Brisbane-based superliner Pacific Dawn is set to cruise from her Sydney dry dock tomorrow wearing the cruise line’s new livery

Brisbane-based superliner Pacific Dawn is set to cruise from her Sydney dry dock tomorrow wearing 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 livery will be a striking new look for the cruise line as it sails into a new era of Australian cruising.

The mammoth task of adding new livery to a 70,000-tonne superliner has seen a group of nine people working throughout the 10-day dry dock to crop off dozens of welded lugs under the bow before washing the area to create a salt free surface and applying the sleek new graphic design.

Meanwhile the funnel was fully scaffolded and coated with white paint before having its new P&O vinyl graphic attached like a giant sticker.

Pacific Dawn is scheduled to leave dry dock on Thursday afternoon and will sail for Brisbane ahead of her first commercial cruise post dry dock on Saturday.

Please see the attached images of Pacific Dawn receiving her new livery during dry dock.

Please note a full release on the refurbishment and images of the new look Pacific Dawn will be issued on Monday.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry has congratulated the Royal Australian Navy on today’s commissioning of its new amphibious vessel HMAS Canberra.

As the Navy’s largest ship was commissioned with all due pomp and ceremony, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn was a near neighbour as the cruise ship undergoes a scheduled dry dock and refurbishment at Garden Island.

“In addition to saluting the Royal Australian Navy on such an important day, P&O Cruises has a very strong affinity with the name HMAS Canberra,” Ms Sherry said.

“For many years, Canberra was one of the most famous and loved ships in the P&O fleet and was of course a regular visitor to Sydney Harbour.

“In keeping with HMAS Canberra being commissioned in the Royal Australian Navy fleet, P&O’s Canberra saw high profile military service as a troopship during the Falklands War.”

Pacific Dawn is currently at the Garden Island dry dock for her scheduled dry dock with onboard projects including the laying of 15,000 sq metres of new carpet and 3,000 sq metres of astro turf and the refurbishment of hundreds of cabins.

Please see the attached image of Pacific Dawn with HMAS Canberra at Garden Island.

Information supplied by: Carnival Australia.

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Diamond Princess Makes History with First Cruise Ship Call to Busselton 

Princess Cruises’ spectacular Diamond Princess has made history in Western Australia today, becoming the first cruise ship to visit the city of Busselton.

The 116,000-tonne ship anchored off the coast this morning with her 2580 guests transferring to the city for a full day of sightseeing, shopping and tours.

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia New Zealand Stuart Allison said the cruise line was excited to be the first scheduled visit to Busselton, with another nine visits scheduled in 2015 and 2016.

“Busselton is a great city in a fantastic location so we’re thrilled to be taking thousands of holidaymakers there over the coming months,” Mr Allison said.  “It’s a Western Australian jewel which we think our guests will long remember as a great feature of their cruise holidays.”

Mr Allison said each visit was expected to inject more than $300,000 into the local economy with a recent cruise industry economic study showing cruise passengers spend more than $150 a day on average during port visits.

Diamond Princess’ guests have been offered a wide range of tours in the area from sea kayaking in Geographe Bay and exploring Ngili Cave to tours of the city highlights and visits to the nearby Margaret River wine district.

The ship’s visit to Busselton comes 10 days into a 28-day circumnavigation of Australia, which marks the start of her four-month Australian summer deployment.

One of the youngest and largest cruise ships to be based in Australia over the summer cruise season, the 290-metre long Diamond Princess has just undergone a $30 million refurbishment and now boasts the largest Japanese bath area at sea, as well as a sushi restaurant among its multiple dining options. Other ship features include its beautiful Lotus Spa, the popular Movies Under the Stars poolside theatre and The Sanctuary, an exclusive top-deck retreat. 

Diamond Princess’ visit to Western Australia reflects Princess’ increased focus on cruising in the State with the cruise line set to undertake its first ever year-round program of sailing from Fremantle next year.  The program will see Princess Cruises carry more than 45,000 cruise guests to and from Fremantle from April 2015 to March 2016 with the cruises expected to generate an estimated $30 million for the local economy in Western Australia. Princess Cruises’ expansion comes as latest figures from Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia showed that the number of Australian cruise passengers grew by an impressive 20 per cent to 833,348 in 2013.  WA cruisers accounted for 8 per cent of the market (67,601 passengers).  “Clearly Australian holidaymakers love cruising and we think that Western Australia and cities like Busselton are part of the future growth story for the industry,” Mr Allison said.  For more information on Princess Cruises call 13 24 88, visit www.princess.com  or see a travel agent.

*subject to availability, conditions apply.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Countdown is on to P&O Cruises’ Five Ship Extravaganza 

One year out from its historic five ship spectacular in Sydney Harbour, P&O Cruises has revealed that entertainment across its expanded fleet will take a bold new direction with dreamlike party nights and innovative new offerings set to transform each ship into a thriving entertainment precinct.

Charged with the multimillion dollar assignment of coming up with onboard offerings to fit P&O Cruises’ ‘Like No Place On Earth’ positioning, Sture Myrmell, Vice President Hotel Operation for Carnival Australia, which represents P&O Cruises, said the next generation of onboard entertainment would have the ships pulsing to a new beat.

“New party nights that make use of more great areas around each ship will add to the dreamlike quality of cruising and, in this new realm, big entertainment attractions are likely to happen anywhere onboard,” Mr Myrmell said. 

Fresh from scouring US entertainment capitals for inspiration, P&O Cruises Entertainment Director Brett Annable said he was exploring ways to implement cutting edge special effects that made audiences feel as though they were part of the show.

“We’re looking at how we can bring the latest mind-blowing technology from Las Vegas and Broadway to sea, which is very much in keeping with P&O Cruises’ reputation for innovation,” Mr Annable said.

“Big production shows, which have been synonymous with P&O cruising, will still feature in the entertainment line-up but we will be taking them to a whole new dimension employing techniques and special effects that will have the whole ship buzzing for our guests.”

Mr Annable’s previous successes at P&O Cruises include the introduction of the ‘Circus’ showroom production featuring life-sized elephant animations and P&OEdge Adventure Park.

With one year to go until the expanded five ship fleet makes a spectacular entry to Sydney Harbour on November 25, 2015, P&O Cruises kicked off the countdown with a special cake.

Australians can secure their place on one of the five ships with fares starting from $329* per person quad share for Pacific Aria’s two-night November 25 cruise from Sydney to Brisbane.

Pacific Eden’s nine-night roundtrip cruise from Sydney to the Loyalty Islands departing on November 25, is priced from $1299* per person quad share. 

While Pacific Dawn will be in Sydney for the historic event as part of a seven-night roundtrip cruise departing Brisbane on November 21 and including calls to Eden, Newcastle and  Moreton Island, from $849* per person quad share. 

For more information on P&O Cruises visit www.pocruises.com.au

*fares are per person, quad share. Subject to availability, conditions apply

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Fly to the Fun with Carnival Cruise Lines

Travel agents will now find it easier than ever to send their clients straight to the fun, with Carnival Cruise Lines introducing air-inclusive bookings for its local cruises.

The launch of Carnival CruiseAir packages follows an increase in interstate bookings for the popular Sydney-based Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend, as well as the debut of the cruise line’s new fly-cruise options to Singapore and Hawaii this year along with other new itinerary offerings.

Announcing the move, Carnival Cruise Lines Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said CruiseAir would make it easy for agents to book cruises and flights from 63 different cities across Australia and New Zealand.

“CruiseAir is a one-stop shop which offers a variety of benefits for agents and their clients,” Ms Vandekreeke said. 

“With CruiseAir, guests can choose their airline, class and seat, with the system providing agents with side-by-side pricing options for flexible and restricted fares. It offers immediate flight confirmations and all packages include one piece of check-in baggage per person.

“CruiseAir also gives peace of mind with ‘next port’ protection, which means that if there’s a flight delay or service disruption we’ll get guests to their next appropriate port of call. 

“Plus it offers post-cruise protection – so if a cruise is late into port and a guest misses their return flight, we’ll work with the airline to re-book the flight and ensure our guest gets home,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

For more information agents should visit www.GOCCL.com.au, call 13 31 94 or email  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 Lines, Australia.

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New Study Shows Cruise Passengers Spend $371 a Day as Cruise Industry Generates $3.2 billion for Australia

A landmark study of the value of cruising has revealed that cruise passengers spend an average of $371 a day in Australian ports, helping push the cruise industry’s total economic contribution in Australia to an impressive $3.2 billion last year.

Topping the list of big spenders are international passengers who ring up an average $756 a day on accommodation, shopping, dining and transport before they board their ship. During their cruise they spend $204 a day in the ports they visit, mostly on shopping and tours.

Australian cruisers also like to splurge, spending an average $450 a day before they board their ship as well as $156 a day in ports they visit during their cruise.

With cruise passengers spending more than $700 million across Australia last year, the study found Sydney, Fremantle and Melbourne topped the list in terms of highest daily spend for international passengers pre-cruise ($762, $669 and $612 respectively).  Meanwhile Cairns attracted the highest spend from both international passengers and domestic passengers during a cruise ($366 and $187 respectively). (State breakdown attached.)

Commissioned by peak cruise industry body Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, the independent study provides the most comprehensive insight yet into the value of Australia’s booming cruise industry. It follows a separate CLIA report earlier this year that found Australia was the world’s fastest growing cruise source market, with passenger numbers soaring 20 per cent to reach a record 833,348 in 2013 and a population penetration rate of 3.6 per cent. 

According to the new study, the cruise industry’s economic output in Australia in 2013 reached a massive $3.2 billion, with direct expenditure by passengers, crew and cruise lines accounting for $1.72 billion of this figure. Indirect and induced economic output accounted for the remaining $1.49 billion.

The study found that cruise companies’ four biggest operating expenses were fuel, food and beverages, travel agent commissions and port charges with agent commissions totalling $121 million in 2013.

In addition to the $3.2 billion economic output, the report also found the cruise industry generated $1.59 billion in value added contribution, $940 million in wages and employed 14,000 people across Australia last year. 

Prepared for CLIA Australasia by Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA), the report used a global methodology adopted for economic impact statements on cruise tourism in the US, UK and Europe. 

CLIA Australasia Chairman Gavin Smith described the report as a landmark study which clearly captured the far-reaching benefits of a growing cruise industry.

“This is the first independent report to draw on cruise line data and passenger surveys to show us how much cruise lines, passengers and crew spend across the country,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s a valuable snapshot which should demonstrate to governments and businesses around the country the enormous value that every cruise ship brings to their local economy.”

…2/

Other key findings of the report include: 

* Direct expenditure by cruise lines and their passengers and crew totalled $1.72 billion in 2013, with passengers spending $724 million, crew $29.6 million and cruise lines a further $963 million

* Of the $724 million spent by passengers, domestic cruise passengers accounted for 77 per cent ($559 million) of passenger expenditure and international passengers  23 per cent ($165 million)

* On average 25 per cent of passenger spending was on transportation (excluding international airfares), 23 per cent was on accommodation, 13 per cent was on food and beverages, and 13 per cent on shore excursions

* Crew spent an average of $104 per day in Australian ports. Shopping and dining accounted for more than half their expenditure

* Cruise lines’ direct expenditure of $963 million included $276 million on fuel (28.7 per cent of expenditure), $143 million on food and beverage (14.8 per cent), $121 million on travel agent commissions (12.6 per cent) and $97.5 million on port charges (10 per cent)

* New South Wales accounted for 75 per cent of the national economic contribution by the cruise industry, Queensland 15 per cent and Victoria 5 per cent

* Cruise ship calls in Australia grew by 11 per cent from 673 in 2012 to 746 in 2013

* 43 per cent of calls were home port calls from a ship based in the port and 57 per cent were transit port calls

* Passenger port visit days grew by 22 per cent from 1.6 million days in 2012 to 1.95 million in 2013

(State breakdown attached.)

New South Wales

* NSW accounted for 37 per cent of cruise visit days (309) across the nation and 55 per cent of passenger visit days (1.1 million). 

* International passengers spent 2.6 nights in Sydney prior to their cruise and spent an average of $762.51 per day prior to their cruise, while domestic passengers spent an average of 1.4 nights in Sydney and $450 a day prior to their cruise. 

* The key areas of expenditure for homeport passengers were accommodation, transportation and  dining which represented about 75 per cent of spending. 

* For transit passengers about 75 per cent of spending was on shore excursions and shopping. 

* The total economic output of cruise tourism in NSW was $2.36 billion. 

* Direct cruise tourism expenditure in NSW equalled $1.26 billion (73 per cent of the national total). This included $517 million by passengers. 

* Cruise tourism also created $1.17 billion in value added benefits and more than 10,500 jobs in NSW. 

Queensland 

* Queensland had 29 per cent of total cruise ship visit days (241) and 21 per cent of passenger visit days (417,734) in 2013. Of these Brisbane, as the State’s only homeport for roundtrip cruises, claimed 107 cruise ship days and 230,000 passenger days while Cairns had 43 ship visit days and 61,000 passenger days and Airlie beach had 39 ship days and 61,000 passenger days.  

* On average international passengers spent four nights in Brisbane prior to their cruise while domestic passengers spent an average of 1.3 nights  

* International homeport passengers spent an average of $450 a day during their pre-cruise stay in Brisbane while domestic passengers spent an average of $425. Key areas of expenditure included accommodation, food and beverage and transport.

* Meanwhile domestic transit passengers spent $289 a day in Brisbane while international passengers spent $200, with key areas including retail shopping and shore excursions. 

* Cairns recorded the highest average transit passenger expenditures in the country with international passengers spending an average of $366 per transit day and domestic transit passengers spending $187 per day.  Around 80 per cent of this expenditure was on retail shopping and shore tours. 

* Direct cruise tourism expenditure in Queensland equalled $269.3 million including $120 million in  passenger spending.

Victoria

* Victoria had 77 cruise visit days and 146,529 passenger visit days (7.5 per cent of the total). 

* On average international passengers spent 3.7 nights in Melbourne prior to their cruise while domestic passengers spent an average of 1.4 nights 

* International passengers who started their cruise in Melbourne spent an average of $612 a day during their pre-cruise stay in the city while domestic passengers spent an average of $531. Key areas of expenditure included accommodation, food and beverage and transport. 

* Meanwhile international transit passengers spent $182 a day in Melbourne while domestic transit passengers spent $146, with shopping and shore excursions accounting for 75 per cent of expenditure. 

* Direct cruise tourism expenditure in Victoria equalled $87.5 million including $38.7 million in spending by passengers. 

Western Australia

* WA had 76 cruise visit days and 103,704 total passenger days in 2013. Fremantle accounted for 23 ship visit days, while Broome had 13 calls and a range of other WA ports accounted for the other 40. 

* The study estimated that on average international passengers spent 2.7 nights in Fremantle prior to their cruise while domestic passengers spent an average of 1.4 nights. 

* International homeport passengers spent an average of $669 during their pre-cruise stay in Fremantle while domestic homeport passengers spent an average of $442. Key areas of expenditure included accommodation, food and beverage and transport. 

* Meanwhile international transit passengers spent $145 in Fremantle while domestic transit passengers spent $103 a day, with key areas including food and beverage and shore excursions. 

Tasmania

* Tasmania had 74 cruise visit days and 117,210 total passenger days.  

* International passengers spent an average of $161 during their transit visits to Tasmanian ports while domestic passengers spent an average of $131 with key areas including shopping and shore excursions.  

South Australia

* South Australia had 18 cruise visit days and 29,410 total passenger days. 

* International passengers spent an average of $150 during their transit visits to SA ports while domestic passengers spent an average of $139 with key areas including shopping and shore excursions 

Northern Territory

* The NT had 40 cruise visit days and 47,312 total passenger days in 2013. 

* International passengers spent an average of $228 during their transit visits to Darwin while domestic passengers spent an average of $160 with key areas including shopping and shore excursions. 

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

Information supplied by: CLIA Australasia.

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Carnival Cruise Lines Launches New Queensland and New Zealand Summer Cruises

From diving the Great Barrier Reef to exploring Middle Earth, Carnival Cruise Lines is ramping up the fun factor for guests next summer with new cruises to Queensland and New Zealand.

The cruise line, which last sailed to New Zealand in 2013, has been inspired to head back across the ditch on two cruises to the country’s North Island following feedback from guests. 

"Clearly New Zealand is a destination that has captured the hearts of our guests,” Carnival Cruise Lines Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said.  “We’ve been inundated with requests to sail to New Zealand again so we’ve decided to offer two great new summer itineraries for New Year 2015 and February 2016.” 

Carnival Legend will be the first to cross the Tasman on a New Year cruise departing Sydney on December 30, 2015. Prices start from $ 1899 per person twin share*, the cruise will call at Bay of Islands, Auckland, Tauranga and Napier during a 10-night sojourn. 

Carnival Spirit will then depart Sydney on February 12, 2016 for an 11-night cruise to New Zealand, calling at the nation’s capital Wellington, as well as Napier, Tauranga, Auckland and Bay of Islands. Fares start from $1529 per person twin share*.

Ms Vandekreeke said the new cruises would make the most of New Zealand’s storied reputation for great adventure, enticing Maori culture and memorable food and wine. 

“Our guests will get to the heart of New Zealand with shoreside experiences such as hearing about Maori legends while paddling a traditional canoe, exploring Middle Earth with a visit to the Lord of the Rings set and tasting the latest vintages on the Auckland wine trail.” 

The cruise line has also launched a new 11-day Christmas cruise on Carnival Legend to Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. Departing Sydney on December 20, 2015, the ship will call at Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) and Yorkey’s Knob (Cairns) as well as Port Douglas on Christmas Day and Brisbane, with fares from $1849 per person twin share*.

“Cruising the warm waters of Queensland is the perfect way to spend Christmas week.”  Ms Vandekreeke said.   “Families can head inland to explore the amazing rainforest or dive into the crystal clear waters for snorkelling off the Great Barrier Reef and then splashing around at iconic Australian beaches such as Whitehaven.

“Guests will also be able to enjoy all the fun onboard Carnival Legend from the Green Thunder waterslide to great family activities like Hasbro, The Game Show and Seuss at Sea,” she said.

“It’s got to be the best value summer holiday on offer, with great food, accommodation and entertainment plus fantastic destinations all included in the fare.”

The new itineraries are now on sale.  For more information agents should visit www.GOCCL.com.au , call 13 31 94 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*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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Establishment of CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia marks a big step forward for cruising in the region

November 11, 2014: The growth of cruising in Asia has taken another important step forward with the establishment of CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia as the regional arms of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association.

The establishment of CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia represents a significant transition for the Asia Cruise Association which, under the direction of General Manager and cruise industry advocate Kevin Leong, former Chairman Dr. Zinan Liu, and founding Chairman Rama Rebbapragada, has spearheaded local cruising growth since it was formed in 2009.

CLIA Southeast Asia will be chaired by Carnival Australia CEO, Ann Sherry, who brings wide experience of building the cruise category in an emerging market. Royal Caribbean’s Managing Director Singapore and Southeast Asia, Jennifer Yap, will be Secretary for the new cruise industry body. 

Carnival Asia executives, Paul Chong and William Harber, have joined the CLIA Southeast Asia Board. Further strengthening the influence of CLIA, which is set to host Cruise Shipping Asia-Pacific on November 20 - 21, is the support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Singapore Tourism Board as CLIA Global Executive Partners.

CLIA North Asia will be chaired by Royal Caribbean’s Managing Director Asia and China, Dr. Zinan Liu, and will focus on infrastructure, advocacy and the promotion of cruise to travel industry communities in the region.

CLIA Chief Executive Officer, Christine Duffy, said the transition to CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia was perfectly timed as Asia comes to the forefront as one of the world’s most dynamic emerging regions for cruise.

“Asia ranks highly on our list of emerging cruise regions as the globalization of the cruise industry continues to gather pace,” Ms Duffy said. “CLIA member cruise lines are already deploying more ships in Asia, opening up more destinations, and customising their onboard offerings to cater to their Asian guests. CLIA Southeast Asia and CLIA North Asia will have an influential voice as they work with government and private enterprise to address market needs, master trade distribution, create highly desirable itineraries and offer advice on port and infrastructure.”

Ann Sherry said she was honoured to be appointed chair of CLIA Southeast Asia and looked forward to working with Board colleagues and CLIA worldwide.

“In terms of cruising growth, the Asia-Pacific regions are interconnected and together represent the world’s most dynamic area for cruise,” Ms. Sherry said. “CLIA Southeast Asia will have an integral leadership role in building the cruise category in the region, helping travel agents understand that cruising is a business opportunity for them, and encouraging investment by regional governments and authorities to open up ports and attractive cruise destinations.”

CLIA North Asia Chair, Dr. Zinan Liu, said his focus was on the implementation of the new association in the region including engagement with key partners in the region.

Dr. Liu said, "North Asia is increasingly becoming a growth engine of the global cruise industry. The growth is bringing about enormous socio-economic benefits for all the stakeholders. Like in any emerging market there is a need to tackle challenges including the lack of port infrastructure for cruise terminals, cross-border travel constraints and uncertainty of the regulatory environment. Leveraging the wealth of international cruise lines' expertise, knowhow and best practices gained in other parts of the world, CLIA North Asia will be well positioned to achieve partnerships with all the stakeholders to promote the general interests of the industry and to safeguard a healthy and sustainable growth of the cruise economy in the region."

 For more information on CLIA visit www.cruising.org

Information supplied by: CLIA Australasia.

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^{Carnival Spirit will sail into Australian racing history tomorrow when it makes Carnival Cruise Lines’ first Melbourne Cup start.}

^{Thousands of cruise punters were greeted by staff and crew in racing silks as they boarded Carnival Spirit in Sydney yesterday for the cruise line’s inaugural Melbourne Cup voyage.}

^{En route to Melbourne, punters are enjoying last minute tips from well-known racing identity Richard Callander and fashion stylists Campitelli Clarke and enjoying a wide field of other race-related activity including champagne brunches and fashion stakes. The ship is due to dock in Melbourne by 5am tomorrow (Tuesday).}

^{In an exciting quinella, Carnival Spirit guests will also have the option of attending the Crown Oaks Day races during the ship’s three day stay in Melbourne. Carnival Spirit will again line up for the Cup in 2015 with fares from $1474* per person twin share for an eight-night cruise departing Sydney on October 30, 2015. *subject to availability conditions apply}

Please find images from Carnival Spirit’s departure from Sydney attached including one of some of the Carnival sales team in silks – (left to right) BDM Sissel Way, Director of sales Anton Loeb and BDM Lance Dye.

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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With the three ships each spending three consecutive days docked at Melbourne’s port, the historic cruise visit is the biggest on Trifecta of Ships a Winning Ticket for Melbourne  

In a winning trifecta for Melbourne, three cruise ships will each spend three days berthed at Station Pier for the Spring Carnival this week, marking the single biggest injection of punters to the Melbourne Cup and pouring more than $6 million into the economy during their stay. 

P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl docked at 8am this morning while sister line Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Spirit will dock at 6am tomorrow. Between them the three ships will carry about 6000 guests, accounting for an estimated 10 per cent of all people visiting Melbourne for the Cup, and about 5 per cent of total race attendees.

 With the three ships each spending three consecutive days docked at Melbourne’s port, the historic cruise visit is the biggest on record for the city - a winning ticket worth an estimated $6.5 million to the State’s economy in passenger and crew expenditure, port fees and racing activity.

The cruise punters are expected to contribute approximately $3.5 million to the Melbourne Cup alone through entry and transport, which is included as part of their cruise fare, as well as a range of upgrades, betting and food and drinks at the track. 

Almost half of P&O Cruises’ guests (1650) have opted to upgrade from general admission to a VIP package at a cost of $400,000.

Meanwhile the 130 buses hired to transport the thousands of punters to and from Flemington cost more than $120,000 and require their own Flemington paddock to park for the day. 

During their stay in Melbourne, P&O Cruises’ punters will enjoy shore tours and special racing activity including an exclusive behind the scenes tour of Flemington, tickets to the official Cup brunch and shopping excursions to pick up any last-minute accessories. 

P&O Cruises, which has been sending ships to the Cup since Orcades III first sailed to the event in 1969, will cement its place amongst the glamorous Spring Carnival festivities this year with its first VIP area at Flemington - the P&O Cruises Lawn.

The strong field of onboard race-themed activities range from fascinator-making classes with Australia’s top milliner Kim Fletcher, “fashions at sea” with style commentator Melissa Hoyer and special guest speakers including legendary Melbourne Cup jockeys Wayne Harris and Malcolm Johnston and owner of Cup winning horse Rogan Josh, Wendy Green.

Pacific Jewel will host its first Myer “fashions at sea” with a special parade on deck this afternoon, followed by an onboard concert featuring Glenn Shorrock.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Frightfully Fun! | Australian Guests Get into the Hallowe'en Spirit onboard Carnival Cruises Lines‏

The kids are excited, the adults are scared: tomorrow is Hallowe’en… a frightful tradition popular in the United States and increasingly haunting households around Australia.
 
In the spirit of the day guests onboard Carnival Cruise Lines’ Australian-based ships will be treated – or tricked – to a “Frightfully Fun” celebration of Hallowe’en.

 
Dressed-up ghosts, witches and zombies of all ages onboard Carnival Legend and the aptly-named Carnival Spirit will be thrilled by a night of frights including Frightfully Fun Trivia, face-painting, a dress-up costume parade and spooky cocktails like Green Goblin or Vampire’s Kiss.  

 
There’ll also be trick-or-treating fun for the whole family, with maps provided to guide spooks to candy stations hidden around the ship, while a gala Hallowe’en-themed dance party will top off the fun with a hair-raising menu including Scary Cheesecake and R.I.P. Chocolate Pumpkin Pate (see attached pics).

 
For adults keen to get into the spirit at home, follow this recipe to create Carnival Cruise Lines’ Witches Brew cocktail:  
·        40mLs Bacardi white rum
·        15mLs Dekuper Razzamatazz (raspberry liqueur)
·        90mLs ginger ale
Combine all ingredients with a wedge of lime and serve over ice for a chilling sensation!
 
Pictured are:
1.     Carnival Spirit crew members ‘Giggles’ and Dessi Kostova dressed for the Hallowe’en Party
2.     Scary Cheesecake
3.     R.I.P. Chocolate Pumpkin Pate

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Save The Children President HRH Princess Anne Receives Briefing, On P&O Cruises’ Pacific Partnership in Vanuatu

Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the international president of Save the Children, today received a briefing in Vanuatu on the P&O Pacific Partnership which is helping to fund vital health and education projects for island communities.

Receiving a royal reception with the entire village of Siviri turning out to meet her, Princess Anne took the opportunity to see how programs such as the P&O Pacific Partnership with Save the Children are benefiting locals.

Established nearly two years ago, the P&O Pacific Partnership with Save the Children, in which the cruise line’s guests have contributed more than $500,000, has already funded the construction of two kindergartens and an aid post.

The biggest project to date, a $270,000 dispensary on Aneityum, located in the most southern chain of Vanuatu’s islands, is underway and will provide a range of health services for the local community.

In Vila today to update Princess Anne on the progress of the P&O Pacific Partnership, Carnival Australia Corporate Communications Manager David Jones said it was a thrill to see the whole village turn out to greet Her Royal Highness including excited local children who will be the beneficiaries of Save the Children projects in the years to come.

To mark the occasion, Mr Jones presented Princess Anne with some handmade blankets and a Born to Knit kit which passengers can purchase onboard to knit woollen squares that are fashioned into blankets for newborn babies at the Vila Central Hospital. The blankets presented to Princess Anne will be part of the next shipment of blankets delivered to the hospital.

“With such enormous growth in cruising in the region in recent years, P&O Cruises made a commitment to engage in sustainable cruise tourism to protect environments and cultures in this special part of the world,” Mr Jones said.

“The P&O Pacific Partnership with Save the Children is very close to our hearts but even more importantly it has been embraced by our passengers. Our guests often made it clear that they wanted to help the island communities who effectively welcome them to their homes. 

“As a result of the partnership, each adult guest contributes a dollar through their onboard accounts and we have seen this fund grow quite quickly to more than half a million dollars.

“P&O Cruises values its association with Save the Children and the way it has helped us to honour our commitment to the people of the South Pacific.”  

The P&O Pacific Partnership is part of Carnival Australia’s ongoing charity program, Carnival Cares, which also supports Lifeline Australia. 

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Princess Cruises is helping newlyweds enjoy the honeymoon of their dreams with a new online Honeymoon Wishes Registry. 

Couples can easily sign up at the line’s honeymoon registry page, select their desired gifts to enhance their cruise holiday and share the details with family and friends. 

The new feature allows couples to choose from a list of options to enjoy on their honeymoon, from contributions to the cruise, drinks by the pool, specialty dining, relaxing spa treatments and shore excursions. All gifts are applied as an onboard credit to the couple’s stateroom account to use during their honeymoon cruise. Couples can also create a wedding website to share photos and details about how they met, their engagement and wedding and e-mail their friends and family directing them to the registry.  

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said the new registry service would give honeymooners added ease and flexibility when selecting wedding gifts.  “With many couples already living together before marriage, the traditional home-start gifts are often not needed so newlyweds can now ask their guests to contribute to their dream honeymoon,” Mr Allison said.

Princess Cruises created maritime and marriage history when it pioneered weddings at sea in 1998 and has long been associated with romance, with its ships providing the setting for the "The Love Boat" television series.  One of the highest rated and longest-running shows on television, “The Love Boat” aired over 10 seasons during the 70s and 80s.

Visit the honeymoon registry site at www.princesshoneymoonregistry.com.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Ship Security Officer Dave Yates Helps Carnival Australia Team  Mark WWI Centenary

P&O Cruises’ ship security officer Dave Yates has returned from a pilgrimage to France where he took the opportunity to lay a wreath of red poppies on behalf of his Carnival Australia colleagues. Mr Yates, a former UK police officer who regularly journeys to battlefields on the Western Front in France and Belgium with other serving and retired London police officers, was inspired to take his pilgrimage a step further after witnessing the way P&O Cruises’ guests commemorate Anzac Day during onboard dawn services.  With 2014 marking the 100th anniversary of the start of the war, Mr Yates felt this year’s visit taking in the Pozieres battle field would be an ideal opportunity to lay a wreath on behalf of Carnival Australia at the memorial to troops of the First Australian Division. 

The accompanying message on the wreath read: ‘Carnival Australia honours troops of the First Australian Division for their sacrifice and service at Pozieres in the Great War. These Australian sons never to be forgotten – Lest We Forget’.  “As we commemorate over the next four years let us not forget that many of our passengers will have some family connection with the First World War,” Mr Yates said. To prove his point, while in Pozieres Mr Yates met a Brisbane couple who were also touring the local battlefields, before returning to Australia for their first cruise – on P&O Cruises’ Pacific Dawn.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Princess Takes the Long Way Home with Two World Cruises in 2016

Princess Cruises is preparing to celebrate 10 years of offering its signature long cruises from Australia with the launch of two world cruises in 2016, including its first circumnavigation to visit the Baltic region.  Since 2005, the cruise line’s Australian-based ships have sailed more than 716,565 miles on long cruise itineraries of 28 days or more – equivalent to three trips to the moon.  With demand for its longer cruises continuing to surge, the cruise line has revealed a new 104-night world voyage itinerary, which will feature a return to the popular South America region as well as a range of maiden port calls, including Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and an overnight stay in St Petersburg. The cruise line has also announced the return of its popular 75-night Circle Pacific voyage making four new port calls to China and San Francisco.  Underscoring the ease of seeing the world from your doorstep, travellers will have the option to undertake the 2016 full world voyage from Sydney, Fremantle, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide and, for the first time, Auckland.  Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said Princess’ reputation as the destination experts would be further enhanced by the new 2016 winter program which features a strong line-up of longer cruises to exotic ports in China, Japan, Tahiti and Hawaii as well as the two world voyages.  “Since we first circumnavigated Australia in 2005, we’ve spent more than 2000 days taking local cruisers on port-rich, longer journeys which have become signatures of our program,” Mr Allison said.  The new world cruise itineraries will visit 59 ports across 36 countries.

Mr Allison said an impressive 50 per cent of guests on Princess’ world cruise itineraries had travelled on all or part of a world cruise previously, with 20 per cent of guests doing the full world cruise for at least the second time.  “We’re thrilled that our new 2016 itineraries will be taking our loyal guests back to some of their favourite ports whilst also including a range of exciting new gems in the Baltic and elsewhere.”  On sale on October 16, the new 2016 program encompasses 30 cruises on Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess from Brisbane, Sydney and Fremantle, visiting a total of 136 ports in 58 countries.  Highlights include: 

* Sea Princess’ 104-night world voyage departing Sydney on May 15, 2016 with prices from $20,999*. In addition to the Baltic region, the world voyage will include a transit of the Panama Canal and visits to Lima, Pisco, Quito and Santiago in South America 

* Sun Princess’ 75-night Circle Pacific voyage including three calls in China, four ports in Alaska and an overnight stay in San Francisco. Fares start from $13,629* for the full cruise which departs Sydney on June 21, 2016 

* A 42-night China/Japan cruise from Sydney coinciding with Japan’s spectacular Cherry Blossom season. Fares start from $6599* per person for the cruise which departs Sydney on February 28, 2016

* Two 35-night Hawaii and Tahiti voyages, each featuring five calls to Hawaiian ports. Options include April 10 and September 27 departures, with fares from $5849* 

* A return to Western Australia with a range of itineraries including the popular Treasures of Asia cruises between Fremantle and Singapore which can be combined into a 26-night cruise from Fremantle. Fares for the 26-night voyage start from $4349*.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Dawn Princess Launches Mega Melbourne Cruise Season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information supplied by: P&O Cruise Australia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*subject to availability, conditions apply

FAST FACTS ON AUSTRALIA’S LATEST CRUISE SHIP

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Carnival Cruise Lines

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

Information supplied by; Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Princess Cruises Launches New Seawitch Beer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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