Wednesday, April 18, 2012

CRUISE UPDATE: THE FLAVOUR OF P&O

New Zealand Natural is about to embrace cruising with the new signing of an agreement between P&O. The agreement will see P&O score its very own flavour of New Zealand Natural premium ice cream. This flavour will be unveiled on board the Pacific Dawn as part of the choice of flavours in the new New Zealand Natural Premium Ice Cream Parlour which is currently being installed during her scheduled refurbishment. When the dawn sets sail on the 1st of May the new P&O flavour will be revealed!

CRUISE UPDATE: P&O’s Pacific Dawn add Papua New Guinea to its itinerary

New for 2013/2014 P&O’s Pacific Dawn is sailing from Brisbane and adding two new unique itineraries to the remote and strikingly beautiful region of Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea. Both itineraries feature the ports of Alotau and Doini Island, as well as the Trobriand Islands.

Alotau (Milne Bay) is the Capital of Milne Bay province; it has rich history and is famous for its coral reef and scuba diving experiences.

Doini Island is located in the heart of Milne Bay on the Easter tip of Papua New Guinea. The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches and is home to the classis white sand beaches and pristine turquoise waters.

Trobriand Islands lie along the Northern straits of Milne Bay and are more widely known as the ‘Islands of Love’. Kiriwana Island and Kaileuna Island are rich in culture where as Kitava Island is known for its beautiful beaches which are perfect for swimming, snorkerling and canoeing.

There are a total of three departures: one 9-night departure October 2013 and two 10-night departures in November 2013 and April 2014.

CRUISE HINT: WHAT TO TAKE TO THE ISLANDS

While on the islands a useful hint would be to take reef shoes for swimming and walking on the beach as you don’t want to be stepping in coral. Also a nice gesture would be to take along some gold coins for the islanders as many ports have groups of people singing with a donation box in front of them as it is only a couple of dollars to us however the small amount means a lot to them.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

CRUISE UPDATES AND HINTS #4

CRUISE UPDATE: COSTA CRUISES

Costa have defied the odds and have reported that bookings for its 2012 Easter cruises were record breaking and exceeded the numbers for Easter 2011. Five Costa ships spent Easter in the Mediterranean including Costa NeoRomantica, Costa Mediterranea, Costa Pacifica, CostaDeliziosa and Costa Serena.

CRUISE SHIP: CARNIVAL SPIRIT

When cruising your holiday starts as you step on board and thearrival of Carnival spirit in Australia is exciting for families. CarnivalSpirit provides age appropriate programs for everyone and youth activities aresupervised by trained and experienced staff.

· Camp Carnival provides toys and arts and craftsfor young kids aged 2-5.
· Juniors 6-8 are also catered for and for thoseaged 9-11 there are pool parties and scavenger hunts.
· Circle “C” for the 12-14 gives the young teenssomewhere to hang out and watch late night movies, danceparties
· Club 02 is for the older teens with their ownlounge area and a non alcoholic drink bar and teenparties.

The ship also provides the best waterpark at sea, mini golf,a choice of swimming pools, a sports court, and a 2deck fitness centre.

CRUISE HINT: THEME NIGHTS

New cruisers are often unaware of the theme nights offered on some cruises. An idea is to take some inexpensive accessories on the cruise with you. Some of the theme nights include Country Western, Island Night, 70’sNights, Rock and Roll Night and Pirate Night.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

CRUISE UPDATES AND HINTS #3

CRUISE UPDATES:

RHAPSODY REVEALED

The Rhapsody of the Seas has undergone an onboard US$45 million revitalisation project and has finally been completed, with the vessel now en-route from Singapore to Australia. Once the Rhapsody of the Seas arrives in Australia it will depart on 13th April for a 17-night Trans Pacific Cruise to Hawaii before heading off for her Alaskan season on the 11th May.

SEABOURN IN AUSTRALIA

Next year will be the Seabourn Quest’s first ever visit to the shores of Australia, she will be calling into ports at Sydney, Brisbane, Hamilton Island, Townsville, Cairns and Thursday Island in February. The newest addition to the Seabourn Fleet, Quest’s Australian visit is part of a 116 day world cruise. Australians will also be able to cruise on the Seabourn Odyssey in our local waters next year, for three months as the liner explores the islands and coastlines of Australia, Indonesia and New Zealand. A regional visit includes a 16 night voyage from Bali to Sydney departing on the 21st of December 2012 and will visit Komodo Island, Darwin, Thursday Island, Cairns, Townsville, Hamilton Island and Brisbane.

CRUISE HINT FOR THE WEEK: Keeping in touch with fellow Cabin Mates

Take along a mini whiteboard or a packet of post-it notes so that you can leave notes for each other on your movements throughout the day in a prominent place, for example the mirror.