Cruise

W E E K L Y
Tuesday 21 May 2013

Viking unveils ocean cruise line

The sister company of Viking River Cruises will share many of its complimentary features and a greater focus on destinations.
Viking Ocean Cruises was officially launched last week, revealing a range of freebies usually seen on river vessels and more expensive luxury ships but Australians will have to wait in line to book. Open only to the American market for now, the all-inclusive cruises in Europe will see every fare including a balcony stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, wi-fi internet, all onboard meals, with beer and wine at lunch and dinner, self-service laundry and 24-hour room service a value of more than US$2,400 per couple for an average cruise, according to Viking. Another point of difference is that itineraries have been designed to allow maximum time on land, often with late evening or overnight stays. Destinations will include both cosmopolitan cities and collector ports with historical and cultural appeal. It is our view that in the race to build bigger ships, many cruise lines have lost sight of the destinations to which they sail, said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises. With our new ocean cruises, we are applying the same principles behind our award-winning river cruises to our itinerary and ship design; privileged-access excursions; and onboard experiences to make destinations the true focus. The first newly-built ship, the 928-passenger Viking Star, is set to debut in May 2015, offering maiden voyages in Scandinavia, the Baltic and the Mediterranean. A second ship is on order for delivery in 2016, with options for four more ocean vessels. Viking Star features all balcony cabins, 14 two-room suites, an infinity pool, a second pool under a retractable dome, a two-deck lounge at the bow of the ship, five restaurants, several bars, a theatre, cooking school, and a day spa with saunas and a snow grotto where snowflakes descend from the ceiling through chilled air. Designed with the environment in mind, it also has energy-efficient hybrid engines, a streamlined hull and bow for maximum fuel efficiency, onboard solar panels, and equipment that minimises exhaust pollution. Bookings have opened in the US and will be offered to Australian and New Zealand travellers later this year.

Aurora Antarctica rate freeze

AURORA Expeditions has taken steps to ensure new customers are not affected by the declining AUD to USD exchange rate, imposing a freeze on all 2013/14 Antarctic voyages. All upcoming departures in the season will be available for sale in Australia at even parity if cabins are booked before 14 Jun 2013. Phone Aurora on (02) 9252 1033 for details.

Ask The Expert

with Adam Armstrong
Cruise Weeklys guest expert, Adam Armstrong from Royal Caribbean is back for a second round, answering some of your cruising-related queries. Are there are any plans in the near future for Voyager to undergo major refurbishment and are there plans for adding more dining venues and Oasis class features? Its a coincidence that you should ask. Last week we announced that Voyager of the Seas will undergo a major bow-to-stern revitalisation in October 2014 right before she returns to Australia for her summer 14/15 season. While we cant reveal the full details just yet, you can expect many exciting new onboard amenities, including those featured in Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class ships. So watch this space, well announce more later this year! How much bigger can cruise ships realistically get? Royal Caribbean operates the worlds biggest cruise ships - and the technology certainly exists to make cruise ships even bigger. For us, however, its less about building the biggest ship & more about what size of ship will we need to accommodate all of the innovative and exciting amenities onboard. Bigger ships mean bigger and better facilities - like the ice-skating rink, Central Park and Boardwalk on Oasis of the Seas. Another very important consideration is port infrastructure, because many ports are not big enough to dock larger vessels, or to handle increased guest volumes through their terminals. Adams third and final contribution this time around will be published next week, so if you have a question youd like answered, send it to expert@cruiseweekly.com.au.

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Dedicated shore phone hotline

SEABOURN has today launched a toll free phone number allowing Seabourn guests soon travelling to book in shore excursions and to seek assistance with booking their shore tours. The phone number - 1800 259 679 - is staffed from 4:30am to 1pm AEST Monday to Friday and from 4:30am to 11am on Saturdays. Seabourn director of sales in Australia Tony Archbold said the specialist team had extensive knowledge of shore excursion programs. This new toll free number doesnt cost a cent but provides priceless advice and peace of mind to our guests before they travel.

Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au

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Tuesday 21 May 2013

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CroisiEuropes Bordeaux addition

The market leader in European river cruises has christened the new MS Cyrano de Bergerac in France.
French-owned CroisiEurope has added a second vessel to operate cruises on the Garonne and Dordogne rivers a year before two of its American rivals, Uniworld and Viking, start up in the region. CroisiEurope already runs the MS Princesse dAquitaine in Bordeaux; while the 180-passenger Cyrano de Bergerac embarked on its maiden cruise on 17 May. Until November 2013, it will sail on itineraries ranging from five to eight nights, and then resume the next season between March and November 2014. Excursions, menus and daily programs are offered in English. The naming ceremony was attended by the local mayor, French celebrities and a number of godparents. Breaking tradition, the ship has a godmother (the wife of the mayor of a nearby town), a godfather (an actor and TV presenter) and godparents of honours. Facilities include a main restaurant, lounge bar, the smaller Pianorama Bar, sun deck, shop and elevator. Each cabin is equipped with an ensuite bathroom, flat screen TV, hairdryer, safe, radio and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The family-owned company operates fourstar vessels, less than five years old, on 16 rivers across Europe, carrying more than 40% of the market. CroisiEurope is represented in Australia by Cruise Abroad - www.cruiseabroad.com.au.

Did You Know?

Royal Caribbean Cruises
When in an Australian port, the main dining room on Voyager of the Seas becomes Australias largest restaurant. Richard D Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, donated his own classic Morgan sports car to be one of the centre pieces on Voyager of the Seas Royal Promenade. Rhapsody of the Seas is the first ship in Australia to have iPads in every cabin. Royal Caribbeans Voyager of the Seas is the first ship ever to have its own postcode. During one of Voyager of the Seas formal nights, the official photographer utters the word smile more than 1,000 times.

P&O to be a Vivid light canvas

COINCIDENTAL port planning two years ago will see P&O Cruises Pacific Pearl become a platform for a spectacular light show beamed onto its side as part of the 2013 Vivid Festival. A virtual cruise entitled See Voyage will be played on the side of the ship - the first time a cruise ship has been part in the light festivities, with the five minute presentation running on the half hour from 6pm on the ships port side.

Regent drops Mediterranean

CRUISES aboard the Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager in the Mediterranean next year will not operate after Regent Seven Seas Cruises cancelled its entire 2014 season. Originally planned operations in the region on Mariner from 23 September to 18 December and on Voyager from 21 October to 28 November have been dropped in favour of Oceania and Indian Ocean itineraries. Mariner will instead operate a 34-day voyage to Tahiti before continuing on to New Zealand, while Voyager will sail a 30-day trip from Dubai to South Africa, stopping in India, the Maldives and cruising down the east African coast, with passenger demand behind the changes.

Cruise Calendar
Cruise Weeklys cruise calendar details upcoming port calls of passenger cruise ships at various destinations in Australia.
sydney Pacific Pearl Pacific Jewel Pacific Jewel BRISBANE Pacific Jewel Sea Princess Pacific Dawn DARWIN Oceanic Discoverer Fri 24 May Fri 24 May Mon 27 May

Blue Lagoon child free policy

FIJIAN cruise firm Blue Lagoon Cruises has announced it will no longer promote voyages to the family market, imposing a minimum age policy of 14 years and over on departures. The company said it plans to aim its product to adults and couples, emphasising the escape, romance and Fiji time relaxation of cruises. As part of its new direction, new three and four day itineraries have been launched, to take effect from 06 Sep 2013. Voyages will offer a new activity range aimed at a more active passenger demographic which it said is looking for unique and varied activities to enhance their cruising experience. New cruise products will offer sailing around Monu Island and the Sacred Isles, with guided bush walks, church services and theme nights.

MSC Mediterranean fly/cruise

A NEW 25-night fly/cruise offer has been launched by MSC Cruises, incorporating flights to Milan, transfers and a 22-night cruise of the Mediterranean aboard MSC Fantasia, taking in Spain, the Canary Islands, Morocco, Greece, Egypt, Israel and many more. The package is priced from $4603ppts and for more details, phone 1300 028 502.

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Tuesday 21 May 2013

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HAL On Location program

HOLLAND America Line has unveiled a new On Location activity program offering a number of new localised activities designed around the port being visited at the time. The initial range includes lessons in how to play the didgeridoo while in Australia, steel drum lessons in several Caribbean ports and Tai Chi classes on deck while in Asia. The program, which will also include food and drink native to upcoming ports, will be progressively expanded to cover the companys entire fleet over the rest of 2013, with a Location Team also joining the ship at various stages to teach passengers about local customs at destinations soon to be reached.

Free Galapagos flights offer

TEMPO Holidays has released an offer of free return flights between Quito & the Galapagos when booking a range of cruises aboard the Santa Cruz, La Pinta or Isabella II by 30 June. Suggested itineraries include a four night sailing on the MV Santa Cruz, with all meals & excursions, priced from $2532pp twin share. For more information, phone 1300 362 844.

P O R T H O L E
SPY movies such as James Bond often include a ship of some sort, usually an ocean liner. For anyone wondering what it would be like carrying out a mission on a cruise ship, Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has your answer, with a 10-night Black Watch espionage themed cruise from Southampton on 10 December. The sailing will be hosted by Cold War spy specialist Major General Peter Williams, who spent many years working as a military spy in the former Yugoslavia, East Germany and Moscow. Guests will cruise around Portugal, Spain and Morocco and will visit Tangier, known for its history of international espionage. Cabins onboard the cruise are priced from 899 per person twin share and include all of Williams spy-related intriguing lectures.

Antarctica Wilderness cruise

WILTRANS International has released for sale a 25-night itinerary taking in a number of South American highlights before cruising between Buenos Aires and Santiago, via Antarctica, aboard the Crystal Symphony. The Sojourn package includes flights with Qantas to Santiago with multi-night land itineraries bookending the 14-night cruise. Departing Sydney on 18 December, the package is priced from $18,736pp inclusive of flights, the cruise and accommodation prior to and following the cruise, with more information available at www.wiltrans.com.au.

Two for one Variety specials

DISCOVER The World Cruising is offering a two-for-the-price-of-one special on selected 2013 departures with Variety Cruises for bookings made before 15 Jun. Single travellers are not forgotten, with no solo supplement payable on the offer. The offer sees discounts of up to $4470 per couple available, with eligible voyages departing between 16 June and 13 October. For more information on eligible departures, email retailres@discovertheworld.com.au.

Keel laid for new P&O vessel

p&o CRUISES managing director Carol Marlow has given the order for the keel to be laid on a new 141,000 tonne vessel to begin construction at Italys Fincantieri shipyard. The currently un-named vessel will combine favourite features of its Oriana, Aurora, Azure and Ventura ships, alongside a number of unannounced developments, with the finished ship scheduled to enter service in 2015.

Fred Olsen releases 2014/2015

FREE cabin upgrades and bonus onboard credits are available on some itineraries operated by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, details of which were released last week in the companys new 2014/15 preview brochure. The brochure covers cruises departing from Feb 2014 to Jan 2015, with online copies able to be downloaded at www.cruiseabout.com.au.

Princess naming event singer

BRITISH singer Natasha Bedingfield will perform as the featured singer at the official naming of Princess Cruises new vessel Royal Princess in Southampton on 13 June. Bedingfields performance will occur prior to the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, breaking the champagne over the bow of the ship in her role as Royal Princess Godmother.

Fly free deals with Celebrity

CELEBRITY Cruises has launched a Fly Free offer pre- or post-cruise between Australia & New Zealand for selected departures in the upcoming 2013-14 Celebrity Solstice summer schedule between November and March. To take advantage of the deal, book a balcony cabin or higher before 31 July to receive free one-way flights from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Auckland. See your local travel agent for more details.

Norwegian to get Nick by day

POPULAR childrens cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants will feature in a new pirate-themed kids club aboard the Norwegian Getaway, which remains under construction in Germany ahead of its Jan 2014 debut. The newest NCL ship will be the first to offer the Nickelodeon Kids Aqua Park, featuring other characters including Dora the Explorer.

One way sailing to Caribbean

CARNIVAL Cruise Lines will sail six voyages between New York and San Juan starting from October, with one-way fares available for sale. The eight-day itineraries, operated by Carnival Splendor will stop in four Caribbean ports before reaching San Juan.

MIDDLE EAST & ASIA

Discovery Cruising onVoyager
550 like-minded passengers Renowned Guest Speaker program More time in port to see more and explore

Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au

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W E E K L Y
Tuesday 21 May 2013

Scenic Jewel sparkles in Europe

by: Jenny Piper
I recently returned from the inaugural sailing of Scenic Tours newest Space Ship, the Scenic Jewel. This luxury ship offers so much, with Scenics all inclusive product meaning once on board there is absolutely nothing to worry about. So what is included, you might ask? Pretty much everything all meals, a mini bar replenished daily and unlimited beverages (with just a few exceptions). Then there is the private butler service for every guest. Your butler can even bring you a cup of tea each morning if thats how you like to start the day. Sightseeing excursions are also a major part of your free inclusions choose from a variety of tours in each port, from guided walking or cycling tours or excursions further afield. For the independent traveller who likes to explore on their own, the personal GPS device in each stateroom allows for self guided exploration in most ports. Each stateroom is elegantly decorated with quality linen, plush robes and much more including an Australian power point! Not to mention the television linked to a Mac mini computer. Wireless internet is complimentary so you can check your emails or surf the net from your TV screen or your personal device. And for us Aussies who struggle with the whole tipping thing all gratuities are included. Although we all travel to see the sights, being onboard a Scenic vessel is an experience to be very much enjoyed in itself. The public areas are spread over three levels: The Sun Deck on top, the lounge area and bar in the middle and the dining room on the lower level. On a balmy day it is a delight to watch the little villages and towns go by from the Sun Deck. The lounge area is very cosy with lounges and arm chairs making it a great place to relax at any time of the day. A cappuccino machine and tea making is available 24 hours a day. The bar is located adjacent to the lounge; this also incorporates the River Caf, new to the Scenic fleet from 2013. Guests can eat here for a more casual dining experience most of the day. Breakfast is served here for the early risers. A delicious array of cakes and sandwiches, and other delights are available all day. And for a lighter lunch guests can have soup, salad or gourmet pizza. The lower deck is home to the Crystal Dining room, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For breakfast you can choose from the buffet, including an egg station where a chef will make you an omelette or eggs any way you like. Or you can choose from the a la carte menu. Lunch is a real treat the buffet includes a variety of hot and cold dishes, with a local dish for guests to try using fresh local produce each day. An a la carte menu is also available. Dinner is a four course a la carte menu with some nights themed along with entertainment. Portobellos fine Italian and Table La Rive are also an option for dinner. Table La Rive is new for the 2013 season. This 8 course degustation meal with paired wines is only available for guests travelling in Junior Suites, Royal Suites or the Royal Panorama Suites. Portobellos is located past the bar area. Guests need to pre book for their degustation experience. The food and wine are delicious and a must at least once on the cruise. With such wonderful food and wine each and every day my bag was not the only thing that came back weighing more! But with loads of great activities, spectacular scenery and fabulous service a Scenic European river cruise is a great way to travel.

The stunning Panorama lounge

Some of the amazing on-board cuisine

Butler service - I could get used to this!

Cruise Weekly is Australias favourite online cruising publication. In production since 2007, Cruise Weekly is published each Tuesday, with a further travel industry update each Thursday. Cruise Weekly is free and is sent to subscribers via email as an Adobe Acrobat PDF document. Sign up for a free subscription at www.cruiseweekly.com.au. PO Box 1010, Epping, NSW 1710 Phone: 1300 799 220 Fax: 1300 799 221

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Publisher/Managing Editor: Bruce Piper Editor: Louise Goldsbury Production Editor: Matt Lennon Contributors: Roderick Eime and Chantel Housler Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au

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Cruise Weekly is a publication of Cruise Weekly Pty Ltd. All content fully protected by copyright. Please obtain written permission to reproduce any material. While every care has been taken in the preparation of Cruise Weekly no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Information is published in good faith to stimulate independent investigation of the matters canvassed. Responsibility for editorial comment is taken by Bruce Piper.

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