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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