P&O Cruises’ Passengers Embrace Life on the Edge

P&O Cruises is celebrating an adrenaline-fuelled six months at sea, with its passengers taking part in more than 25,000 blood-pumping P&OEdge activities since the cruise line launched the adventure park on Pacific Jewel in October.

Adults and children alike have embraced the world’s largest adventure park at sea climbing, swinging, racing and jumping their way around Pacific Jewel on average more than 140 times per day. 

Flying across the ship’s top decks on the P&OEdge Flying Fox has proved the most popular activity followed by the Segway Challenge, Bungy Tramp, Funnel Climb and Laser Tag.

The thrill-seeking program features 20 activities specifically designed by Brisbane-based Pacific Adventures to make use of the ship’s existing architecture.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said P&OEdge had been such a hit on Pacific Jewel that the adventure park would soon be added to the rest of the fleet. 

“Our passengers have shown us that they want a side of adrenaline with their cruise experience so we are thrilled to be rolling out the fun and excitement across the fleet starting with Pacific Dawn later this year,” Ms Marshall said.

“These activities are thrilling in their own right, but doing them on a ship adds an amazing fourth dimension to the experience. We look forward to seeing more of our passengers take up the opportunity to climb, swing, race and jump their way around our ships.”

Available onboard now, VIP Adventure Passes offer multiple sessions on select P&OEdge activities from $89 for children and $99 for adults. Individual P&OEdge activities start from $15.

For more information on visit edge.pocruises.com.au and www.pocruises.com.au.

Information supplied by : P&O Cruises Australia.

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"NEWS FLASH " "NEWS FLASH " "NEWS FLASH "

Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas to home port in Sydney from 2015

Royal Caribbean increases local capacity for 2015-16 cruise season with a second megaliner

 Royal Caribbean International is proud to announce that Explorer of the Seas will join the region’s local fleet in November 2015, replacing Rhapsody Of The Seas.

The 3,800-guest, 138,000-ton Explorer of the Seas is a slightly larger sister ship to Voyager of the Seas, currently the largest ship ever to be deployed to the region. The ship’s maiden Australia season will take in ports across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, along with repositioning cruises both to and from Singapore. 

Together Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are “Australia’s biggest megaliners” boasting unrivalled ‘WOW’ features such as a new FlowRider surf simulator, an ice-skating rink, 10 pools & whirlpools, and the impressive Royal Promenade: an interior boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship that is flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques and where spectacular parades and evening dance parties are held.

The spectacular Explorer of the Seas was launched in 2000 and is currently based in Cape Liberty, New York sailing to the Caribbean, Bermuda and Canada.  Only last week it was announced that she will spend (northern) summer 2015 in Southampton, England on her first ever European deployment.  In October she will then commence a month-long journey to Singapore; followed by a grand tour of western and southern Australia – taking in maiden ports of call in Fremantle, Adelaide, Melbourne and finally New Zealand – en route to Sydney.

Explorer of the Seas arrives in Sydney for the very first time on 28th November 2015 for an historic Sydney harbour rendezvous with Voyager of the Seas. Spectators will be able to witness the unforgettable sight of the largest cruise ship capacity on Sydney harbour in one day, with over 10,000 guests and crew onboard. 

The smaller 2,400-guest Rhapsody of the Seas will leave the local fleet in April 2015 after eight successive seasons. Demand is expected to be high on her farewell summer 2014-15 season as her many loyal fans bid farewell to one of Australia’s most popular cruise ships.  She will be based in the Mediterranean from May to October 2015 with further itineraries to be announced shortly.

Radiance of the Seas completes the trio of ships for the 2015-16 season and continues to sail her popular itineraries to the South Pacific islands and around Australia.  

All three ships will enjoy the benefits of the “Royal Advantage” fleet revitalisation program, which involves bow-to-stern renovations and the addition of many new amenities – including new speciality restaurants, a nursery, a poolside movie screen, new shops and lounges.  Radiance of the Seas already completed her extensive facelift in 2011 whilst Voyager of the Seas will emerge from drydock in November 2014 and Explorer of the Seas in April 2015.  With a total investment of approximately $200 million on these three ships alone, this firmly establishes the Royal Caribbean fleet as the biggest, most modern and most impressive cruise ships based in the region.

“We are thrilled to introduce Explorer of the Seas as the latest world-leading cruise ship to Australia – a major milestone that reinforces Royal Caribbean International’s position as Sydney’s biggest cruise line,” said Gavin Smith, Regional Vice President Asia-Pacific

“Our local fleet represents the largest investment made by a cruise line in Australia and demonstrates our absolute commitment to the local cruise market. 

“We also bid a fond farewell to the much-loved Rhapsody of the Seas, the founding ship of our local operation which has provided over 300,000 Australians with unforgettable holiday memories since 2007.”

The 2015-16 Australia & New Zealand cruise season will go on sale in late April 2014. 

This announcement is the latest in a number of exciting key changes to Royal Caribbean’s deployment.  In the last two months the brand has announced its return to Dubai from late 2015; that new ship Anthem of the Seas will be based in the UK when she is launched in April 2015; and the world’s largest cruise ship, Allure of the Seas, will sail her maiden season in the Mediterranean in 2015.  

New ship Quantum of the Seas is set to debut in November 2014 and it was recently revealed that she will feature a revolutionary new “Dynamic Dining” concept, including the Jamie’s Italian restaurant from UK celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.  Finally, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s popular musical CATS will be introduced to Oasis of the Seas later this year.  Further announcements on product and global deployment are expected in the coming months. 

Key Facts:  Explorer of the Seas

* Maiden voyage 28 October, 2000

* 137,308 tons 

* 310 metres long

* 3,840 guests in 1,557 staterooms 

* 1,185 crew members 

* 15 decks

* Onboard ice-skating rink

* Royal Promenade complete with shops, cafes and bars

* Speciality dining venues: Portofino Italian Restaurant and Johnny Rockets

* 10 pools and whirlpools

* 15 bars, clubs and lounges

* Rock climbing wall, basketball court, a jogging path, an inline skating track

* 9-hole mini-golf course and golf simulator

* Skylight wedding chapel 

* 35-day, multi-million dollar revitalisation scheduled in March/April 2015 which will add a FlowRider surf simulator; a 3-D Movie theatre; a new range of onboard restaurants; new staterooms and suites; plus new “virtual balconies” that bring live ocean and destination views into interior staterooms. Additional revitalization details will be unveiled at a later date.

About Royal Caribbean International 

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 11 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. 

RCL Cruises Ltd Australia commenced operation in December 2008 as the Australian arm of global cruise holiday company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The company offers three cruise brands in Australia and New Zealand:

Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. In the 2014/2015 cruise season, Royal Caribbean International will be the largest cruise operator in Sydney, with three ships sailing in the region: Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas. In the 2015/2016 cruise season Royal Caribbean International will increase capacity in the region with three ships sailing locally: Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas.    royalcaribbean.com.au  

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

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Royal Caribbean will send Explorer of the Seas to Australia for the 2015-2016 cruise season to compliment sister ship Voyager of the Seas.

Explorer of the Seas will replace Rhapsody of the Seas, which has been a fixture in Australia since 2007.

Explorer of the Seas, a Voyager class cruise ship, was previously announced to be going to Europe for April through September 2015 and will begin offering cruises in Australia starting in November 2015.

Royal Caribbean made the announcement in an email sent to members of its Crown & Anchor loyalty program.

Radiance of the Seas will also return to the region again for the 2015-16 season, the newsletter reveals.

For Rhapsody of the Seas, 2014/2015 will be its last season down under.

Royal Caribbean’s Australasian itineraries for 2015/16 will go on sale at the end of the month.

Information supplied by : Royal Caribbean International.

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Royal Caribbean to deploy another mega-liner in Australasian waters

Royal Caribbean is set to deploy its 3800-passenger Explorer of the Seas to Australia, with the vessel to join the region's local fleet in November 2015 in place of the popular Rhapsody of the Seas.

The move was revealed in an email sent this afternoon to members of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor loyalty program, with the vessel to join its sister ship Voyager of the Seas sailing out of sydney.

Rhapsody of the Seas, which will leave Royal Caribbean's Australian fleet in April next year after eight successive seasons of sailing down under.

Radiance of the Seas will also return to the region again for the 2015/16 season, the newsletter advises.

Bookings for Royal Caribbean's 2015-16 South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand 2015-16 cruise season will go on sale from Tuesday 29th April 2014.

Information supplied by : Royal Caribbean International.

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Stay tuned for more information shortly !

Celebrity Cruises Reveals 2015/16 Australasia Season with Exotic New Sailings

03 April 2014, Sydney: Celebrity Cruises has unveiled its 2015/16 Australasian itineraries with over 70 destinations across Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii, to choose from. With new ports of call, enticing itineraries, more overnight stays, and a new “Suite Class” experience for suite guests, there has never been a better way to sail the region in modern luxury style. 

Australia’s highest rated cruise ship* Celebrity Solstice, will return for a fourth season in summer 2015/16 with 16 sailings to 31 destinations, in nine countries. Sailing locally between September 2015 and April 2016, Celebrity Solstice will offer a range of eight- to 18-night itineraries to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, departing from Auckland, Sydney and Perth.  Celebrity Millennium will also call on Australia at the end of her fourth consecutive Asia season. 

New ports, New Experiences

Mystery Island in Vanuatu, an entirely new destination, will be visited as part of Celebrity Solstice’s South Pacific sailings. The ship’s five South Pacific itineraries range from eight to 12 nights and call at ports in New Caledonia, Loyalty Islands, Vanuatu and Fiji.  

Celebrity Solstice will also offer her classic 12- and 14-night New Zealand sailings, giving guests the opportunity to experience the breathtaking Fiordland National Park. Departing from Sydney and Auckland, these New Zealand sailings allow guests to get up close and personal with the natural wonder of Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, New Zealand.

The Ultimate Cruise Holiday

The modern luxury ship will sail from Vancouver to Sydney on September 22, 2015, and offer a 10-night ‘Hawaii’ and a 18-night ‘Tahitian Treasures’ sailing, which guests can combine to create a 28-night Pacific crossing, visiting 11 destinations. The same sailing can also be experienced at the end of the season with the return trip from Sydney departing April 9, 2016. Highlights of the voyage include: 

* An overnight stay in Honolulu and a late-night call in Lahaina, Maui, during the ‘Hawaii’ sailing, so that guests can take part in a traditional luau. The ship will also visit Hilo and Kona.

* The ‘Tahitian Treasures’ itinerary will call at three ports in French Polynesia (Bora Bora, Moorea, and Papeete) before sailing across the Pacific to New Zealand, visiting Auckland and the Bay of Islands.

For the ultimate Australia and New Zealand experience, guests can combine an 18-night Auckland to Perth cruise, departing on February 14, 2016, with a 17-night sailing from Perth to Sydney to create a 35-night circumnavigation of Australia and New Zealand, visiting 19 destinations:

* During the 18-night sailing from Auckland to Perth, guests can enjoy six ports of call in New Zealand, as well as the three enchanting sounds in Fiordland National Park, plus visits to Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

* The 17-night sailing from Perth to Sydney will visit Bali, Indonesia, before exploring the northern coast of Australia. The ship will then sail along the East Coast visiting Cairns (Yorkey’s Knob), Airlie Beach, Brisbane and Newcastle – a perfect opportunity for guests to experience and explore the Great Barrier Reef.  

Celebrity Millennium will return to Asia in summer 2015/16, sailing a range of exotic 14-night itineraries from Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo to destinations including Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, China, Indonesia and Taiwan.  At the end of the season she will reposition to Vancouver via Australia and the Pacific, offering Australians more options to sail locally with Celebrity Cruises:

* Singapore to Sydney – this 16 night cruise visits the exciting Asian ports of Bali before visiting Australia’s tropical cities of Darwin, Cairns and Brisbane before arriving in Sydney.   

* Sydney to Honolulu - this 18 night Transpacific cruise is an island hoppers dream. Departing from Sydney takes in Lautoka, Suva, Bora Bora, Moorea, Papeete and Honolulu. 

This cruise can then be combined with an 11-night sailing from Honolulu to Vancouver including visits to the ports of Lahaina, Kailua Kona, Kilauea Volcano and Hilo.

Other highlights include a special Chinese New Year’s sailing celebrating the Year of the Monkey,  where there’s an overnight stay in Hong Kong so guests can experience the excitement of being in Victoria Harbor and watch a spectacular fireworks display. 

Suite Class Celebrity’s 2015-16 sailings will introduce the newly announced “Suite Class” experience, beginning April 2015, with new luxurious offerings including a dedicated, suites-only restaurant, VIP lounge, and complimentary ‘all in’ benefits such as premium beverages, dining at any specialty restaurant and unlimited internet access. To celebrate the launch of Celebrity’s 2015-16 World Tour, guests can receive up to US$400 bonus onboard credit for new season bookings of four nights or longer (excluding Celebrity Xpedition sailings) made by 30 April. In addition, the offer can be combined with select future promotions. 

For more information, guests can visit celebritycruises.com.au, call 1800 754 500 or contact their travel agent. Celebrity will continue to reveal its full 2015-16 lineup as each set of itineraries opens for bookings.

Opening dates for 2015-16

Destination Captain’s Club exclusive 'Priority Access' General on-sale date

Galapagos Islands Now open Now open

Alaska Now open Now open

South America & Panama Canal Now open  Now open

Europe Now open Now open

Caribbean Now open  Now open

Asia, Australia and Hawaii Now open 2/4/14

Bermuda and Canada 4/4/14  9/4/14

*Berlitz Guide 2014. 

About Celebrity Cruises: 

Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of modern luxury, with its cool, contemporary design and warm spaces; dining experiences where the design of the venues is as important as the cuisine; and the amazing service that only Celebrity can provide, all created to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity Cruises' 11 ships offer modern luxury vacations visiting all seven continents. Celebrity also presents immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska and Canada. Celebrity is one of six cruise brands operated by global cruise vacation company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE, OSE: RCL). celebritycruises.com.au 

RCL Cruises Ltd Australia commenced operation in December 2008 as the Australian arm of global cruise holiday company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The company offers three cruise brands in Australia & New Zealand: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. In the 2013-14 cruise season, Royal Caribbean International was the largest cruise operator in Sydney, with three ships sailing in the region: Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas.  This is in addition to two Celebrity Cruises ships, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Millennium. Celebrity Century will return to Australia in 2014. 

Information supplied by : Celebrity Cruise Lines.

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P&O Cruises to Make Maiden Call to Sunshine Coast

P&O Cruises and Sunshine Coast Council today announced the cruise line will make its inaugural call to Mooloolaba in August.

The scheduled visit will be a highlight of a four-day Pacific Pearl cruise from Sydney and will enable the ship’s 1800 passengers to enjoy the many attractions of the Sunshine Coast, one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said Pacific Pearl’s visit to Mooloolaba was a destination ‘test drive’ for the cruise line and could well become the forerunner of more short-break cruises to the Sunshine Coast.

“There is a growing trend towards short break cruises and we are constantly looking for great new destinations to add to the appeal of our cruise itineraries. We know from experience in cruising from Sydney to Moreton Island that our passengers love their short breaks to include a feature destination,” Ms Marshall said.

Pacific Pearl is scheduled to depart Sydney on August 14 for the four-day food and wine themed cruise with the Mooloolaba call set for August 16. Fares start from $499* per person quad share for four nights. 

Ms Marshall praised the Sunshine Coast Council for its role in welcoming Pacific Pearl.

“Pacific Pearl’s planned visit to Mooloolaba could only have been made possible by the active support and encouragement of Sunshine Coast Council and Mayor Mark Jamieson, especially in relation to the logistics involved in the passenger tendering operation.”

Passengers will be transferred from ship to shore by tender vessels and will step ashore at the ‘Underwater World Sea Life Aquarium’ jetty at Mooloolaba. 

Ms Marshall thanked the Merlin Entertainment Group for making the facility available.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said P&O Cruises’ decision to introduce the Sunshine Coast to its Pacific Pearl passengers was great news. "The Sunshine Coast will welcome these passengers with open arms," he said.

"That we have a major cruise line considering the Sunshine Coast as a potential regular stop is excellent news; that the cruise line is P&O – one of the most famous names in cruise ship history – makes this even better. I would like to thank P&O and Merlin Entertainment Group for working with us to bring about this wonderful development.”

P&O Cruises is no stranger to Queensland with Pacific Dawn based in Brisbane year round and Pacific Jewel also sailing from Brisbane this winter to the Pacific Islands and North Queensland.

For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au or call 13 24 94. 

*Fares are subject to availability, conditions apply.

Information supplied by : P&O Cruises Australia.

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P&O Cruises Adds Vanuatu Coffee to Onboard Choice, Giving a South Pacific Island Economy a Boost

P&O Cruises’ effort to enable South Pacific island communities to benefit from the surge in cruising has taken another positive turn with guests now able to choose Vanuatu-grown Tanna Coffee at the cruise line’s onboard cafes.

Having recently added Vanuatu Natural water to the onboard offering, coffee grown in the shadow of an active volcano on beautiful Tanna Island is now available to discerning coffee lovers. 

In 1774, Captain James Cook became the first European to visit Tanna Island and gave it its name – derived from a local word meaning earth. Cook would be amazed to see Tanna Island today with hundreds of individual coffee plantations and a small but burgeoning coffee industry. 

P&O Cruises was looking for a flavoursome single origin coffee as an added choice for passengers and Tanna Coffee came to notice thanks to a chance encounter. 

Sture Myrmell, the line’s Vice President Hotel Operations, enjoyed a great cup of coffee at a cafe on Sydney’s northern beaches and on inquiring discovered it came from Tanna Island in Vanuatu.

“It is fantastic that such a delicious coffee grown in a country that is so important to cruising can now be enjoyed by our guests,” Sture said. “Passengers have an opportunity to buy a Tanna Coffee as another choice at our Deck 12 cafes knowing that the full benefits of their selection will flow directly to the Tanna Island community and the hundreds of smallholder farmers for whom coffee growing has become their livelihood.”

P&O Cruises’ first order of freshly roasted Tanna Coffee made front page news in Vanuatu’s media recently, with the owner and Managing Director Terry Adlington stating: “This represents a milestone for Vanuatu’s coffee industry and is a culmination of the hard work and efforts made over the years by all stakeholders within the agricultural and tourism sectors.” 

Terry is an Australian expat who had previously been growing coffee in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. He came to Vanuatu in 1998 to advise on the rehabilitation of Tanna’s then infant coffee growing venture, which at the time was producing only 3.5 tonnes per year. However, by providing expert support and guidance, production increased dramatically to more than 20 tonnes within 18 months.

Terry decided to stay on and is proud that Tanna Coffee produced 85 tonnes of coffee last year and believes the sky is the limit for further production and growth. “The income earned by Tanna’s 500 coffee growers provides direct support to around 5000 people on the island,” Terry said.

“Through Tanna Coffee, we have empowered the farmers to maximise value-added opportunities by providing them with essential equipment, necessary skills and the knowledge to produce a top quality product with a guaranteed market.”

An added bonus for P&O Cruises' passengers visiting Port Vila, is an opportunity to call in at the Tanna Coffee roasting factory and shop, located about 20 minutes’ drive from the port. Up to 200 passengers on each Vila call, now visit the Tanna Coffee headquarters where they can purchase an array of freshly roasted coffee packs and leave with a great understanding of coffee production and a good feeling about supporting a growing local industry. 

Giving passengers the choice of Tanna Coffee sits well with P&O Cruises’ commitment to sustainable tourism and enabling the economic benefits of cruising to flow through to island communities who have welcomed cruise visitors for decades.

In other initiatives, P&O Cruises employs ni-Vanuatu crew on its cruise ships and is involved in the P&O Partnership with Save the Children. Under the Partnership, P&O Cruises’ passengers each make a one dollar contribution via their onboard accounts to fund the building of kindergartens and aid posts in the South Pacific, initially in Vanuatu. 

Also in line with its commitment to sustainable tourism, Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, has a Memorandum of Understanding with international aid agency AusAID to ensure island economies can share the benefits of cruising in the region.

Information supplied by : P&O Cruises Australia.

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Princess Cruises Heads for a New Record Down Under as Diamond Princess Becomes Second Sydney Ship

Princess Cruises will carry a record number of Australians on cruise holidays next summer, with the magnificent Diamond Princess calling Sydney home as she sails on her first ever series of roundtrip cruises from the harbour city.

In a move which highlights the continuing success of Princess Cruises in the local market, the 2670-passenger Diamond Princess will join Sun Princess in November 2014 to offer the cruise line’s largest Sydney season.

Already popular with local cruisers, Diamond Princess’ new focus on roundtrip cruises from Sydney will cement Princess’ position as Australia’s biggest cruise line, with Australians now spending more nights on Princess ships worldwide than on any other cruise line.

Diamond Princess’ Sydney deployment will follow a $30 million refurbishment which will see the ship fitted with a host of new features including a new sushi restaurant and the biggest Japanese bath area at sea.

The 116,000-tonne Diamond Princess will offer six different roundtrips from Sydney including two circumnavigations of Australia, a cruise to Tasmania, a five-day break to Melbourne and its first roundtrip cruise to New Zealand.

Travellers will also be able to experience a Diamond Princess cruise between Sydney and Fremantle, with new Top End and Southern Australia sectors between the two cities now available in November 2014 and February 2015. Fares start from $1799* for a 12-night cruise ex-Sydney departing November 16 and visiting Hobart, Melbourne, Adelaide, Albany and Bunbury.

Meanwhile fares on Diamond Princess’ full 28-night circumnavigation of Australia, departing Sydney on November 16, 2014, start from $3999*. 

The new range of roundtrip cruises is a significant shift for Diamond Princess, which has previously only offered one-way cruises between Sydney and Auckland during summer months.  It will see her capacity ex-Sydney increase by 64 per cent this coming summer compared to 2013-14.

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said the new itineraries were testament to Princess Cruises’ growing popularity with Australian and New Zealand passengers.

“Diamond Princess’ new roundtrip itineraries will see the ship carry more Australians than ever before and really affirm its position as the cruise line’s premier homeported ship,” Mr Allison said.

Diamond Princess is presently undergoing an extensive drydock in Singapore to add a range of new features including an 817 square-metre Japanese bath and garden complex, the largest at sea.  During the refurbishment, the ship will also receive a new sushi restaurant, enhanced shopping areas carrying a range of designer watch and fashion labels, a revitalised Horizon Court, additional staterooms, a new sports court and new interior furnishings.

Launched in 2004, Diamond Princess is 290 metres long and is one of the largest ships to sail in Australian waters.  The new features add to the ship’s current impressive array of dining and entertainment options plus signature innovations such as the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside theatre and The Sanctuary, an exclusive top-deck retreat. 

For more information, see a licensed 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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Australians Keen to See Asia by Sea with Princess Cruises 

On the eve of its largest deployment to Asia, Princess Cruises has earmarked the region as the next cruising hot spot for Australians, who are increasingly choosing to explore sought-after destinations such as Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia by sea.

Over the coming months, Princess Cruises will expand its presence in Asia, becoming the first premium cruise line to have ships based in Singapore, China and Japan for an extended period.

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said the 116,000-tonne Sapphire Princess was leading the charge with her first Shanghai deployment from May to September followed by a busy season of cruises from Singapore until February 2015.

“During Sapphire Princess’ Asia deployment, we will offer more destinations from Singapore than any other cruise line, with 15 roundtrip departures calling at seven countries and 16 ports including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Ko Samui and Langkawi,” Mr Allison said. 

Mr Allison said the Singapore roundtrip cruises were hitting the mark locally, with interest from Australia topping that of all other major markets.

“Australians want to cruise to exotic destinations close to home so that’s a big part of Asia’s appeal. The beauty of our cruises is that they combine the region’s most desirable destinations into one holiday where our guests can unpack once and wake up in amazing locations all the while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a Princess Cruises’ ship,” he said. 

Sapphire Princess’ 10-night roundtrip cruise from Singapore on December 8, 2014, is priced from $1349* and includes calls to Bali in Indonesia, Kuala Lumpur and Penang in Malaysia and Phuket in Thailand.

“We believe Sapphire Princess’ diverse offerings from Singapore will prove extremely popular and will help to elevate Asia to one of Australians’ most sought after cruise destinations,” Mr Allison said.

Meanwhile in Japan, the newly-refurbished Diamond Princess and Sun Princess will sail from three homeports – Tokyo, Kobe, and an industry first, Otaru on Hokkaido – offering 42 departures featuring nine unique itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days between April and October. 

As the first international cruise line to offer a full season of cruises from Japan, Mr Allison said Princess Cruises was leading the way in establishing the region as a cruise destination.

“We’re thrilled with the level of demand we’ve seen since launching Diamond Princess’ inaugural Japan deployment and expect to see more Australians take up the opportunity to see the Land of the Rising Sun by sea,” he said.

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

*Fares are in AUD, per person, twin share. Conditions apply, subject to availability. 

Information supplied by : Princess Cruises.

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Following on from worldwide interest in the striking image of Captain Kevin Oprey beneath the soaring hull of Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2, the cruise line has released a behind–the-scenes video which can be downloaded here

The video includes an interview with Captain Oprey and reveals how the historic image was captured by Sydney-based photographer James Morgan a mile off the coast of Bali during the ocean liner’s visit earlier this month.

Queen Mary 2 is in Sydney today marking the end of her second circumnavigation of Australia and her 10^th visit to the harbour city.

The largest ocean liner to visit Australia, she will depart for Brisbane at 9pm tonight before heading north to Cairns then Asia. She will return to the UK in time to mark the 10th anniversary of becoming Cunard's flagship, with sister ships Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria joining in the celebrations in Southampton on May 9, 2014.
At 151,400 tonnes, Queen Mary 2 accommodates 2620 guests and 1253 crew.  In her first 10 years of operation, following a spectacular naming by Her Majesty The Queen on January 8, 2004, Queen Mary 2 has undertaken more than 420 voyages including more than 200 Transatlantic Crossings and called at 182 ports in 60 countries. She remains the longest, tallest, widest ocean liner ever built as well as being the most famous and fastest passenger ship in operation today.

Information supplied by : Cunard Line.

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Melbourne Welcomes Two International Ships in Massive March Call 

Melbourne has welcomed two of the biggest cruise liners to grace Australian waters in one massive March call, with Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice both cruising into town today.

The largest ocean liner to cruise Australian waters with a gross registered tonnage of 151,400, the 345m long Queen Mary 2, is berthed at Webb Dock. The 317m long 122,000-tonne Celebrity Solstice – the third largest ship to visit local waters – is alongside at Station Pier.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the double cruise call was worth an estimated $1 million to the local economy, with the two ships delivering more than 5000 cruise passengers to the city.

“This is the first time we’ve seen these two international liners meet in an Australian port so we think they’ll be sure to turn some heads,” Mr Jardine said.

“Melbourne is in the midst of a bumper cruise season which will see 24 ships make 70 calls between October 2013 and April 2014, including two visits from Queen Mary 2 and a total of six calls by Celebrity Solstice.”

The busy Melbourne cruise season has also seen two of the world’s most luxurious cruise liners, Seabourn Odyssey and Sojourn make a total of five visits while Royal Caribbean’s cruise ships Rhapsody, Radiance and Voyager of the Seas will make eight calls in total before the end of April.

P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl will officially tie up the international cruise season on April 29 before Dawn Princess sails into town for the next season on October 7.

Both Queen Mary 2 and Celebrity Solstice are scheduled to depart Melbourne at 6pm.

For more information visit www.cruising.org.au 

Information supplied by : CLIA Australasia.

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Cunard Celebrates 175 Years in Grand Style

Cunard has released details of the celebratory voyages and events the cruise line has planned in 2015 to mark 175 years of grand British maritime history.

Since its first ship, Britannia, set sail in July 1840 on the first regularly-scheduled service across the Atlantic, Cunard ships have crossed and re-crossed the Atlantic every year, in peace and war, without fail.

To mark the 175th anniversary, the cruise line is offering a series of commemorative cruises which will go on sale in Australia on Friday March 14. 

The anniversary program includes a special voyage for Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 which will see the ocean liner sail from Liverpool on July 4, 2015, following in the wake of Britannia which left the city 175 years earlier to the day. This will also be the first time since January 1968 that a Cunard ship has departed from Liverpool for America. The 10-night cruise is priced from $2749*.

To salute Cunard’s “spiritual home” Liverpool, where the company was founded and the company’s Head Office remained for 128 years until 1967, the current fleet will take part in a historic three-day event from May 24 to 26, 2015.

Queen Mary 2 will arrive in Liverpool on Sunday May 24 and make her first ever overnight stay in the city, berthed in sight of the Cunard Building, which forms one third of the World-Heritage-listed ‘Three Graces’ on the Pier Head. The following morning Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will sail into the city and for a time all three ships will line up on the Mersey in a spectacle that is expected to draw huge crowds. Over a million people saw QE2 sail into Liverpool for the first time in July 1990. Queen Elizabeth’s 16-night Baltic cruise from Southampton on May 11, 2015, is priced from $3159*.

Cunard’s 175th celebrations will begin at its homeport on May 3, 2015, when Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria will sail into Southampton together and depart later that day in formation. 

Queen Victoria will then depart on a seven-night “Lusitania Remembered” voyage in honour of the Cunard flagship which was torpedoed off Ireland in 1915 while sailing from New York to Liverpool. 

The cruise will also remember the crew and the other 21 ships Cunard lost during the First World War, including Carpathia which had rescued all of the survivors of the Titanic. 

All Queen Victoria passengers will be invited to attend a special service at Cobh on May 7, 2015, 100 years to the day since Lusitania was lost. Fares start from $1389*.

Cunard CEO David Dingle said Cunard history reads like no other. 

“For so long the heartbeats of Cunard and Britain have been as one and we intend to celebrate this landmark anniversary in grand style. These special voyages have been planned over many months to commemorate key dates in the company’s history with all who wish to be part of Cunard’s special and unique heritage. We look forward to delivering this year of spectacle and celebration to the many people who share the pride we feel in Cunard’s ongoing success on both sides of the Atlantic and beyond,” he said.

For more details visit www.cunard.com, phone 132441 or see a licensed travel agent.

Information supplied by : Cunard Line.

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MASTER AND COMMANDER

Off the coast of Benoa Harbour, Bali, Indonesia - (photographed) Sunday March 2, 2014

Captain Kevin Oprey stands beneath the soaring hull of Cunard's flagship Queen Mary 2, the largest and most expensive ocean liner ever built, a mile off the coast of Bali on Sunday during the ship's Round World Voyage in its 10th anniversary year.  Captain Oprey surveys the scene from the top of Queen Mary 2's bulbous bow, an underwater projection that minimises the creation of bow waves around the waterline when the ship is under way.   Two safety craft were standing by during the photo-shoot, but Captain Oprey remained sure-footed throughout.

Queen Mary 2 will make her 10th call at Sydney on Friday March 14 after circumnavigating Australia, and then heads north towards Shanghai, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and Singapore before turning west for Sri Lanka and Dubai, entering the Mediterranean through the Suez Canal and returning to the UK in time to mark the 10th anniversary of becoming Cunard's flagship, with sister ships Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria joining in the celebrations in Southampton on May 9, 2014.
At 151,400 tonnes, Queen Mary 2 accommodates 2620 guests and 1253 crew.  In her first 10 years of operation, following a spectacular naming by Her Majesty The Queen on January 8, 2004, Queen Mary 2 has undertaken more than 420 voyages including over 200 Transatlantic Crossings and called at 182 ports in 60 countries. She remains the longest, tallest, widest ocean liner ever built as well as being the most famous and fastest passenger ship in operation today.

Information supplied by : Cunard Line.

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

Photo's supplied by our great friend James Morgan of James Morgan Photography.

OVERSEAS PASSENGER TERMINAL UPGRADE

Roads and Ports Minister Duncan Gay has revealed plans for a major upgrade of Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) to meet the demands of the booming cruise industry.

The OPT upgrade at Circular Quay will begin in May this year – during the cruise low season – with most of the critical works completed by September.

Mr Gay, said this significant investment in the OPT demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to meeting the growing demands of a booming cruise industry.

"The announcement comes just eleven months after we officially opened the $57-million White Bay Cruise Terminal which already is proving to be a big hit with cruise lines and passengers," he said.

"The OPT has served the cruise industry well since its last upgrade for the 2000 Olympics but with annual cruise growth at record levels in recent years, the time is right to improve efficiency and make sure it is capable of regularly handling the bigger ships that are now becoming more common.

"This is not about changing the shape of this iconic terminal building; it is all about creating more space inside to improve passenger flows, especially from the increasing number of ships that have more passengers than ever before, the Minister said.

Award winning Architects, Johnson-Pilton-Walker (JPW), will lead the upgrade design work - they fully understand the need for subtle external change as the building’s appearance is part of the Circular Quay fabric.

"Very few harbours in the world boast a cruise terminal in the heart of the city and that’s largely why Sydney has again been voted best cruise destination in the world for the 9th consecutive year, Mr Gay said.

"But to sustain this reputation, we have to make the passenger experience at the terminal as good as the views they see as they arrive.

Sydney Ports CEO, Grant Gilfillan, said improving passenger, providoring and traffic flows in and around the terminal in such a high density CBD precinct, has many challenges.

"We believe the upgrade will deliver efficiencies that will enable ships to achieve a much smoother one day turn around, which is preferred by cruise industry itineraries.

"This will be achieved through the creation of additional space to improve provisioning operations and passenger flow, upgraded passenger amenities and a revised traffic solution which calls for a deck extension at the southern end.

"We have awarded the $22-million construction contract to Sydney Company Watpac which is very familiar with the sensitivities of Circular Quay having delivered the redevelopment of the Museum of Contemporary Art in 2012, Mr Gilfillan said.

Minister Gay also announced that part of the budget would fund a separate project – the extension of the OPT wharf towards Campbell’s Cove as a permanent solution to berthing very large ships like the Queen Mary 2.

Together these projects represent a $49-million investment in Sydney’s cruise infrastructure which is exactly what is needed right now to ensure the city continues to keep pace with cruise growth.

"Of course we have worked closely with the cruise lines, OPT tenants and other key Government agencies, on planning for the Upgrade and the wharf extension, to ensure they fully understand the projects.

"Critically important is the mitigation measures that have been planned to minimise the impact of construction on the Circular Quay precinct, especially access around the terminal to Campbell’s’ Cove.

The Minister said the OPT would remain operational during all construction works.

Cruise passengers visiting Sydney during the low season will face some construction work, as the government approves plans to extend the Overseas Passenger Terminal [OPT].

Tthe NSW Government has just approved the $49.4 million upgrade of the OPT due to start in May this year.

The upgrade will add an extra 60 metres to the 220 metres wharf to handle mass market ships, The Australian reported.

When completed it will have a mezzanine level, an entry foyer and a wraparound deck to make the boarding and disembarkation process easier.

Two of the six OPT restaurants will be removed to make way for extra cruise passenger space. They are the Ocean Room, which will cease trading from 12 April and Wild Fire.

The cruise industry has welcomed news of the extension, with many seeing it as an opportunity to stimulate the sector, which has grown 620 percent in the past decade.

However, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines regional vice president Gavin Smith and Carnival Australia chief executive Ann Sherry have called for a second berth at Garden Island or Port Botany.

“No matter how much money the government spends on Circular Quay there is still only one berth,” Mr Smith explained. “The industry is still working on Garden Island and Port Botany as potential further expansion of cruise industry facilities.”

“As the ships that can access White Bay are modernised they will not be able to fit under the bridge and Sydney will require a second terminal accessible by all ships.”

Ms Sherry added: “It is certainly a step forward to accommodate increasingly larger cruise ships at Circular Quay however the redevelopment of the terminal does not in itself increase Sydney’s capacity.”

“Carnival Australia has long advocated shared access at Garden Island and has worked hard to build a positive and cooperative relationship with the Royal Australian navy.”

Road and Ports Minister Duncan Gay said the OPT will continue to operate throughout construction. The terminal is expected to be complete by September this year.

Information supplied by : Sydney Ports.

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Carnival Legend receives multi-million-dollar upgrade for Australian debut

Carnival Legend emerges from two weeks of receiving exciting Australian-first renovations and upgrades

Wednesday 5 March 2014, Sydney: Carnival Cruise Lines today announced that Carnival Legend is ready for the Aussie market, with the ship now bearing a range of exciting Southern-hemisphere cruising firsts. A team of more than 2,000 workers completed extensive renovations to the ship in Freeport, Bahamas during February.

Joining sister ship, Carnival Spirit in Australia on 22 September 2014, Carnival Legend will have many of the same Aussie favourites that have made a name for the cruise line in Australia, as well as boasting a number of features and facilities never-before-seen Down Under.

Upgrades include Red Frog Pub, a Caribbean-themed watering hole where guests can relax with the Pacific’s best beers and rums, play a spirited game of foosball and enjoy live music while soaking up the tropical ambiance. 

The brand new Bonsai Sushi offers delicious, Asian-inspired delicacies - sushi, sashimi, rolls and more, along with popular beers and cocktails from the region - all enjoyed amidst contemporary, stylish décor.

Kids (and big kids alike) will love Cherry On Top, a “candy and more store” with giant pick-and-mix lolly bins, fun gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more.

In addition, Carnival Legend will take on-board entertainment to a whole new level as we debut Playlist Productions in Australia. Playlist Productions is range of new shows, combining short, punchy live performances with special effects and will offer an entirely new experience for guests. 

A huge hit for Carnival Cruise Lines in the US, Hasbro, The Game Show will launch in Australia on Carnival Legend. In this completely new concept for the Aussie market, guests will be fully immersed in life-size versions of their favourite childhood games, including CONNECT 4 and OPERATION, with the chance to win prizes.

Carnival Cruise Lines Vice President Australia and New Zealand, Jennifer Vandekreeke, comments:

“Carnival Spirit has been so warmly received by Australians these past 18 months, so we are excited to be welcoming sister ship Carnival Legend as a new holiday option for Australia. We’ve listened to what Australians love most about Carnival Spirit, and took into account the latest trends in hospitality on shore here in Australia and in the US to design the best upgrades for Carnival Legend. 

“The result is a ship filled with delicious dining destinations, thrilling waterslides, vast spaces to chill out with a cocktail in hand, and a myriad of entertainment options.  It’s a new and different experience in Australian waters.”

You can view a Youtube video of Carnival Legend here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1sDq9nmGCQ&feature=c4-overview&list=UUdzGTE7C0Mu1xLfgiKwSglQ

Carnival Legend’s dry dock upgrades include:

1. Unique items to the Australian market 

a. Entertainment – More variety with shorter and punchier shows:

Playlist Productions, Carnival’s onboard entertainment crew, is introducing a range of new shows, combining captivating live performances with special effects, setting a new standard in seagoing productions. Developed by top talent in the entertainment industry, the shows feature multi-talented 'triple threat' performers with a diversity of musical styles. 

Legend will also feature the all-new Hasbro Game Show, where guests can watch their favourite childhood games come to life in a fun, interactive game show with real prizes, as well as a new magic show.

b. Red Frog Pub – A first for the Aussie market, get into an island state of mind before you even set foot on one. RedFrog

Pub is our laid-back, no worries, oh-so-lively, Caribbean inspired pub. Dominate at the foosball table, enjoy some sweet tunes from live musicians and sip our tasty beers and rums. So kick back and feel the island vibe come to life. You’ll be a local here before you know it.

c. Bonsai Sushi – The next-generation onboard seafood-and-soy-sauce spot. Bonsai delivers a unique experience — dine amidst expertly-pruned bonsai trees while enjoying festive koi kite celebrations, sit-down service and a menu of delectable catches, as well as soups, sides, sakes and desserts.

d. Cherry On Top – A cruise is the perfect time to treat yourself to something sweet, and Cherry On Top happens to be the perfect place. You’ll find this well-stocked candy-and-more-store not only great for enjoying some of your confectionary favourites, but the best place to pick up  gifts for that special someone, even if — admit it — that someone sometimes happens to be you! 

e. Dr Seuss at Sea 

a. Offering the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with the Cat in the Hat and Friends: green eggs and ham, moose juice and goose juice, along with colourful fruit and pancake stacks, funky French toast and more, with traditional breakfast favourites also available. Popular Dr. Seuss characters such as the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, and Sam will be joining guests at their tables for fun interactions and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. 

b. A selection of classic Dr. Seuss books, toys and themed activities for children to enjoy.  Special showings of beloved movies such as “The Cat in the Hat” and Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”. 

c. Children and families will have the chance to meet and interact with favourite Dr. Seuss characters and participate in special photo opportunities featuring colourful and zany Dr. Seuss-inspired artwork, as well as through events and activities such as the Seuss-a-palooza Character Parade where guests can join Dr. Seuss characters in a swirly conga line along the Promenade.

2. Successful upgrades to Carnival Spirit that were added to Carnival Legend in Dry Dock

a. Green Thunder – Carnival Spirit’s star attraction, the world’s steepest and fastest waterslide at sea. A belly-flipping, heart-jolting thrill ride, guaranteed to exhilarate.

b. SplashZone – This kid’s haven features the Power Drencher, a massive tipping bucket that fills up with hundreds of litres of water, then tips and soaks all underneath it – watch out!

c. Aussie power points

d. Aussie pokies

e. USD 450 million transformation of the fitness centre 

3

f. New spa treatment rooms

g. New pool area

h. New coffee machines

3. Features already on Carnival Legend which are also popular on Carnival Spirit: 

a. Nouveau Restaurant

b. Serenity – A popular spot on Carnival Spirit, Serenity is a vast, child-free open-air retreat with 270 degree views of the great big blue, a pool, heated spa, hammocks, plush lounges and cocktail bar for delish daily special drinks. Entry is free of charge for all guests over the age of 18, and is the perfect spot for adults to escape, relax and unwind.

c. 16 bars and lounges

d. Shannan Ponton dining and fitness offerings

i. Exclusive group workouts developed by Shannan Ponton ii. Bespoke menu offerings designed by Shannan Ponton

For more information and bookings, contact Carnival Cruise Lines on 13 31 94, or visit www.carnival.com.au 

Information supplied by : Carnival Cruise Line Australia.

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

CLIA Australasia has welcomed today’s announcement regarding a major upgrade of Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal to meet the demands of the booming cruise industry.

The NSW Government’s plans to upgrade the OPT will allow for faster turnarounds and an improved passenger experience which will in turn enable more large ships to use the berth efficiently,  generating even further benefits for Sydney’s economy.

The ships that visit Sydney bring enormous economic benefits to the NSW economy as they draw hundreds of thousands of intrastate, interstate and international tourists to the city, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars into the economy and generating thousands of jobs.

The above comment can be attributed to CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine.

Information supplied by : CLIA Australasia.

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Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry Welcomes OPT Decision and Calls For Certainty of Garden Island Access 

Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry today welcomed the NSW Government’s redevelopment of the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay while calling for certainty in relation to shared use of Garden Island.

Ms Sherry said the decision to develop the OPT was a very welcome step but it remained the only commercial berth east of the Harbour Bridge.

“It is certainly a step forward to accommodate increasingly larger cruise ships at Circular Quay however the redevelopment of the terminal does not in itself increase Sydney’s capacity,” Ms Sherry said.

“Carnival Australia has long advocated shared access at Garden Island and has worked hard to build a positive and cooperative relationship with the Royal Australian Navy.”

Speaking at the Friends of Tourism event at Parliament House today, Ms Sherry described Australia’s ‘new golden era’ of cruise tourism and highlighted its value to regional ports and primary producers in particular. 

In a wide ranging address to MPs and Senators, she also pointed to the need for port infrastructure investment and national consistency in port operations.

“If we get it right, the phenomenal growth of cruising that we have seen in recent years, with a 130 per cent increase in passenger numbers in five years, can continue,” Ms Sherry said.

Ms Sherry used the speech to further stress the need for shared long term cruise ship access to Garden Island as a priority issue because of Sydney’s status as the cruising gateway to Australia and the key to regional ports continuing to experience the economic benefits of cruising growth.

“To better understand the current boom in cruising, between 1965 and 1997, the legendary and much loved P&O Fairstar carried 700,000 passengers. More Australians are now cruising in a single year than cruised on Fairstar over a 32-year period,” she said.

“In the post war assisted passage migration scheme, 1.5 million British migrants arrived in Australia, many travelling on P&O ships. By 2016, four years earlier than forecast, a million Australians are expected to cruise each year. There has never been a cruising boom on a scale that we are now experiencing.”

Ms Sherry said that cruising was a ‘gilt edged opportunity’ for regional Australia in particular but there were challenges in addition to the opportunities. 

Some of the challenges with potential to limit cruise industry growth included:

* Port infrastructure requirements including the need for certainty in relation to shared use of Garden Island so that Sydney could continue its vital role as the cruise gateway to Australia and the key to cruise ship visits to regional ports

* The need for national consistency in the operation and pricing of Australian ports where the existing fragmented approach was the maritime equivalent of ‘the bad old days’ when multiple rail gauges retarded Australia’s economic development

* Concern that future ship dry docks, each valued between $15 million and $25 million, could be lost to Australia because of additional red tape costs involved in complying with a disputed interpretation of Customs legislation

Referring to the long value chain of cruising, Ms Sherry said that primary producers were among those who benefited most along with hotels, restaurants, cafes, visitor attractions, tour operators and taxi drivers.

In one year, Australia’s home cruise brand, P&O Cruises, sourced local produce including 3.3 million eggs, 465,000kg of beef, 589,000kg of poultry and 260,000 bottles of wine, mostly from Australian wineries. Tasmania supplied 20,000kg of ocean trout and 40,000kg of salmon.

“When cruising is considered from a value added perspective, you see a rolled gold economic opportunity,” Ms Sherry said. 

“It makes solving any obstacles to cruise industry growth a sensible step for the good of the nation and the urban and rural communities that benefit.”

Information supplied by : Carnival Australia.

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RUDI SODAMIN’S MASTER CHEF’S TABLE NAMED BEST DINING EXPERIENCE BY PORTHOLE CRUISE MAGAZINE

Holland America Line’s Master Chef’s Table dining experience developed by internationally renowned chef Rudi Sodamin earned the Editor-in-Chief Award for Best Dining Experience from Porthole Cruise Magazine. The award recognises the line’s innovative approach to culinary offerings at sea, and the honor was announced in the February 2014 issue.

The Master Chef’s Table reflects Chef Rudi’s culinary vision of artistry and craftsmanship. The evening features a seven-course dining event for up to 18 guests, with each course personally delivered by a special culinary expert who serves as the dinner host. The uniforms and menus were designed to resemble an elegant chef jacket that embodies the theme of the dinner. Each meal is enhanced with wine pairings specially selected by the ship’s sommelier and the elegant table is set with signature Versace china.

"Rudi’s culinary innovations continue to earn acclaim throughout the industry, and this award is confirmation of his creativity and forward-thinking approach to our dining experience,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “We’re proud that the Master Chef’s Table was again recognised for its exceptional cuisine, fine wines and first-class service, and we look forward to seeing what Rudi will come up with next for our guests.”

Chosen annually by Editor-in-Chief Bill Panoff, the Porthole Awards are a selection of his current favorites from the cruise and travel industries.

“The Master Chef’s Table is the highest quality culinary experience you’ll find on land or at sea, so it was easy for me to give it such distinguished recognition,” said Panoff. “Rudi continues to transform the dining offerings onboard Holland America Line ships, and his knowledge and talent ensure that every dining experience is going to be memorable.”

Sodamin is internationally recognised as a food authority and one of the hospitality industry's most innovative chefs. He has directed the evolution of fine dining and unique menu options at Holland America Line through his role as culinary consultant. 

“For Bill Panoff to once again recognise the Master Chef’s Table experience as the finest at sea is deeply rewarding and an incredible honor,” said Sodamin. “Holland America Line gives me an exciting canvas on which to create new culinary opportunities for our guests and to continuously reinvent the way we present our cuisine.”

Sodamin’s ideas have been instrumental in the development of Holland America Line’s interactive culinary arts program on board as well. Sodamin also is chairman of Holland America Line’s Culinary Council, which was formed to enrich the premium line’s culinary program and is composed of international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner, Jacques Torres and Mark Best.

His many accolades include a rating of 17 (out of 20) and Three Toques from the prestigious Gault-Millau Guide (1998), the first for an onboard restaurant and the only such award presented at sea. Recently, he also received the award Meilleur Cuisinier 2013 and Three Toques from Michael Reinartz, founder of the prestigious Gault & Millau, Germany & Austria.

Chef Rudi has authored 13 cookbooks, including Seduction & Spice (Rizzoli, 2000) and Holland America Line’s A Taste of Excellence (Rizzoli, 2007), A Taste of Elegance(Rizzoli, 2009) and A Taste of Celebration (Rizzoli, 2010). His latest book, Appetizers (Rizzoli, June, 2012), is the latest in Holland America’s Culinary Signature Collection series.

With 30 years of hospitality and cruise industry experience, Rudi is a member of the prestigious Academy Culinaire de France, the Maîtres Cuisiners de France and an honoree member of the noble Club des Chefs des Chefs, whose members cook for presidents, kings and prime ministers worldwide.

Despite these accolades, Sodamin is a restless artist, a master never content to sit on the laurels of his last achievement. “Cooking is about life,” said Sodamin. “It’s about energy, it’s about joy and it’s about sharing.”

— # # # —

For a cruise brochure or for more information on Holland America Line’s voyages, consult a travel professional or call Holland America Line at 1300 987 322 or visit www.hollandamerica.com.au

Information supplied by : Holland America Line.

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 A great one minute video of this morning’s spectacular arrival into Sydney by Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, celebrating Sydney’s Mardi Gras Festival, is now available for download at https://vimeo.com/87915274

Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth Makes Dazzling Salute to Mardi Gras Festival

Cunard Line’s luxury liner Queen Elizabeth made a spectacular entry into Sydney this morning, with a massive ‘Happy Mardi Gras’ cape billowing from her top decks in a salute to one of the city’s biggest international festivals.

Stretching 126-metres long, the cape formed part of a head-turning outfit for iconic performer and personality Vanity Faire, who was positioned on top of Queen Elizabeth on a giant glittering 2.2 metre-high stiletto.

The dazzling display paid tribute to the 2014 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, with the Mardi Gras parade due to get underway in the city tonight.

Reaching almost half the length of the 296-metre liner and measuring 12.5 metres at its widest point the cape was unfurled as Queen Elizabeth entered Sydney Harbour, with Vanity taking her position on top of the stiletto, 41 metres above the harbour, as the liner approached the Opera House around 7.30am.

Berthed at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay until 9pm tomorrow, Queen Elizabeth is the second of the three magnificent Cunard Queens to visit Sydney this summer – the first time all three liners have called to Australia in one season.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents Cunard Line in Australia, said Queen Elizabeth’s arrival was a great opportunity to contribute to Sydney’s Mardi Gras excitement.

“Everyone around the world knows that at this time of year Sydney is in a perpetual state of celebration, starting with New Year’s Eve fireworks and the Sydney Festival and continuing through to the excitement of Mardi Gras – a celebration of diversity which draws massive crowds to the city and many thousands of international visitors to Australia,” Ms Sherry said. 

“Cunard Line prides itself on taking its guests to some of the world’s most desirable destinations and delivering memorable moments during its voyages and today’s arrival is certainly one of those.”

Mardi Gras CEO Michael Rolik said Festival organisers were thrilled by the Cunard gesture. 

“The liner’s spectacular arrival is a wonderful celebration of our Festival and has helped to bring our event back onto Sydney Harbour,” Mr Rolik said.  

Vanity Faire, who boarded the liner in Auckland earlier in the week, said she was enormously excited to be part of the moment in history.  “The arrival was magnificent. I think I had the best view in Sydney this morning – it felt like I was on top of the world,” Vanity said.

Queen Elizabeth’s Sydney visit comes about halfway through her 118-night world voyage. Carrying around 1900 guests, the liner sailed from Auckland to Sydney this week and will set sail tomorrow for Brisbane and the Whitsunday Islands before cruising on to Asia.

Launched by Her Majesty The Queen in 2010, Queen Elizabeth is the second largest liner in the Cunard fleet and offers more than 1000 staterooms.  Her many features include more than 10 restaurants and cafes, two outdoor swimming pools, a Games Deck including paddle tennis, croquet and bowls as well as a two-storey library complete with leaded glass ceiling and around 6000 books.  Her visit follows Queen Mary 2’s call to Sydney on February 19, with Queen Mary 2 due to return on March 14 and Queen Victoria visiting Sydney on March 5.

Some additional facts about Queen Elizabeth’s special arrival:

* The 126 metre long cape weighs 180 kilograms and was made in Melbourne by 50-year-old company Carroll & Richardson 

* The cape features 6500 perforated holes to allow it to billow in the breeze. 

* The cape is made from 1900 square metres of material which was laser printed with the multi-coloured design and took two weeks to machine sew.

* The stiletto is 2.7 metres long and 2.2 metres high and is a stage prop which has been specially modified to accommodate Vanity sitting 41 metres high above sea level.  A temporary stage was created on top of Queen Elizabeth for the shoe.

* The stiletto features 1000 LED lights which will be illuminated overnight while the ship is at Circular Quay, while the cape will be bathed in deck lighting.

* The cape and stiletto were shipped in a container from Sydney to Auckland and loaded onto Queen Elizabeth on February 25.

* Sydney-based cruise ship marine specialists Inter-Marine managed the project which included the creation of a special 140-metre long steel cable dressing line on Queen Elizabeth to accommodate the cape.

Information supplied by : Cunard Line.

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

Photo's supplied by our great friend James Morgan of James Morgan Photography.

Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth Makes Dazzling Salute to Mardi Gras Festival

Cunard Line’s luxury liner Queen Elizabeth made a spectacular entry into Sydney this morning, with a massive ‘Happy Mardi Gras’ cape billowing from her top decks in a salute to one of the city’s biggest international festivals.

Stretching 126-metres long, the cape formed part of a head-turning outfit for iconic performer and personality Vanity Faire, who was positioned on top of Queen Elizabeth on a giant glittering 2.2 metre-high stiletto.

The dazzling display paid tribute to the 2014 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, with the Mardi Gras parade due to get underway in the city tonight.

Reaching almost half the length of the 296-metre liner and measuring 12.5 metres at its widest point the cape was unfurled as Queen Elizabeth entered Sydney Harbour, with Vanity taking her position on top of the stiletto, 41 metres above the harbour, as the liner approached the Opera House around 7.30am.

Berthed at the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay until 9pm tomorrow, Queen Elizabeth is the second of the three magnificent Cunard Queens to visit Sydney this summer – the first time all three liners have called to Australia in one season.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents Cunard Line in Australia, said Queen Elizabeth’s arrival was a great opportunity to contribute to Sydney’s Mardi Gras excitement.

“Everyone around the world knows that at this time of year Sydney is in a perpetual state of celebration, starting with New Year’s Eve fireworks and the Sydney Festival and continuing through to the excitement of Mardi Gras – a celebration of diversity which draws massive crowds to the city and many thousands of international visitors to Australia,” Ms Sherry said. 

“Cunard Line prides itself on taking its guests to some of the world’s most desirable destinations and delivering memorable moments during its voyages and today’s arrival is certainly one of those.”

Mardi Gras CEO Michael Rolik said Festival organisers were thrilled by the Cunard gesture. 

“The liner’s spectacular arrival is a wonderful celebration of our Festival and has helped to bring our event back onto Sydney Harbour,” Mr Rolik said.  

Vanity Faire, who boarded the liner in Auckland earlier in the week, said she was enormously excited to be part of the moment in history.  “The arrival was magnificent. I think I had the best view in Sydney this morning – it felt like I was on top of the world,” Vanity said.

Queen Elizabeth’s Sydney visit comes about halfway through her 118-night world voyage. Carrying around 1900 guests, the liner sailed from Auckland to Sydney this week and will set sail tomorrow for Brisbane and the Whitsunday Islands before cruising on to Asia.

Launched by Her Majesty The Queen in 2010, Queen Elizabeth is the second largest liner in the Cunard fleet and offers more than 1000 staterooms.  Her many features include more than 10

restaurants and cafes, two outdoor swimming pools, a Games Deck including paddle tennis, croquet and bowls as well as a two-storey library complete with leaded glass ceiling and around 6000 books.  Her visit follows Queen Mary 2’s call to Sydney on February 19, with Queen Mary 2 due to return on March 14 and Queen Victoria visiting Sydney on March 5.

Some additional facts about Queen Elizabeth’s special arrival:

* The 126 metre long cape weighs 180 kilograms and was made in Melbourne by 50-year-old company Carroll & Richardson 

* The cape features 6500 perforated holes to allow it to billow in the breeze. 

* The cape is made from 1900 square metres of material which was laser printed with the multi-coloured design and took two weeks to machine sew.

* The stiletto is 2.7 metres long and 2.2 metres high and is a stage prop which has been specially modified to accommodate Vanity sitting 41 metres high above sea level.  A temporary stage was created on top of Queen Elizabeth for the shoe.

* The stiletto features 1000 LED lights which will be illuminated overnight while the ship is at Circular Quay, while the cape will be bathed in deck lighting.

* The cape and stiletto were shipped in a container from Sydney to Auckland and loaded onto Queen Elizabeth on February 25.

* Sydney-based cruise ship marine specialists Inter-Marine managed the project which included the creation of a special 140-metre long steel cable dressing line on Queen Elizabeth to accommodate the cape.

Information supplied by : Cunard Line.

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