Princess Cruises' To Make Heart-Stopping

Entrance to Sydney on Valentine’s Day

Princess Cruises “Love Boat” Pacific Princess will make a heart-stopping entry into Sydney this Saturday lighting up the Harbour with a giant, beating heart.

In honour of her namesake, the original Love Boat, Pacific Princess will wear her heart on her bow, letting love guide her into port on the most romantic day of the year.

Believed to be the largest at sea, the 4.5m LED illuminated heart will form part of a love-filled salute as the 30,000-tonne ship and its 680-guests kickstart Sydney's Valentine's Day celebrations.

Pacific Princess will be decked out in full romance regalia including 300 heart flags flying from her dressing line and a four-metre high red heart painted on her funnel, while guests will be waving heart flags from her top decks.

To mark the first time Pacific Princess has arrived in Sydney for Valentine's Day, the ship has been given special permission to play a ship horn rendition of the well-known Love Boat theme while it passes the Opera House.

The modern day Love Boat is expected to sail through the heads at approximately 6am, cruising past the Opera House and under the Harbour Bridge around 6.30am before docking at White Bay Cruise Terminal about 7am. 

Harbour vantage points to see the loved-up Pacific Princess include Bradfield Park at Kirribilli, the Sydney Opera House, and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Botanic Gardens.

Pacific Princess will be visiting Sydney as part of her 111-night wold voyage which departed Los Angeles on January 23, 2015.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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CLIA Global Snapshot Predicts Robust Growth in 2015

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its annual State of the Cruise Industry Report projecting another year of strong growth for the global cruise industry with a record 23 million passengers expected to sail in 2015.

With passenger numbers up more than a million from the 2014 forecast of 21.7 million cruisers, the CLIA report shows that cruise lines are enticing more global travellers to sea with new, exotic locations, and the debut of 22 new ocean, river and specialty ships in 2015 - a total investment of more than $4 billion by member cruise lines.

In great news for the local industry, CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the report earmarked Australia and neighbouring Asia as regions set for more robust growth in 2015.

“This year is set to be another big step forward for the entire industry as our members continue to strive to make cruising the best overall holiday experience for Australian travellers,” Mr Jardine said.

As part of the report, the global cruise association collated research from around the world to reveal its key industry outlooks:

• Cruise passengers intend to continue cruising. CLIA member ocean passenger volume is projected to increase to 23 million in 2015, a 4 per cent increase over 2014 estimates.
• Size doesn’t matter. Five years ago, the largest cruise ship in the world was introduced with a 6,300-passenger capacity. With 22 new ocean, river and specialty cruise ships scheduled for debut this year, the focus is less on size and more on unique design and amenities.
• Specialty cruises continue to thrive. Sophisticated ships, luxury yachts, elegant ocean liners and the newest river cruises all continue to experience double digit passenger growth with specialty cruises growing by 21 per cent annually from 2009 to 2014 estimates.
• The Caribbean is Queen. The Caribbean remains the top cruise destination with more than a third of the global deployment capacity market share in 2015.
• Travellers are expanding horizons. Regions including the Mediterranean, Asia and Australia are set to grow. In 2015, 52 ships will offer 1065 Asian cruises with capacity for 2 million passengers.
• Oh, the places we will go. The cruise industry is seeing an increase in passengers looking for global experiences. As a result, cruising has made the world more accessible than ever. CLIA’s member cruise lines offer nearly 1000 ports around the globe, including many areas that fall within a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Travel agents are key. While the Internet and mobile devices have overtaken how consumers make purchases, travel agents continue to be the most popular and best way to book a cruise.
• Passengers are at the helm. When it comes to travel, consumers are in control more than ever before. The cruise industry is excited, motivated and responding with key innovations that are meeting the needs of today’s passengers, such as bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and phone connectivity, multigenerational appeal, themed cruises and “foodcations”.

CLIA Australasia will release its 2014 Australian and New Zealand source market report later in the year.

For more information visit www.cruising.org.au

Information supplied by: CLIA Australasia.

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Princess Cruises Draws on Real Cruise Stories to Show

Australian Travellers How to Come Back New

Princess Cruises has unveiled its first Australian-produced advertising campaign showcasing the transformative power of a cruise through real life passenger stories of mateship, family life and major lifetime events.

Developed locally by Princess Cruises in association with MediaCom and Parliament Films, the online video campaign is the first to use real guests. Launched today, the series is an evolution of the cruise line’s Come Back New campaign, which launched last year.

Drawing on the experiences of existing Princess cruisers, the Come Back New Stories are evocative and emotional videos designed to inspire viewers with thoughts of travel and reconnection.

One video tells the story of lifelong friends from Wagga Wagga, Vince and Bob, who recently journeyed to New Zealand on Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess for a nostalgia-filled adventure, similar to the backpacking adventures they undertook in their 20s.

Other stories include the Ryan Family – father Jeff, mother Bente and children Lisa and Tim – who cruised to Bali on Diamond Princess to celebrate Jeff’s 50^th birthday, and husband and wife Gary and Michelle Leaney, who celebrate their 28^th wedding anniversary with a surprise cruise to Queensland.

Princess Cruises Marketing Manager Australia and New Zealand Nick Ferguson said the videos showcased a new cruise story, focused on sharing and recreating the feelings of real passengers and the reasons for their cruise.

“We wanted our past and future guests to see the real-life, positive impact that our cruisers experience during a holiday with us so they can be inspired to take their own transformative journey with Princess Cruises,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The best way to highlight this was by sharing stories that show how real travellers transformed while cruising on one of our ships,” he said.

The series launched today and will be progressively rolled out across social media and digital platforms until March 31, 2015.

The Come Back New Stories can be viewed here.

For more information call 13 24 88, visitwww.princess.com

Information supplies by: Princess Cruises.

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Carnival Takes Selfies to Sea with New Snap-Happy App

With more and more holidaymakers putting themselves in the picture, Carnival Cruise Line is taking the growing phenomenon of selfies to sea with a fun new app that allows guests to capture their cruise in a series of snap-happy selfies.

Available for download free of charge at the Apple and Android stores, the Selfies at Sea app collates a series of onboard photos into a mini-movie which can be shared on social media channels.

All cruisers have to do is point and shoot and the easy-to-use app does the rest. There are even flattering filters to ensure everyone looks like a selfie star. A sample video is available here

The app also features a guide to the best selfie spots onboard Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend including the ships’ striking red funnel, Green Thunder waterslide and Lido deck with the sounds of the cruise making a fun soundtrack.

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia and New Zealand Jennifer Vandekreeke said the app combined the fun of a Carnival holiday with the growing selfie craze.

“Cruising and selfies go hand in hand and with so many highlights on a Carnival cruise, this app is the perfect way for holidaymakers to roll all their favourite moments into a shareable movie so they can brag about all the fun they’re having at sea,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

Holidaymakers are encouraged to share their selfie movie using #selfiesatsea.

Earlier this year, Carnival Cruise Line made history with 600 guests on Carnival Spirit striking a pose on the ship's top decks for the biggest selfie at sea.

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

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Carnival’s New Ocean-Themed Camps Set to Make Waves Down Under in 2015

Australia’s leading family cruise line Carnival Cruise Lines has announced it will bring the excitement and wonder of the ocean onboard its local ship Carnival Spirit with the launch of a new marine-themed kids club.

Giving little cruisers the chance to immerse themselves in all the fun of the big blue sea, the new Camp Ocean will replace Camp Carnival on Carnival Spirit during its scheduled refurbishment in August.

The new larger kids’ club areas will be splashed out in bright blue ocean hues, offering more than 200 educational and engaging ocean-themed activities such as sea salt art, sea shell craft, ocean bingo, and make-your-own sail boats.

Designed for children aged 2-11, Camp Ocean will feature three age-related areas including a new Penguin colony for two to five-year-olds and a Sting Ray camp for six to eight-year-olds, while nine to 11-year-olds will be able to sink their teeth into their new Shark enclosure.

Each area will have its own special features ranging from miniature play igloos for the smallest cruisers to interactive gaming stations for the biggest.

Carnival Cruise Lines Vice President Australia and New Zealand Jennifer Vandekreeke said Camp Ocean was a great fit for Australian children who had a natural fascination and affinity with the ocean.

“We can’t wait to introduce Camp Ocean to our Australian ship and watch our youngest cruisers dive in to the wonderful world under the sea,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

“We carry more families than any other cruise line in the world and we’re always trying to expand our horizons when it comes to ensuring kids, and their parents, have a memorable and enriching onboard experience – and a great holiday. While our current children’s programs are very popular, Camp Ocean will offer even more ways to have fun with its interactive and colourful links to the ocean.”

Camp Ocean was devised by a panel of experts including specialists in children’s engagement, toys, game play and even a mother of two who cruises frequently. The program is being rolled out across Carnival’s worldwide fleet.

Carnival Spirit’s current teen program will remain with Circle C entertaining guests aged 12 to 14 and Club O2 giving teens aged 15 to 17 somewhere to hang out.

The scheduled dry dock will also see Carnival Spirit receive a burger bar by US chef Guy Fieri, the BlueIguana Cantina bursting with Mexican flavours, a Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Rum Bar and an interactive EA Sports Bar.

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

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Lines, Australia.

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P&O Cruises’ entire fleet of three cruise ships met in Sydney for the first time this morning to form an historic Australia Day display on the harbour.

With Pacific Jewel berthed at Athol Bay,

Pacific Pearl anchored at Point Piper

and Pacific Dawn located off Kurraba Point,

the trio of ships offered their 6000 guests a front row seat to Sydney’s Australia Day festivities.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Photo's Credit Brian Gaskin, Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia.

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! 

Three P&O Cruises Ships Sail into Sydney for Australia Day

In an historic display, P&O Cruises’ entire fleet of three cruise ships will spend Australia Day berthed in Sydney offering around 6000 guests a front row seat to all the action on the harbour.

The trio is set to begin sailing through the heads at 530am with Pacific Dawn to be based off Kurraba Point, Pacific Jewel berthing at Athol Bay and Pacific Pearl anchoring at Point Piper. 

To mark the occasion, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel will sport patriotic decals with the nation’s catch cry, “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie”, while Pacific Dawn will be draped in giant Australian flags. 

The three ships will enter the harbour at 15 minute intervals and are expected to be in position by 645am and dressed by 730am. 

It will be the first time all three P&O Cruises’ ships have met in Sydney, with the display marking the third year the cruise line has been the official sponsor of the Australia Day Sydney Harbour Program.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said P&O Cruises’ decked-out superliners had become one of the key features of Australia Day on the harbour.

“We’re as Australian as meat pies and kangaroos so we’re thrilled to bring our entire fleet into Sydney’s iconic harbour for the first time on our national day,” Ms Marshall said. 

Special Australia Day events on the harbour include the Ferrython, the Army’s 21-gun Salute to Australia, RAAF flyover, a Harbour Parade, a Tug and Yacht Ballet, a 'tinnie muster', Tall Ships Parade which Pacific Pearl will start with her horn, the P&O Cruises’ fireworks display between the three ships at 830pm, and for the first time HMAS Canberra will join the festivities in the centre of the harbour. 

Australian entertainers will perform on the ships, while guests will dance the day away to Aussie music, watch Australian movies and enjoy a quintessential Aussie BBQ onboard. 

Pacific Pearl’s three-night Australia Day cruise from Sydney commences on January 24, Pacific Jewel’s three-night Australia Day cruise from Sydney will run from January 25 while Pacific Dawn will offer her first Australia Day short break with a four-night roundtrip itinerary departing Brisbane on January 24.

P&O Cruises’ 2016 Australia Day itineraries start from $579* per person on Pacific Pearl’s three-night roundtrip Sydney itinerary departing on January 24, 2016.

For more information on P&O Cruises’ Australia Day cruises visit www.pocruises.com.au

or  phone 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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P&O Cruises’ Guests Deliver New Medical Facility to Remote Vanuatu Island

P&O Cruises’ Pacific Partnership with Save the Children has delivered a desperately-needed medical facility to remote Vanuatu Island Aneityum replacing a run-down pre-1970s building with a new dispensary offering modern medical equipment and solar powered electricity.

The new dispensary raises healthcare standards on the island with features including a waiting area, a maternity delivery room plus separate consultancy, in-patient and treatment rooms, and new storage facilities and equipment. While the previous building operated without electricity for the past three years, the new facility is powered by solar panels.

With only one barge a month bringing supplies to the “last island in Vanuatu”, the dispensary took six months to build and is the biggest project to date for the P&O Pacific Partnership – a collaboration between Save the Children and Australia’s leading cruise line P&O Cruises.

The P&O Pacific Partnership gives the cruise line and its guests an opportunity to support island communities who have been welcoming P&O ships for more than 80 years. 

The partnership has raised almost $690,000 since its launch in January 2013 with four projects – two kindergartens, an aid post and the dispensary – completed during that time. More than $270,000 from the partnership was spent building the Aneityum facility.

Members of the 1000-strong island community joined healthcare workers and Save the Children staff at the official opening yesterday. Many had been involved in the construction process, hauling bags of cement and coral from a transport barge and digging the holes for the building’s foundation.

Located in the southernmost Tafea province, Aneityum is the home community to nearby Mystery Island, one of P&O Cruises’ most popular South Pacific destinations.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said it was important to leave a positive footprint in the communities the cruise line visited. 

“The Pacific Partnership offers a tangible and heart-warming way for P&O Cruises and its passengers to give back to the island communities that have provided an idyllic backdrop for so many cherished holiday memories,” Ms Marshall said.

Country Director of Save the Children Vanuatu Tom Skirrow said the dispensary would provide improved healthcare outcomes for about 1800 patients on Aneityum every year.

“We are looking at inter-generational improvements that will be realised for decades to come,” Mr Skirrow said.

Expectant mother Kye Nirinuput had three babies in the old dispensary and said she was 

“so happy to be having my fourth in the new, spacious, private maternity ward.”

The P&O Partnership has committed to building up to eight new aid posts in Vanuatu over the next two years.

P&O Cruises’ guests support the P&O Pacific Partnership by contributing a dollar from their onboard accounts or participating in the 'Born to Knit' program, which is now exclusive to the cruise line and sees knitted blankets donated to newborns at Vila Central Hospital. 

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Shipload of Fans Sail to the Australian Open

It’s game-on for 1800 cruise passengers today, as P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl superliner departs Sydney to sail to the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The special cruise will deliver a shipload of tennis fans to the Victorian capital to enjoy two days of the tournament, in a visit expected to inject around $1 million into the State economy.

The passengers will represent one of the biggest single groups to attend the Open on any one day.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said the tennis cruise was now an annual event for P&O, following last year’s inaugural Australian Open voyage which visited the tournament for one day.

“Last year’s event was a huge hit with our guests but we think this year’s will ace it, serving up two full days and one evening of tennis,” Ms Marshall said.

The cruise comes as new Tourism & Transport Forum research shows one in three Australians plan to travel overnight to attend a major event this year, with sporting events at the top of the table.

“Australians love big sporting events and they also love cruise holidays, so being able to combine the two is a match made in heaven for many people,” Ms Marshall said.

With general admission and transfers to the Open on Wednesday and Thursday already included in their fare, guests on the five-night cruise have also purchased more than 2000 upgrade tickets which will see many of them courtside at the Rod Laver and Margaret Court arenas for their visit.

During their stay in Melbourne, guests will also take the time to enjoy some shopping, dining and sight-seeing - activities which will contribute valuable dollars to the economy.

Now an annual fixture on P&O Cruises’ calendar, the Australian Open tennis is part of the cruise line’s ‘main event’ offering which also includes cruises to the Melbourne Cup, the 2015 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival and a raft of Christmas and New Year sailings.

“Cruising is the ideal way to attend major sporting events. Not only is it great value, but it also takes the stress out of planning and provides a fun and relaxing experience either side of the action,” Ms Marshall said. 

Pacific Pearl departs Sydney at 4pm today and will arrive in Melbourne on Wednesday morning. 

Tennis fans wanting to catch the action next year can join P&O Cruises’ 2016 Australian Open cruise, departing Sydney on January 19. The five-night cruise is priced from $699* per person quad share and includes transfers to and from the grounds and general admission tickets with upgrades available. For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au or call 13 24 94.  

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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The New York Times, one of the world’s most prestigious news organisations, has discovered the attractions of P&O Cruises’ voyages to Papua New Guinea.

In its round up of 52 ‘must see’ places in the world to experience in 2015, the publication nominated Papua New Guinea and mentioned P&O Cruises’ itineraries to Australia’s exotic northern neighbour.

This is how the NY Times described the experience:

This island nation has long been off the radar for most visitors, mainly because of the difficulty of getting there.

Tourism is set to boom, however, now that the country has begun welcoming mega-cruise ships. P&O Cruises docked its first 2,000-passenger ship in the turquoise waters of Milne Bay on the southeastern coast in late 2013, and this year it is expanding its Papua New Guinea fleet and adding several new destinations, including Madang province, a popular diving spot.

In remote areas, more eco-lodges are popping up, as well, such as the Lake Murray Lodge, a rustic retreat that opened last June on the shores of the country’s largest lake, a bird-watching paradise.

Papua New Guinea featured as the 29^th destination on the New York Times’ list which can be seen here: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/01/11/travel/52-places-to-go-in-2015.html?ref=travel&_r=4

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Carnival Cruise Lines Hatches Top Deals for an Easter Holiday Getaway 

Carnival Cruise Lines has released some ‘eggscellent’ fares for its April school holiday cruises, making it irresistible for families to hop onboard for an Easter escape. 

Fares start at $599* per person twin share for a four-night round trip cruise to Tasmania sailing on Carnival Legend and departing Sydney on April 16, 2015. The shortbreak cruise is an A-grade option for the school holidays, offering all the fun of the ship’s onboard activities plus a full day free to explore Hobart’s sights, from its stunning Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) to its towering Mount Wellington.  

For those keen to head north to the Pacific, fares on Carnival Legend start at $1100*per person twin share on its 11-night roundtrip cruise to New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Departing Sydney on Easter Sunday April 5, this itinerary features visits to Port Vila, Mystery Island and Noumea  as well as plenty of fun Easter activities onboard, including an Easter egg-and-spoon race, a ‘Golden Egg Hunt’ and an egg diving team challenge in the main pool. 

There’s more holiday fun onboard  sister ship Carnival Spirit too, with  a 12-night getaway to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji, sailing roundtrip from Sydney on April 9. This Pacific Islands voyage promises adventure, culture and fun for the whole family, with calls to Mystery Island, Noumea and Isle of Pines as well as Suva and Port Denarau.  Fares start from $1300* per person twin share. 

Cruise Lines Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said a cruise was the perfect way for families to enjoy the school holidays together.

“The great thing about cruising is that there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy, both onboard and onshore. With more than 45 fabulous activities on our ships and a range of fun shore excursions on offer, cruising makes for an unforgettable family holiday,” Ms Vandekreeke said.  

 Both Carnival ships feature 12 decks of fun including the fastest and steepest waterslide at sea - Green Thunder - as well as three swimming pools, the child-free Serenity Retreat and 16 restaurants, bars and lounges.  Carnival Legend also offers new features including the Seuss at Sea program, Hasbro, The Game Show and Bonsai Sushi.

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

* Fares apply to Interior staterooms. Subject to availability, conditions apply.

About Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines is the largest cruise line in the world with over four and a half million guests travelling every year. The cruise line has two ships based in Australia, Carnival Spirit – the largest and newest cruise ship to be based in Sydney year round – and sister ship Carnival Legend, sailing from Sydney each summer. With 45 activities from zen to adrenalin to enjoy each day, both ships offer fun-loving families and couples memorable and great value holidays. 

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Emerald Princess to Debut Down Under as  Princess Cruises Shines Brighter in Australia 

Princess Cruises has announced a further expansion in the Australian market, with news that its magnificent 3082-guest Emerald Princess will join its local fleet in late 2016 for its first ever season of cruising Down Under. The 113,000-tonne superliner will be based in Sydney from November 2016 to April 2017, taking the cruise line’s Australasian capacity to a record 11,800 berths across five ships during the season.

Launched in 2007, Emerald Princess is one of Princess Cruises’ largest ships with more than 1500 guest rooms and will be one of the youngest ships to be deployed in Australia and New Zealand.  She boasts a raft of features which will appeal to local guests including 13 dining options, eight showrooms and lounges, two nightclubs and four swimming pools as well as signature Princess offerings such as a child-free Sanctuary, the poolside Movies Under the Stars and the luxurious Lotus Spa. 

Emerald Princess will undertake a number of cruises from Sydney, with itineraries to New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific to be unveiled in March this year. Announcing the move, Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said the expansion reflected Australians continued love affair with Princess Cruises.

With five of its 18-strong fleet cruising down under, Princess Cruises ranks Australia as its biggest market outside the United States. “Since Princess first based a ship here for the summer in 2002 we have been embraced by Australians who love our exciting itineraries and destinations as well as the quality cruise experience we provide, so we’re thrilled to be expanding further,” Mr Allison said. “With three ships cruising our waters full time and two megaliners visiting for the summer, the 2016 season will offer more exciting options for Australian and New Zealand cruisers.” Mr Allison said Emerald Princess would cruise from Sydney whilst four other Princess ships will continue to offer programs from Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle and Sydney. Mr Allison said all ships will offer AUD pricing onboard as they deliver a full program of cruises from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and Auckland over the 2016-17 summer.  Full details of the 2016-17 program for all Princess ships will be released in March, with the program on sale in April. 

For more details, you can keep upto date with  www.princesscruises.com

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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P&O Cruises is sailing into a history-making New Year, with a number of head-turning events planned around the country in 2015.

The first spectacle will happen later this month when the cruise line’s three ships – Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl and Pacific Dawn – meet on Sydney Harbour on Monday January 26 as the city celebrates Australia Day. Ten months later the entire fleet will return to Sydney, with the cruise line’s newest additions - Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden - joining the existing three ships in an unprecedented five-ship spectacular on November 25. The arrival of Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will lead to a series of exciting maiden port visits around the country in November and December, while P&O Cruises will also be making history over the coming months with its inaugural visits to a range of regional ports including Pacific Pearl’s first call to Eden on the NSW South Coast on February 22, and Mornington and Portland in Victoria on February 24 and 25 respectively. Pacific Jewel will make the cruise line’s first call to Esperance on March 20 and Busselton in Western Australia on April 24.

Pictured: Pacific Jewel arrives in Sydney as P&O Cruises’ plans for a busy 2015 get underway.  

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Santa did a stand up job ensuring Pacific Jewel had a festive welcome to Sydney this week before her annual Christmas cruise departed the city.

Paddleboarding on the harbour with a sack of gifts, Santa’s surprise appearance gave Sydneysiders something to smile about in the lead up to Christmas.

  As the local cruise industry continues to boom, close to 6000 Australians will enjoy a tropical Christmas in the South Pacific across P&O Cruises’ three ships.

From carol singing and Christmas games to traditional roast turkey lunches and gifts from Santa, it will be a cruisey Christmas for guests, with no need to cook or wash up after the Christmas Day feast.

Please see the attached image of Santa paddleboarding in Sydney Harbour with Pacific Jewel. Photo credit: James Morgan.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Carnival Australia Lends a Helping Hand in the Kitchen for Christmas  

Some of Carnival Australia’s staff swapped their desks for kitchen benches last  week, to lend a hand as charity organisation Our Big Kitchen provided meals to those in need in the community.

The team of more than 50 Carnival Australia staff prepared meals for delivery to Bear Cottage, NSW’s only hospice for children, an experience which Executive Assistant Amanda Hall said they all found inspiring. “None of us was prepared for how amazing our visit to Our Big Kitchen would be, and we all left the kitchen humbled by the experience.” 

Senior Manager Commercial Analysis & International Caroline Handisides said it was a busy but inspiring day at the chopping boards.  “We spent the morning chopping vegetables and preparing dessert,” Caroline said.  “After lunch we helped the kitchen team package the food that would be distributed to those in need.  Overall it was such a rewarding day, one where we were naturally humbled in remembering how fortunate we are in our corporate world.”

Information supplied by: Carnival Australia.

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New Survey Reveals Blokes Shop til They Drop on Holidays

A new survey on Australians holiday shopping habits has revealed that men are bigger spenders than women and much more likely to buy something nice for their spouse while travelling.

Of the 1000 people surveyed for the inaugural Princess Cruises Holiday Shopping Study, men were far more generous than women, with 27 per cent saying they bought for their partner on holidays compared to only 7 per cent of women. The majority of women (54 per cent) said they mainly shopped for themselves.

Every respondent said they shopped while on holiday but more than 60 per cent admitted they needed retail therapy at least three times a trip, while a further 15 per cent said they couldn’t go a day without shopping during their time away.

The survey also revealed an interesting trend among couples with more than half (54 per cent) of respondents saying they would prefer to shop with their partner than anyone else. Once again men were more enamoured with their partners, with 67 per cent preferring to shop with their significant other, compared to only 44 per cent of women. The least favoured holiday shopping companions were children (2.5 per cent) and parents (2.3 per cent).

Asked how much they spent on shopping each holiday, 40 per cent of men said they spent more than $500, compared to 35 per cent of women. 

The survey found that the biggest holiday splurge was on clothing and shoes with 77 per cent of respondents buying up big on these items during a trip. 

But there was a big difference when it came to certain goods, with more than a third of men (36 per cent) shopping for electronics compared to only 14 per cent of women. 

Princess Cruises’ spokesperson Meg Koffel said the cruise line had conducted the survey to get a better insight into the habits of Australian travellers as it expanded its onboard shopping and looked to offer more shopping themed cruises.

“We knew Australians loved to shop but we had no idea they dedicated so much of their precious holiday time to shopping,” Ms Koffel said.  

“It’s fascinating to see how “holiday mode” can alter the way Aussies behave, with men spoiling their partners and something like shopping together as a couple - often a no-go zone back home - becoming much more appealing in the relaxed confines of a holiday.”

Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess has returned to Australia for a summer of cruising following a multi-million dollar dry dock which saw the addition of new luxury boutiques offering designer brands such as Burberry, Coach and Salvatore Ferragamo as well as OMEGA watches and Swarovski crystals.

The 116,000-tonne ship is half way through a Christmas shopping cruise, which departed Sydney on Sunday, with its 2670-guests expected to spend close to $400,000 during today’s call to Melbourne. 

“Thankfully there is no baggage limit on cruise ships as we expect our passengers will be filling more than a few Christmas stockings with their Melbourne shopping haul,” Ms Koffel said.

For more information on Princess Cruises visit www.princess.com

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Princess Cruises Celebrates 50th Anniversary with its Biggest Sale Ever

Princess Cruises is celebrating 50 years of cruising with its biggest ever gift bag of offers for holidaymakers.

The cruise line’s anniversary sale features an unprecedented five great booking incentives, ranging from onboard credits to complimentary dinners for two.

With convenient departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle, the sale covers a record number of destinations, including New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific, Asia, Europe and Alaska. 

Passengers who book during the sale can enjoy a range of offers including savings of up to $500* per person, up to $200* onboard credit per stateroom, complimentary dinner for two in a speciality restaurant, a 50 per cent reduced deposit and savings of up to 50 per cent per person for triple and quad share bookings.

On sale until February 28, 2015*, the anniversary sale is valid for select cruises including:  

* a 12-night Asia cruise from Fremantle to Singapore on Dawn Princess, departing April, 29, 2015, with visits to Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi and Phuket, priced from $1199* per person twin share, and with up to $200* onboard credit per stateroom

* a 10-night Queensland coastal cruise on Sun Princess roundtrip from Sydney, departing June 10, 2015, with fares from $1099* per person twin share and up to $100* onboard credit per stateroom

* a 13-night New Zealand cruise on Golden Princess roundtrip from Melbourne, departing November 12, 2015, with fares from $1849* per person twin share and up to $200* onboard credit per stateroom

* a 10-night Papua New Guinea cruise on Sun Princess roundtrip from Brisbane, departing September 6, 2015, with visits to Alotau, Kitava, Rabaul, Kiriwina Island, Doini Island and scenic cruising in Kawanasausau Strait and Milne Bay, priced from $1449* per person twin share and with up to $100* onboard credit per stateroom

* a seven-night Alaska Voyage of the Glaciers cruise on Star Princess, departing May 23, 2015, with visits to Anchorage, Skagway and Ketchikan and scenic cruising in Hubbard Glacier and Glacier Bay National Park, priced from $979* per person twin share, and with up to $100* onboard credit per stateroom

* a seven-night Mediterranean cruise on Emerald Princess between Rome and Barcelona, departing May 30, 2015, with visits to Sicily, Tunis, Florence/Pisa, Genoa and Toulon, priced from $1499* per person twin share, and with up to $100* onboard credit per stateroom.

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said 2015 was a very special year for Princess as the cruise line commemorated 50 years of cruising around the globe.

“We’re delighted to be able to invite guests to join the party as we celebrate the milestone with our biggest ever range of offers,” Mr Allison said.

For more information call 13 24 88 or visit www.princess.com

*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. Fares are in AUD on a per person, twin share basis. 

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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CARNIVAL SPIRIT IN CIRCULAR QUAY AMONG BEST DRONE IMAGES FOR 2014.

Among stunning aerials of Niagara Falls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and a blue lagoon in French Polynesia, an image of Carnival Spirit docked in Sydney’s Circular Quay has made the cut for the best drone images of 2014.

As flying cameras become a more common way of capturing the world from above, the BBC invited the Dronestagram team - a website for drone photographers to share and discuss their favourite work - to compile their pick of drone captures for the year.

Along with Carnival Spirit’s Sydney moment, the visually stunning collection includes some of the world’s best known landmarks as well as everyday scenes such as a kids’ soccer match in Athens.

The photo of Carnival Cruise Lines’ Australian ship Carnival Spirit docked in Circular Quay as the sun is rising over Sydney Harbour can be viewed here.

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED WHEN WE PUT ON A PARTY TO CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF VAOYAGER OF THE SEAS!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=774555965912926

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

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New Dawn for P&O Cruises as Superliner Starts Cruise Revolution

Pacific Dawn has emerged from a multi-million dollar makeover boasting some of the exciting new onboard products which will see P&O Cruises start to take Australian cruising into a new era.

During a 10-day dry dock in Sydney, the Brisbane-based superliner became the first in the fleet to wear the cruise line’s new livery, which will be introduced across all five ships over the coming months. Featuring navy and white on the ship’s side, the new livery gives landlubbers the clear message that life onboard a P&O Cruises’ ship is “Like No Place on Earth”, with the tagline emblazoned across the ship’s stern.

A chic poolside makeover also gives a taste of the cruise line’s modern new look, with the pool deck receiving fresh turf, new poolside water features, lighting enhancements and private seating areas, creating a resort-style feel and setting the tone for what will form the centrepiece for the latest additions to the fleet, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.

Pacific Dawn has also become the second ship in the fleet to feature the popular P&OEdge Adventure Park, with 19 adrenaline-inducing activities now offered on the ship.

As well as a funnel climb, bungy tramp, Titanic moment and flying fox, which have all become fast favourites on Pacific Jewel, Pacific Dawn will launch some thrilling, new activities including a nerve-wracking Walk the Plank extending off the side of the top deck; a second flying fox perfect for racing fun; a Crow’s Nest offering panoramic views above the ship and a Boulder Wall for some thrilling sideways rock climbing.

Main restaurant Waterfront has also been refreshed with a soothing blue palette, stylish table settings and an intimate Chef’s Table venue, while Asian-specialty restaurant Luna will offer a new Japanese menu.

Revving up the family features onboard, the addition of racing car simulators to Pacific Dawn means the entire fleet now offers the high speed thrill of famous race circuits like Mount Panorama.

The refurbishment also saw a general refresh of the promenade deck, public areas and staterooms, while the cruise line’s new VIP in-room service has been introduced offering a menu of extra services such as express ironing and shoe shining.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said Australian cruising was entering a very exciting period.

“As the pioneers of cruising in Australia, we’re always looking at ways to take holidaying at sea to the next level. The new elements that have been added to Pacific Dawn mark the start of an exciting time of growth and change for P&O Cruises as we continue to evolve as a contemporary cruise brand that sets the trends for the local industry,” Ms Marshall said. For more information on P&O Cruises visit www.pocruises.com.au

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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