Princess Cruises Announces Exclusive Celebrity Chef Partnership With Curtis Stone

Princess Cruises today announced a new exclusive partnership with esteemed restaurateur, bestselling author and television personality Chef Curtis Stone. 

The international collaboration will serve up new culinary offerings designed by Curtis across the cruise line’s 18-ship fleet dedicated to fresh flavourful cuisine, ultimately creating memorable experiences for its guests as they travel the world.  

Internationally known, Melbourne-born Curtis began his cooking career at the age of 18 in Australia and later honed his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants in London. He has appeared on a number of top-rated cooking programs, most recently starring as a mentor on the US Food Network’s All-Star Academy and is host of the Network’s brand-new show Beach Eats (premiering August 12). His first solo restaurant, Maude, opened to rave reviews in Beverly Hills, California in 2014 from respected outlets, such as Time, Travel + Leisure, Eater LA, Los Angeles Magazine, Angeleno and more. Curtis is also a New York Times bestselling author, having written six cookbooks, his most recent Good Food, Good Life. 

Guests are invited to enjoy three special offerings developed by Curtis which will be available only on a Princess cruise holiday, including: 

* “Crafted by Curtis” menu items available in the main dining room across the entire fleet

* A new specialty restaurant concept and menu designed by Curtis

* A special Chef’s Table by Curtis Stone experience. 

This new partnership reinforces the cruise line’s ‘come back new’ brand promise, designed to elevate the onboard guest experience. 

“Crafted by Curtis” menu items offered in the main dining rooms will debut in Australia onboard Golden Princess in October and roll out fleet-wide through the end of 2015. Curtis’ first restaurant at sea will debut in December onboard Emerald Princess sailing from Ft. Lauderdale to the Caribbean and Ruby Princess, sailing from Los Angeles on cruises to Hawaii and Mexico. The rollout will continue on Coral Princess sailing the Panama Canal and then Sun Princess, which will bring Curtis’ restaurant to his home country, Australia. Curtis Stone’s Chef’s Table experience will debut across the fleet beginning in early 2016.  

“We take tremendous pride in preparing and serving our guests freshly made dishes served with passion and care,” Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said. “This is an exciting step for Princess and sure to delight our guests since Chef Stone also believes that great meals bring people together to create lifelong memories, much like travel.” 

 “This partnership will appeal to Princess guests around the world and most certainly to those enjoying Australia-based cruises since Chef Stone hails from Australia and is incredibly popular in his homeland.”  

Commenting on the partnership, Curtis said just the word ‘cruise’ put him in his favourite mood – “relaxed”. 

“Princess Cruises is known for visiting great worldwide destinations – I’m set on bringing a new culinary experience to the sea to enhance and complete a cruise holiday,” Curtis said.  

“Since I travel often, I know that discovering delicious food and sharing a great meal can create some of the most memorable moments and I’ve designed my restaurants with this in mind. It’s important to me that guests have the experience that I would want and food that I’d be thrilled to eat myself, at sea or anywhere else in the world.”  

More program details, including the menu items, specialty restaurant name and concept, as well a complete roll out schedule will be announced shortly. For more information, visit www.princess.com/curtis-stone For more information about Princess Cruises visit www.princess.com, call 13 24 88 or visit a licensed travel agent. 

About Curtis Stone:  Curtis Stone is an internationally-known chef, TV host, entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author and Chef-Owner of Maude in Beverly Hills. Born in Melbourne, Australia, Curtis first found his passion for food while watching his grandmother make her legendary fudge. After finishing culinary school, he headed to London, where he honed his skills under legendary three-star Michelin genius, Marco Pierre White. In a short number of years, he quickly rose through the ranks to become Head Chef at Marco’s highly revered restaurant, Quo Vadis. While living in London, Curtis appeared in several U.K. cooking shows before catching the eye of television producers in Australia and the U.S. Curtis opened his first solo restaurant Maude in 2014, which continues to receive rave reviews from respected outlets, such as Time, Travel +Leisure, Eater LA , LA Magazine, Angeleno and more. Curtis also released his latest cookbook “Good Food, Good Life: 130 Simple Recipes You’ll Love to Make and Eat” this past March. http://www.curtisstone.com/

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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P&O Cruises Receives Trusted Brand Nod For Third Year In A Row.

P&O Cruises has scored a hat-trick after being named Australia’s most trusted cruise operator for the third year running by Reader’s Digest.

The cruise line beat eight other ocean and river cruise operators to come out on top.

P&O Cruises Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell said it was an honour to be recognised yet again by the magazine’s readers as one of the country’s most trusted brands.

“There have been many exciting developments take place across our fleet since we took home the inaugural cruise operator award in 2013,” Mr Myrmell said.

“From installing onboard adventure parks to revolutionising our food offering and announcing the addition of two ships to our fleet later this year, we’ve taken Australian cruising to the next level to deliver a contemporary offering, which appeals to all Australians.

“We’re thrilled to see our new products being embraced by existing and new guests, and our cruise line continuing to be endorsed with awards such as this. We look forward to welcoming more Australians onboard our fleet as we embark on our biggest ever year of cruising,” he said.

The annual Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Survey has been operating for 15 years as an independent survey of the Australian public. This year 46 categories were featured and more than 2400 people were surveyed.

For more information visit www.pocruises.com.au

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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CLIA Takes Cruise Week Online

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has announced it’s taking this year’s Cruise Week to a new platform, with the popular consumer event to be promoted through a new interactive online magazine.

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said the new approach would make Cruise Week – to be held from September 7-14 – even more accessible to consumers and agents.  

Mr Jardine said the e-zine would be supported by a dedicated marketing campaign featuring a mixture of EDMs and social media as well as banner advertisements and native advertising across popular mainstream sites such as the Women's Weekly in Australia and New Zealand, Australian Gourmet Traveller, Cruise Critic, Trip Advisor and Fairfax media.

“People spend more time online today than they do reading the newspaper, watching TV or listening to the radio – so it makes good sense to take Cruise Week into the digital space,” Mr Jardine said.

“Our new e-zine will be a fantastic way for the industry to attract prospective passengers as it will enable readers to experience life onboard a wide range of ships through content, images and video designed to immerse them in the magic of cruising.” 

Mr Jardine said while agents would still be encouraged to undertake traditional promotional activity such as film nights and window displays, they would also be able to promote Cruise Week by simply sending their customers an email with a link to the Cruise Week e-zine.

The e-zine’s content will include interviews with cruisers and celebrities about the appeal of cruising, coverage of different styles of cruising and destinations, as well as an overview of onboard product from dining to enrichment programs.

The magazine will be located on the Cruise Week website (www.cruiseweek.org) along with cruise line deals and CLIA’s Cruise Specialist Agent locator tool, which is set to be a primary focus in all Cruise Week marketing.

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

Information supplied by: Cruise Lines International Association Of Australasia [CLIA].

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Pacific Pearl Reurns To The Sunshine Coast for 'Take Two' Of P&O Cruises Inaugral Call To Mooloolaba.

P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl enjoyed a warm visit to the Sunshine Coast on Saturday (July 18) as the local community gathered to welcome the ship during its successful call to Mooloolaba.

 It was 'take two' for P&O’s inaugural call to the Sunshine Coast after last year's scheduled Pacific Pearl visit was disrupted by severe weather. Saturday’s call was part of a four-night sea break cruise, which departed Sydney on July 16.

 The visit gave the ship’s 1800 guests an opportunity to enjoy the many attractions of Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast, including day trips to Noosa and the Eumundi markets and paddle boarding along the coast.

 With the ship at anchor off Point Cartwright, guests were transferred from ship to shore by tender vessels, stepping ashore at the Underwater World Sea Life Aquarium jetty at Mooloolaba. 

 The local community turned out in force for Saturday’s visit pleased that there was no repeat  of the bad weather that forced the cancellation of the ship’s scheduled maiden visit in August last year.

 Pacific Pearl is scheduled to return to Mooloolaba again this year and 

Images have been attached for your use as required. Please note these images must be credited to Randy Martin Photography.

Information supplied by;P&O Cruises Australia.

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Queen Mary 2 Arrives into New York City for Cunard's 175th Anniversary Celebrations.

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has sailed into its US home port of New York escorted by a fleet of historic ships and Coastguard vessels to mark the end of its 175th anniversary commemorative Transatlantic Crossing.

The voyage paid tribute to the original transatlantic voyage made by Cunard’s first flagship Britannia, as the company inaugurated the first scheduled mail and passenger service across the Atlantic on July 4,1840.

Queen Mary 2 recreated history when she sailed from Liverpool on July 4, 2015, following in the wake of Britannia which left the city 175 years earlier to the day. The voyage also marked the first time since 1968 that a Cunard ship has departed from Liverpool for America.

Cunard has been sailing in and out of New York City since the Hibernia first called in 1847, and the company is very proud to call Red Hook Brooklyn its home since 2006.  Sites of the company’s earlier history and its relationship to the city can be seen through the Cunard White Star sign at Pier 54 and the Cunard Building at 25 Broadway, which was completed in 1921 and is considered a New York City landmark today.

Cunard North America president Richard Meadows said Cunard’s relationship with the city of New York holds a distinctly unique place in its 175-year history. "New York has been our US homeport for decades, and has played a significant role in the transformative world events during our history. We are very pleased to extend our heartfelt thanks for our enduring relationship with this great city,” Mr Meadows said. The commemorative anniversary activities continued when Captain Kevin Oprey, Master of Queen Mary 2, rang the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange, as a testament to the economic and industrial achievements of Cunard, as well as to the future of the brand. 

As part of the celebrations, Queen Mary 2 also held position in front of the Statue of Liberty for a spectacular light and music show in Battery Park. Designed by the acclaimed Quantum Theatricals, the light show was cast over the ship, illuminating New York harbour and the sky above. Moments before Queen Mary 2 embarked on her return journey back across the Atlantic, the celebratory display took viewers on a fantastic journey through Cunard’s 175 years of history, as well as the future that lies ahead.

Additional photography from yesterday’s events, as well as from all of Cunard’s 175th Anniversary events, can be found at www.Cunard3Queens.com

For more details on Cunard visit www.cunard.com, phone 132 441 or see a licensed travel agent.

Information supplied by: Cunard Line.

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Cruise Lines International Association [CLIA] Has Selected Mercy Ships As Their Charity Of Choice.

WASHINGTON, DC – July 16, 2015 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has selected Mercy Ships as their Charity of Choice.  Through this partnership, CLIA will work with Mercy Ships to further endorse their initiatives to deliver healthcare to developing nations and make CLIA global members aware of the international nonprofit’s mission and efforts.

Mercy Ships operates floating hospitals that provide training for medical professionals, along with curative surgical interventions. The partnership will help Mercy Ships gain increased visibility in the cruise industry as well as facilitate collaboration with CLIA and its members. 

“We’re proud to support the work that Mercy Ships is doing to increase access to healthcare throughout the world,” CLIA President and CEO Thomas Ostebo said.  

“The partnership is a natural fit, and we are delighted to be working with this reputable organisation which is making a positive difference in the world.” 

Mercy Ships Group Managing Director Donovan Palmer said CLIA would bring great value to the organisation. 

“CLIA’s knowledge of the industry and willingness to help get our message out to its members will be immeasurable.” 

Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to deliver free, world-class healthcare services, capacity building and sustainable development to those without access in the developing world. Mercy Ship volunteers have been able to operate across the globe. A few examples include:

* 78,000 life-changing operations such as cleft lip and palate repair, cataract removal, orthopaedic procedures, facial reconstruction and obstetric fistula repair

* 353,000 dental procedures

* Trained 5800 local teachers

* Trained 35,300 local professionals in their area of expertise (anaesthesiology, midwifery, sterilization, orthopaedic and reconstructive surgery, leadership)

* Basic healthcare education classes for 183,000 local people

* 1100 community development projects focusing on water and sanitation, education, infrastructure development and agriculture.

Information supplied by: Cruise Lines International Association [CLIA].

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Cunard Flagship Queen Mary 2 to Undergo Major Refurbishment in 2016, Befitting the World’s Most Iconic Ocean Liner

As Cunard marks its illustrious 175 year history with the arrival in New York of its flagship, Queen Mary 2, it is proud to announce the next chapter of innovation and investment, with a significant refurbishment scheduled to introduce new designs and guest experiences to the world’s most iconic ocean liner. 

From the company’s inception, Cunard has been at the forefront of ocean travel. To ensure the tradition continues, Queen Mary 2 will undergo an extensive 25-day dry dock refurbishment at the Blohm+Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany from May 27 - June 21, 2016. 

Three of the key developments in this major refurbishment have been announced today, reflecting the changing needs of Cunard’s guests:

• For the first time, 15 single staterooms will be introduced onto Queen Mary 2. Research shows that increasing numbers of guests are seeking to holiday in multi-generational groups – grandparents, parents and children. Often this necessitates one member of the family travelling as an individual. The new staterooms will support this and also accommodate those guests travelling alone.

• 30 additional Britannia Club balcony staterooms will be created onboard reflecting the growing trend for balcony staterooms and for guests wishing for more flexibility in dining arrangements.  Guests travelling in these staterooms will be able to dine at a time of their own choosing in the dedicated Britannia Club restaurant, which will be expanded. 

• Ten new kennels will be created for four legged travellers. Just as families are holidaying across the generations, pets are increasingly seen as integral to the family group. Queen Mary 2 is already the only cruise liner in the world to offer dedicated kennels and currently carries up to 12 dogs and cats on its transatlantic crossings. These kennel places frequently sell out so the new kennels will meet strong demand. 

With an eye to the detail that differentiates Cunard, both a lamp post (for English dogs) and a fire hydrant (for American dogs) will be installed on the area of deck reserved for dog walking as part of the kennels development, so that dogs from either side of the pond will feel equally at home. This was previously a feature of the kennels on Cunard’s former flagship, QE2, and was first introduced on board Queen Mary at the suggestion of The Duke of Windsor. 

Cunard Director Angus Struthers said extensive research had informed a series of further developments which will be revealed over the coming months, building on the flagship’s strengths as the epitome of luxury on a grand scale.

“Queen Mary 2 is an icon in the world of luxury ocean travel.  A ship that turns heads everywhere she goes, she is the pride of the Cunard fleet and we are committed to ensuring her reputation grows ever stronger,” Mr Struthers said. 

“These enhancements are just the beginning of an exciting revitalisation for Queen Mary 2, and we look forward to making more announcements about this impressive refit in the coming months.”          …2/

The newly announced additional accommodation on Queen Mary 2 is now on sale for sailings from late June 2016.

Australians can experience the newly refurbished Queen Mary 2 on a number of a seven-night east or westbound transatlantic crossings in 2016 and 2017 including a New York departure on August 9, 2016 with fares from $1539* per person twin share, and a Southampton sailing for New York on November 19, 2016 from $1399* per person twin share. 

*Subject to availability.  

Kennel fees for a one week transatlantic crossing from June 2016 range from US$800 for dogs under 25 pounds to US$1000 for larger dogs, while for cats, which need two kennels (one for a litter tray) the cost is US$1600.

For more details on Cunard visit www.cunard.com, phone 132 441 or see a licensed travel agent.

Information supplied by: Cunard Line.

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Carnival Offers Haunting Halloween at Sea.

Carnival Cruise Line is offering a frightfully fun Halloween at sea, drawing on its American heritage to show Australians how to have a hauntingly good time on October 31.

Carnival Legend’s nine-night Pacific Islands cruise departing Sydney on October 26 will feature a fun line up of scariness at sea with a costume party, themed movies, trick or treating and a menu to die for with witches brew bubbling at the bar, spider snacks and scary cheesecake for a death defying dessert. Priced from $999* per person twin share, the sailing includes a bonus onboard credit offer of up to $150 per cabin.

Carnival Spirit will also get into the spirit with a Halloween spooktacular during its eight-night cruise to the Emirates Melbourne Cup. The action-packed cruise, which includes transfers and entry to Flemington, departs Sydney on October 30, 2015, priced from $1499* per person twin share with an onboard credit of up to $400.

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said Halloween was always a fun event in the US calendar and the cruise line was in a unique position to show Aussies how to make the most of the popular tradition.

“As an American cruise line, we know how to do Halloween. Whether our guests want to try trick or treating at sea, get ghoulish for our costume party or have fun well into the witching hours, it’s sure to be a legendary Halloween that will haunt our guests long after they’re back on land,” Ms Vandekreeke said.

Carnival Legend returns to Australia on October 15, 2015, for its second summer down under. 

For more information visit www.GOCCL.com.au

*Subject to availability, conditions apply. Valid for sale until August 3, 2015. 

Information supplied by: Carnival Cruise Lines, Australia.

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Princess Cruises Partners With Dancing With The Stars.

Princess Cruises has announced it is joining the dancing revolution as a sponsor of hit TV show Dancing with the Stars when it returns for its 15th season in Australia.

The partnership will see one celebrity couple strapping on their ballroom shoes and dancing their way onboard Dawn Princess for their weekly rehearsal, which will be the first time an episode has been filmed on a cruise ship.

“Princess Cruises is thrilled to bring the excitement of the show to a never before seen location,” Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said.

“No doubt the backdrop of Dawn Princess will provide a memorable episode for the viewing public and a unique experience for the dancers. Just like the show, we pride ourselves on providing first rate entertainment and we can’t wait to see what excitement season 15 delivers.”

In addition to providing the location for an episode, Princess Cruises will be running a consumer promotion with Channel Seven, with two lucky viewers having the chance to win a Mediterranean cruise to the value of $20,000. 

For more information please go to: www.princesscruises.com

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Potential Economic Opportunity for Vanuatu With Forecast Of More Than One Million Australians Cruising To South Pacific Within Five Years.

More than one million Australian cruise tourists could be sailing to the South Pacific within five years opening up potential economic opportunities in Vanuatu tourism, Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry said in Port Vila today. 

Ms Sherry, who was in Vanuatu for a series of conferences and a keynote business partnership event on P&O Cruises' Pacific Dawn, said the South Pacific has traditionally had the biggest share of cruise itineraries from Australia. 

Last year, 400,000 of the milestone one million Australians who cruised, sailed to the South Pacific - with most of them visiting destinations in Vanuatu. 

"This region is now the fastest growing cruise market in the world and at 4.2 per cent Australia has the highest market penetration based on population," Ms Sherry said. 

"Ten per cent market penetration in Australia is achievable within five years, the equivalent of three million passengers a year - with more than a million travelling to the South Pacific based on current itineraries. 

"Such a large number of cruise tourists represents a huge economic opportunity for Vanuatu and its tourism sector. 

"Years ago we made a commitment to Vanuatu to ensure that island communities shared in the economic benefits of cruising and there has been good progress in this regard. 

"We will continue to work with the government of Vanuatu, international agencies and Vanuatu communities to make the most of the emerging opportunities linked to cruise tourism."

At today's conferences in Port Vila, Ms Sherry met with local businesses hoping to join Vanuatu Water and Tanna Coffee in becoming suppliers to Carnival Australia brand ships. 

Ms Sherry explained that the company's supply chain was complex and extensive but it was not easy to break into it with suppliers needing to meet high standards in relation to quality, quantity and price. However Carnival Australia was 'agnostic' in a geographic sense when it came to finding the right suppliers for its ships. 

With 120 Ni-Van crew already working on P&O Cruises' three existing ships, Ms Sherry also met with local educators and recruiters with the hope of increasing the number of Ni-Van staff onboard.  

Ms Sherry pointed to a number of success stories where Ni-Van crew had progressed to management roles onboard the ships. 

But it was also important that educators and recruiters did everything possible to prepare potential Ni-Van crew for careers at sea and its unique and disciplined working environment. 

Ms Sherry said the expected big increase in cruise tourists visiting Vanuatu in coming years underlined the need for local infrastructure investment which could support existing ports and open up new destinations. 

Carnival Australia would continue to do everything it could to assist Vanuatu to reap the benefits of the surge in cruise tourism. 

"We have previously contributed to infrastructure investment to open up new destinations, encouraged the establishment of tourism related ventures and provided employment opportunities on our ships visiting the region," Ms Sherry said. 

Programs supported by Carnival Australia have included the Enterprise Challenge Fund which involved the construction of jetties and passenger amenities at Champagne Bay, Wala and Mystery Island.

Carnival Australia was also involved in the conduct of baseline studies at remote destinations to determine environmental, social and cultural values along with strategies to mitigate any risks due to the impact of cruise tourism.  Destination management plans were developed in consultation with local communities. The company was also a joint supporter of the Vanuatu Economic Study, the first of its kind in the South Pacific to measure the economic benefits of cruise tourism. Passengers contributed to the P&O Pacific Partnership with Save the Children to fund the construction of kindergartens and health posts. 

“There are many strands to Carnival Australia’s commitment to Vanuatu and we are always looking to do more," Ms Sherry said. 

"In recent months we were honoured to join with our passengers in delivering humanitarian aid in the wake of Cyclone Pam underlining the respect with which Vanuatu and its people are held."

Information supplied by: Carnival Australia.

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CLIA Welcomes First South Pacific Cruise Forum

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has welcomed the first South Pacific Cruise Forum to be held in Tahiti this October. 

Operated by the CLIA Executive Partner South Pacific Cruise Alliance, the event will bring together Tourism Ministers, destination managers (NTOs), Ports and Airports Authorities, cruise shipping companies, airlines, tour operators and suppliers from across the region on October 16 and 17, 2015. 

Meetings, discussions and conferences (in English) will highlight the development of the cruise sector in the South Pacific with the aim of further promoting the region to cruise lines. 

Located in a large triangle connecting Fiji, New Zealand and Tahiti, in 2015 the ‘maritime continent’ will welcome more than 50 different cruise ships, which between them will carry an estimated 480,000 passengers on more than 450 cruises and make more than 2600 port calls. 

CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said given the South Pacific was the most popular cruise destination for Australians and New Zealanders, the forum was an important event in the region’s cruise calendar.

“The South Pacific region has always been a hot spot for Australian and New Zealand cruisers but there is still so much potential for growth,” Mr Jardine said. 

“Cruise lines are continuing to open up new ports in the region and offering new itineraries that take cruisers to some of the world’s most picturesque islands.” 

Registration is open for the first South Pacific Cruise Forum. Speakers will be revealed in the coming weeks. For more information visit http://www.south-pacific-cruise-forum.com/

Information supplied by: CLIA [ Cruise Lines International Association Of Australasia ].

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A Recipe For Success – P&O Cruises Celebrates Five Years Of Salt Grill 

Adding a touch of salt to its menus has proved a winner for P&O Cruises, which last night celebrated its five year partnership with celebrity chef Luke Mangan at a special event on the Gold Coast.

When P&O Cruises launched the first Salt grill by Luke Mangan restaurant on Pacific Jewel in December 2009, the restaurant was an instant hit, serving a full house twice each night. Within 12 months another two Salt grills were opened on Pacific Dawn and Pacific Pearl.

Over the past five years, the three restaurants have served more than 350,000 guests.

At last night’s function at the Gold Coast Salt grill by Luke Mangan, attended by more than 120 P&O fans and partners, P&O Cruises’ Senior Vice President Sture Myrmell revealed the restaurant success story started with an off-the-cuff remark by Luke when the two men first met in 2008.

“Luke said to me he’d like to try putting a restaurant on a ship and at the time I was thinking about ways to add something new to P&O’s food offering,” Mr Myrmell said. “So I rang him a few months later and suggested we give it a try – and we haven’t looked back since.”

Mr Myrmell told guests at the event that Salt grill by Luke Mangan has been so popular that the cruise line would expand the concept on its latest ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, which join the fleet in November.  

In addition to the much-loved Salt grill restaurant, the ships will both offer a Salt grill bar, perfect for pre and post dinner drinks.

Speaking at the celebration, Luke said the Salt grill concept had been more successful than he had ever imagined.

“From the first night we opened our doors on Pacific Jewel, P&O’s guests have embraced the Salt grill experience.” Luke said. 

“To be celebrating five Salt grill restaurants at sea five years later is a fantastic result, which speaks volumes about P&O’s innovative approach to cruise cuisine as well as Australians’ love of good food.” For more information on P&O Cruises visit www.pocruises.com.au or call 13 24 94.  

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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P&O Cruises Marks Facebook Milestone With Special Fireworks Display

P&O Cruises has celebrated its latest social media milestone – 400,000 Facebook fans – in true cruise style, with a digital fireworks bonanza designed to light up the accounts of its followers.

Since launching in June 2009, P&O Cruises’ Facebook page has been growing at a rate of knots and is now home to hundreds of thousands of fans who use the community to share their love of cruising and P&O. 

When the 400,000th fan registered just before 11am today, a Facebook post was released, triggering a special 3D interactive fireworks display which P&O fans can share on their own Facebook page, Twitter account or private email.

P&O Cruises Director of Marketing and Distribution Simon Cheng said it was a thrill being part of such a successful Facebook page.

“When we started the Facebook page back in 2009, we had no idea that it would grow into such a positive and passionate online community. Our fans champion us every step of the way and so we wanted to thank them and do something that they could all share in as we mark this latest milestone,” Mr Cheng said.

To see the celebration visit www.facebook.com/POCruises

For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises on 13 24 94 or visit www.pocruises.com.au

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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Princess Cruises Showcase A World Of Whisky 

Princess Cruises is introducing its guests to the world of whisky with the locally-based Dawn Princess now featuring the cruise line’s first dedicated whisky bar.

From Scotland’s windswept Isle of Skye to the alps of Japan and the northern coastline of Tasmania, the new concept brings together 63 different whiskies from around the globe to provide a diverse tasting experience for all palates.

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia and New Zealand Stuart Allison said a renewed interest in whisky amongst Australians and New Zealanders had prompted the decision to create a specialist menu during a major refurbishment of Dawn Princess in May. 

“Whether you’re a seasoned whisky drinker or a newcomer to the world of drams, Princess has created a whisky list which provides something for everyone,” Mr Allison said. 

“The new concept makes whisky approachable for all our guests so we think it will be a big hit, with guests able to enjoy a drop after dinner and a show or during a languid sea day.”

The cosy Magnums bar provides the ideal setting to explore the new whisky menu, with its range drawing on remote region Scottish whiskies such as Talkiser, classic American bourbons like Knob Hill and approachable Japanese blends such as Hibiki. Meanwhile local drops include Bakery Hill’s Double Wood whisky from Melbourne and New Zealand’s South Island Single Malt. 

Princess’ bartenders are on hand to provide advice, while the menu provides notes on the bartenders’ favourites.  Whiskies are available by the nip, with Princess also creating a daily flight of three whiskies for those keen to experience the flavour of different regions.

Sydney-based whisky expert Peter Stevens said it was exciting to see a cruise line create a dedicated whisky bar.

“Whisky is growing in popularity across a range of age groups and the diverse variety in Princess’ new bar means there’s something there for both new and experienced whisky drinkers,” Mr Stevens said.

For first-time whisky drinkers, Mr Stevens has three key tips:

* If you want to dilute your whisky, add a touch of water rather than ice as ice reduces the flavour

* Roll the whisky around the glass and take time to smell it before you taste it – 75 per cent of the taste comes from the aromatics

* To really enjoy your whisky, cleanse the palate with some cheese or fresh pear or figs between glasses.

For a taste of Dawn Princess’ whisky offering and some tips on appreciating whisky, see the video below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGfW42ahHhY&feature=youtu.be

Dawn Princess offers a range of itineraries from Australia year round. Fares on a 13-night round trip to New Caledonia and Vanuatu sailing from Sydney on January 16, 2016, start from $1399* per person twin share. 

For more information, visit www.princess.com, call 13 24 88 or see a licensed travel agent.

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

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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Standing Ovation For A Phenomenal Week For Royal Caribbean

30 June 2015: Since announcing that bookings were open for Ovation of the Seas’ Australian itineraries, Royal Caribbean Australia has seen a phenomenal response over the course of just a few days, receiving thousands of bookings and far exceeding expectations.

From the time that bookings opened at 9am on Thursday 18 June, the phone rang off the hook with over 200 percent more calls than average in a 24 hour period. Similarly, on Thursday the www.royalcaribbean.com.au website visits increased by 70 percent. Via Espresso, the number of agent enquiries increased by 177 percent.

“We knew Australians would be excited about Ovation of the Seas, especially since more than 20,000 people pre-registered their interest when we first announced that she was to be home-ported in Australia. However, the response we’ve seen has exceeded our expectations and is testament to the strength of the demand of the Australian market for our style of cruising, and the newest, largest and most technologically advanced cruise product Australia has ever seen,” says Sean Treacy, commercial director, Royal Caribbean International, Australia & South East Asia.

“In preparation for the increased level of online activities, our team were on hand in case of any technical issues, and while the increase in calls, Espresso and website traffic certainly pushed capabilities, we are pleased to report that we’ve received positive feedback from our friends and fans.”

“Ovation of the Seas is certainly the star of the show this week, but we’re also seeing an increase in interest in our brand and fleet more widely in Australia and New Zealand. Ovation joins our other five outstanding ships based in Australia – Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, as well as Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice.” said Sean. 

For a chance to secure the spot on Ovation of the Seas or any of Royal Caribbean International’s 2015/16 season cruises, contact your local travel agent, phone 1800 754 500 or visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

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

AUSTRALIA’S LARGEST CRUISE SHIP FLOATS FIRST BLOCK DURING CONSTRUCTION

29 June 2015 – Ovation of the Seas, the fourth largest cruise ship in the world and the largest, newest and most technologically advanced ship to ever call Australia home has had one of her blocks floated out of the construction hall at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The ship is constructed in blocks which will then be joined together for the next stages of construction, with delivery expected to be complete in mid-2016. 

The float out of her first blocks marks less than 18 months to her maiden Australian arrival where she will claim the title of the largest cruise ship to ever sail in Australia. Ovation of the Seas will also claim the title of equal fourth largest cruise ship in the world when she launches – eclipsed only by sister ships Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean recently opened bookings for Ovation of the Seas’ first Australian season. The US$1 billion will offer three Australia and New Zealand sailings and a repositioning sailing all departing Sydney from December 2016. 

Ovation of the Seas is the third ship in the ground-breaking Quantum Class. She will introduce a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences to Australia including the Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that will transport guests as high as the Sydney Harbour Bridge; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, a circus school and more; and the robotic Bionic Bar. Ovation has also reimagined dining onboard with the introduction of “Dynamic Dining” where guests can choose from 18 unique restaurant concepts, including Jamie’s Italian, Michael’s Genuine Pub, the enchanting Wonderland and Royal Caribbean favourites including Chops Grille steakhouse and Izumi Japanese. 

Technology has also been amped up on Ovation of the Seas with high speed internet offering more bandwidth than all other cruise ships combined so guests can stream, video call and more as fast as they would onshore.

New radio frequency smart bands also mean you can get into your stateroom and make onboard purchases without the need for the cruise card. While the Royal iQ app makes keeping track of your onboard schedule simple with all bookings and cruise details stored and updated automatically.

Fares for Ovation of the Seas’ Australian season start from just $1,999 per person for her 10-night New Zealand New Year cruise departing Sydney on 30 December 2016. For further information or to make a booking, visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au or phone 1800 754 500 or see your local travel agent.

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

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

Princess Cruises and NZ Natural Scoop Sweet Deal

Princess Cruises has announced it will sell New Zealand Natural ice cream onboard its local ships – with a donation from each ice cream sale set to go to quake-affected Christchurch as an added sweetener.

In Sydney yesterday for the first time since her multi-million dollar refurbishment, Dawn Princess has become the first Princess ship to feature a New Zealand Natural ice cream parlour.

To mark the long-standing relationship between Princess Cruises and New Zealand, one of the cruise line’s major destinations Down Under, the cruise line will donate 25c from each ice cream sold to Christchurch City Council’s earthquake fund. New Zealand Natural has agreed to match the cruise line’s donation over the next four months until the cruise ship returns to Sydney for her summer deployment on October 23.

Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said the new partnership was a match made in heaven for Princess and its guests, with the cruise line crossing the Tasman more than any other line.

“Our passengers will be able to enjoy a scoop of New Zealand Natural ice cream while relaxing by the pool or taking in the sea views from Dawn Princess’ top deck, and all the while knowing that a little of their treat will go back to a worthy cause in one of the most popular regions that we visit,” Mr Allison said.

New Zealand Natural's Managing Director, Shane Lamont, reinforced Mr Allison’s comments. "The partnership with Princess Cruises brings together two internationally recognised brands with products that the public love and enjoy.”

"New Zealand Natural is thrilled it can provide Princess passengers the opportunity to make an impact each time they indulge in their favourite scoop of ice cream," Mr Lamont said.

In 2015-16, Princess Cruises will offer 27 roundtrip cruises from Australia to New Zealand on all five locally-based ships. Golden Princess will sail on her first season of New Zealand cruising from Melbourne, Diamond Princess and Dawn Princess will cruise from Sydney and Sea Princess and Sun Princess will sail from Brisbane.

The ice cream parlours will gradually be added to each of Princess’ locally-based ships over coming months.

Information supplied by: Princess Cruises.

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

New Book Illustrates P&O Cruises’ Australian Heritage

A newly released book has detailed the story of P&O’s illustrious history through hundreds of rare photographs. 

Officially launched today by Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry onboard P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl in Sydney, the book is unique among those produced about P&O because of the rarely seen imagery it contains. 

Written by Australian historians Rob Henderson, Doug Cremer, Rachelle Cross and Chris Frame, “A Photographic History of P&O Cruises” focuses on how Australia and pleasure cruising helped shape P&O to become one of the most significant and famous shipping lines in history.

With a narrative sourced from the only known surviving copy of the P&O board minutes dating back to the 1830s, the book includes imagery from the Orient Heritage collection owned by Henderson and Cremer. 

Of the imagery, archivist Rob Henderson said, “I was working for P&O in Sydney when the photographic archive became too large for the company to store. When a decision was made to dispose of the collection, I was able to negotiate to save some of the archive and have spent the past 46 years documenting it. It contains many thousands of images, the best of which we’ve selected for publication in this book.”

Fellow author Chris Frame commented, “Rachelle and I met Rob and Doug onboard Queen Mary 2. I had just finished a lecture about Cunard’s history and the pair approached us to talk about P&O. By the end of the voyage we had agreed to collaborate on this project. Having access to the rare source documents and extensive imagery allowed us to trace P&O’s story from a unique angle. As Australians, it was a great thrill to see how much our country had helped shape the world famous P&O."

Speaking at the launch, Ms Sherry said that over a period of more than 150 years, P&O had been at the forefront of nation building in Australia, a role which was continuing in its leadership of the resurgence of cruising. 

“Whether it's the mail steamers of the nineteenth century, the birth of Australian cruising in 1932, the assisted passage scheme that brought a million 'ten pound poms' to these shores or contemporary cruising, P&O has always been in the thick of it - and leading it more often than not," Ms Sherry said.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to Rob Henderson, Doug Cremer, Chris Frame and Rachelle Cross for documenting the P&O story as a pictorial record in this magnificent book.

“I commend “A Photographic History of P&O Cruises” to the many families whose lives have been touched in some way by P&O, perhaps the most revered name in shipping in Australia.”

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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

Straight From The Pantry, A New Video Of The Food Revolution Taking Place On board Pacific Jewel.

P&O Cruises is tempting travellers to try its new Pantry onboard Pacfic Jewel with a special short video providing a taste of the new dining concept, which debuted earlier this month.

The video shows off the design, décor and cuisine of The Pantry, which features eight tantalising outlets in a contemporary, café-style setting.

Replacing the ship’s traditional buffet, the Pantry is a game-changer for cruising.  The concept will also feature on P&O Cruises’ latest ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, which will join the cruise line’s fleet in November this year.

To view the video, click here.

Information supplied by: P&O Cruises Australia.

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AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST, LARGEST AND MOST ADVANCED CRUISE SHIP ON SALE 18 JUNE

Royal Caribbean International announces itineraries and opens bookings for Ovation of the Seas

Thursday 18th June 2015 – Watch out Australia - the world’s most spectacular and newest cruise ship will be heading your way in the 2016/17 summer. Royal Caribbean International has today unveiled the much anticipated Australasian itineraries for Ovation of the Seas, after announcing earlier that the USD$1 billion engineering marvel was earmarked for Australia. The world’s largest cruise brand has also revealed bookings for the game-changing vessel, currently under construction in Germany, are open for sale today. 

Ovation of the Seas will arrive in Australia for the first time when she docks in Perth on 6 December 2016 and she will be the largest cruise ship to ever call Australia home. At 348 metres long, stood upright she is almost 40 metres taller than Sydney Tower. Carrying almost 6,500 guests and crew, Ovation of the Seas carries double the population of NSW towns such as Bourke and more than the total populations of towns like Margaret River and Denmark in WA, Airlie Beach, Queensland, and Howard Springs in NT. With 2,090 staterooms onboard, she has triple the number of rooms of Australia’s largest hotel, the Four Points by Sheraton Sydney. 

“At USD$1 billion, Ovation of the Seas represents the single largest investment in Australia and New Zealand cruising by any cruise line. This ship truly ignites the imagination about what is possible on a cruise holiday – from skydiving in the middle of the ocean, robot bartenders, to North Star, an observation capsule that transports you more than 90 metres above the sea providing stunning 360 degree views,” said Sean Treacy, commercial director, Royal Caribbean International, Australia & South East Asia.

“Being the imaginative and adventure-loving nation that we are, it is not surprising that over 20,000 Aussies have pre-registered their interest since we first announced her local deployment. Ovation of the Seas’ first season will be historic and we can’t wait for Australians to experience the world’s most advanced ship right on our doorstep,” Treacy said.

“In her first season alone, Ovation of the Seas is projected to inject more than $20million into the Australian economy with 14 total calls across the country, and almost 30,000 guests are expected to experience the new generation of cruise ship. Some of the other delights her guests can look forward to include bumper cars, a circus school, spectacular shows in the custom-built Two70 entertainment venue, 18 different dining options including Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver, Broadway shows and high speed internet.”

The brand new ship will make its first Australian call at Fremantle in WA on 6 December 2016. From Fremantle she will visit Adelaide and Hobart* before arriving in Sydney on 15 December to kick start her maiden Australian season.

Ovation of the Seas will offer four sailings from Sydney during her summer season starting from 15 December 2016, including:

* A 15-night New Zealand cruise beginning with an overnight in Sydney on 15 December 2016 followed by calls at Hobart, the Milford Sounds region, Dunedin, Wellington, Picton, Tauranga and Auckland.

* A 10-night New Year cruise around New Zealand departing 30 December 2016, with calls at the Milford Sound region, Dunedin, Wellington, Napier and Picton.

* A 14-night cruise during the January school holidays with visits to Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Auckland, Wellington, Picton, Dunedin, and the Milford Sounds region.

* Ovation of the Seas leaves Australia on 23 January 2017 with a 14-night Sydney to Singapore cruise visiting Brisbane, Darwin and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang).

With only four local cruises, Ovation of the Seas’ maiden season is expected to sell out fast, especially with launch savings of up to $750**. Fares start from just AUD$1,999 per person the 10-night New Zealand New Year cruise departing Sydney on 30 December 2016. 

Ovation of the Seas is the third ship in the ground-breaking Quantum Class. She will introduce a new set of first-at-sea onboard experiences to Australia including the Ripcord by iFLY, a heart-pounding skydiving experience; North Star, a thrilling adventure that will transport guests as high as the Sydney Harbour Bridge; cutting-edge transformative venues including SeaPlex, the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, a circus school and more; and the robotic Bionic Bar. Ovation has also reimagined dining onboard with the introduction of “Dynamic Dining” where guests can choose from 18 unique restaurant concepts, including Jamie’s Italian, Michael’s Genuine Pub, the enchanting Wonderland and Royal Caribbean favourites including Chops Grille steakhouse and Izumi Japanese. 

Technology has also been amped up on Ovation of the Seas with high speed internet offering more bandwidth than all other cruise ships combined so guests can stream, video call and more as fast as they would onshore. New radio frequency smart bands also mean you can get into your stateroom and make onboard purchases without the need for the cruise card. While the Royal iQ app makes keeping track of your onboard schedule simple with all bookings and cruise details stored and updated automatically.

Ovation of the Seas 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. 

For further information on any of Royal Caribbean International’s 2015/16 season or to book a cruise, contact your local travel agent, phone 1800 754 500 or visit www.royalcaribbean.com.au 

OVATION OF THE SEAS FACTS 348m long (over 3 football fields)

Over 50m tall

168,666 GRT

18 decks

4,905 guests

1,500 crew

USD$1 billion price tag

*This is a chartered cruise.

**Terms and conditions apply, for more information and full terms and conditions, visit: www.royalcaribbean.com.au

Information supplied by: Royal Caribbean International.

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