Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Spirit Returns To Mystery Island After Cyclone Pam.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit has anchored in the turquoise waters of Mystery Island this morning, marking a return to business for the picturesque Vanuatu island which has been out of action since Cyclone Pam tore through the region two months ago.

The category five cyclone damaged the island’s jetty, making it impossible for cruise ships to tender passengers to shore. Over recent weeks, locals have constructed a temporary jetty which will remain in place until a permanent jetty can be installed later this year.

With clear skies and even clearer waters, Carnival Spirit passengers flocked ashore this morning to enjoy a beach day. The call is part of an 11-night roundtrip cruise from Sydney visiting ports in New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

In a show that the island is well and truly open for business, locals from nearby Aneityum made their way to work in boats, setting up market stalls and offering local tours including fish feeding, snorkelling and walking excursions. Pacific Dawn is scheduled to herald P&O Cruises’ return to the island tomorrow.

Please see the attached images of Carnival Spirit’s return to Mystery Island today.

Information supplied by; Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

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Pandora Charms with First Stores at Sea on P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises is ramping up the glamour on board its ships, announcing a partnership with one of the world’s best known jewellery brands, PANDORA, which will see it launch five PANDORA outlets across its fleet.

The move will give hundreds of thousands of Australian cruisers a chance to buy PANDORA’s stylish jewellery pieces at duty-free prices at sea.

Sold in more than 90 countries around the world, PANDORA enjoys a huge following in Australia, which is one of the biggest markets for its range of hand finished and modern jewellery, including its famous collectable charms.

The first store will open on Pacific Jewel in June, with four more outlets to be added to P&O Cruises’ five-ship fleet over the coming months, including the cruise line’s latest ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell said the cruise line was thrilled to partner with PANDORA.

“PANDORA is a brand that’s known and loved around the world and we think it will be a huge hit with our guests who’ll love the chance to buy the jewellery as a gift or a keepsake during their holiday,” Mr Myrmell said.

Mr Myrmell said the cruise line expected the jewellery maker’s charms, including those more travel inspired charms, to be particularly sought after.

“Our ships will be the only locations outside airports to sell PANDORA at duty-free prices, so this is quite a coup for us.”

PANDORA VP of Travel Retail Mr Julian Mullins said the PANDORA partnership with P&O Cruises was a perfect match.

“Just like P&O Cruises, PANDORA offers affordable luxury and we think our new stores at sea will be incredibly popular with the cruise line’s guests,” Mr Mullins said. 

The addition of the PANDORA stores forms part of a new era of cruising for P&O Cruises, as the cruise line redefines modern Australian cruising across its expanded five ship fleet. 

For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Carnival Brings the Fun Closer to Home with New Australian Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line has launched its largest range of cruises Down Under, offering Australians more fun closer to home with new four-night cruises to Queensland’s action-packed Moreton Island and the Sunshine Coast as well as five-night escapes to Tasmania.

Details of the new cruises are included in Carnival’s latest 2016-17 program which features a record 133 cruises, ranging from three-night short breaks at sea to 18-night cruises to Hawaii, as well as the cruise line’s ever- popular 8-12 night South Pacific holidays.

Holidaymakers will be spoilt for choice, with Carnival delivering good times year-round on Carnival Spirit and double the fun each summer as Carnival Legend returns to Australian shores for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 extended summer seasons.

Fares start from $649* per person twin share for a three-night short break, with the new four-night getaways to adventure paradise Moreton Island priced from $799* per person twin share. 

Five-night cruises to Tasmania, visiting beautiful Hobart and haunting Port Arthur, are priced from $849* per person twin share while fares for eight-night cruises to the sunny South Pacific start from $1149* per person twin share.

Launching the program, Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said the cruise line was excited to offer more short family-friendly itineraries from Sydney, including seven roundtrip cruises to Moreton Island and two to Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast.

“Now we have two ships sailing from Australia and an ever growing number of repeat guests, we’re keen to expand our itineraries and offer new ways for holidaymakers to enjoy the fun of a Carnival cruise,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

“Whether they’re paragliding on Moreton Island or exploring Australia Zoo near the Sunshine Coast, we think guests will love the chance to combine some favourite Australian destinations with a fun few days at sea.”

On sale from May 6, the new program also includes more Tasmanian cruises, which have been a big hit with families and couples since Carnival Cruise Line first cruised to the Apple Isle two years ago.  

“From the freshest produce to beautiful wildlife and the amazing Museum of Old and New Art, Tasmania offers something for everyone, making for a perfect short break from Sydney,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

Other features of the program include six-night Melbourne Cup cruises in November 2016 and 2017, a new 10-night journey around New Zealand’s South Island in January 2017 and four cruises between Sydney and Hawaii on Carnival Legend, taking in the stunning islands of the South Pacific and Tahiti on an 18-night journey.

Ms Vandekreeke said Carnival guests would be able to discover even more ways to have fun at sea in 2016 and 2017, with Carnival Spirit undergoing a $47 million dry dock in August this year which will see the addition of three fabulous new restaurants and five new bars. Plus all the family will appreciate the ship’s new Camp Ocean Youth Programs and Seuss at Sea, capturing the magic of Dr Seuss in a range of activities. 

For more information visit www.GOCCL.com.au subject to availability, conditions apply.

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Lines, Australia.

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JOIN ROYAL CARIBBEAN FOR THE ULTIMATE FOODIE CRUISE WITH WILL & STEVE AND JAC & SHAZ 

5th May 2015 – MKR’s nail-biting finale last night saw Will & Steve and Jac & Shaz battle it out for the honour of being crowned the 2015 champions and as a proud sponsor, Royal Caribbean International’s Captain Ryan announced that the cruise line will host both teams onboard the state-of-the-art Legend of the Seas when she sails from Sydney on 11 June 2015. 

The MKR winners, Will & Steve, and runners up Jac & Shaz, will be able to sample the full range of Royal Caribbean’s culinary offering onboard, as well as design and present a special MKR-inspired menu to the Captain’s Table and three lucky Australians.

For fans of My Kitchen Rules, the opportunity to wine and dine with Will & Steve and Jac & Shaz has never been closer. Until 8 May 2015, entries are open for three competition winners and a guest to join the cruise and enjoy the decadent dining experience at the Captain’s Table. The menu will be designed and presented by Will & Steve and Jac & Shaz, using inspiration from their unbeatable dishes served to the discerning MKR judges throughout the top-rating show.

For the ultimate foodie experience, teams Will & Steve and Jac & Shaz will also host a VIP cocktail party onboard the ship, where the lucky winners of the competition will be able to hear all about Will & Steve and Jac & Shaz’s culinary tips and tricks, as well as get the inside information on the winning dishes. In addition, each winner will receive a US$200 credit to spend on board to wine and dine in even more style throughout the cruise, plus return flights to and from their nearest capital city.

Entries are open now. Head to www.royalcaribbean.com.au/mkr and watch the three different Royal Caribbean restaurant clips, highlighting the cruise line’s range of world class dining. Choose your favourite and tell us why in 25 words or less. 

But hurry, the competition closes 11.59pm Friday 8 May 2015.

For more information about Royal Caribbean International or to book a cruise, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au  or,  phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.  

Legend of the Seas arrives in Brisbane in December 2015 for her inaugural season down under.  Following an extensive $50 million revitalisation in 2013, the 70,000 tonne ship boasts new facilities that guests won’t find onboard any other cruise ship sailing from Brisbane: a central Atrium with an acrobatic aerial show, a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, an indoor swimming pool, a babies nursery and multiple speciality dining venues including a Sushi restaurant and a 12-seat private dining room. She also features a stunning two-deck grand dining room, an 800-seat theatre, the Vitality Spa & Fitness centre, a beauty salon a shopping arcade. 

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

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CUNARD’S THREE QUEENS SAIL IN HISTORIC FORMATION FROM SOUTHAMPTON LED BY FLAGSHIP QUEEN MARY 2

 TO INAUGURATE CUNARD’S 175^TH ANNIVERSARY

Flagship Queen Mary 2 led Cunard’s three Queens out of Southampton in daylight yesterday (May 3, 2015) for the first time ever, to mark the start of Cunard’s 175th anniversary celebrations in the UK.
The ships arrived in Southampton earlier in the day from their three month world cruises before setting off on their northern summer season of transatlantic crossings, Mediterranean fly-cruises, Scandinavian and southern European sailings.   The attached picture shows spectators watching as Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth sail in special formation off Calshot as they depart for New York, St Peter Port (Guernsey) and Hamburg respectively.

More images are available here:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/pkz5fj8stre1v47/AABY7y1XNURep2BIQGSc6Ssda?dl=0

Please note the mandatory credit for all images  - by James Morgan/

Information supplied by: Cunard Line.

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ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S NEWEST AUSTRALIAN SHIP EMERGES FROM MULTIMILLION DOLLAR MAKE OVER 

Explorer of the Seas ready to make waves in maiden Aussie season

4th May 2015 – Explorer of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International’s newest Australian based ship has emerged from a multimillion revitalisation six months ahead of her maiden Australian season – one of the largest revitalisation Royal Caribbean International has ever undertaken. The Voyager Class ship now features virtually identical amenities and upgrades as twin sister ship Voyager of the Seas thanks to her six week transformation, including a FlowRider surf simulator, new stateroom concepts, three new specialty dining restaurants, a host of new technologies plus a complete refresh of all public spaces and staterooms.

“Royal Caribbean International has always - and continues to - bring the largest, newest and most feature packed ships to Australia. We are thrilled to have a second, newly revitalised Voyager Class ship sailing locally this year with incredible features and amenities that you will only find on a Royal Caribbean cruise,” said Sean Treacy, commercial director, Royal Caribbean Asia Pacific. 

“We are committed to giving our Australian guests the very best when they sail with us. That’s why we have invested over US$300 million over the last few years revitalising our entire Australian fleet to ensure our guests have the newest and most imaginative ships on their doorstep.”

Explorer of the Seas is slightly larger than sister ship Voyager of the Seas, so will claim her title of Australia’s largest based ship when she arrives in November 2015. Her 43 day makeover added a host of innovative cruising features similar to those found on Royal Caribbean’s newest Quantum and Oasis class ships, such as a FlowRider surf simulator, new stateroom categories including industry first Virtual Balcony staterooms with real time sights of the sea in interior staterooms and new Panoramic staterooms with floor-to-ceiling wrap around windows. 

The ship has also been fitted with three new specialty dining restaurants - fresh sushi at Izumi Japanese Cuisine, Royal Caribbean’s signature Chops Grille steakhouse and Giovanni’s Table Italian trattoria – as well as two new bars – the sophisticated and chic R Bar and a new sports bar, The Tavern, as well as a new Diamond Club for Crown & Anchor Loyalty members. The ship has been updated with the latest technology features, including ship-wide WiFi, Digital Wayfinders to help guests navigate around the ship, flat panel televisions in every stateroom and a new “print on demand” in the onboard Focus Photo Gallery. 

Explorer of the Seas also had a complete refresh of all her public rooms and staterooms, with carpets, furnishings, drapes and more replaced to offer a virtually new ship.  

The Voyager class of ships offer unique experiences for those seeking imaginative cruise holidays and the ship will retain popular guest favourites such as the iconic ice-skating rink, rock climbing wall, a full-size basketball and sports court, and the Royal Promenade – an interior boulevard that runs nearly the length of the ship flanked by restaurants, lounges and boutiques where spectacular parades and evening dance parties are held.

The upcoming 2015/16 season will see Royal Caribbean International’s local capacity increase by almost 50 percent with four ships based in the region for the first time. Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas will join Explorer of the Seas in Sydney offering a range of Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific and Asia sailings on 55 itineraries. While Legend of the Seas will be Royal Caribbean International’s very first ship to be based in Brisbane, offering an array of 17 attractive itineraries during her maiden season.

Royal Caribbean International also recently announced that Australia will welcome the first ever brand new cruise ship when it deploys Ovation of the Seas to Sydney for the peak summer season from December 2016. Currently under construction in Germany, the Quantum Class megaliner will not only claim the title of the largest cruise ship to ever call Australia home – carrying almost 5,000 guests and 1,500 crew – but also the most technologically advanced.  Ovation of the Seas redefines cruising in Australia, offering a host of incredible features and technologies, from an iFly sky diving experience, 18 distinct and different dining options – including Jamie Oliver’s first at sea - a robotic bar, high speed internet, bumper cars and the North Star – a glass viewing capsule which transports guests more than 91 metres above the ship for breathtaking 360 degree views. 

Bookings for Ovation of the Seas’ maiden Australian season open mid-way through 2015, but guests are encouraged to register their interest at www.royalcaribbean.com.au/Ovation  to be the first to receive information on her sailings down under when details are announced. 

For further information or to make a booking, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au  or phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.

Iinformation supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

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Shannan Ponton Hits the High Seas for Biggest Bootcamp at Sea

Guests on Carnival Cruise Line’s two Australian ships will be put through their paces again this year when fitness and healthy living expert Shannan Ponton returns to the high seas.

Following the success of his Biggest Bootcamp at Sea cruises last year, Shannan will join Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend to help guests find their own balance of holiday fun and a healthy lifestyle as they cruise from Sydney on July 8 and November 4, 2015.

On top of his legendary larger-than-life Bootcamp at Sea sessions, Shannan will also conduct motivational seminars to inspire cruisers with goal setting advice for fitness and life.

Guests are advised to keep their sneakers close, with Shannan also likely to surprise guests by leading one of his trademark spin classes or turning up for an early morning run around the outdoor jogging track.

Shannan said his involvement with Carnival’s Biggest Bootcamp at Sea had been a highlight of last year. 

“To see well over 500 people of all sizes, ages and abilities having an absolute blast on the top deck of Carnival Spirit blew me away. The energy, fun and passion was contagious and this year I’m keen to smash the record and get even more passengers involved,” he said.

Shannan said he was looking forward to presenting a motivational seminar to help his fellow cruisers get the most from life. “It’s going to be great for anyone who feels like they’ve fallen into a rut, had trouble sticking to eating and training plans or those who just need to reboot and fire up. There will even be a few hilarious stories and secrets from my career on The Biggest Loser – off the record of course.” 

Both local ships feature a world-class two-deck fitness centre with regular fitness classes, an outdoor jogging track and a sports court, as well as more than 45 daily activities offering something for everyone, no matter their holiday speed.

An eight-night Carnival Legend cruise to New Caledonia with Shannan is priced from $949* per person twin share, departing Sydney on November 4. Shannan will also be onboard Carnival Spirit during a nine-night cruise to New Caledonia departing Sydney on July 8, priced from $1204* per person twin share. 

To get a taste of Shannan at sea, watch this fun Bootcamp at Sea video.

More details on Shannan’s dedicated departures can be found here. For more information call 13 31 94, see a travel agent or visit www.carnival.com.au

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Lines, Australia.

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Princess Cruises Offers a Memorable Voyage for Anzac Veteran    

Close to 600 guests attended a special Anzac Day dawn service onboard Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess on Saturday – including veteran soldier Thomas Iser, who also celebrated his 96th birthday on the cruise.

The memorial service was held on the 11th day of Sun Princess’ 15-night Papua New Guinea cruise – a journey full of memories for Mr Iser, who served in Papua New Guinea during World War Two.

Travelling on his 12th cruise with Princess Cruises, Mr Iser, from Junorton in Victoria, was the most senior guest onboard the ship.

He celebrated his birthday on April 20 with family members Gordon and Helen Forsyth, and with a special tour to the ship’s bridge in the company of Captain Lorenzo Paoletti.

Mr Iser said he had chosen the voyage as it took in so many significant personal events. 

“It’s been wonderful to spend my 96th birthday as well as the Anzac centenary with fellow veterans, passengers and family onboard Sun Princess,” Mr Iser said. 

“Making the voyage back to Papua New Guinea also brings back many memories of our experiences fighting in the war there, but of course it’s very different making the trip on a cruise and seeing the beauty of the islands.”

Members of the ship’s company and war veterans onboard led the memorial service.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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P&O Cruises Unveils Latest Look of Next Generation, Modern Australian Cruise Ships

With just over six months to go until Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden join P&O Cruises, the cruise line has revealed more of the ships’ stunning features set to take modern Australian cruising to the next level – including luxe new bars, a plush private dining room and some of the most spacious rooms across the fleet.

The new offerings on Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden are revealed in the latest brochure and include The Blue Room, an opulent and intimate space with rich velvet and chrome furnishings reminiscent of a New Orleans “speakeasy”. Playing everything from funk to Blues and Jazz to RnB, it will be the live music hub of the ships and the hangout for “it” cruisers.

Meanwhile the ships’ new Ocean Bar will offer a relaxed setting, with comfy chaise lounges and a homely vibe providing the perfect mood to while away the days at sea. 

The new brochure also provides the first look at the ships’ accommodation offerings, revealing spacious rooms styled with beautiful, modern furnishings. 

Penthouse suites will redefine Australian cruise luxury with large spa baths, walk-in wardrobes and floor-to-ceiling glass windows opening onto expansive private balconies.

Both ships will offer an exquisite private dining room with the Chef’s Table – a decadent degustation already popular on the existing three-ship fleet – now enjoying a luxurious setting befitting the extravagant experience.

Salt grill by Luke Mangan continues with signature dishes inspired by the best and freshest Australian produce including Luke’s Crab Omelette with Miso Broth and Liquorice Parfait.  The restaurant’s new decor will create a lush, new ambience to mirror the fine dining experience.

The striking new renderings provide fresh insight into the contemporary design of the ships with the Oasis adults-only area featuring hanging chairs and private day beds with sheer curtains overlooking the ships’ wakes.

The new-look Lido pool will feature understated, high-end furnishings giving the deck an in-vogue residential resort feel.  While a retractable roof means the pool will be the place to be any time of the day or night.

The unveiling of the new features follows the announcement of the revolutionary Pantry food market, a modern Australian design in the main Waterfront restaurant and new restaurants’ Angelo’s and Dragon Lady last year.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell said the 1500-guest Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden would be uniquely designed for year-round sailing from Australia and New Zealand. 

“Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden represent the next generation of P&O ships inspired by modern Australia. The new onboard features will drastically change the overall look and feel of our ships. It will be a relaxed vibe, casual enough to bring the sand in from the beach but with a touch of sophistication that will feel luxurious and indulgent,” Mr Myrmell said. 

“These additional ships will provide Australian cruisers with a boutique cruise experience year-round right from their doorstep. And the best part is that Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will still provide the great value that a P&O Cruises’ holiday offers - we like to think of it as affordable luxury.”

Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden will emerge from dry dock in Singapore in November and will be welcomed into the P&O Cruises’ fleet during a five-ship spectacular on Sydney Harbour on November 25.

For more information see a travel agent, visit www.pocruises.com.au or call 13 24 94.  

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Emotional Anzac Service as Queen Elizabeth Sails off Gallipoli Peninsula

Almost 500 Australians and New Zealanders have joined their fellow passengers on the decks of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth for a very special memorial service as the ship sailed the waters off the Gallipoli Peninsula this morning.

Marking Cunard’s long-standing association with Australian and New Zealand wartime campaigns, including Gallipoli, the emotional ceremony saw the ship’s crew and guests lay wreaths in the water in remembrance of the heroic soldiers who fought in the World War One campaign.

A two-metre high poppy wall floral tribute, shaped as ‘100’ to mark the Anzac centenary, formed the centrepiece for the ceremony. The wall was filled with 11,500 red poppies donated by Australians and New Zealanders during Queen Elizabeth’s calls to Auckland and Sydney as part of her current world cruise, with the flowers representing the number of Anzacs killed during the campaign.

Visitors to the poppy wall in Auckland and Sydney also wrote personal messages in a special remembrance book, with a selection of those read at this morning’s service. The book will be placed in the ship’s library where it will remain in memory of the heroes of Gallipoli.

Carrying 2000 guests, Queen Elizabeth’s visit to the waters of Gallipoli on Anzac Day eve, comes during her 112-night world voyage.   The ship will arrive into Istanbul early on Anzac Day when some guests will disembark to continue their journey to Gallipoli.

Captain Inger Klein Thorhauge said she was honoured to bring Queen Elizabeth’s guests to the waters of Gallipoli for such a significant occasion. 

“The Anzac story resonates for all of us at Cunard,” Captain Klein Thorhauge said. “Our connection with the armed forces of Britain, New Zealand and Australia runs very deep. Cunard has supported the services going back to the Crimean War. In World War One, 20 Cunard ships and many of their crew were lost. It is a legacy of service of which we at Cunard are very proud.” 

Guests of honour at the service included Herb Christophers from New Zealand and Mark Keys from Australia, both descendants of Anzac soldiers, who travelled onboard Queen Elizabeth as custodians for the poppies on their journey to Gallipoli.

Mr Christophers said the voyage was a healing experience, as his family lost four of five sons – including his great grandfather – to World War One. 

“The war was supposed to be over by Christmas 1914, instead it lasted four long years. The Christophers family lost a son for each of those four years. This journey is a positive way to remember the sacrifices made by a generation of my family,” Mr Christophers said.  

Mr Keys said he was honoured to be part of Cunard’s Anzac voyage and planned to visit the Lone Pine memorial site of his great grandfather, who was killed on his third day at Gallipoli. 

“This is the first opportunity for any member of our family to visit Gallipoli and this 100th anniversary will be a long-treasured memory,” Mr Keys said.

Some popular traditions that live on as Anzac folklore have been taken onboard Queen Elizabeth during its cruise to Gallipoli  including a friendly game of ‘two-up’ played on the ship’s decks and Anzac biscuits served as part of the afternoon tea in the Queens Room.  The ship has also organised a screening of Peter Weir’s 1981 classic ‘Gallipoli’ movie as well as informative talks from Gallipoli historians as part of Cunard’s highly-regarded speaker program. 

Information supplied by: Cunard Line.

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P&O Cruises Makes Maiden Call to Margaret River

Superliner Pacific Jewel will become the first P&O Cruises’ ship to visit Busselton when it anchors in Geographe Bay this Friday (April 24).

The 70,310-tonne ship is due to make its maiden call around 8am with its 1950 guests transferring to the town for a full day of dining, sightseeing and shopping in the local area.

Pacific Jewel is visiting the area during a three-night cruise from Fremantle, as part of her first ever season of Western Australian cruises. The ship will also enjoy a second call to Busselton on May 9, with each visit injecting around $200,000 into the local community.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell said Busselton’s spectacular location and diverse offerings made it an ideal addition to the cruise line’s itineraries.

“Margaret River has long been a popular holiday spot for local and interstate travellers thanks to its spectacular natural beauty,” Mr Myrmell said.

“Our three-night SeaBreak cruises to Margaret River will provide a new perspective on all the area has to offer and are a great alternative to a weekend road trip with guests arriving relaxed and ready to explore,” Mr Myrmell said.

Guests on this week’s cruise will enjoy a diverse selection of shore tours including visits to the region’s famed wineries, boutique breweries and chocolate factories, as well as sea kayaking on Geographe Bay and scenic excursions to Leeuwin Naturaliste National the cruise line builds its presence in Western Australia during a two month season of cruises from Fremantle.  

The addition of two new ships to the P&O Cruises’ fleet in late November will pave the way for more itinerary options for Western Australian cruisers, with the 1500-passenger Pacific Eden to be based in Fremantle for a record three month season next year.

Offering 13 cruises, including two to Margaret River, Pacific Eden’s deployment from April to July 2016 represents P&O Cruises’ longest ever cruise season in the west and will deliver more than $15 million in economic benefit to the state.

For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au  or call 13 24 94.  

P&O Cruises Australia is the region’s largest and longest-serving cruise operator, P&O Cruises Australia leads the way in cruising as Australasia's only 'home brand' and its favourite cruise line. P&O Cruises has been sailing the region for more than 80 years, and has pioneered new destinations around Australia, the Pacific and Asia including Papua New Guinea, as reported in the New York Times’ 52 top destinations for 2015. On November 25, 2015, P&O Cruises will welcome two additional ships to its current three-ship fleet becoming the nation’s largest cruise line with five ships cruising from eight home ports in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore. The addition of Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden has paved the way for exciting new cruise options including deployments from every mainland state in Australia and an extended deployment from Auckland. The pair herald a new era for P&O Cruises, as reflected in its new brand repositioning - P&O Cruises, Like no Place on Earth.  

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Princess Cruises and Sydney Film Festival Announce World Premiere On Sun Princess

Princess Cruises and the 62nd Sydney Film Festival have announced the World Premiere of Gillian Armstrong’s Women He’s Undressed documentary onboard Sydney-based cruise ship Sun Princess in Sydney Harbour on Wednesday 10 June. 

The Sydney Film Festival screening will be the first time a premiere has been held on a ship in Australia. The Festival and Princess Cruises have partnered to present this film, rolling out an on-deck blue carpet to celebrate the occasion, followed by a screening in the Sun Princess Theatre. 

Women He’s Undressed takes an intimate look at the life of Academy Award winning Australian designer Orry-Kelly. Unfamiliar at home, the Kiama born designer created wardrobes for the silver screen from the 1930s to 1960s. Kelly’s design credits include; Hollywood’s biggest studios, most memorable stars, and films hits such as Some Like it Hot and An American in Paris. 

“We could not think of anything more appropriate and exciting than to have our premiere on a grand ship on the very harbour young penniless Orry-Kelly sailed from in 1922 with dreams of showbiz success. I can’t wait to frock up with cocktails at sunset on the deck and toast his extraordinary life and talent,” said the film’s director Gillian Armstrong. 

“Women He’s Undressed is about a most fascinating Australian Hollywood luminary. We are proud to be screening the World Premiere at Sydney Film Festival,” said Festival Director Nashen Moodley. 

“Princess Cruises is thrilled to partner with Sydney Film Festival to present Australia’s first World Premiere on a ship," said Princess Cruises Vice President Australia and New Zealand, Stuart Allison. 

“In this case, the subject could not be more fitting - Orry-Kelly was a legend in the entertainment industry, whose life and work inspired millions around the world; and here at Princess Cruises, we pride ourselves on our first-rate entertainment offerings, including our ever-popular Movies Under The Stars, and providing our guests with meaningful life-changing experiences.” 

The documentary premiere will screen before the 77,000-tonne Sun Princess departs Sydney on the evening of  June 10 carrying some 2000 passengers on a 10-night cruise to Queensland, with calls to Brisbane, Airlie Beach and Port Douglas, as well as scenic crusing around Willis Isand. 

Sydney Film Festival runs 3 – 14 June 2015. 

The full program of 200+ films will be launched on Wednesday 6 May at 11am. 

Flexipasses for Sydney Film Festival 2015 are on sale now. Please call 1300 733 733 or visit sff.org.au for more information. 

ABOUT SYDNEY FILM FESTIVAL 

From Wednesday 3 June to Sunday 14 June 2015, the 62nd Sydney Film Festival offers Sydneysiders another exciting season of cinema amidst a whirlwind of premieres, red-carpet openings, panel discussions, international guests and more. Each year the Festival’s programming team curates 12 days of cinema sourced from world-famous film festivals, including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and the Berlinale; as well as Australia’s finest local productions. 

Sydney Film Festival also presents an Official Competition of 12 films that vie for the Sydney Film Prize, a highly respected honour that awards a $60,000 cash prize based on the decision of a jury of international and Australian filmmakers and industry professionals. Previous Sydney Film Prize winners are: Two Days, One Night (2014); Only

God Forgives (2013); Alps (2012); A Separation (2011), which went on to win an Academy Award; Heartbeats (2010); and Bronson (2009). 

The Festival takes place across greater Sydney: at the State Theatre, Event Cinemas George Street, Dendy Opera Quays, Dendy Newtown, Art Gallery of NSW, Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne, Casula Powerhouse, the Festival Hub at Sydney Town Hall and SFF Outdoor Screen. 

The Festival is a major event on the New South Wales cultural calendar and is one of the world’s longest-running film festivals. For more information visit: www.sff.org.au. 

The 62nd Sydney Film Festival is supported by the NSW Government through Screen NSW, the Federal Government through Screen Australia and the City of Sydney. The Festival’s Strategic Partner is the NSW Government through Destination NSW. 

ABOUT WOMEN HE’S UNDRESSED 

Women He’s Undressed is the latest film from renowned Australian director Gillian Armstrong (My Brilliant Career, Charlotte Grey, Little Women, The Last Days of Chez Nous, Unfolding Florence , and many more). 

Orry-Kelly was as big a legend behind the scenes as the on-screen legends he adoringly dressed. Talented, daring, brash, bold, the toast of Hollywood yet the thorn in the side of many a studio head. He dressed Marilyn Monroe, Bette Davis, Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart; and was the first Australian to win three Academy Awards - for An American in Paris, Les Girls and Some Like It Hot. But who was Orry-Kelly and how could he be so unknown in his homeland? Gillian Armstrong crafts a revealing behind the scenes look at the extraordinary life of Orry-Kelly featuring interviews with Ann Roth, Catherine Martin, June Dally-Watkins, Jane Fonda, Angela Lansbury, Scotty Bowers, Larry McQueen, Leonard Maltin, Deborah Nadoolman Landis, Michael Wilkinson, Kym Barrett and more. Women He’s Undressed was written by Katherine Thompson and produced by Damien Parer and Gillian Armstrong. Women He’s Undressed is distributed through Rialto Distribution and will have a national theatrical release on Thursday 16 July.

For more information visit www.princess.com

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

Carnival Legend Bids Adieu to Sydney After Successful First Aussie Season

Carnival Legend will depart Sydney this evening after its first Australian summer deployment which saw the Carnival Cruise Line ship carry more than 50,000 Australians on 22 roundtrip cruises and inject an estimated $20 million into the local economy.

During a farewell gathering onboard this morning, the crew joked that today’s heavy rain in Sydney was the city crying as the much-loved ship prepared to depart for the last time this season. Others said they would have to “un-Aussify” their lingo and remember to call ‘prawns’ ‘shrimps’ until they return Down Under for their second Sydney summer. 

To farewell the crew of Carnival Legend, Carnival Cruise Line Australia Vice President Jennifer Vandekreeke presented them with a giant goodbye card filled with Facebook messages and photos from guests and staff. 

Guest contributions included comments like this from Jodi Jerram: “Loved our cruise, loved our crew, loved the cocktails, loved the weather, we are just in love!!”

In thanking the crew, Ms Vandekreeke said they had captured the hearts of the Australian people.

“We couldn’t be happier with the warm reception Carnival Legend has received Down Under over the past seven months. Australian cruisers have fallen in love with her, just as they have with her sister ship Carnival Spirit and we can’t wait to bring her back for another summer of fun in October,” Ms Vandekreeke said. 

Carnival Legend is due to depart Sydney at 630pm tonight on an 18-night cruise across to Hawaii via Tahiti and she will return to Sydney for her second summer down under on October 15, 2015. For more information call 13 31 94, see a travel agent or visit www.carnival.com.au

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Line, Australia.

Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

Win a Legendary MKR Experience on Legend of the Seas

20th April 2015 - Love My Kitchen Rules and want to go on a holiday and dine with the stars? As a proud sponsor of My Kitchen Rules (MKR), Royal Caribbean International is offering fans a chance to win a money-can’t-buy dining experience with the Grand Finalists of the 2015 season onboard Legend of the Seas, sailing from Sydney to Bali on 11 June 2015.

Three winners and their guests will dine on an exclusive menu designed and presented by the MKR Grand Finalists at the Captain’s Table during the cruise, as well as a VIP cocktail party onboard where they can meet the MKR Grand Finalists.

Each winner will also receive US$200 onboard credit to wine and dine in even more style throughout the cruise, as well as return flights to and from their nearest capital city.

How to enter To enter, simply go to www.royalcaribbean.com.au/mkr and watch the three different Royal Caribbean restaurant clips, highlighting the cruise line’s range of world class dining. Choose your favourite and tell us why in 25 words or less. 

The competition launches at 12pm on Tuesday 21 April and closes 11.59pm Friday 8 May 2015.

For more information about Royal Caribbean International or to book a cruise, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au, phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.  

About Legend of the Seas

Legend of the Seas arrives in Brisbane in December 2015 for her inaugural season down under.  Following an extensive $50 million revitalisation in 2013, the 70,000 tonne ship boasts new facilities that guests won’t find onboard any other cruise ship sailing from Brisbane: a central Atrium with an acrobatic aerial show, a rock climbing wall, a mini-golf course, an indoor swimming pool, a babies nursery and multiple speciality dining venues including a Sushi restaurant and a 12-seat private dining room. She also features a stunning two-deck grand dining room, an 800-seat theatre, the Vitality Spa & Fitness centre, a beauty salon a shopping arcade. 

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia.

Aussie favourite says goodbye to Sydney home

Rhapsody of the Seas farewells her Sydney home for the last time 

17 April 2015 –One of Australia’s favourite ships, Royal Caribbean International’s Rhapsody of the Seas, will say farewell to Sydney – and Australia - for the final time today, Friday 17 April, after calling the Emerald city home for the last eight years. So loved is she by locals that a petition to keep her in Australia started when news broke that the popular ship will be leaving Australia. Over the last eight years, she has carried over 290,000 guests, from loyal fans who have sailed 60 cruises to celebrities such as Jimmy Barnes, Marcia Hines, the Village People and Chubby Checker.

“Rhapsody of the Seas lifted the bar for local cruising when she first arrived in October 2007, and during her eight seasons here, has also touched the hearts of locals – some who have sailed every season that she has been here. Home ported in Sydney, she was our first ship to be based in the region and really helped to kick start the cruising boom Down Under. She has brought more than 272,000 guests to Sydney over 136 visits, many of whom were international tourists.  We are proud of the contribution Rhapsody has made in the Australian market and for Royal Caribbean globally,” said Sean Treacy, Commercial Director, Royal Caribbean Australia. 

“She has also been incredibly popular for her crew over the years. They have loved sailing in this part of the world and delivering the best possible experience for our guests onboard.”  

During her eight years based here, Rhapsody of the Seas passengers have consumed many tonnes of local produce, including fruits and vegetables such as bananas from Queensland and strawberries from Victoria; meats like beef, chicken, pork and crocodile; seafood such as barramundi and snapper; as well as a range of Australian wine, beer and of course, water. She had also hosted many celebrities who starred on chartered Cruiseco cruises, such as the popular Rock the Boat, Cruisin’ Country, Cruise N Groove, and Blue Suede Cruise. 

When she arrived in 2007, Rhapsody of the Seas revolutionised cruising in Australia as the largest cruise ship based locally at the time. She offered the first truly international style of cruising with incredible features never imagined by local cruisers including a rock climbing wall, a completely new ship design which featured lots of glass for beautiful vistas throughout, world class dining, and award-winning children’s club. 

“Rhapsody of the Seas changed cruising in Australia forever with features that had never before been seen on cruise ships here. While she will be missed, we are thrilled that her big sister Explorer of the Seas will be replacing her this coming season, more than doubling the number of guests on every sailing, and offering a huge range of amenities including the FlowRider surfing experience, ice skating and much more.”

Rhapsody of the Seas concludes her final season in April, departing Sydney for Singapore on 17th April 2015. 

This coming summer, Royal Caribbean International will begin a new chapter in Australia, homeporting four superliners in Australia when Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas are joined by recently revitalised Explorer of the Seas in Sydney, and the first Royal Caribbean ship to be based in Brisbane – Legend of the Seas – increasing total capacity by almost 50 percent.

RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS FACTS

Famous guests who have sailed on Rhapsody of the Seas include:

Singers

Village People, Scherrie Payne and Lynda Laurence of The Supremes, Chubby Checker, Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithwaite, Angry Anderson Marcia Hines, Molly Meldrum, Leo Sayer, Ian Moss, Mental as Anything, John English, Little Pattie, Ross Wilson , Joe Camilleri, Frankie J Holden and Wilbur Wilde, Normie Rowe .

Country music

Kasey Chambers, John Williamson, Adam Harvey, Beccy Cole, Gina Jeffreys, Shane Nicholson, Troy Cassar Daley, The McClymonts, Felicity Urquhart, McAlister Kemp, Lee Kernaghan; Amber Lawrence.

Actors

George Kapiniaris (Acropolis Now, Wogs out of Work).

Rugby legends

Tiann Strauss, Jason Little, Joe Roff. 

Number of visits to Australian ports:

* 136 Sydney calls, 272,000 guests

* 46 Cairns visits, bringing 92,000 guests 

* 15 Newcastle visits with 30,000 guests 

* 30 Brisbane visits, 60,000 guests

* 26 visits to the Whitsundays, 52,000 guests

* 6 Port Douglas calls, 12,000 guests

* 16 Hobart visits, 32,000 guests

* 10 Burnie visits, 20 guests

* 13  Melbourne calls, 26,000 guests

* 8 Darwin calls, 16 000 guests

* 6 Adelaide visits, 10,000 guests

Rhapsody of the Seas Fast Facts

Registry: Bahamas ● Built at Chantiers de L’Atlantique, St. Nazaire, France

Maiden Voyage: May 19, 1997 ● Refurbushed: March 2012

Godmother: Bodil Wilhelmsen, wife of Royal Caribbean principal shareholder 

Gjert Wilhelmsen

78,491 GRT ● 279 metres long ● 32.19 metres wide ● 7.62 metres draft ● 22 knots cruising speed

11 passenger decks ● 9 passenger elevators ● 2 bow thrusters ● 1 stern thruster ● 2 stabilizers 

1,998 guests (double occupancy) ● 2,416 guests (total) ● 765 crew (International)

Ship Facilities

Public Rooms    Capacity

Edelweiss Dining Room   1,090

Windjammer Café   710

Chops Grille    74

Giovanni’s Table   79

Izumi     79

Chef’s Table    14

Park Café    76

Broadway Melodies Theatre  870

Casino Royale    282

Public Rooms    Capacity Shall We Dance Lounge       300

Viking Crown Lounge   85

R Bar     66

Schooner Bar    145

Adventure Ocean Youth Area  40

Royal Babies and Tot’s Nursery  8

Conference Center        104

Diamond Club    32

Concierge Club    30

STATEROOMS

Total: 1020 ● Ocean View: 613 (233 with balconies) ● Interior: 407

Staterooms with third/fourth berths: 212 ● Wheelchair accessible staterooms: 14

All staterooms convert to queen-size bed configuration and have private bath, phone, 

flat panel LED televisions, mini-bar, hair dryers and individually controlled air conditioning

OTHER AMENITIES

Rhapsody Day Spa & Fitness Center ● Beauty Salon ● Solarium ● Two Pools ● Six Whirlpools 

Rock-climbing Wall ● Jogging Track ● Outdoor Movie Screen 

Shops and Boutiques ● Video Arcade ● Art & Photo Gallery ● Medical Center

Royal Caribbean Online Internet Center

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

Photo's Credit: Brian Gaskin

Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

Princess Cruises To Homeport Five Ships In Australia For The 2016/2017 Season.

Princess Cruises has announced it will homeport five ships in Australia to sail the cruise line’s largest-ever program offering in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific for the 2016-2017 season. Princess Cruises will introduce the 3,082-passenger Emerald Princes to the market, with the Golden Princess returning to sail from Melbourne and the Sun Princess, Sea Princess and Dawn Princess rounding out the fleet and expanding the cruise line’s in-market capacity by 20 percent.

Highlights of the new program include an 84-day Circle South America voyage, more ways to see New Zealand, longer South Pacific cruises and Circle Australia voyage options. In addition, Land and Sea Vacation packages will immerse adventure-seekers in the diverse destinations.

“Australia and the entire South Pacific region has always had an allure as a magical place for travelers, and cruising is one of the best ways to explore this part of the world,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “As demand for the region grows, we’re responding with more voyages, more destinations and more creative itinerary options.”

Passengers can choose from 120 cruise options, in total visiting 113 destinations in 39 countries. Some of the choices include:

An 84-day Circle South America cruise on the Sea Princess departing Sydney, Australia on January 11, 2017 and visiting 28 destinations in 18 countries including Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Uruguay. Overnight calls in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Lima and a full-transit of the Panama Canal add to this special voyage.

Eleven- to 14-day cruises to New Zealand aboard all five Princess ships.

Circle Australia voyages on the Sun Princess with departures from Sydney in October 2016 and March 2017 as well as the first roundtrip voyages from Brisbane and Fremantle.

10- to 14-day voyages through remote islands in the South Pacific from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, on Sun Princess and Sea Princess.

A 42-day four continent voyage from England to Australia on September 28, 2016 aboard Emerald Princess as she sails south for her first season Down Under.   Two 42-day journeys to the Orient aboard Dawn Princess sailing from Sydney and Brisbane with visits to multiple destinations in China and Japan. The Sydney sailing departing March 16, 2017 is timed to visit Japan during its cherry blossom season.   To further enhance the cruise vacation experience, Princess Cruises will offer two Land and Sea Vacation packages. The Australian Outback package promises to immerse guests in Aboriginal culture and includes visits to the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock in Uluru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The more extensive Ultimate Australia package highlights include a Sydney city tour, the Great Barrier Reef, the northern tropical city of Darwin, the Outback and more.

For more please visit: www.princesscruises.com.au

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

BRAND-NEW BILLION DOLLAR CRUISE SHIP COMING TO AUSTRALIA 

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas to be based in Australia for 2016/17 season

UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 9am AEST, 15^th April 2015- Royal Caribbean International, the world’s largest cruise brand, announced today that Australia will welcome its very own brand new cruise ship for the first time when Ovation of the Seas arrives in Sydney for the peak summer season from December 2016. 

Currently under construction in Germany and with a price tag of USD$1 billion, the Quantum Class megaliner will not only claim the title of the largest cruise ship to ever call Australia home – carrying almost 5,000 guests and 1,500 crew – but also the most technologically advanced.  

“Royal Caribbean has been breaking the boundaries in Australian cruising since we arrived in 2007 but today, we have completely changed the face of the cruise industry, making the single largest investment in Australia by any cruise line,” said Gavin Smith, regional vice president, Royal Caribbean, Asia Pacific.

“While we’ve introduced many firsts to Australia, including the newest, largest and most modern megaliners with features like ice skating and surfing at sea, this is the very first time any cruise line in the world has home ported a brand new ship in Australia.” 

“We dream big at Royal Caribbean. We create the world’s most imaginative holidays and this has never been truer than for Quantum Class ships. Ovation of the Seas will completely redefine the idea of cruising in Australia, taking the industry to the next level by offering a host of incredible never-before-seen features and technologies. 

“This demonstrates our belief in, and long term commitment to, the Australian cruising market. We believe that Australians shouldn’t need to travel overseas to experience the kind of cruise holiday we stand for; the most innovative and amazing ships anywhere in the world are available right here on your doorstep.

“With almost five thousand guests and 1500 crew onboard, the arrival of Ovation of the Seas in Australia and New Zealand will deliver significant economic benefits at each of her ports of call,” Smith said.

When Ovation arrives, Australians will experience the first Ripcord by iFLY at sea down under, where the thrill and excitement of skydiving comes to life from onboard a cruise ship. 

The North Star aerial observatory offers breathtaking 360 degree views more than 90 metres above the sea. In a jewel-like capsule, a robotic arm elevates guests high into the sky, taking in the sights from a bird’s eye view wherever in the world the ship happens to be. In Sydney Harbour, the North Star will reach higher than the pylons on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

The Bionic Bar lets guests place an order for their favourite cocktail via a tablet, before two incredible bionic arms create the perfect mix in tune to the resident DJ, shaking and stirring great cocktails without any human assistance. 

‘Two70’ is a multipurpose, transformative space; an expansive lounge boasting 270 degree ocean views by day becomes an immersive, multimedia entertainment spectacular at night, fusing technology with entertainment using robotic video-screens, dramatic digital projection and high-flying aerialists and performers.

Guests onboard the SmartShip will be more connected than on any other cruise ship in the world, with high speed wi-fi allowing them to stay in touch and share more of their experiences with friends and family onshore. 

Radio frequency wristband technology does away with the need to carry a cabin key, and a dedicated app, Royal iQ, lets guests book onboard experiences from their own device, including making a booking at any of the 18 distinct restaurants.

Quantum Class ships feature cuisine as vast and varied as the world itself. These dining destinations range from fun to formal settings, including partnerships with world renowned chefs, such as the much-loved “Jamie’s Italian” from Jamie Oliver at sea.

Jamie Oliver said, "I'm super-excited that Ovation of the Seas will be sailing out of Australia, and with a Jamie's Italian on board! This will be our third restaurant with Royal Caribbean, and it's been a real honour to work with their team. The response we've had to Quantum of the Seas – our first restaurant at sea – has been brilliant, so it just makes me even more excited for this one to open." 

Meanwhile, SeaPlex will be the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea, offering bumper cars, a basketball court, roller skating, circus school and more.

Even while providing an incredible array of onboard activities, Quantum Class ships use less energy than ships built just a few years ago, by more efficiently configuring the hull and engine designs and equipping them with state of the art high efficiency systems and appliances. Ovation of the Seas will be delivered with an "Air Lubrication System" which reduces the hull's friction with the water,  reducing fuel consumption.  Ovation will also be built with advanced emissions purification (AEP) systems, also known as scrubbers, which remove more than 97% of the sulfur dioxide emissions generated by the engines. These AEP systems are progressively being retro-fitted to many of the ships in the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Ovation of the Seas is the third ship in the ground-breaking Quantum Class and will be the fifth ship in the Royal Caribbean Australian fleet for summer 2016/17, joining four other superliners –Voyager of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas in Sydney and Legend of the Seas in Brisbane – offering an expansive range of the newest, most modern and exciting style of cruising Australians have ever experienced. 

Cruise fares will start from $199 a day. Bookings for Ovation of the Seas’ maiden Australian season open mid-way through 2015, but guests are encouraged to register their interest at www.royalcaribbean.com.au/Ovation to be the first to receive information on her sailings down under when details are announced. 

About Quantum Class Ships:

The smartest ship at sea 

Unprecedented levels of technology amp up the holiday experience onboard Quantum Class, which allows for the utmost in simplicity, efficiency and customisation. Guests can be online and connected 24/7 should they choose to be, thanks to superfast wireless speeds that match broadband connections onshore, and a downloadable app, Royal iQ, empowers guests to manage every detail of their holiday during the cruise. Not to mention robots! Technology also enables a number of surprise-and-delight elements including a brand new venue, Bionic Bar powered by Makr Shakr that is set to make waves with robots centre stage.

Activities that make you dream big 

Royal Caribbean added to its portfolio of exclusive, ground-breaking onboard experiences that have never before been imagined at sea with a skydiving experience called RipCord by iFLY, as well as the engineering marvel North Star, a glass observation capsule that gently rises more than 91 metres in the air to treat guests to dramatic 360-degree views.  More “firsts” onboard include bumper cars, a circus school with flying trapeze and roller skating can be found inside SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea. 

A new era of dining at sea

Cruise ship dining has also been modernised with Dynamic Dining, where guests have total control of their own culinary journey and can choose from a landscape of 18 distinctive restaurants.  Five complimentary, full-service restaurants replace the traditional, common main dining room, while a variety of specialty restaurants will wow even the savviest foodies, including the new multi-sensory venue Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine, as well as concepts from award-winning chefs Jamie Oliver, Michael Schwartz and Devin Alexander.  

Show-stopping entertainment 

Technology headlines onboard entertainment with a line-up of first of their kind productions and performances. The transformational new venue Two70 offers the most highly advanced digital displays, Vistarama and Roboscreens, that intertwine with live performers, music and special effects to deliver spectacular, multidimensional shows and events that have never before been seen on land, let alone at sea.

The Royal Theater will be home to Broadway smash hits as well as an all-new headline show, Sonic Odyssey, which was inspired by musician and innovator William Close and his variety of one-of-a-kind majestic instruments. 

Spacious rooms with a view

Uber-sophisticated in design and big on size – an average of nine percent larger than those of Oasis class ships – the 2,090 staterooms onboard Quantum Class ships are Royal Caribbean’s largest and most advanced yet.  Guests can choose from a wide selection of categories, including Family-Connected staterooms that are perfect for multi-generational families or groups of friends, new balcony and interior Studio staterooms created for single travellers, as well as Virtual Balcony staterooms, which are interior cabins with large digital screens displaying real time views that ensure every room has a view. 

Shopping, fitness, family and more! 

Every aspect of Ovation of the Seas is complete with the newest, most sophisticated features at sea.  The retail offerings, which can be found within the Royal Esplanade and The Via, boast an unparalleled collection of celebrated brands including Cartier, Kiehl’s, BVLGARI and Hublot.  State-of-the-art fitness facilities make it

easy and inspiring to stay fit while on holiday, with all-new options including Technogym equipment, as well as professionally instructed Flywheel, TRX and Beach Bootcamp classes, which were influenced by former NFL linebacker Dhani Jones, who worked with Royal Caribbean as Quantum ClassExperience Advisor for Sports and Fitness.  And there’s fun for the whole family, thanks to a number of new enhancements to Royal Caribbean’s award-winning Adventure Ocean youth program, including a fully-equipped Adventure Science Lab, as well as the very first wave pool at sea, which debuts as part of the DreamWorks Animation Madagascar-themed H2O Zone. 

Just for those of you , LIKE me who cannot wait until Ovation Of The Seas comes down to Sydney, Australia here's a sneak peak of what you can expect !

Imagination will take you everywhere,

At Royal Caribbean We Dream Big, So Leave What You Know Behind And Let Your Imagination Go.

Ovation Of The Seas Arrives in Sydney, Australia Dec 2016.

For a look at Ovation Of The Seas go to:;

https://www.facebook.com/rciaustraliaandnz/videos/832844663417389

For more please go to:

http://www.cruisetheseastravelandmediacruisingaustralia.com.au

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 holiday makers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 23 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. 

RCL Cruises Ltd Australia commenced operation in December 2008 as the Australian arm of global cruise holiday company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. The company offers three cruise brands in Australia and New Zealand: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. In the 2014/2015 cruise season, Royal Caribbean International was the largest cruise operator in Sydney, with three ships sailing in the region: Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas. In the 2015/2016 local cruise season Royal Caribbean International will increase the local fleet to four ships: Legend of the Seas home porting in Brisbane; along with Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas home porting in Sydney. Celebrity Solstice will also sail her fourth local season out of Sydney.

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia The HOME Of Australian Cruising! 

Princess Cruises Debuts Top Deck Wine Festival and Whisky Menu 

Princess Cruises has announced that Dawn Princess will cruise out of dry dock in May offering Australia’s first beer and wine festivals at sea and a neat new whisky menu. 

As part of the multi-million refurbishment in Singapore from May 11 to 24, the Australian-based superliner will become the first ship in Princess Cruises’ worldwide fleet to offer a Beer and Wine Garden Festival experience at sea.

To be held twice during every cruise of more than seven days, the new offering will see the top deck transformed into a lively mini festival with marquees showcasing regional beers and wines plus live music.

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia and New Zealand Stuart Allison said the festival was a homegrown idea which had been developed with two of Australians’ favourite things in mind – a beer garden and wine festival.

“We’re thrilled to be debuting this exciting Australian-first cruise product on Dawn Princess and think the combination of wine tasting on the top decks and the buzz of an evening festival will really appeal to local cruisers,” Mr Allison said.

In line with the growing trend towards whisky appreciation across all generations, Dawn Princess will also emerge from dry dock with a renovated Wheelhouse Bar offering a comprehensive menu of 56 whiskies including five local tipples: Larks Single Malt and Hellyers Road from Tasmania, Western Australia’s Limeburners Single Malt and Bakery Hill’s Double Wood and Classic whisky from Melbourne. 

Mr Allison said the old world charm of Wheelhouse Bar with its dark, moody ambience and the addition of two grand pianos, made it the perfect place to enjoy a whisky whether it was made from Tasmania barley or matured in the Scottish highlands.

In a nod to Australians love of good coffee, a new Italian café called Amuleto will be added to the Horizon Court Buffet, which will become known as the World Fresh Marketplace, offering a new range of cuisines from destinations the cruise line visits, such as Mexican, Brazilian and Asian street food. 

Meanwhile the ship’s Lotus Spa will receive a makeover with new treatment rooms, a refreshed reception area and an upgraded sauna. As part of its revitalisation, the spa menu will feature three New Zealand-inspired treatments developed especially for this market including a Healing Kawakawa Massage, a Rotorua Mud Ritual and Manuka Honey Hand and Foot Ritual. 

Mr Allison said local cruisers could also look forward to seeing some of the cruise line’s new initiatives with Animal Planet and Discovery at Sea introduced down under, including guided star gazing from the top deck.

The first chance to experience Dawn Princess’ exciting new onboard offerings will be on a 12-night cruise from Singapore to Fremantle departing May 25, 2015, with calls in Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Fares start from $949* per person twin share.

For more information, visit www.onesourcecruises.com.au

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

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

Cruise The Seas Travel And Media, Cruising Australia The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

Arriba! Princess Cruises Sails Around South America 

Australian cruisers are set to salsa around South America, with Princess Cruises announcing it will sail on its first circumnavigation of the colourful continent from Down Under in 2017.

The 84-night Circle South America cruise on Sea Princess will visit  28 ports across 18 countries including Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador and Uruguay, giving travellers ample opportunity to soak up the exotic cultures of South America, while enjoying all the comforts of a Princess cruise.

Departing Sydney on January 11, 2017, the cruise is priced from $17,999* per person twin share with the roundtrip voyage also available from Auckland and Brisbane.

The voyage is the headline act in Princess’ new 2016-17 program, which maintains the cruise line’s reputation for offering destination-rich, longer voyages from Australia. 

Also featured is a line voyage from England to Australia on the sparkling Emerald Princess as she sails south for her first ever season Down Under.  Departing Southampton on September 28, 2016, Emerald Princess will sail on a Four Continents Grand Adventure from Europe to the Middle East, Asia and Australia where she will make her maiden calls to Fremantle (November 8, 2017), Melbourne (November 13, 2017) and Sydney (November 15, 2017). Fares start from $7599* for the 48-night voyage from Southampton to Sydney.

On sale from April 23, 2015, the 2016-17 Australia and New Zealand program offers five ships providing record capacity to travellers on cruises from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Fremantle and Auckland over the summer months. Holidaymakers can choose from 120 cruise options with an unprecedented 112 destinations across 39 countries on offer – including 23 new ports from Australia. Highlights include:

* 14 cruises from Sydney on the 3082-guest Emerald Princess and 2000-guest Dawn Princess, including the cruise line’s first ever 11-night cruise around New Zealand’s South Island. Priced from $1699*, the itinerary features Princess’ first scenic cruising in Marlborough Sound. Other Emerald Princess options include two cruises to Tasmania and a 14-night cruise to Fiji.

* A 42-night Dawn Princess journey to Asia sailing from Sydney and Brisbane to visit China and Japan, with fares starting from $6599*.

* Golden Princess’ second summer season from Melbourne, featuring 16 cruises including a record four sailings to the Pacific Islands as well as itineraries to Tasmania and New Zealand. Fares start from $2099* for a 14-night Pacific Islands cruise. 

* Sun Princess’ second summer season of cruises from Fremantle, featuring voyages to Indonesia, more short breaks to Busselton for Margaret River and the popular Northern Explorer cruises between Australia’s west and east coasts. Fares start from $2499* for a 15-night Indonesia cruise.

* Ten cruises from Brisbane on Sea Princess from November 2016 to January 2017 and Sun Princess from January to March 2017, including an 11-night Papua New Guinea cruise from $1899*.

* Round Australia cruises on Sun Princess with departures from Sydney in October 2016 and March 2017 as well as the first roundtrip voyages from Brisbane and Fremantle. Fares start from $4799*.

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia and New Zealand Stuart Allison said Australian travellers would be spoilt for choice with the new offerings. 

“From unforgettable journeys across the world to shorter holidays exploring the beauty of the South Pacific and New Zealand, this program is packed with a record number of options which we think will really appeal to Australian travellers,” Mr Allison said. 

Mr Allison said he expected the new Circle South America itinerary to be particularly popular.

“We know Australians love our longer trips to Asia, Hawaii and Tahiti so we think they’ll jump at the chance to immerse themselves in the colour and excitement of South America as part of this landmark circumnavigation,” he added.

For more information, visit www.onesourcecruises.com.au

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

Iinformation supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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 Passion for destinations at heart of Celebrity Cruises’ New Shore Excursion Program 

10 April 2015 – Inspired by travellers’ desire to connect to the world in a meaningful and authentic way, Celebrity Cruises has launched a new shore excursion program with an array of unique global experiences. Featuring special-interest categories and more than 70 new shore excursions, guests can discover a destination through activities designed to match their interests. 

From immersive sightseeing tours and wellness experiences to fully customisable “Private Journeys” and premium “Celebrity Exclusives,” the new shore excursions lineup presents travellers with unique introductions to the sights, sounds and flavours of the world. Celebrity is offering four new types of experiences for guests to choose from: 

* “Uniquely Celebrity”: Exclusive, upscale adventures in far-off destinations only available on Celebrity Cruises, which include:

o A luxurious day spent as a Sultan in Istanbul, Turkey

o The opportunity to oar across the deep blue glaciers in Ketchikan, Alaska

o A zero to sixty Ferrari adventure in Cannes, France

* “Culture and Locale”: Culturally focused experiences for guests who are inspired to go beyond the shores and straight to the heart of each locale:

o An enchanting evening experience of classical music, champagne and rare works of art at the world-famous Faberge Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia

o Live concert event in the 14th-century, secret Basilica del Pi in Barcelona, Spain

* “Lifestyle and Wellness”: Guests can set their pace and choose to focus on creativity, rejuvenation, lifestyle and wellness to nurture mind, body and soul:

o A scenic, guided nature walk in spectacular Melbourne, Australia

o An interactive and enriching wellness experience in Skagway, Alaska

*  “Family”: Enriching experiences, sightseeing journeys and competitive adventures for the whole family that uncover rich history and culture:

o A family Flamenco dance-off in Barcelona, Spain

o Exhilarating sailing plus a mini regatta in Kings Wharf, Bermuda

o A castle and treasure hunt adventure in Copenhagen, Denmark

“Our guests’ passions are rooted in interests as diverse as the world itself, and our new shore excursion program will give guests the chance to fulfil their love of food, art, relaxation, adventure and more in must-see, global destinations,” said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “We’ve closely collaborated with local experts to shape a program that will further enrich a traveller’s experience and connect them more closely to the exciting places that we sail to.”

Celebrity also has launched more than 70 new excursions including exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at globally recognised landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, as well as enriching, interactive wellness experiences such as a tour of the lush Jewell Gardens in Alaska – and with more to come.

For more information about the Celebrity Cruises shore excursions, visit www.celebritycruises.com.au OR phone 1800 754 500 or call your travel agent.

Information supplied by: Celebrity Cruises.

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