Seabourn Cruises into South Australia for Three Days of Ultra-Luxury

One of the world’s newest and most luxurious vessels, Seabourn Sojourn, is spending three days visiting South Australian ports in a boon for the state’s economy.

During Seabourn’s inaugural visit to Kangaroo Island yesterday, the ultra-luxury liner’s 450 guests spent the day trying the island’s famed gourmet delights and wineries, exploring the pristine wilderness and sharing close encounters with the friendly wildlife including sea lions and fur seals.

The ship sailed for Adelaide at 7pm yesterday, arriving in the city about 8am this morning for its first overnight visit to the South Australian capital. Guests were offered an array of local sightseeing from Adelaide city tours taking in the Botanic Gardens to tours of the surrounding wineries. The two-day visit was expected to inject more than $100,000 into the South Australian economy.

The 32,000-tonne vessel’s calls to South Australia come during its 116-day world cruise, which includes 19 days cruising local waters from Sydney to Exmouth before heading north to Bali on February 27. 

Seabourn Sojourn will visit a total of 11 Australian ports during its second trip down under including maiden calls to Eden, Burnie, Bunbury, Geraldton and Exmouth, overnight visits to Sydney and Fremantle and a call to Melbourne. Seabourn Sojourn will sail for Bunbury at 6pm tomorrow evening.

Seabourn Director of Sales Australia Tony Archbold said guests were looking forward to enjoying some good food and wine during their sojourn in South Australia. 

“Each year Seabourn seeks out new and interesting ports to provide guests with a unique insight into a country. Places like Kangaroo Island, which aren’t necessarily on the traditional cruise map, show a different side to regional Australia and open up a stunning part of the country. Our guests really appreciate these types of ports,” Mr Archbold said.

Seabourn Sojourn passengers were offered a range of excursions in South Australia including:

* An epicurean tour of Kangaroo Island with cheese and wine tastings

* A wildlife encounter including Kangaroo Island’s fur seal colonies

* A tour of the famed Barossa wine region 

* Adelaide city attractions including the Botanic Gardens and Holy Trinity Church

Launched in 2010, the US$300 million Seabourn Sojourn features the most exclusive all-suite accommodation available at sea and the largest spa on any luxury vessel. Famous for its highly personalised service, Seabourn is known as the “caviar of cruising” and has the highest space-per-guest ratio in the cruise industry with nearly one crew member for every guest. 

For more information see a licensed travel agent, call 13 24 02 or visit www.seabourn.com

Information supplied by : Seabourn Cruise Line.

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WORLD-RENOWNED AUSTRALIAN CHEF MARK BEST JOINS HOLLAND AMERICA LINE’S PRESTIGIOUS CULINARY COUNCIL

Sydney, Australia Feb. 12, 2014 — Holland America Line announced the addition of Australian Chef Mark Best as the newest member of the line’s esteemed Culinary Council. Celebrated as one of the most innovative chefs in the world today, Mark was welcomed to the group at an event on ms Amsterdam during the ship’s call in Sydney, Australia, while sailing on its 115-day Grand World Voyage.

Mark will join Holland America Line’s Master Chef and Council Chairman Rudi Sodamin, and prominent international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Elizabeth Falkner and Jacques Torres on the Culinary Council. Best will add a selection of his French-inspired signature dishes to the line’s menus and work with Sodamin and other council members to shape the culinary direction aboard Holland America Line’s fleet.

“With our increased presence in Australia, it’s exciting to welcome to the Culinary Council an accomplished chef like Mark who has made headlines locally as well as internationally,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Mark is known for his innovative Australian cuisine and we look forward to seeing his passionate influence on our menus and introducing his flair and originality to our guests.”

“The Culinary Council is a collaboration of some of the greatest international chefs, and Mark brings imaginative ideas from a part of the world that is very inventive with cuisine," said Rudi Sodamin, chairman of the Culinary Council and Holland America Line's culinary consultant. "Mark has great energy and creativity and our guests are really going to enjoy his dishes."

After an unconventional path toward a culinary career, Mark found his passion for French food during an apprenticeship at the Macleay Street Bistro in Potts Point, New South Wales, Australia, in 1990. While there he was awarded the Josephine Pignolet Award for best young chef in New South Wales.

Mark enjoyed stints working overseas in some of the world’s most famous French restaurants, including Alain Passard’s three-Michelin-star L’Arpége in Paris, France, and Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir Aux Quatre Saisons in Oxford, England. He leaned on these experiences with classic French culinary preparation and matched them with his own innovation and intelligent recipe development to become the face of new Australian cuisine as he returned to Australia in 1999 and opened Marque in Sydney’s Surry Hills.

Heralded by restaurant critics from the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and around the world, Marque received the U.K.Restaurant Magazine’s "World's 50 Best" “Breakthrough Award” in 2010 and ranks among the San Pellegrino World Top 100 Restaurants.  Marque was named 2011 restaurant of the year by the Sydney Morning Herald’s “The Good Food Guide” and won the 2012 Australian Gourmet Traveller restaurant of the year award.

For a decade Marque has held a prestigious Three Hats — the highest of the iconic symbols awarded by “The Good Food Guide” — as well as the maximum of three stars from Australian Gourmet Traveller magazine in its annual top 100 list.

Mark has published a cookbook, “Marque: A Culinary Adventure,” and also has appeared on the television show “MasterChef Australia” as a guest chef and judge.

Holland America Line introduced the Culinary Council in 2010. In addition to providing expert guidance, advice and knowledge regarding onboard menus and culinary offerings, the Council works with the line’s offerings in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, to bring new and engaging learning experiences to guests.

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

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Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog.  Access all social media outlets via the Online Communitiesquick link on the home page at www.hollandamerica.com.au

Photo caption for attached: Henk Mensink (Hotel Director), Jonathan Mercer (Captain), Chef Mark Best, Joe Slattery (Vice President of International Sales & Marketing), Tony Archbold (HAL Director of Sales, Australia)  

Information supplied by : Holland America Line.

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WINK, WINK, NUDGE, NUDGE - NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS’S TEXAS-SIZED MAKEOVER HINT

Ship Features All-New WOWs, Including Royal Caribbean’s First-Ever Virtual Balconies, FlowRider Surf Simulator and New Dining Program

10 February 2014 – As Royal Caribbean International’s Navigator of the Seas emerges from a massive makeover, the cruise line’s Australian team are looking forward to the revamp of Australia’s own Voyager of the Seas in October this year.  Navigator of the Seas’ revitalisation is part of an extensive fleet-wide program to enhance every Royal Caribbean ship. The Texan-based ship has been endowed with many new features, including a FlowRider surf simulator; significantly enhanced dining options; and a few first-at-sea amenities that will also feature in cruise line’s highly anticipated new ship, Quantum of the Seas. 

“We’re super excited that Australia’s own Voyager of the Seas is next in line for a vast rejuvenation and while we can’t yet reveal details of her new features, Navigator of the Seas gives a good hint of what’s to come. So stay tuned, as we’ll be announcing details of Voyager of the Seas’ revitalisation shortly,” says Adam Armstrong, commercial director, Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia. 

Most anticipated of all the Navigator of the Seas’ revitalisations is the new FlowRider surf simulator, the centre of the action atop the deck 13 Sports Deck, as well as the debut of Royal Caribbean’s first Virtual Balconies in 81 interior staterooms displaying expansive, real-time views of the ocean and destinations. Virtual Balconies were first announced for Quantum of the Seas, which debuts in October 2014, and holiday makers can be among the first to experience the innovation on Navigator of the Seas – even before the Quantum class is launched. Guest can also choose new Panoramic Ocean View staterooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass walls facing outward to provide guests breathtaking, unobstructed views all the time. 

Navigator of the Seas’ guests also can look forward to an expanded line-up of eight dining options, led by the debut of an all-new modern Mexican specialty restaurant Sabor, featuring a mouth-watering menu of authentic, modern and unexpected Mexican dishes, such as Oaxacan Ceviche of Red Snapper, Spicy Chicken Flautas, or Chicken and Roasted Corn Empanada, topped with Green mole and spicy peanut sauce – to name a few. Sabor diners also can delight in customized guacamole and salsas, made tableside right in front of their eyes, as well as an assortment of tacos, quesadillas and burritos, all made with the freshest ingredients. Sabor has a service charge of US$25 per guest.

Guests can complement their experience with a curated menu of tequilas, mezcal, and Mexican beers, as well as delicious sangrias and tableside-mixed margaritas, for an additional charge. Sabor’s tequila flights also offer guests a chance to sample a trio of Plata, Reposado and Anejo tequila, or savor the nuances among three Reposado tequilas. 

Furthermore, Navigator of the Seas’ guests will be the first to enjoy the fully revamped and elevated Chops Grille: The New American Steakhouse, which marries contemporary flair to traditional

steakhouse offerings. The first among Royal Caribbean’s fleet to offer the new menu, Chops Grille on Navigator of the Seas will feature brand new selections, such as the Veal Chop Parmesan, slow broiled with caramelized shallots and topped with parmesan herb butter, a Slow-braised Short Rib of Beef with Bordelaise sauce, and a Dry-aged Steak Burger served on a brioche bun and topped with melted gruyere and pancetta. Guests also can still enjoy Chops Grille classic cuts, such as the 8 Oz. Filet Mignon, served with Béarnaise butter, and a 10 Oz. Grilled Sirloin Steak, as well as a range of new and delicious signature appetizers, soups, salads, and sides – such as new, decadent Truffled French Fries and Gruyere Cheese Tater Tots – that will complete the experience in the cruise line’s hallmark specialty restaurant. Chops Grille steakhouse has a service charge of US$35 per guest.

Chops Grille also features two new premium selections of the finest quality cuts of beef in the world, a 16 Oz. dry-aged NY Strip Steak and a 20 Oz. dry-aged Porterhouse Steak (an additional US$18 and US$19 respectively), each USDA prime beef, dry-aged for four weeks to achieve the pinnacle of flavour, tenderness and aroma. This dry-aged process can only be found at select steakhouses around the world, and now, in a cruise industry first, is offered aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Chops Grille. 

Navigator of the Seas’ guests also can choose exciting sushi and Asian fusion dishes in the ship’s new Izumi Japanese Cuisine (a la carte menu), and delicious classic Italian favourites in Giovanni’s Table Italian trattoria (US$15 for lunch and US$20 for dinner per guest). Rounding out Navigator of the Seas’ culinary experiences is the grand, three-story main dining room, newly renamed Sapphire, the casual-dining Windjammer Café, and complimentary room service from 5 – 12 a.m. Navigator of the Seas’ specialty restaurants are available for advance online reservations for booked guests at RoyalCaribbean.com.

Guests will also enjoy some of the more popular concepts that were introduced aboard Royal Caribbean’s ground-breaking Oasis-class ships, such as new digital signage, bow-to-stern Wi-Fi service, new flat-panel televisions in every stateroom, an oversized LCD movie screen overlooking the main pool, a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty member guests, and the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery for the youngest guests ages six to 36 months. Additionally, the ship’s Champagne Bar has been re-conceptualized into Royal Caribbean’s signature, retro-chic R Bar.

Navigator of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries every Sunday from Galveston, visiting exciting warm-weather getaways in the Caribbean, including; Cozumel, Mexico; Roatan, Honduras; Belize City, Belize; Falmouth, Jamaica; and George Town, Grand Cayman.  

About Royal Caribbean International 

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 45-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry “firsts” never before seen at sea.  The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world’s most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the

Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 11 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. 

Information supplied by : RCCI

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Ultra-Luxury Cruising Arrives in Eden

One of the world’s newest and most luxurious vessels, Seabourn Sojourn, has arrived in Eden this morning on her maiden visit, and the ultra-luxury cruise line’s first call, to New South Wales’ Sapphire Coast. 

Arriving from Sydney at 10am, Seabourn Sojourn’s arrival is one of only two cruise ship visits to the regional port this summer cruise season – with both ships calling at the town today in a major tourism boon for Eden.

The ultra-luxury ship’s 450 passengers were expected to spend the day exploring the picturesque region’s attractions including the Killer Whale Museum, Ben Boyd National Park and Twofold Bay, injecting an estimated figure of around $100,000 into the local economy during the inaugural visit.

The 32,000-tonne vessel’s call to the South Coast port comes during its 116-day world cruise, which includes 19 days cruising Australian waters from Sydney to Exmouth before heading north to Bali on February 27. 

As well as Eden, Seabourn Sojourn will visit a further 10 Australian ports during its second trip down under including maiden calls to Burnie, Geelong, Kangaroo Island, Bunbury, Geraldton and Exmouth, overnight visits to Sydney, Adelaide and Fremantle and a call to Melbourne. Seabourn Sojourn will sail for Burnie at 6pm tonight.

Seabourn Director of Sales Australia Tony Archbold said Eden was typical of the boutique destinations the cruise line carried its guests to all around the world. 

“Each year Seabourn seeks out new and interesting ports to provide guests with a unique insight into a country and the beauty of a small ship like Sojourn is that it can visit small ports where large ships can’t sail,” Mr Archbold said.

“Towns like Eden, which aren’t necessarily on the traditional cruise map, show a different side to regional Australia and open up a stunning part of New South Wales’ coast. Our guests really appreciate these types of ports.”

Shore excursions on offer to Seabourn guests in Eden include:

* A cruise on the two arms of Twofold Bay 

* A historical and cultural tour of Ben Boyd National Park including a visit to the Davidson family cottage, spectacular views of the coastline, an insight into the local Aboriginal culture and lunch at Seahorse Inn

* An indulgent tour of Eden including high tea at Seahorse Inn and a visit to the Wheelers Oyster Farm

* A bushwalk through Ben Boyd National Park for spectacular coastline views, bird watching and a picnic hosted by a local Aboriginal 

* A tour of Potoroo Palace home to koalas, kangaroos and potoroos and a visit to the Eden Killer Whale Museum. 

Launched in 2010, the US$300 million Seabourn Sojourn features the most exclusive all-suite accommodation available at sea and the largest spa on any luxury vessel. Famous for its highly personalised service, Seabourn is known as the “caviar of cruising” and has the highest space-per-guest ratio in the cruise industry with nearly one crew member for every guest. Seabourn’s ships travel the globe throughout the year, sailing to many of the world’s most desirable destinations. Cruises of seven days to more than 100 days visit hundreds of ports, including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways.

For more information see a licensed travel agent, call 13 24 02 or visit www.seabourn.com

Information supplied by : Seabourn Cruise Line.

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CLIA Applauds 2013 Cruise Awards Winners

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia held its annual night of nights on Saturday, celebrating another impressive year of cruising success at the 2013 Cruise Industry Awards.

The first awards night to be held under the CLIA banner, the event marked a big year of achievements with 14 winners announced across six categories including the inaugural CLIA Hall of Fame inductee. 

The top award of the night, the Australian Cruise Agency of the Year award, went to Western Australia’s Bicton Travel for the third time with the ACT’s Ozcruising picking up silver and Cruise Express Balmain winning bronze.

Bicton Travel’s Phil Smethurst said he was thrilled the agency had won the gold award.  

“We have a team of 21 people who do an amazing job and this award represents them as a whole, so it’s perfect,” Mr Smethurst said.

Cruiseco CEO Steve Lloyd was named the inaugural inductee to the new CLIA Hall of Fame for his outstanding 45 years of service to the Australasian cruise industry. He was inducted alongside past winners of the Neil Frazer Award, which the new Hall of Fame award has replaced. 

Accepting his award, Mr Lloyd thanked all those who had helped and mentored him in his long career in the travel industry, singling out Cruiseco co-founders Phil Hoffman and Kevin Dale, and praising Cruiseco’s agents.

“The hero of Cruiseco is our brilliant, informed agents in Australia and elsewhere in the world - without them we are absolutely nothing,” Mr Lloyd said. 

CLIA Australasia Chairman Gavin Smith said the annual awards night allowed the association and its 32 member cruise lines the chance to applaud local agents for their outstanding contribution to the booming cruise industry. 

“In the wake of another record year of cruising, the Cruise Awards offer a great way to recognise the important role that travel agents play in the ongoing growth and success of our industry,” Mr Smith said. 

“One of the reasons we are up there with the biggest and fastest growing cruise markets in the world is because of Australian and New Zealand agents’ passion and commitment to our industry.”

More than 400 industry members attended the gala event at Sydney’s new Doltone House on Hyde Park.

The event was hosted by Channel 7 sportscaster and host of AFL Game Day Hamish McLachlan, with Winners & Losers actress Melanie Vallejo bringing some red-carpet glamour to the evening as co-host. 

Under a new format, live interviews with winners and sponsors were broadcast on large screens in the venue while guests were entertained with musical performances and presentations worthy of theatres at sea and an after party, which allowed celebrations to cruise well into the night. For a full list of winners please see the following page. For more information visit www.cruising.org.au

2013 CRUISE INDUSTRY AWARDS

Cruise Agency of the Year - Australia   

GOLD: Bicton Travel  Perth WA      

SILVER: Ozcruising  Philip ACT 

BRONZE: Cruise Express Balmain NSW    

Cruise Agency of the Year - New Zealand

GOLD: Manly United Travel Manly 

SILVER: Lets Cruise  Auckland 

BRONZE: Cruiseabout  Takapuna

Cruise Consultant of the Year - Australia   

Deborah Long     Weston Cruise & Travel ACT 

Cruise Consultant of the Year - New Zealand

Evelyn Lee   Midday Travel Auckland

Rising Star - Australia       

Kerri Anderson    Just Cruises, Brisbane QLD 

Rising Star - New Zealand

Billy Gutierrez    Cruiseabout Pukekohe

Agency Promotion of the Year - Australia  

Easy Travel and Cruise SA  “Best Job in the Bridge”

Agency Promotion of the Year - New Zealand  

Harvey World Travel Bayfair  “Child Cancer Foundation Promotion” 

Network Promotion of the Year - Australasia  

Cruiseabout (Australia)  “What Kind of Cruiser Are You” 

CLIA Hall of Fame 

Steve Lloyd – CEO Cruiseco

Information supplied by : CLIA Australasia.

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Captain Stubing Reveals 2014 Masters Details

Scores of Australian and New Zealand travel agents will be saying Hola Mexico this year, following news that the 2014 CLIA Australasia Masters Conference will be held on a Princess Cruises’ voyage to the popular North American destination.

Details were revealed at the Cruise3Sixty event in Sydney today during a surprise appearance by Princess Cruises’ Ambassador Gavin MacLeod, who played Captain Stubing in the classic 70s TV show The Love Boat.

Mr MacLeod told delegates the 2014 Masters Conference would be held on Crown Princess during a seven-night roundtrip cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico, marking the first time Princess Cruises has hosted the annual event.

“I thought I had the best job in cruising, but seems like I’ve got some competition from CLIA cruise agents,” Gavin remarked.

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said US-based sales guru and motivator Scott Koepf would be overseeing the 16th Masters, an annual CLIA Australasia event which combines intensive training sessions with a first-hand cruise experience. 

The Masters cruise will depart Los Angeles on November 15 with delegates also enjoying one night’s pre-cruise accommodation onboard the legendary liner Queen Mary, now a floating hotel at Long Beach.

Masters participants will attend a series of sessions to help them sharpen their sales and marketing techniques. Between seminars they will be able to explore Mexico with visits to Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Ensenada.

After completing the course and a comprehensive post-conference assignment, agents will enter the prestigious Cruise Masters’ ranks.  

The annual Masters event is open to all agents currently holding CLIA accreditation and employed by a CLIA member travel agent.

Participation fees for the 2014 event will start from AUD$1595 per person twin share and AUD$2495 for singles including the seven-night cruise in a guaranteed balcony cabin as well as one night’s pre-cruise accommodation on the Queen Mary on November 14.  For more details visit www.cruising.org.au

Information supplied by : CLIA Australasia.

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The world’s biggest cruise conference Cruise3Sixty sailed into Sydney today marking its first international deployment.

While Cruise3Sixty has been a major annual event in the United States for the past 10 years, today’s event marked the first time the conference had been held outside of North America reflecting Australia’s growing importance on the world cruise scene.

Cruise3Sixty Australasia featured an array of leading cruise industry experts as well as Global CLIA President Christine Duffy, New South Wales Ports Minister Duncan Gay and a special appearance by The Love Boat actor Gavin MacLeod who received an enthusiastic reception from the adoring audience. 

Organised in partnership with Australia’s leading cruise industry publication, Cruise Weekly (a division of Travel Daily) and TravelTrends, the company behind the highly successful TravelTech and No Vacancy conferences, Cruise3Sixty Australasia was attended by more than 350 delegates and held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Sydney.

The sell-out conference provided the latest information for specialist cruise travel agents, cruise lines and other industry stakeholders keen to gain a greater insight into where the industry is headed in the near future.

Pictured at the conference is Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry, CLIA Australasia Chairman and Royal Caribbean Managing Director Gavin Smith and CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy.

For more information visit www.cruising.org.au/cruise-360-sydney.asp

Information supplied by : CLIA Australasia.

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Love Boat Captain Shares Tips for Romance Before He Sails Down Under

As the countdown to Valentine’s Day gets underway, one of the best known Captains of Romance, the Love Boat’s Captain Merrill Stubing, is dusting off his famous uniform to bring his unique brand of love Down Under.

In a cheeky YouTube video that combines the spirit of the iconic 70s show with sage 21st century advice, Captain Stubing - aka actor Gavin MacLeod - can be seen sporting a rose between his teeth for a romantic selfie as he shares his personal tips to help couples of all ages chart their way through the sea of love. View the video here  

The launch of the video coincides with the announcement that the 82-year-old Love Boat Captain will be making a special visit to Australia on February 7-8 to oversee a romantic vow renewal ceremony on a Princess Cruises’ Love Boat, Sun Princess, before setting sail to New Zealand to preside over another ceremony in Auckland on February 12. 

Gavin, a veteran actor who will tomorrow receive the Golden Palm Star at The Palm Springs Walk of Stars, has starred with scores of beautiful Hollywood women during his career.

But according to Gavin, the most beautiful woman he’s ever come across is his wife Patti: “She’s so beautiful I married her twice!” he says.

While Gavin concedes there are many different views on love today, he offers advice from someone who’s “been there - and done that” with tips to keep the love alive in 2014 and beyond, including: 

* the power of a man in uniform (preferably a Captain’s uniform)

* the risk that mobile phones present to romance

* the lure of a good dance move to shimmy your way into someone’s heart

* the charm of a man who’s manly enough to embrace “Chick Lit”

* the magnetism of a man who can handle a beater to whip up some cookies sprinkled with love.

Regarded as a catalyst for the cruising boom, The Love Boat TV series cruised through 10 seasons from 1977 to 1986 and is still in syndication in 92 countries worldwide including Australia. 

The show’s stories centred on the ship’s crew, led by the charming Captain, with celebrities playing guest roles and Princess Cruises’ passengers cast as extras.  The scores of stars who appeared on the show include Joan Collins, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Michael J Fox, Joan Rivers and The Village People.

Gavin’s visit Down Under will only be his second visit to Australia and New Zealand since the Love Boat recorded a special two-hour episode in Sydney in 1981.

Princess Cruises’ fleet now consists of 17 ships, including three which are based in Australia - Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess.

Love Boat fans can follow news of Gavin’s visit Down Under via Princess Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/PrincessCruises and on Twitter @princesscruises using the hashtag #loveboatdownunder.

 Gavin’s video can be found at http://tinyurl.com/lqxm4pa

Information supplied by : Princess Cruises.

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Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! 

P&O Cruises Makes an Australia Day Call on Sydney Harbour 

P&O Cruises’ Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl will take centre stage on Sydney Harbour this Australia Day with both ships sending a true blue shout-out to all Australians. 

Pacific Jewel, anchored at Athol Bay, and Pacific Pearl, anchored across the harbour at Point Piper will each sport giant ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie’ decals on their sides, and fly Australian flags from the decks to mark the nation’s special day. 

The celebration will mark the first time two P&O Cruises’ ships have been in the harbour for Australia Day and the second year the cruise line has been the official sponsor of the Australia Day Sydney Harbour Program.

Between them, the two ships will be carrying close to 4000 passengers, who will have front row seats to a spectacular harbour program sponsored by P&O Cruises. Special Australia Day events on the harbour include the Sydney Festival’s Ferrython, a Harbour Parade, a Tug and Yacht Ballet, a 'tinnie muster', Tall Ships Parade, and finally the P&O Cruises’ fireworks display between the two ships in the centre of the harbour at 9.15pm.  

Guest entertainers will make surprise visits to both ships during the day, while passengers will dance the day away to Aussie music, watch Australian movies and enjoy a quintessential Aussie BBQ onboard.  

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said P&O Cruises was excited to be part of Australia Day on the harbour.

“As Australia’s favourite cruise line, we are very proud to not only sponsor the Australia Day activity but also to play such a key role in the celebrations on the harbour,” Ms Marshall said. 

Ms Marshall said Australia Day 2015 would offer more cause for celebration with all three P&O Cruises’ ships set to meet on the harbour for the first time. 

For Australians keen to be amongst the action next year, P&O Cruises has launched a competition on the social media site, Pinterest. For a chance to win an Australia Day cruise in 2015, entrants simply need to follow P&O Cruises on Facebook and Pinterest, and create the most inspiring and unique Pinterest board that best represents everything to do with both Australia Day and P&O Cruises. 

The competition runs until February 5, 2014. To enter, visit the Facebook page here and fill out the form. 

Pacific Jewel’s three night Australia Day cruise commences on Saturday January 25 while Pacific Pearl’s Australia Day cruise will run from Friday January 24 until Monday January 27. 

For more information on P&O Cruises’ Australia Day cruises visit www.pocruises.com.au  phone 13 24 94 or see a licensed travel agent.

Information supplied by : P&O Cruises Australia.

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Sunrise and P&O Cruises Make Australian TV History

P&O Cruises has announced a television first with Channel Seven’s entire Sunrise program to be broadcast live from the decks of superliner Pacific Jewel at sea next Monday. 

In what will be Australia’s first breakfast show at sea, all the Sunrise presenters – Kochie, Sam, Nat, Beretts and Edwina - will be onboard when the show goes live for an extended four hour program on the Australia Day public holiday.

While Sunrise will be broadcast to Australian lounge rooms from somewhere off the New South Wales’ south coast, the program will still include the usual lineup of news, weather, the Cash Cow and even special guests Justice Crew performing live onboard.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said broadcasting an entire breakfast show at sea was one of the biggest and boldest undertakings the cruise line had embarked on.

“We are thrilled to be working with the Sunrise team on what we believe to be a world first and know the passengers and crew onboard Pacific Jewel’s Australia Day cruise will be very excited to be part of Australian cruise and television history,” Ms Marshall said.

Sunrise will be extended by one hour (6am – 10am) to ensure the team can lap up all the culinary delights and fun activities onboard Pacific Jewel, with weather presenter Edwina Bartholomew gearing up to scale, swing and segway her way around the ship as she takes on the cruise line’s first adventure playground at sea, P&OEdge.

To celebrate the history-making partnership with Sunrise, P&O Cruises is offering up to $150* onboard spending money per cabin on all 2014 departures booked between January 27 and 31, 2014. For more information and to book visit www.pocruises.com.au/sunrise or phone13 24 94.  For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Shipload of Tennis Fans Arrives in Melbourne

A sea of almost 2000 tennis fans has descended on Melbourne Park with P&O Cruises’ first ever Australian Open Tennis cruise arriving in Melbourne this morning.

In a boon for the Victorian economy, more than 1800 cruise passengers disembarked from superliner Pacific Pearl at Station Pier around 8am with shuttles carrying the passengers to the Australian Open – the biggest sporting event being held in the world in January.

General admission was included in the cruise fare but over half the passengers opted to upgrade their tickets to ensure courtside seats at the Rod Laver Arena as the action heats up during the singles quarter finals.

The tennis cruise is a first for P&O Cruises which already sends thousands of tourists to Victoria each year for the Melbourne Cup.

Since departing Sydney on Monday, passengers have kept up-to-date with the Australian Open screened live on the ship’s giant poolside screen.

During their cruise to Melbourne, Pacific Pearl passengers also enjoyed a special lecture by former Australian tennis player and referee Bill Gilmour. Mr Gilmour, who at the height of his international career in the 1950s triumphed over legends such as Rod Laver, Roy Emerson and Bill Talbert, took passengers behind the scenes of some of the greatest Grand Slam events in the world during his onboard talks.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Tammy Marshall said the cruise had been a huge hit with sport lovers of all ages.

“P&O Cruises’ passengers have been sailing to Melbourne for years to attend the Melbourne Cup, so we’re very pleased to bring more sports tourists to the city for the tennis,” Ms Marshall said.

“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. 

“As one of the nation’s most popular sporting events, the Australian Open was an obvious addition to our P&OMainEvents cruise roster,” she added.

Tennis fans wanting to catch the action next year can join P&O Cruises’ 2015 Australian Open cruise, departing Sydney on January 19, 2015. The five-night cruise is priced from $749* per person quad share and includes transfers to and from the grounds, general admission tickets plus the opportunity to upgrade to Rod Laver Arena from just $100 per person.  For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au or call 13 24 94. 

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry says Asia Poised for Growth as One of the World’s Biggest Cruise Markets

Asia has the potential to become one of the world’s biggest cruise markets with broad economic benefits driven by the cruise industry’s long value chain, Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry has told the ASEAN Tourism Forum Ministers’ Meeting in Sarawak. 

Speaking at the event yesterday as Director of the Asia Cruise Association, Ms Sherry welcomed the interest shown by governments in South East Asia in encouraging the growth of the industry. She said a white paper produced recently by the Association – ‘The Cruise Industry in Asia 2013 and Beyond’ – had outlined a pathway to cruise industry growth in Asia. 

In highlighting the scope of the opportunity, Ms Sherry said: “A cruise ship arriving at a destination with two and a half thousand passengers carries the equivalent of around five fully laden A380 jets. Add each ship’s crew and you have another two full A380 aircraft. It is easy to visualise the positive impact of cruising.” 

Ms Sherry said Asia had a platform for future growth highlighted by the following landmarks: 

* 1.5 million people in Asia already cruised each year and Carnival Asia forecast this would increase to nearly four million by 2017 and to seven million by 2020 

* 762 cruises took place in Asia last year and another 58 visited Asia after starting or ending voyages outside the region 

* Cruise ships last year visited 117 destinations in Asia and 17 separate countries 

* In the first quarter of 2014, Asia would account for 247 cruises – 22 per cent more than for the same period last year.

Ms Sherry said governments in Asia could support local cruise industry growth by making source market and economic data available to assist cruise lines in market development and itinerary planning. 

Governments could also improve the passenger experience by streamlining visa requirements and procedures and upgrade infrastructure to develop a network of ports to allow for the popularity in Asia of short break cruises. 

Ms Sherry identified Malaysia as a positive case study where the government had developed a cohesive national strategy to attract cruise ship visits to maximise the economic benefits of the sector’s expansion. 

In line with shared responsibility for growth, Ms Sherry said the cruise industry could contribute to the training of travel agents to enhance distribution networks and assist governments in planning for industry expansion in the region. 

The industry would also continue to tailor the product offering with dining, accommodation and entertainment features that appealed to Asian travellers. 

Ms Sherry said major cruise facilities in some of Asia’s biggest cities were a step forward but there was also a need to develop other ports in Asia where the availability of facilities was currently patchy. 

“Mega-tourism centres aren’t essential for port calls at incredible destinations, of which Asia has many,” Ms Sherry said. “Over capitalising port assets can be a risk. Cruise ships need channels deep enough for safe passage and piers to allow ships to berth alongside. Space and a welcoming environment for passengers and access to key local attractions completes the requirements for an effective cruise facility.” 

Information supplied by: Carnival Australia.

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ANN SHERRY SAYS CLIA CRUISE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

AUSTRALIA’S PHENOMENAL GROWTH

Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry has welcomed CLIA’s latest international ‘State of the Cruise’ update which has highlighted the phenomenal growth of Australian cruising with an increase of 130 per cent in passenger numbers over the past five years.

Ms Sherry said Australia’s cruise industry expansion and its high ranking in the top five international   growth markets was a further sign of the dynamic nature of cruising in this region and Carnival Australia’s leadership of the local industry based on 80 years of cruising.

“Such phenomenal growth in this market has given Australian and New Zealand travellers access to exceptional choice in terms of cruise lines, ships itineraries and onboard features,” Ms Sherry said.

“Cruising here has something to offer every market segment with locally or seasonally based ships plus international ships visiting during the height of the summer cruise season.”

Carnival Australia accounts for around 80 per cent of the local cruise market in operating or representing seven iconic cruise brands -- P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines, Cunard, P&O Cruises World Cruising, Holland America Line and Seabourn.

According to the report from Cruise Lines International Association – the world’s largest cruise industry trade association – Australia ranks second in the world’s top five cruise markets in terms of passenger growth.

The top five markets in passenger growth over the past five years are Scandinavia/Finland (184.6%), Australia (130.3%), Brazil (84.8%), Germany (80.5%) and France (67.7%).

CLIA’s statistics also confirm that cruising continues to grow worldwide with passenger numbers for 2013 estimated at 21.3 million and forecast to increase to 21.7 million this year.

According to the CLIA ‘State of the Cruise’ update, its member cruise lines are planning to introduce 24 new ships in 2014-2015 increasing total passenger capacity to more than 37,500.

Global Passenger Growth

Information supplied by: Carnival Australia.

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Australia Cements Place On World Cruise Scene: 2013 CLIA Global Statistics

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has welcomed the findings of CLIA’s global annual State of the Cruise Industry report, showing that Australia remains one of the fastest growing cruise markets and most popular cruise destinations in the world.

CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy said the statistics showed an estimated 21.3 million passengers cruised on CLIA’s 63 member lines in 2013, with the organisation predicting a positive year of growth ahead with a 2014 passenger forecast of 21.7 million. 

To meet this growing demand, CLIA’s cruise member lines will introduce 24 new ships in 2014-2015 adding a total passenger capacity of 37,546. Globally, the 2014 CLIA fleet is comprised of 410 ships, up from 393 ships last year.

While North America remains the world’s biggest cruise market (55 percent passenger source share), Australia is ranked in the top five with a 3.6 per cent market share.

According to the global CLIA report, the burgeoning Australian market has grown more than 130 per cent in the past five years, with only the Scandinavia and Finland region recording a higher growth rate (184 per cent). More details in the table on the following page. 

Australasia also sits among the top four cruise destinations in terms of ship deployments with Australia and New Zealand accounting for 6 per cent of all global itineraries, behind the Caribbean (37 per cent), the Mediterranean (19 per cent) and Northern Europe (11 per cent). 

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the latest figures underlined Australia’s important position on the world cruise scene. 

“Cruising just keeps going from strength to strength down under and we look forward to another big year ahead,” Mr Jardine said.

After its first successful year as a global association serving as the voice and advocate of the worldwide cruise industry, CLIA has increased its presence in Europe with additional associations established in German and Spain. Italy will follow later in 2014.

Ms Duffy said a key factor in the cruise industry’s growth was its travel agent partners and stressed CLIA’s commitment to its more than 13,500 global travel agency members who reached over 50,000 agent members. 

CLIA Australasia will release its 2013 Australian and New Zealand passenger statistics later in the year.

For more information visit www.cruising.org.au in Australia and www.cruising.org.nz in New Zealand. 

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.

Top Ten CLIA Cruise Passenger Source Markets in 2013:

*2013 Passenger estimates (ooo’s) 

Country 2013 Passengers Global Passenger Share 5 Year % Change 2013 Passenger Source Rank

United States 11,016 51.7% 15.1% 1

UK & Ireland 1,719 8.1% 16.4% 2

Germany 1,637 7.7% 80.5% 3

Italy 860 4.0% 26.1% 4

Australia 760 3.6% 130.3% 5

Canada 734 3.4% 1.3% 6

Brazil 732 3.4% 84.8% 7

Spain 600 2.8% 20.7% 8

France 520 2.4% 67.7% 9

Scandinavia &

Finland 350 1.6% 184.6% 10

Information supplied by: CLIA Australasia.

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P&O Cruises Unveils New-Look Arcadia

Arcadia has been transformed for the new year following a multi-million dollar refurbishment, which includes a fleet first in accommodation and the introduction of Michelin-star celebrity chef Atul Kochar’s Asian-fusion restaurant, East. 

Australasian travellers will be able to witness the changes to the ship in late February and early March when Arcadia visits New Zealand and Australia as part of a 92-night world circumnavigation. 

A short video, which can be viewed at http://youtu.be/ar02r5Zjacg, has been made to highlight the major changes, which include:

* The introduction of East restaurant (replacing Orchid on sky deck 11) with an Asian-fusion menu designed by Atul Kochhar. As on Ventura, the Indonesian menu has influences from Thai, Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisine.

* A complete transformation of The Crow’s Nest lounge and bar with new flooring, seating areas, partition walls, furniture, a fresh colour scheme, bespoke lighting and a new-look extended bar.

* An extended and reconfigured open plan shopping area, featuring new glass cabinets, display units and LED lights. With a look and feel more akin to a sophisticated department store, there’s also new luxury brands on offer such as Givenchy, benefit, Gerry Weber and Ted Baker.

* The Globe has been closed off and totally encased to provide a new late-night dancing venue. Designed to improve the sound quality inside and also to reduce the level of noise outside, passengers can now party without disturbing other guests.

* The addition of 24 cabins on sun deck 10, including two new single balcony cabins – the first in P&O Cruises World Cruising’s fleet – 14 deluxe balcony cabins, four inside single cabins, three larger inside double cabins and one mini suite. All cabins have also been refreshed with new carpets and curtains and had 32” or 40” flat-screen TVs installed.

* The introduction of Freedom Dining to the upper tier of the Meridian Restaurant. As on other ships, passengers who opt for the Freedom Dining can arrive at any time they wish between 6.30pm and 9.30pm, with whomever they wish. The bottom tier of Meridian will continue to operate as Club Dining.

P&O Cruises World Cruising Marketing Director Christopher Edgington said: “This has been a huge project and a lot of hard work has gone in to make this happen. The outcome is nothing short of outstanding. Arcadia looks incredible.” 

The extensive refit is part of P&O Cruises World Cruising’s ongoing commitment to ensure continuous improvement of its ships and a consistent standard of decor across the fleet.

The video is hosted on the P&O Cruises World Cruising YouTube channel and can be downloaded for hosting on independent sites from www.youtube.com/pandocruises

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

Information supplied by : P&O Cruises UK

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A DECADE OF EXCELLENCE

Queen Mary 2 celebrates her first ten years, after travelling almost 1.5 million nautical miles and looking after 1.3 million passengers

Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 will celebrate her first ten years of service in 2014. Since her spectacular naming by Her Majesty The Queen on January 8, 2004, Queen Mary 2 has undertaken a total of 419 voyages including over 200 Transatlantic Crossings and called at 182 ports in 60 countries. 

Since becoming the Cunard flagship on completion of her maiden Transatlantic crossings in May 2004, Queen Mary 2 has remained unchallenged as the world’s largest, longest, tallest, widest and most expensive ocean liner ever built and the most famous and fastest passenger ship in operation today. 

At 345m long, if stood on her stern Queen Mary 2 would fall just three metres shy of Uluru and would be about 40m taller than the tip of Sydney Tower. Capable of carrying 2600 passengers and 1250 crew, Queen Mary 2 is a floating town just smaller than the NSW south coast town of Merimbula (pop 4000), almost double the size of WA’s Exmouth (pop 2000), larger than the SA town of Coober Pedy (estimated pop 3500) and the Victorian town of Daylesford (pop 3460) and more than three times the size of Queensland’s Burrum Heads in Hervey Bay (pop 1224).

In her first ten years of service she’s sailed the equivalent of three times to the moon and back. She’s carried over 1.3 million guests, the equivalent of the entire population of Adelaide, and over 2000 dogs.

“Since entering service in 2004, Queen Mary 2 has reigned supreme on the Atlantic and around the world, proudly carrying more than a million guests. She has attracted awards, accolades and admiration as the greatest ocean liner ever built for a decade and we intend to mark her first ten years of service of in style,” said Angus Struthers, Cunard’s Marketing Director.

To mark the milestone, Queen Mary 2 will depart on her tenth World Cruise on January 10, 2014, when she and Queen Elizabeth sail together from Southampton after a fusillade of celebratory fireworks. 

As part of her tenth year celebrations, Queen Mary 2 will embark on her second Royal Circumnavigation of Australia in February and March.

The anniversary year will also see all three Cunard Queens visit Australia for the first time with Queen Mary 2 arriving in Fremantle on February 12, Queen Elizabeth sailing into Sydney on March 1 and Queen Victoria making landfall in Brisbane on March 3. 

The major 10th anniversary celebrations will begin on May 9, 2014, when all three ships will arrive together in their homeport of Southampton and sister ships Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth will salute the flagship’s first ten years. The day will feature special sail-pasts, a celebratory lunch and a spectacular send-off of fireworks as all three ships set sail together from Southampton that evening, with Queen Mary 2 leading the way. 

When Queen Mary 2 sets off on the first of two special commemorative Crossings to and from New York in May, it will cement her role as the only passenger ship in the world maintaining a scheduled service across the Atlantic, something a Cunard ship has done since 1840.

Taking part in Cunard’s acclaimed ‘Insights’ speaker program during the Crossing to New York will be two special individuals: Commodore Ron Warwick, who holds the distinction of being the first Master of Queen Mary 2, and Stephen Payne OBE, who was largely responsible for the overall design of the ship.  In their separate talks, they will present fascinating insights into the operation and construction of the world’s grandest ocean liner.

Both will be guests of honour at a gala evening on board which will include a commemorative dinner with a special menu. In addition, tenor Ben Makisi (billed as ‘The Voice of the South Pacific’), magician Philip Hitchcock and violin duo ‘Elektra’ will thrill passengers on board during the Crossing. 

Both the Commodore and Stephen Payne will sail from New York to Southampton with Queen Mary 2 on the return May 16-23 crossing, and will be joined by comedian Roy Walker as part of the entertainment line-up. 

There are limited spaces left on the May 9 Crossing from Southampton to New York, with prices starting from $1699* per person twin share. Fares for the May 16 Crossing from New York to Southampton start from $1459* per person twin share.

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

*Fares are per person twin share. Subject to availability, conditions apply.

Information supplied by : Cunard Line.

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P&O Cruises Partners with 2Day FM to Launch New Breakfast Show in 2014.

P&O Cruises has announced a partnership with 2Day FM that will see it become the inaugural sponsor for the station’s new breakfast line up of Jules Lund, Merrick Watts and Sophie Monk with Spice Girl Mel B in 2014.

Launching in January, the dynamic new breakfast show promises a visually and socially-focused show, with plenty of laughs, which is sure to keep listeners and social media enthusiasts entertained. 

Simon Cheng, Director of Marketing for Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises said the cruise line was thrilled to be aligned with the new breakfast show on 2Day FM. 

“It’s the perfect fit for our audience and we are genuinely excited about working with the team to bring the P&O message to life,” Mr Cheng said. 

Southern Cross Austereo National Sales Director Andrea Ingham said the network was pleased to have P&O as the inaugural sponsor of the new 2Day FM breakfast show. 

“When building the show, we kept in mind what would resonate with our fans, listeners and clients. 

“All the shows we are launching in 2014 across the Today and Triple M Networks will be brand friendly multimedia formats and we look forward to working closely with our clients and agency partners on fresh and exciting solutions,” Ms Ingham said.

Information suppiled by : P&O Cruises Australia.

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Carnival Australia Hails Top Honours for Three of its Brands in Cruise Passenger Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards

Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry has welcomed Cruise Passenger magazine’s prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards in which three of the company’s cruise brands – P&O Cruises, Seabourn and Cunard – won separate awards for excellence. 

Ms Sherry described the awards as confirmation of the strength of Carnival Australia’s multi-brand approach, with the very best in cruising catering for the widest possible range of market segments with unprecedented choice of ships, onboard features and itineraries. 

“Representing most of the cruise ships that sail in our waters full time, seasonally or on world voyages, Carnival Australia takes great pride in being able to offer something for everyone in providing for their cruise holiday choices,” Ms Sherry said. 

“Top honours for three separate Carnival Australia cruise brands is all the more special because they reflect the views of Cruise Passenger magazine’s readers who have experienced the onboard product and recognised the commitment to quality and excellent service. 

“The awards are a tribute to our local and international teams and their efforts to make a cruise holiday on our ships a memorable experience.” 

Carnival Australia brand ships won top honours in the following categories: 

* Best Luxury Cruise Line – Seabourn, a fitting accolade to mark 25 years of luxury cruising as an increasing number of Australians discover the essence of ultra-luxury at sea 

* Best Luxury Cruise Ship – Seabourn Pride, a 280-passenger ship personifying Seabourn’s proud reputation for luxury cruising with a club-like ambience and award-winning cuisine 

* Best Premium Cruise Line – Cunard Line, with onboard service usually found in the world’s deluxe hotels delivered in a way that has impressed Australian cruise travellers 

* Best Premium Cruise Ship – Queen Mary 2, a favourite with Australian cruise travellers and the second consecutive year in which the Cunard flagship has been the category winner 

* Best Mid-range Cruise Line – P&O Cruises, confirming its special place in the hearts of Australians highlighted by new destinations such as Papua New Guinea and features such as the P&OEdge adventure park.

Information supplied by : Carnival Australia.

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Carnival Cruise Lines Partners with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to Bring 'Seuss at Sea' to kids and families on 'Fun Ships'

Sydney, 13 December 2013: One ship, two ships, it's Dr. Seuss on cruise ships! Carnival Cruise Lines today unveiled an exclusive partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises to bring the beloved children's brand and favourite characters to the line's fleet of 24 ships.  In an industry first, the Carnival Seuss at Sea program will offer a variety of exciting and immersive onboard youth, family, dining and entertainment experiences featuring the amazing world and words of Dr. Seuss.

"It is fun to have fun but you have to know how," said the Cat in the Hat in the iconic Dr. Seuss book. The fun on Carnival starts in the main dining room during The Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with the Cat in the Hat and Friends. Attendees will have the opportunity to kick off their day dining on playful foods straight from Dr. Seuss's imagination - green eggs and ham, moose juice and goose juice, along with colourful fruit and pancake stacks, funky French toast and more, with traditional breakfast favourites also available. While Carnival's wait staff set the tone with Dr. Seuss-inspired uniforms, popular Dr. Seuss characters such as the Cat in the Hat, Thing One and Thing Two, and Sam will be joining guests at their tables for fun interactions and one-of-a-kind photo opportunities. Hosted on the first sea day of each cruise, this special breakfast will be available for a nominal fee.

Every ship in the Carnival fleet will have a selection of classic Dr. Seuss books, toys and themed activities for children to enjoy.  Special showings of beloved movies such as "The Cat in the Hat" and Dr. Seuss's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" will be shown onboard.  

On Carnival Freedom, which is undergoing a major refurbishment in May, and Carnival Vista, which debuts in early 2016, there will be a Dr. Seuss Bookville facility -- a unique and dedicated Seuss-themed play space featuring iconic décor, colours, shapes and funky furniture inspired by the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. The perfect place for families to relax, unwind and enjoy each other's company, guests can read one of many available Dr. Seuss books or stretch their imagination through other family-fun activities including arts and crafts, toys and Dr. Seuss-inspired games.

Story time at sea will never be the same with the introduction of Seuss-a-palooza Story Time, A Rhyming Good Time - an interactive reading event that brings to life the colourful world of Dr. Seuss for kids.  Hosted on a sea day each voyage in a custom-created environment on board or within Dr. Seuss Bookville, this memorable storytelling event will feature some of the most beloved Dr. Seuss characters.

At other times during the voyage, children and families will have the chance to meet and interact with favourite Dr. Seuss characters and participate in special photo opportunities featuring colourful and zany Dr. Seuss-inspired artwork, as well as through events and activities such as the Seuss-a-palooza Character Parade where guests can join Dr. Seuss characters in a swirly conga line along the Promenade.  A variety of Dr. Seuss-themed retail items will be available, as well.

The Seuss at Sea initiative builds upon Carnival's leadership position in family cruising. The line carries more than 700,000 kids aboard its fleet each year - nearly half of the total number of kids carried by the entire North American cruise industry.  Add in line about how CCL has raised the bar in Australia in

terms of family fun at sea when Spirit arrived.  Interconnecting staterooms, babysitting till 3am, waterslides, mini-golf, etc.   If you need stats, 20k children under 16 sailed on Spirit during her first year in Oz. 

"Our youth and family programming continues to be highly rated and extremely popular with the millions of families who sail with Carnival, but we're constantly challenging ourselves to uncover unique and interesting ways to further enhance our guest experience," said Mark Tamis, senior vice president of guest operations for Carnival Cruise Lines. "We are thrilled to bring the fun, whimsical and wonderful world of Dr. Seuss to life for our guests of all ages to create even more fun and memorable moments during our cruise vacations."

"Dr. Seuss inspires imaginations across generations and encourages a playfulness and whimsy that is often lost in today's 'always on' society," said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. "We're excited to be working with Carnival Cruise Lines to bring some of the timeless magic of Dr. Seuss to the families that sail each year. Seuss at Sea will let kids and parents alike explore their imaginations through the memorable onboard experiences we're building together."

Roll-out of the Seuss at Sea program will begin aboard Carnival Splendor in February 2014 with implementation across the full fleet by 2015, as well as Carnival Vista when that ship enters service in early 2016. The program will be offered onboard Australia’s own Carnival Spirit in spring 2014, and on Carnival Legend in summer 2015.

For more information and bookings, contact Carnival Cruise Lines on 13 31 94, or visit http://www.carnival.com.au%20

Information supplied by : Carnival Cruise Lines.

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P&O Cruises’ Guests Take The Helm With Cruise Control 

P&O Cruises has launched a fun, interactive portal allowing guests to take control of their cruise from the moment they log in. 

The newly released Cruise Control website replaces the online cruise personaliser and taps into the cruising state of mind with a host of new features helping to build the excitement of a cruise holiday.

The website offerings include enhanced social media interaction, a cruise countdown and optimised tablet access.

Senior Vice President P&O Cruises Tammy Marshall said Cruise Control was the result of a massive project matching passenger feedback with the latest in online technology.

“Cruise Control is dynamic, user friendly and a dream come true for cruise holiday planning,” Ms Marshall said. 

“Its many new features resonate so closely with the actual cruise experience that our guests will almost smell the tang of the salt air and the sights and sounds of our colourful destinations from the moment they start clicking.”

P&O Cruises’ Cruise Control upgrades the existing online cruise personaliser with features including:

* Real time e-ticketing – allowing travellers to generate their e-tickets on demand so they can be viewed, saved or emailed

* Interactive cruise planner – enabling guests to create their own cruise holiday schedules initially with access to Shore Tours

* Mobile and tablet optimised – guests can now access Cruise Control irrespective of their device

* Registering dietary requirements – a Cruise Control first, allowing guests to register any special dietary requirements prior to their cruise

* Social media connectivity – enabling holidaymakers to recount their cruise holiday experiences and chat to fellow cruisers before and after their cruise (Cruise Control can even be accessed via P&O Cruises’ Facebook page)

* Cruise countdown – a revamped cruise countdown enables guests to track the days to go before taking to the high seas with P&O Cruises For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au

Information supplied by : P&O Cruises Australia.

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