- WIN A 13-DAY LUXURY RIVER CRUISE
- WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CRUISING
- HOW TO MAKE HISTORY ON OUR HOT NEW SHIP
- WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A CRUISE SHIP
New ships, new destinations, new restaurants and activities. Get on board with 15 top river and ocean cruises for 2017.
IT STARTS WITH A BLOCKBUSTER
THE TRIP: Ovation of the Seas’ maiden arrival to Sydney from Fremantle in December 2016.
THE SHIP: Royal Caribbean International’s new Ovation of the Seas has skydiving and surfing, dodgem cars and a Bionic Bar. The 18 restaurants include Jamie’s Italian, and Dynamic Dining means no set dining times or assigned seats.
THE TIP: RCL Australia & NZ commercial director Adam Armstong: “The $US1 billion ($A1.33 billion) ship will be the biggest, most technologically advanced and the first brand new ship to ever sail in our region, introducing a new way to holiday – supercruising – and a range of incredible on-board experiences.”
ANOTHER WORLD CLOSE TO HOME
THE TRIP: A 10-night round trip departing Brisbane on July 28, 2017, calling at remote ports in PNG.
THE SHIP: Pacific Aria is one of the latest ships to join P&O Cruises’ fleet. Activities include P&O Edge Adventure Park, where you can try a flying fox at sea or walk the plank over the ship’s edge.
THE TIP: P&O Cruises president Sture Myrmell: “While Papua New Guinea is close to Australia, its amazing culture and scenery makes it seem another world away. New destinations like the Conflict islands make PNG a must-visit for 2017.”
RELOCATION, RELOCATION, RELOCATION
THE TRIP: A 49-day trans-Pacific Seattle-Sydney cruise via Alaska and Hawaii departing September 23, 2017.
The Ship: Heading for its maiden season based out of Sydney, Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2376-guest Norwegian Jewel has 16 dining options, 15 bars and clubs and Freestyle Dining where guests dine where and when they want.
THE TIP: Nicole Costantin, NCL vice-president of sales, Australia & New Zealand: “Experience the natural highlights and island escapes of the North and South Pacific oceans – starting with the glaciers of Alaska, exploring Hawaii and Vanuatu, the wild beauty and culture of French Polynesia and Tahiti, and stunning beaches of New Caledonia and Fiji before arriving in Sydney.”
MAIDEN VOYAGES IN THE PACIFIC
THE TRIP: An 11-night Pacific Islands cruise departing March 7, 2017, calling at ports in New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
THE SHIP: Princess Cruises’ 3082-guest Emerald Princess will introduce new dining and entertainment offerings to Australian waters when it arrives in Sydney on November 15 for its maiden season. Highlights include the Australian debut of on-board musical Magic to Do.
THE TIP: Princess Cruises vice-president Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison: “Experience beautiful tropical ports while revelling in all the comforts of a world-class ship. Our guests can relax and take in all that Emerald Princess has to offer.”
ROYAL VISIT FOR KANGAROO ISLAND
THE TRIP: A four-night round-trip cruise from Melbourne to Kangaroo Island departing February 18, 2017.
THE SHIP: Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2’s features include 15 restaurants and bars, five swimming pools, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, a 3D cinema, the largest ballroom at sea and the only planetarium at sea.
THE TIP: Cunard director of sales Australia Ryan Taibel says: “This is a rare opportunity for Australian cruisers to experience a short cruise on the remastered Queen Mary 2 close to home – and to be part of history as she makes her maiden visit to beautiful Kangaroo Island.”
SAMPLE CELEBRITY LIFE
THE TRIP: A two-night sampler trip sailing a round trip from Sydney on October 20, 2017.
THE SHIP: With a top deck of real lawn for relaxing or lawn games, the premium Celebrity Solstice is the highest-rated cruise ship based in Australia this season, according to the Berlitz Guide 2016. The ship is undergoing a $11.25 million overhaul.
THE TIP: Adam Armstrong, commercial director, RCL Australia & NZ: “The stunning dry-dock refresh will see the new A Taste of Film cinema experience under the stars added to its top deck, as well as two new boutiques, new Lawn Club cabanas ... and an all-new digital photo gallery.”
FIRST TIME TO AUSTRALIA
THE TRIP: A 29-day South Pacific voyage from Papeete to Sydney departing February 4, 2017, through French Polynesia, Samoa, Fiji and New Caledonia.
THE SHIP: Refurbished this year, Oceania’s premium cruise ship Sirena focuses on elegance and cuisine. The 648-guest ship has five bars and lounges and five dining choices in addition to the Grand Dining Room.
THE TIP: Lisa Pile, vice-president of sales, Australia & New Zealand: “The island gems of the South Pacific offer incredible beauty and culture. Explore these natural wonders in style ... aboard Oceania’s newest ship, the elegant Sirena, which will visit Australia for the first time in 2017.”
EPIC VIKING VOYAGE
THE TRIP: Viking Ocean Cruises’ newest ship Viking Sun will set sail on its maiden voyage in December 2017 from Miami to London, visiting five continents over 141 days.
THE SHIP: Viking Sun will accommodate 930 passengers in understated elegance and has Nordic touches such as a snow grotto in the spa. The all-veranda ship features inclusions such as Wi-Fi, drinks and shore tours plus lectures. Dining includes fine dining in The Restaurant, and four alternative restaurants.
THE TIP: Viking Cruises chairman Torstein Hagen: “We have been focused on bringing the destination back to ocean cruising. Guests can explore comfortably, with experiences that enrich their lives along the way.”
FULL FJORD, COOL BRITANNIA
THE TRIP: A seven-night round-trip cruise to Norway departing Southampton on August 5, 2017, with visits to Stavanger, Olden and Bergen.
THE SHIP: P&O Cruises World Cruising’s 3600-guest Britannia features 13 eateries anchored by celebrity chefs such as Marco Pierre White, 13 bars such as Brodie’s Pub serving 70 British beer and cider choices and the Crow’s Nest Lounge.
THE TIP: P&O Cruises world cruising vice-president sales & marketing Australia Simon Cheng: “There’s been a real surge in the popularity of cruising in Northern Europe ... this is a great cruise that will be made all the more memorable by the comfort and style of Britannia.”
NEW CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
THE TRIP: A six-night Caribbean cruise departing Miami on March 19, 2017, calling at Ocho Rios in Jamaica and Grand Cayman and Cozumel in Mexico.
THE SHIP: Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship the 3954-guest Carnival Vista’s features include a suspended cycling experience called SkyRide and the first IMAX Theatre at sea.
THE TIP: Carnival Cruise Line vice-president Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke: “Carnival Vista offers some exciting new styles of accommodation, so I’d recommend upgrading to a Havana Club Suite for access to the private Havana Club pool area or a Family Harbor suite.”
TWO COUNTRIES, TWO SHIPS
THE TRIP: A 15-day France and Portugal river cruise combination, departures May-October 2017.
THE SHIP: Evergreen’s new, custom-built Emerald Liberte and Emerald Radiance, due to launch next April. Both have two restaurants and massage centre, the 138-guest Liberte has a heated pool with retractable roof that becomes a cinema room.
THE TIP: Evergreen Tours general manager Angus Crichton: “The 15-Day Three Rivers Discovery Cruise links a Douro Valley cruise in Portugal with one on the Rhone and Saone rivers in France. You’ll wander the streets of Avignon and sip local beaujolais one week, then relax on board Emerald Radiance, exploring Salamanca and sampling port in the wine caves of Villa Nova de Gaia in Porto the next.”
LUXURY IN THE ANTARCTIC
THE TRIP: A 21-day Buenos Aires to Santiago cruise includes six days of landings in Antarctica, departing January 12, 2017.
THE SHIP: The 225-suite Seabourn Quest offers an all-inclusive voyage with a focus on gourmet food, offering dining options such as The Grill by Thomas Keller.
THE TIP: Seabourn director of sales Australia Tony Archbold: “This is a cruise delivering high adventure during the day and absolute luxury on board your ship. Make sure you take advantage of the crew of Antarctica experts who travel with you, and use the Seabourn Ventures program.”
RED-HOT RIVER FAVOURITE
THE TRIP: Scenic’s 15-day Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise.
THE SHIP: Scenic’s Space-Ships boast among the largest cabins of river ships with spacious bathrooms and plenty of storage. Drinks and shore excursions are included.
THE TIP: Scenic general manager, journey design, Aleisha Fittler: “This hero river cruise is as popular as ever, with its appeal lying in the many diverse countries it travels through – the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Visiting different ports every day there is ample time to discover ... the many cultures and traditions that make Europe so special.”
FIFTEEN DAYS, FIVE COUNTRIES
THE TRIP: APT’s 15-day Magnificent Europe with departures between Amsterdam and Budapest wind through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.
THE SHIP: APT’s Concerto class ships feature twin balcony suites, heated pool and up to seven dining areas.
THE TIP: APT head of marketing Justine Lally: “The contrast of cultures, the incredible history, the food and wine and the chance to enjoy the northern hemisphere summer during our colder months all appeal.”
ACTION ON THE DANUBE
THE TRIP: The nine-day Active Discovery on the Danube cruise sails from Austria to Hungary, on various dates including July 8, 2017.
THE SHIP: Avalon Waterways’ 138-guest Avalon Luminary has a sky deck with whirlpool and bistro, three lounges, bar and fitness centre. Active options include guided cycling tours and canoeing while exploring the Danube.
THE TIP: Avalon Waterways managing director Australasia Stewart Williams: “If you like hands-on experiences ...and a bit of action, but still want the relaxed luxury of a stylish ship, this is the perfect cruise.”
