s first roundtrip cruise from Sydney.

On sale from 5pm on September 10, the program will see the three Cunard Queens make history by departing Southampton on the same day – January 10, 2016 – then returning together on May 10, 2016, after completing their world voyages.

Between them, the ships will visit 92 ports across 49 countries and make 35 maiden ship calls as flagship Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria complete world circumnavigations and their younger sister Queen Elizabeth sails on an exotic East-West world voyage. 

With all three ships set to visit Australia, Queen Victoria’s world voyage will also include an eight-night roundtrip cruise from Sydney, visiting Hobart and Melbourne and making the cruise line’s maiden call to South Australia’s stunning Kangaroo Island, often referred to as Australia’s Galapagos. Fares for the voyage, departing Sydney on February 29, 2016, start from $3129* per person double occupancy in a balcony stateroom.

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth is set to cause a stir in the New South Wales’ city of Newcastle when she makes her maiden call on February 22, 2016, less than a week after her inaugural call to Adelaide on February 16.  

Other highlights of her East-West voyage include a 20-night roundtrip cruise from Hong Kong throughout Asia. Departing March 10, 2016, the cruise will visit 10 exotic destinations including Shanghai, South Korea and Taiwan as well as six ports in Japan during the nation’s Cherry Blossom season.  Fares start from $7999* per person double occupancy in a balcony stateroom.

The ship’s world voyage will also offer inaugural visits in South Africa and the Philippines as well as a late April transit of the Dardanelles, sailing past the site of the WW1 Gallipoli campaign.

Meanwhile Queen Mary 2 will make history on her world voyage with her first visits to 11 ports including calls to tropical Papeete and Moorea in Tahiti and mystical Halong Bay in Vietnam. 

All three ships will visit Sydney and Brisbane as they head north to Hong Kong with holidaymakers able to choose from three different routes from Australia to the Chinese city: via Papua New Guinea and the Philippines with Queen Elizabeth, taking in Malaysia and Shanghai with Queen Mary 2 and via Bali, Brunei and Vietnam with Queen Victoria. Fares start from $4829* per person double occupancy for a balcony stateroom on Queen Mary 2’s 18-night voyage departing Sydney on March 11, 2016.

Between them the three Queens will make a total of 18 calls to Australian ports from Fremantle in the west to Hobart in the south and Cairns and Darwin in the north, with Sydney enjoying overnight visits from the trio. (See overleaf for Australian port calls and dates.)  

Cunard World Club Members can book from 7pm on September 9. For more details on Cunard visit www.cunard.com, phone 132 441 or see a licensed travel agent. *subject to availability, conditions apply

Cunard 2016 World Voyages

Australian ports of call 

Feb 12 Fremantle Queen Elizabeth

Feb 16 Adelaide Queen Elizabeth

Feb 18 Melbourne Queen Elizabeth

Feb 20-21 Sydney Queen Elizabeth

Feb 22 Newcastle Queen Elizabeth

Feb 24 Brisbane Queen Elizabeth

Feb 27 Cairns (Yorkeys Knob) Queen Elizabeth

Feb 29 Sydney Queen Victoria

March 2 Hobart Queen Victoria

March 4 Kangaroo Island Queen Victoria

March 6 Melbourne Queen Victoria

March 8-9 Sydney Queen Victoria

March 10-11 Sydney Queen Mary 2

March 11 Brisbane Queen Victoria

March 13 Whitsunday Islands Queen Victoria

March 13 Brisbane Queen Mary 2

March 16 Cairns (Yorkeys Knob) Queen Mary 2 

March 17 Darwin Queen Victoria

Information supplied by: Cunard Line.

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Legendary Performance to Welcome Carnival Legend to Sydney.

Cody Simpson and Australian Girls Choir Collaborate to Mark Ship Arrival

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced it will celebrate the maiden arrival of Carnival Legend to Australia on September 22 with a show-stopping performance by future music legend and teen sensation Cody Simpson and the Australian Girls Choir in front of the ship’s iconic funnel.

Making waves in the music industry with his videos receiving more than 150 million views on YouTube, the Australian singer will welcome Carnival Legend when it sails into Sydney with a one-off concert on top of the ship, against the backdrop of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.

Carnival Legend’s Sydney debut will mark the start of Australia’s summer cruise season, which will set new records for the booming cruise industry. It will be the second ship in Carnival’s 24-strong fleet to be based in Australia, following Carnival Spirit’s arrival in October 2012. 

To celebrate, Carnival is offering fans a money-can’t-buy opportunity to be one of the first passengers onboard to attend Cody’s concert once Carnival Legend berths at Circular Quay.  To enter, fans can visit Carnival’s Facebook page to submit a poster that shows why they are Cody’s biggest fan and deserve a place at the legendary launch.

Now US-based, Queensland-born Cody said the performance would be like no other.

“I always love coming home to Australia and am so excited to be performing in this once-in-a-lifetime location onboard Carnival Legend with the talented Australian Girls Choir,” Cody said. 

The ship’s legendary arrival into Sydney follows its recent $17 million dollar transformation for the Aussie market. The ship’s “Aussification” includes the addition of a Green Thunder waterslide and a focus on food and coffee to meet Australian tastes, as well as the introduction of Australian power points, Australian pricing onboard and a gym upgrade.   Carnival Legend will also boast a number of features and facilities never before seen in Australia including a Bonsai Sushi restaurant, Red Frog pub and a Cherry on Top lolly shop as well as the colourful Seuss at Sea program and Hasbro, The Game Show entertainment. 

“I visited the ship the day before she set sail for Australia earlier this month and was blown away,” Cody said.

“Not only is the ship huge but there is something for the whole family from the giant Green Thunder waterslide through to loads of entertainment and my favourite – 24/7 free pizza and ice-cream.”

For more information visit the Carnival Cruise Lines Australia Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CarnivalOz.

About Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in the world with over four and a half million guests travelling every year. Carnival Spirit is the largest and newest cruise ship to call Australia home year round and she will be joined by her sister ship, Carnival Legend in September 2014. With 45 daily activities from Zen to adrenalin to enjoy, Carnival Spirit offers fun-loving couples and families memorable holidays at great value. 

About Cody Simpson

Aussie born and bred, Cody Simpson grew up on the Gold Coast where he was a competitive swimmer and keen surfer, before breaking into the music industry. After being discovered on YouTube by an American producer Cody moved to America with his family to pursue his music career. Since the release of his first single in 2011 at the age of 14, Cody has seen huge success with multiple hits and sold out tours across the globe, with more than 20 million views and counting on his hit single, Pretty Brown Eyes.

Information supplied by : Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia the HOME of Australian Cruising !

ahead of bumper Australian cruise season.

Five world-class ships offering the very best cruising the region has to offer!

25th August 2014: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are bringing the winds of change again as five world-class superliners head Down Under for a stellar 2014/15 cruise season. For the first time, there will be two Australian-based Celebrity Cruises ships, and Voyager of the Seas returns fresh from a multimillion dollar revitalisation packed with new features including Australia’s first surfing experience at sea. 

The combined fleet will offer something for everyone with a selection of 82 cruises available throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asian and South Pacific waters.

 “It’s a historic season for us as we close one chapter in Australia and begin a new era. We say farewell to our beloved Rhapsody of the Seas that started our journey here. When Rhapsody of the Seas arrived in 2007, she marked a significant step up in the quality of ships home-ported in Australia as the largest ship based locally, and offering ground-breaking features like Australia’s first rock-climbing wall at sea. Fast forward to now and this season we will welcome the newly-revitalised Voyager of the Seas that once more raises the bar in Australian cruising,” said Sean Treacy, RCL Australia & New Zealand Commercial Director.

“This season, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises continue to make significant investments in the region bringing newer and more exciting ships packed with imaginative features - such as the first FlowRider surf simulator at sea on Royal Caribbean and the world renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub on Celebrity Cruises. We are thrilled to be bringing five exceptional and world-class ships to Australasian waters this season, offering thousands of guests from more than 100 countries a stylish and fun holiday that delivers interesting and worldly experiences that exceed their expectations.”  

Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas kicks of the international cruise season, arriving for her last Australian season on 3rd October 2014 after a 16-night Transpacific sailing from Hawaii. Celebrity Century is not far behind her – arriving for her first Australian season after a few years’ hiatus on 10th October. Radiance of the Seas arrives the next day, on 11th October and Celebrity Solstice, Australia’s youngest superliner begins her third season on 23rd October. Australia’s largest superliner, Voyager of the Seas, enters dry dock in Singapore in October and arrives in Sydney on 8th December fresh from a multimillion dollar bow-to-stern revitalisation. 

New itinerary highlights this season include:

* Celebrity Cruises’ first ever single-voyage crossing of the Pacific - a 23-night sailing from San Francisco to Sydney via Hawaii and Tahiti onboard Celebrity Century departing 16th September 2014; 

* Combined South Pacific & Queensland sailing on Celebrity Century;

* Dedicated South Australia and Tasmania sailings on Celebrity Century;

* A combined South Australia and Tasmania sailing on Rhapsody of the Seas;

* A spectacular Australia and New Zealand 16-night cruise from Sydney ending in Perth on Voyager of the Seas; 

* And shorter two- and three-night sampler cruises on Voyager of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas and Celebrity Solstice.

“Feedback from our cruises shows that guests enjoy the international experience they get onboard our ships. They may be cruising close to home, but once they step on board, they are on a holiday that’s very far from the everyday. More and more Australians are choosing a cruise as their preferred holiday choice and this season we’ve noticed more and more first time cruisers of all ages. We’ve also noticed guests are getting savvier, as they become aware of the choice that is out there and how to choose a cruise that best fits what they want,” said Sean.

Royal Caribbean International is Sydney’s largest cruise line, offering more cruises and carrying more guests than any other cruise line in the 2014/15 season. Royal Caribbean International was also recently voted ‘Best Australian Based Cruise Line’ for the second year running at the National Travel Industry Awards.  Celebrity Cruises is also Australia’s highest rated cruise line according to the industry bible The Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2014. 

For further information or to book a cruise, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au or www.celebritycruises.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent. For further information about Voyager of the Seas’ revitalisation, visit www.voyageroftheseas.com.au 

1. New  this season

2. Key dates

3. 2014/15 Australasian season details

4. About the ships

1. NEW THIS SEASON

ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL

Voyager of the Seas revitalisation 

In October 2014, Voyager of the Seas will undergo a month long refurbishment in Singapore. The makeover will add innovative cruising features similar to those found on the cruise line’s newest Quantum and Oasis class ships, such as Australia’s first FlowRider surf simulator, inside rooms with real-time virtual balconies, a 3D cinema, three new dining options - Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse, and Giovanni’s Table Italian trattoria - and more, to give guests an unforgettable onboard experience. The ship will also keep her signature features, including the ice skating rink, rock climbing wall and the Royal Promenade shopping and entertainment strip inside the ship.

New Itineraries:

Voyager of the Seas:

* A 13-night cruise from Singapore to Sydney on 25th November 2014 which calls at Darwin and Brisbane.

* An additional two-night sampler cruise onboard Voyager of the Seas – the first time two have been offered;

* A spectacular Australia and New Zealand 16-night sailing from Sydney and ending in Perth departing 16th March 2015.

* A new 14-night South Pacific & Fiji sailing departing 29th December 2014. 

Rhapsody of the Seas:

* A 10-night Tasmania cruise which calls at Hobart (overnight), Burnie, Adelaide and Melbourne departing 7th February 2015.

* One two-night weekend sampler cruise departing Sydney 3rd October 2014.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Celebrity Cruises introduces the Canyon Ranch SpaClub

Canyon Ranch, one of the world’s leading spa and wellness brands partnered with Celebrity Cruises at the beginning of 2014 to introduce the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at sea. Both Celebrity Century and Celebrity Solstice will be sporting the new spa and wellness offerings when they arrive this season. The luxurious Canyon Ranch SpaClub will include spa, beauty salon, wellness and fitness amenities presenting signature Canyon Ranch offerings. The extensive menu features popular Canyon Ranch treatments, such as indulgent facials and facial enhancements, massage, thermal, Asian touch, and Reiki healing energy therapies. A selection of salon offerings, including hair care, nail, and makeup services, will also be offered. Fitness lovers can choose from private consultations to group classes, including yoga, Pilates, cycling, Mind/Body Connection and relaxation – led by Canyon Ranch-trained fitness experts. Wellness programs such as personal exercise prescription, private nutritional consults, acupuncture, Chiropractic therapy and Canyon Ranch Healthy Feet centres will also be available.  Additionally, Canyon Ranch health experts will provide onboard wellness lectures, workshops and cooking demonstrations. 

New Celebrity Cruises itineraries:

Celebrity Century:

* Celebrity’s first ever single voyage crossing of the Pacific Ocean - a 23-night Trans Pacific cruise from San Francisco to Sydney on 16th September 2014 which calls at Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji and New Caledonia.

* Celebrity’s first ever cruise to combine Tropical Queensland with the South Pacific islands - a 14-night South Pacific and Queensland hybrid cruise calling at the Whitsundays, Cairns, Vila, Lifou, Noumea and Isle of Pines departing 1st December 2014.

* Three 12-night South Pacific cruises to Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji – departing 30th October 2014, 19th November 2014 and 22nd December 2014 – and one 12-night South Pacific sailing calling at Vanuatu and New Caledonia departing 10th October 2014.

* Two eight-night South Australia cruises calling at Melbourne, Adelaide and Port Lincoln departing 22nd October 2014 and 11th November 2014.

* One seven-night Tasmania cruise which calls at Melbourne, Burnie and Hobart departing 15th December 2014.

* A 14-night sailing from Sydney to Singapore via Whitsundays, Cairns (overnight), Darwin and Bali departing 11th January 2015.

Celebrity Solstice:

* A nine-night South Pacific sailing calling at New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands and Vanuatu departing 18th January 2015. 

2. KEY DATES – 2014/15

Friday 3 Oct  Rhapsody of the Seas: Arrival into Sydney – official start of the international cruising season and beginning of Rhapsody’s last Australian season.

Friday 10 Oct  Celebrity Century: Arrival into Sydney – commences her four month Australian season as part of her Celebration of the Century farewell world tour. 

Saturday 11 Oct  Radiance of the Seas: Arrival into Sydney – kicks off her fourth local season.

Wednesday 17 Oct Voyager of the Seas: Enters dry dock in Singapore.

Thursday  23 Oct Celebrity Solstice: Arrival in Sydney.

Tuesday 25 Nov Voyager of the Seas: Departs Singapore for Australia on a 13-night Asia Repositioning sailing.

Sunday 30 Nov Voyager of the Seas: Calls at Darwin – first Australian port for the 2014/15 season.

Saturday 6 December Voyager of the Seas: Calls at Brisbane. 

Monday 8 December Voyager of the Seas: Arrives home to Sydney to start her Australian season.

Sunday 11 Jan

Celebrity Century: Departs Sydney concluding her last Australian season.

Tuesday 10 Feb Rhapsody of the Seas: Last ever call to Melbourne.

Thursday 12 Feb Rhapsody of the Seas: Last ever call to Adelaide.

Saturday 14 Feb Rhapsody of the Seas: Last ever call to Hobart.

Thursday 26 Mar Voyager of the Seas: First call of the season to Melbourne.

Saturday 28 Mar Voyager of the Seas: First call of the season to Adelaide.

Wednesday 1 Apr

Voyager of the Seas: First call of the season to Perth.  Departs Perth on a 14-night Asia repositioning sailing to conclude her

2014/15 season. 

Friday 3 Apr Celebrity Solstice: Ends her season sailing from Sydney to New Zealand, French Polynesia and Hawaii.

Friday 17 Apr Rhapsody of the Seas: Departs Sydney for the last time, wrapping up eight consecutive years sailing in Australian waters. 

Sunday 19 Apr Radiance of the Seas: Departs Sydney for Hawaii concluding the 2014/15 international cruise season.  Rhapsody of the Seas: Last ever call to Brisbane.

3. AUSTRALASIAN 2014/15 CRUISE SEASON

Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas

Arriving to Australia for her third season packed with brand new features and facilities, Voyager of the Seas will sail from Sydney and Perth. For the 2014/15 season she will offer four new itineraries plus some old favourites:

* NEW - A 13-night cruise from Singapore to Sydney departing 25th November 2014 and calling at Darwin and Brisbane.

* Two three-night long weekend sampler cruises departing Sydney.

* NEW - A spectacular Australia and New Zealand 16-night cruise from Sydney ending in Perth.

* Six South Pacific & Fiji cruises ranging in duration from nine- to 14-nights, including one NEW 14-night sailing.

* One 14-night Pacific Island Fusion cruise which uniquely combines calls to New Caledonia and Fiji with New Zealand.

* Three 11-night cruises to New Zealand with calls at Auckland, Wellington, Picton, Tauranga and Napier.

* Voyager of the Seas will reposition to Asia at the end of the season on a 14-night sailing departing 1st  April 2015 from Perth to Singapore, via Port Hedland, Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City.

Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas 

Australia’s culinary ship Radiance of the Seas returns to Australian waters in October for her fourth local season. She will sail out of Sydney and Perth offering a wide variety of itineraries, ranging from seven- to 18-nights to destinations around Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia and Vanuatu, including:

* An 18-night transpacific cruise from Honolulu to Sydney on 22nd September 2014 which calls at French Polynesia and New Zealand.

* Two 14-night New Zealand cruises with eight ports of call each plus scenic cruising of Milford Sound, Dusky Sound and Doubtful Sound.

* Eight South Pacific cruises ranging in duration from seven- to 12-nights including a 12-night Christmas cruise.

* Two circumnavigations of Australia. Guests may choose to sail a 16-night ‘Top End’ cruise or a 17-night south coast and New Zealand sailing, or choose to combine the cruises into one majestic 33-night voyage. Cruises depart 20th October 2014 and 26th February 2015.

* An 18-night Sydney to Honolulu repositioning sailing departing 19th April 2015.

Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas

Sailing Australian waters for the last time, Rhapsody of the Seas will spend her season farewelling her favourite home. During her final season, she will feature a wide variety of itineraries, ranging from two- to 16-nights to Tasmania, Queensland, New Zealand, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji, including:

* A 16-night transpacific Fiji and Samoa cruise from Honolulu to Sydney departing on 16th September 2014.

* Eleven South Pacific cruises ranging in duration from seven- to 11-nights.

* NEW - A 10-night Tasmania cruise which calls at Hobart (overnight), Burnie, Adelaide and Melbourne.

* NEW - One two-night weekend sampler cruise departing Sydney.

* Two 12-night South Pacific & Fiji cruises which call at South Pacific favourites including New Caledonia, Fiji and Vanuatu.

* Four 11-night Queensland sailings which call at Newcastle, Cairns, the Whitsundays and Brisbane.

* A 16-night cruise from Sydney to Singapore sailing on 17th April 2015 calling at Brisbane, the Whitsundays, Cairns, Darwin (overnight), Komodo and Bali.

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Century

Based in Sydney for the first time since the 2011/12 season, Celebrity Century will let Australians sample her boutique and intimate cruise experience for one last time before she retires from the fleet. Her four month season will feature 11 sailings, ranging from seven- to 23-nights in duration, including:

* NEW - A 23-night Trans Pacific cruise from San Francisco to Sydney on 16th September 2014 which calls at Hawaii, French Polynesia, Fiji and New Caledonia – Celebrity Cruises’ first ever single voyage crossing of the Pacific Ocean.

* NEW - A 14-night South Pacific and Queensland hybrid cruise calling at the Whitsundays, Cairns, Vila, Lifou, Noumea and Isle of Pines – Celebrity’s first ever cruise to combine Tropical Queensland with the South Pacific islands.

* NEW - Three 12-night South Pacific cruises to Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji and one 12-night South Pacific cruise calling at Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

* One eight-night South Pacific cruise.

* NEW - Two eight-night South Australia cruises calling at Melbourne, Adelaide and Port Lincoln.

* NEW – A seven-night Tasmania cruise which calls at Melbourne, Burnie and Hobart.

* NEW - A 14-night Asia repositioning sailing departing 11th January 2015 from Sydney to Singapore via the Whitsundays, Cairns (overnight), Darwin and Bali.

Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice 

The youngest superliner to be based in Australia arrives for her third local season offering her modern luxury style of cruising. Celebrity Solstice’s season will feature a mixture of Trans Pacific, South Pacific, round Australia, as well as Australia and New Zealand itineraries ranging from three- to 18-nights, including:

* A 17-night Trans Pacific cruise from Honolulu to Sydney on 5th October 2014 which calls at Hawaii, French Polynesia and New Zealand.

* Three South Pacific cruises including one NEW nine-night cruise and two eight-night cruises – plus one 12-night South Pacific Fiji cruise.

* Five 12-night open-jaw cruises between Sydney and Auckland (three Sydney to Auckland and two Auckland to Sydney).

* One 14-night Sydney to Auckland Christmas and New Year cruise, and one 14-night Auckland to Sydney cruise.

* A 17-night Australia and New Zealand cruise from Auckland to Perth which can be combined with the following 17-night ‘Top End’ Round Australia cruise from Perth to Sydney to create a 34-night circumnavigation of Australia cruise.

* One three-night sampler cruise departing Sydney on Thursday 23rd October 2014.

* An 18-night Trans Pacific cruise from Sydney to Honolulu on 3rd April 2015.

4. ABOUT THE SHIPS 

VOYAGER OF THE SEAS

Fresh from a month long revitalisation in October, Voyager of the Seas arrives back in Australia packed to the brim with new and exciting features that epitomise a Royal Caribbean cruise. Australia’s first surf experience at sea, the FlowRider, will be added along with a 3D cinema, three new signature Royal Caribbean speciality dining restaurants - Chops Grille steakhouse, Giovanni’s Table and Izumi Japanese – an outdoor cinema and Australia’s first  virtual balcony staterooms which show real time views of the ship’s surrounding in interior staterooms. Voyager of the Seas will also see a host of new technologies added including new digital signage to help guests find their way around the ship and see what’s happening onboard plus the ship’s Champagne Bar will be re-conceptualised into Royal Caribbean’s retro-chic R Bar. Australia’s largest superliner will also still have her signature features Aussies love such as the ice-skating rink, the rock-climbing wall, full size basketball court and the Royal Promenade – an indoor street with shops, bars and restaurants, and of course our DreamWorks characters around the ship to surprise guests of all ages.

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Radiance of the Seas made her debut Down Under in late 2011 and became Australia’s first 21st century superliner. Before arriving she received a major multimillion dollar revitalisation and offers guests a variety of entertainment and dining options previously only available onboard the cruise line’s Oasis class ships. Commonly referred to as the “culinary ship”, she offers guests ten unique and global dining experiences including Giovanni’s Table (Italian), Izumi (Asian), Rita’s Cantina (Mexican) and Samba Grill (Brazilian) - in addition to the Chops Grille Steakhouse, Windjammer Café, Boardwalk Doghouse, the main dining room and Chef’s Table, an exclusive private dining room for 14 guests. Other enhancements to the ship include a new English pub The Quill & Compass, a new Concierge Lounge (for Suite guests), Diamond Lounge (for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members), a Royal Babies & Tots Nursery (for children aged 6-36 months), ship-wide Wi-Fi internet, and interactive flat-screen televisions in all staterooms.  She also features signature Royal Caribbean amenities including a 30-foot rock-climbing wall, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, as well as pampering spa and gym facilities. 

RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS

The 78,000-ton Rhapsody of the Seas was Royal Caribbean’s first ever ship to be based in Australia and since 2007 she has established herself as one of the region's favourite cruise ships.  Now fresh from a multimillion dollar bow-to-stern revitalisation completed in March 2012, she features an innovative high-flying entertainment experience, where aerial performers glide vertically through the seven-storey atrium as guests enjoy a cocktail in the new 1960’s-themed R Bar below.  Four speciality dining venues were also added: Chops Grille Steakhouse, Giovanni's Trattoria, Izumi and exclusive private fine dining experience Chef’s Table.  Another of her new venues includes the chic Viking Crown Lounge, offering a cutting-edge, modern dance club atmosphere.  She also features an oversized LED video screen overlooking the main pool showing movies and sports, the Royal Babies & Tots Nursery, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi  internet, completely refreshed staterooms with new flat-screen TVs, and a Concierge Lounge and Diamond Club (for Suite and Crown & Anchor Society member guests).  Guests on Rhapsody of the Seas can also enjoy the convenience of iPads in every room.  She also features over 8,000 square metres of glass canopies, skylights and floor-to-ceiling windows – providing one of the lightest atmospheres afloat and offering perfect viewing opportunities while sailing around the world.  

CELEBRITY CENTURY

Carrying 2,083 guests, Celebrity Century has 900 cabins, about half of which have their own private balcony. She easily blends classic ocean liner glamour with modern innovations such as the ice-topped Martini Bar. Celebrity Century is also the second highest rated ship to sail in Australia, according to industry bible, The Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2014. After being welcomed onboard with a glass of chilled champagne, guests can enjoy treatments in the 9,000 square foot Canyon Ranch SpaClub, sip the finest wines and taste the most exquisite meals at sea. Pool butlers on Celebrity Century deliver cold towels, sorbets and iced water to guests sunbathing on the deck.  Guests who book in suites have the added luxury of European-style butlers who take pampering to new heights. Her features also include the Murano specialty restaurant for the ultimate in fine dining; museum quality art collections including pieces by Warhol, Picasso and Jasper Johns; and the spectacular 1,000-seat, two-storey Celebrity Theatre hosting lavish shows and theatrical productions. For guests travelling with children, Celebrity Century offers a wonderful kids program and teen centre for children aged three to 17.  

CELEBRITY SOLSTICE

Launched in 2008, the 122,000-ton Celebrity Solstice is the youngest superliner to be based in Australia and New Zealand.  According to industry bible, The Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2014, she is also be the highest rated cruise ship to be based in the region – earning the highest scores for facilities and decor, accommodation, cuisine and entertainment. Celebrity Solstice brings a number of “firsts” to local cruising, including the Lawn Club, with half an acre of freshly manicured real grass on the upper decks; a glass-blowing studio from the famed Corning Museum of Glass; and 85 per cent of her cabins have their own private balcony – the highest ratio of any superliner in the world. Her other elegant offerings include exceptional spa treatments in the acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub, AquaClass staterooms which offer spa-related amenities, stylish bars and lounges and ten remarkable dining choices, including Tuscan Grille, Murano Restaurant, Silk Harvest Restaurant and the Grand Epernay Dining Room with its dazzling two-storey glass wine tower. 

www.royalcaribbean.com.au  www.celebritycruises.com www.azamaraclubcruises.com

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises.

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US Navy Veteran Shares Stories of Missing WW2 Personnel 

Princess Cruises’ guests will learn about the many missing personnel of WW2 as US Navy veteran Bruce Petty delivers a series of lectures on Sea Princess’ current cruise to Singapore.

A noted author on the Pacific theatre, over the past four years Mr Petty has spoken to thousands of Australian cruise passengers during his guest lectures and inevitably finds there are people onboard with direct family connections to service personnel still listed as missing in the Pacific from WW2.

“When you think about it, there are tens of thousands who are missing from the war,” Mr Petty said.  “An Australian passenger I spoke to on Dawn Princess said he was a teenager during the war and he had a cousin who was on a Hudson bomber that went on a mission in New Britain in 1942 and never came back,” Mr Petty said.

“I thought that account sounded familiar because I was about to talk about RAAF Hudson bombers that had been shot down. I sent an email and was able to get a photograph of one of the downed aircraft and I was able to tell the Australian passenger that this was the plane his cousin had flown on. You can imagine how stunned he was to see it,” he said.

Now living in New Plymouth in New Zealand, Mr Petty said families continue to seek closure over the fate of service personnel still listed as missing.

“Sons listed as missing in action have never been forgotten by their families and have become part of family lore. Family members, siblings, grandchildren and cousins, keep the memories alive and will do so for generations to come,” said Mr Petty. “Years go by, but there is still the hope that something will be found.”

Following Mr Petty’s current engagement on Sea Princess, he will depart for Saipan in the Mariana Islands, the scene of bitter fighting in June and July 1944, to work with an organisation devoted to finding American and Japanese soldiers missing in action.

There are numerous Australasian links to Mr Petty’s research including the fate of a number of Qantas Empire Airways’ flying boats that are among 500-600 aircraft – American, Australian, New Zealand, Dutch and Japanese – still missing in Papua New Guinea, some in impenetrable jungle.

Bruce Petty http: //www.voicesfromthepacificwar.com/

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Cunard Announces Famous Faces for its Cruises

Continuing its 40-year tradition of providing the finest speaker program in the cruise industry, Cunard has announced its latest roster of high-calibre speakers who will join Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria over the coming months.

Among the highlights of the Cunard Insights program will be appearances by former South Africa President F W De Klerk, legendary motorsport commentator Murray Walker and former BBC chief news correspondent Kate Adie

Cunard Marketing Director Angus Struthers said the cruise line’s innovative speaker program continued to go from strength to strength. “We are very excited to host such leading lights in their respective fields on our ships,” Mr Struthers said.

Joining Queen Mary 2’s world voyage between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town from April 15-17, 2015, 

Frederik Willem de Klerk served as South Africa’s State President from September 1989 to May 1994 and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 with Nelson Mandela for his role in the ending of apartheid.  

Mr De Klerk will give a presentation ‘Walking with Nelson Mandela on the Long Road to a New South Africa’ and partake in a Q&A session while onboard. His appearance will take place during a 16-night sector of the world voyage, departing Fremantle on April 2, 2015. Fares on the sector are priced at $3349* for a balcony stateroom.

Other prominent guest speakers include:

* Commentator Murray Walker will sail onboard Queen Victoria for a 14-night Canary Islands Explorer cruise departing Southampton on November 9, 2014. Joining him as guest commentator on the cruise will be novelist and former British Conservative Party politician Ann Widdecombe.

* Well-known for her reporting from war zones across the world, BBC journalist Kate Adie OBE DL will cross the Atlantic from Southampton to New York with Queen Elizabeth between January 10-18, 2015. 

* Broadcaster and royal expert Caroline Aston will get Queen Mary 2’s 2015 World Cruise off to a great start, sailing from Southampton to Civitavecchia between January 10-17, 2015.

* British actor Robert Powell will also join an early part of Queen Mary 2’s World Cruise sailing from Civitavecchia to Dubai between January 17-30, 2015. Mr Powell’s 45-year career has included a variety of roles from Holby City on television to The 39 Steps in film and Hamlet in the theatre.

* Politician Lord Michael Howard joins Queen Mary 2 on her 15-night Cape Town to Southampton World Cruise sector between April 18-May 3, 2015. Mr Howard will be accompanied by his wife, 1960s fashion model, Sandra Howard (nee Paul).

* Falklands veteran Simon Weston OBE will join Queen Victoria on her 13-night Southampton to Fort Lauderdale crossing from January 20-February 2, 2015.

* Business guru Lord Digby Jones will join Queen Elizabeth on her 16-night Mediterranean Highlights cruise from Southampton between August 30-September 15, 2015. 

For more details on Cunard visit www.cunard.com, phone 132 441 or see a licensed travel agent.

information supplied by: Cunard Line.

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Original Love Boat Cast To Name Regal Princess 

Princess Cruises has announced it will honour the role that the iconic television show The Love Boat has played in its history by naming the original cast members as godparents of its new cruise ship Regal Princess. 

All six Love Boat cast members - who played the roles of Captain Stubing, Gopher, Isaac, Doc, Julie and Vicki – will reunite to christen the new ship in Fort Lauderdale on November 5 this year. 

The ceremony will officially launch the golden anniversary celebrations for Princess Cruises, which will celebrate five decades of operation throughout 2015.

The actors include Gavin MacLeod (Captain Stubing) Fred Grandy (Gopher, the chief purser), Ted Lange (Isaac, the bartender), Bernie Kopell (Doc, the ship’s doctor), Lauren Tewes (cruise director Julie) and Jill Whelan (Vicki, the captain’s daughter).

It has been nearly forty years since The Love Boat introduced viewers to modern day cruising and, in the process, made Princess Cruises and its ships synonymous with holidays at sea.

“We can think of no more suitable godparents for our newest ship than the cast of the show that put Princess Cruises on the map,” Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said. “The show has been such a visible part of the cruise line’s history and after the public and media reaction to Gavin MacLeod and Lauren Tewes’ recent visits down under, there’s no doubting how enormously popular The Love Boat still is.”

The pilot episode of the Love Boat was shot aboard Princess’ 730-passenger original Sun Princess in 1977, launching the relationship between Princess Cruises and the show. Running for 10 seasons it became one of the highest rated and longest-running shows on television. The Pacific Princess and Island Princess were the primary floating stars of the show, while later episodes and specials were filmed aboard many of Princess’ other cruise ships in destinations around the globe.

“I’m absolutely thrilled that my former cast mates and I will be part of Regal Princess’ US debut,” said Gavin MacLeod, who has been Princess Cruises’ ambassador since the show ended in 1986. “The fact that The Love Boat continues to air in international syndication around the globe is a testament to the show’s longevity and the world’s fascination with romance on the high seas.”

The 3560-guest Regal Princess, which entered service in May, is arriving in Fort Lauderdale to begin her maiden season of Caribbean cruising. Among the special features found onboard is a dramatic multi-storey atrium serving as the social hub of the ship, offering a host of dining and entertainment options; an over-water SeaWalk, a top-deck glass-bottomed walkway extending more than eight metres beyond the edge of the ship; plush private poolside cabanas that appear to be floating on water; the Princess Live! television studio; the largest pastry shop at sea; a special Chef’s Table Lumiere, a private dining experience that surrounds diners in a curtain of light; and balconies on all outside staterooms.

“The ship’s naming ceremony is just the beginning of the celebrations that will mark the cruise line’s golden anniversary including the very timely arrival of Golden Princess in Australia next year,” Mr Allison said. Beyond the Regal Princess festivities, guests sailing on any of the line’s fleet of 18 cruise ships during 2015 will enjoy a wide range of anniversary experiences.

For more information on Princess Cruises visit www.princess.com, see a travel agent or call 13 24 88.  

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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