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.

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.

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.

CRUISE UPDATES:

AUSTRALIANS ADVANCING ON AZAMARA

The Azamara Clubs third largest market is of course Australia and is the first choice of destination if a third ship is added to this fleet. Azamara is the Royal Caribbean’s premium line and operates “destination-immersive” voyages aboard the 694 passenger Quest and Journey ships. These luxury cruises sail through Asia, Europe and South America and include complimentary wine with lunch and dinner and overnight port stays. However, there are no solid plans to base an Azamara vessel in Australia in the near future we are confident to know that if a third ship is added to the fleet it will be sure to come to Australia.

REALITY CRUISE SHOW: LOVE FOR SAIL WITH NCL

Love for Sail is a new US reality dating TV series, which follows four women and a group of single men who are all looking for love. Norwegian Cruise Line vessels have been selected to be the host for this new reality show! The Norwegian Cruise Line Directors will help organise events for the ladies, these including romantic dates onboard and in port. Once this show is aired in Australia, viewers will be able to see the Norwegian Cruise Line vessels first hand; Love for Sail will feature the Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Pearl and the Norwegian Star.

CRUISE HINT FOR THE WEEK: INSIDE CABINS

An idea for anyone who books an Inside cabin and does not realise how dark these rooms can be. For those who want to wake up still with the morning light a hint would be to leave your television on with no sound overnight onto the Cruise Camera channel so that when the sun rises your room will light up too.

CRUISE NEWS UPDATES & HINTS

CRUISE UPDATES:

RHAPSODY BROADENS ITS DINING

The Rhapsody of the Seas will be adding five new signature dining establishments.

For the next four weeks, the Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas will be undergoing a major renovation and adding five new signature dining establishments to the liner. The Rhapsody of the Seas will offer a new variety of dining options and a total of seven restaurants once the ship returns to sea. These including The Chops Grille, the company’s flagship steakhouse, Italian and Japanese options and a gourmet market-style setup offering sandwiches, soup and pastries.

NORWEIGIAN SHIPLIKELY WITHIN TWO YEARS

The Norwegian Cruise Line may base a ship in Australia in 2014.

This cruise line is the only major cruise line company without a superliner in Sydney,however Norwegian Cruises hopes by 2014 to send a Norwegian ship to Australia. Two new ships are being launched in the next two years and they need a place to call home and where better else then Sydney, Australia. As reported that Australia is Norwegian Liners fourth biggest international market following the UK, Germany and Spain. Final decisions of placements for these new ships are yet to be revealed, but hopefully Norwegian Cruise Line chooses to base a ship in Australia so that more of us can experience of these amazing major cruise liners.

CRUISE HINT FOR THE WEEK:

KEEPING ORGANISED

Take a long a highlighter, not only can you use it at Bingo (Saving you money on buying a dabber) you can also highlight you chosen activities on your cruise daily. If you want to keep your daily newsletters from the cruise safe to take home as a memory, take along a display book too.

Holland America Line’s 2012 Mediterranean season

Holland America Line’s 2012 Mediterranean season to feature a grand voyage, guest chefs and maiden calls

Monday, 13 February 2012

Segments of the Grand Mediterranean & Black Sea Voyage Available

Holland America Line’s 2012 Mediterranean season features an extensive selection of itineraries ranging from seven to 42 days, as well as an exciting 62-day Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage aboard the intimate ms Prinsendam.

Six of the line’s other ships — ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Noordam, ms Rotterdam, ms Maasdam and ms Ryndam — also will sail the region on 32 different itineraries that span the eastern and western Mediterranean. Celebrated guest chefs will enhance select cruises as part of the Culinary Arts Centre program, performing cooking demonstrations for guests in the ship’s state-of-the-art show kitchen, conducting tastings and participating in question-and-answer sessions.

“The Mediterranean has it all — from top-rated beaches and incredible architecture to historical landmarks and a long history,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. “Whether it’s a shorter cruise or a Grand Voyage, by offering one of the most extensive itinerary selections of any cruise line, we enable guests to take their dream cruise.”

Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage
A highlight of the Med season comes this spring when ms Prinsendam, the line’s smallest and most intimate ship -- just 835 guests, departs Fort Lauderdale, Florida, March 12, 2012, on its roundtrip 62-day Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage. Visiting 32 ports in 14 countries, the itinerary includes maiden calls at Durrës, Albania’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s oldest cities; Saint Raphaél in the Côte d'Azur region of France, and Castellón de la Plana in the Costa del Azahar region of Spain.

Overnight stays in Seville, Spain; Kusadasi (Ephesus) and Istanbul, Turkey; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Venice, Italy; Barcelona, Spain, and Lisbon, Portugal, provide guests with more time for exploring of some of the world’s most interesting destinations.

The Grand Voyage also offers grand experiences on board. Guests can relax and unwind during leisurely days at sea, taking advantage of the extra time to read a book, indulge in a massage at the Greenhouse Spa or watch a movie in the theatre. Sommelier and Wine Educator Charlie Arturaola will be on board from March 21 – April 3 as part of the Culinary Arts Centre program. Brian Archibald, executive sous chef of Camelback Inn, a JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona, also will sail from April 18 – 30.

Evening activities shine on board as well with local cultural entertainment and special guest headliners, while festive gala balls and formal nights create memorable moments. Dining is elevated to a new level on each Grand Voyage, featuring local ingredients and regional cuisine from all corners of Europe.

For those with less time, 11 segments are available ranging from 16 to 41 days and start at AU$2,199 per person.

2012 Mediterranean Voyages
A highlight of the season is a 20-day Mediterranean Medley cruise departing July 21, sailing roundtrip from Dover, England, or Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on ms Ryndam. Guests can explore ports throughout Italy, Portugal, Spain and Monaco on this adventure.

Additional itineraries include three 12-day sailings on ms Nieuw Amsterdam that explore Spain, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Montenegro and Croatia. Guests looking for a longer voyage can combine the two itineraries to create a 24-day Collectors’ Voyage.

A series of two 10-day itineraries on ms Noordam can be combined to form a 20-day Collectors’ Voyage, with calls at ports in Italy, Monaco, Spain, Tunisia, Croatia, Greece and Turkey.

The new 17-day Spanish Rhapsody sailing roundtrip Rotterdam onboard ms Rotterdam offers guests the opportunity to explore the best of what Spain has to offer in addition to ports in both Portugal and Italy.

Fares for a seven-day Mediterranean voyage start at just AU$849 per person, double occupancy.

Select Mediterranean cruises also feature a guest chef on board:

• Ken Oringer, executive chef/co-owner of Kenneth Oringer and Clio restaurants in Boston, Massetusses, sails on ms Nieuw Amsterdam’s 12-day Mediterranean Empires cruise June 5.
• Kevin Sbraga, executive chef and owner of Sbraga restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and US cable channel Bravo's “Top Chef” season seven winner, sails on ms Noordam July 17 in the Mediterranean.
• Giuliano Hazan, author of “Cooking Italian With Giuliano” and International Association of Culinary Professionals Cooking Teacher of the Year, sailson ms Rotterdam’s 17-day Moorish Empires cruise Sept. 29.
• Timon Balloo, executive chef of Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill in Miami, Florida, sails on ms Noordam's 7-day Riviera Romance cruise Oct. 15.

A new Spirit emerges for Australia

Carnival Spirit has emerged
from her two week drydock
sporting seven million dollars
worth of upgrades, ahead of
her arrival in Sydney this year.
KEY upgrades to Spirit included a revamping
of her Serenity area, one of the largest childfree
adult retreats on the ship, which includes
an open-air deck with pool, heated spa,
hammoks, plush lounges and a cocktail bar
offering a special daily selection of drinks.
The drydock also included $450,000 in
upgrades to Spirit’s fitness centre with new
cardio and strength training equipment, as
well as a Jacuzzi under a giant skylight; and the
creation of the child-magnet Splash Zone,
which includes the Power Drencher, a massive
tipping bucket that fills up with hundreds of
litres of water, then tips and soaks all
underneath it.
New carpets were also laid through all public
areas and in cabins, plus Spirit was also treated
to a new coat of paint on her interior and
exterior, whilst cabins scored new flat-screen TVs.
Most notably, Spirit’s star attraction, the
world’s steepest and fastest waterslide at sea,
Green Thunder was also installed, and was
broken in on the vessel’s debut Hawaiian
cruise post-makeover.