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Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: [email protected] Page 1
Tuesday 15 January 2013
TODAY’S ISSUE OF CW Today’s issue features five pages packedfull of cruise news and photos.
American Queen delayed GUESTS booked onboard the riversteamboat, American Queen’s 07 February and15 February roundtrip voyages out of NewOrleans are being forced to change plans, afterthe American Queen Steamboat Co announcedit had been forced to cancel the departures. “This additional time in lay-up is needed tocustom-build a much stronger drive shaft witha 40- to 50-year lifespan, as well as re-installthe iconic paddlewheel,” said Ted Sykes,American Queen Steamboat Co President. In addition to the paddlewheel, the ship isalso enjoying refurbishments such as updatedpaint and wallpaper in staterooms and publicareas, as well as a makeover to the JM WhiteDining Room and Engine Room Bar. The ship is also being fitted out with a newFront Porch Cafe. According to the company, work will becomplete on American Queen by the end ofthe season, and she will depart on her first2013 voyage on 23 February. Guests who have missed out on their 07 or15 February sailings are being given theopportunity to rebook on a selection of otherUpper Mississippi or Ohio River cruisedepartures. In addition, guests will also receive US$250refund for the inconvenience.
or contact your AFTA Travel Agent wendywutours.com.au
or cor contaontact yct yourour AFTAAFTA TraTravelvel AgenAgenttCall 1300 727 998CCallll 11303000 727277 999988CC llll 11303000 77CCallll 11330000 772277 999988Brochure out now!
Welcome aboard
Deluxe River Cruising & China Holidays 2013
Uniworld unveils unlimited benefitsIn 2014 Uniworld BoutiqueRiver Cruise Collection willbecome all-inclusive in Europe,with fares to include all drinksand tipping. LUXURY river cruises have long offered "free"shore excursions, transfers, internet and wineand beer with meals, but Uniworld is takingthe next step up.
From next year, the company will expand itscomplimentary beverages to include spirits,and fares will also cover all gratuities whileonboard and onshore including pre- and post-cruise extensions. John Molinaro, General Manager of UniworldAustralia, told Cruise Weekly: "Whentravelling, Australians often appreciate nothaving to continually reach into their pocketsand worry about paying for additionalexpenses. “Our guests also frequently comment onhow having an all-inclusive holiday thatencompasses beverages, gratuities and shoreexcursions packaged up in the one price, addsto the ease and convenience of their overallexperience.” Molinaro compared the new offering to“high-end luxury ocean cruise lines such asCrystal, Regent and Silversea”. “Uniworld is dedicated to creating the mostpremium and hassle-free holiday for ourvalued guests,” he said. A company spokesperson confirmed thatmanagement in the Los Angeles office was“still working” on the 2014 preview programand pricing, but said “we don't anticipate thereto be a major price increase in next year'sprogram”. Uniworld's move follows Scenic Tours'decision last year to introduce all-inclusiveriver cruises in Europe in 2013. APT also includes free drinks on its 'Platinum'Europe river cruises. For more information about Uniworld, seewww.uniworldcruises.com.au.
Uniworld’s River Beatrice
Speedy internet at sea ROYAL Caribbean Cruises has signed a multi-year agreement with O3b Networks to providehigh-speed satellite-delivered broadbandservice onboard Allure of the Seas, meaningthat around 8,000 guests, staff and crewwill be able to connect to the internet at fiber-like speeds at sea.
GREAT RATES!GO FOR IT!
WE’VE GOT EUROPE COVERED 2013
$115 per day
*from
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: [email protected] Page 2
Tuesday 15 January 2013
CruiseCalendar
Cruise Weekly’s cruise calendar detailsupcoming port calls of passenger cruiseships at various destinations in Australia.
BRISBANECrystal Symphony Wed 16 JanPacific Dawn Sat 19 Jan
HOBARTSeven Seas Voyager Fri 18 Jan
SYDNEYCelebrity Solstice Tue 15 JanPacific Pearl Thu 17 JanPacific Jewel Sat 19 JanCarnival Spirit Sun 20 JanCrystal Symphony Sun 20 JanRadiance of the Seas Mon 21 Jan
SAVE $2000 PER COUPLE
ON SELECT 2013 EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISES
*conditions apply – see websiteClick here for information on available cruises
MORE EARLYBIRD DEALS AVAILABLE
UP TO
Book early for a free balcony upgrade*
*Learn more here
Celebrate the exceptionalAnnual Sale
Saga with Ruby’s world cruise SAGA Ruby’s final 109-day World Cruise hasbeen delayed due to issues with the ship’scrank shaft. The 655-passenger ship was due to departSouthampton on 07 January, but was delayedonly hours before setting sail, due to thediscovery of the faulty crank shaft. “We are deeply sorry to all our customersaffected,” said Saga Cruises' chief executiveRobin Shaw. “The failure was identified through routinemaintenance,” he added. The cruise line has said that it expects therepairs to take up to ten days to complete, andis offering affected passengers a full refund.
MELBOURNEDiamond Princess Tue 15 JanCelebrity Solstice Sat 19 JanSeven Seas Voyager Sun 20 Jan
ADELAIDETrue North Tue 15 Jan
Shipboard CreditsUP TO
US$500PER STATEROOM ON SELECT SAILINGS
Bonus Savings UP TO $5,545 PER GUEST ON SELECT SAILINGS
2013 CRUISESDEPARTING FROM
APRIL TO NOVEMBER 2013
ISSUE 1 Offers valid from January 1 - March 31, 2013YOUR WORLDOOOOYOYOOOOOOYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUR WR W Explore
Shipboard Credits of up to US$500 per stateroomBonus savings up to $5,545 per guest on select sailings
CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A BROCHURE
NEW BROCHURES OUT NOW!
Celebrity launches earlybird saleSpecial deals are now availablefor all local and international2013-14 sailings with CelebrityCruises. CABIN upgrades, onboard credits andcomplimentary drinks packages are among theperks offered on a total of 450 cruisesworldwide. “This is Celebrity Cruises' biggest everearlybird sale, boasting offers on the widestrange of Celebrity itineraries across the globe,”said Adam Armstrong, Commercial Director,Celebrity Cruises Australia. “We're pleased to have expanded our annualearlybird sale to include international cruisesoutside of Australia and New Zealand for thevery first time. “Whether you wish to cruise locally orfurther afield, we certainly have a temptingoffer for you to consider,” he added. On Australia, New Zealand & South PacificCruises, free “double upgrades” to a balconystateroom, for the price of an inside cabin, areoffered on Celebrity Solstice for all departures(ex Sydney, Fremantle and Auckland) fromOctober 2013 to April 2014. Valid until 28 February 2013, fares for aneight-night South Pacific cruise start at $1,395per person twin-share (departing Sydney 3April 2014). Bookings for Europe cruises, three nights orlonger departing between February 2013 andApril 2014, attract up to US$300 onboardcredit plus a Classic beverage package for twoadults worth up to US$1,200 in value (US$88per day) including unlimited beverages such aswine, cocktails, juices, soft drinks and coffees. This offer is valid for bookings made before27 January 2013 for oceanview or higherstaterooms, excluding sailings on CelebrityXpedition. Prices for a 12-night Mediterranean Venicecruise start at $1,869 per person twin-shareonboard Celebrity Equinox departing fromBarcelona on 20 October 2013.
For all other international cruises, includingAlaska, Asia, the Caribbean, South America andthe Panama Canal, adult passengers receivethe complimentary Classic beverage package. This offer is also available for bookings madebefore 27 January 2013 for oceanview orhigher staterooms on cruises three nights orlonger. For more information, contact a travel agent,visit www.celebritycruises.com.au or call1800 754 500.
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: [email protected] Page 3
Tuesday 15 January 2013
Just one click away fromkeeping up to date with allthe breaking news as itcomes to hand...
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Crystal: Kids sail free FAMILIES looking for a child-friendly cruisedeal should check out Crystal Cruises new ‘KidsSail Free’ offer, for 2013 voyages in NorthernEurope and the Mediterranean. The deal applies to four voyages in June andJuly, including three 10-day Crystal Serenitysailings departing 25 June, 20 and 30 Julyrespectively, through Stockholm (overnight),Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia(two overnights); Helsinki, Finland; Berlin/Warnemünde, Germany; and Copenhagen,Denmark. The fourth cruise is a seven-day sailingthrough the Mediterranean departing 06 Julyon Crystal Symphony, visiting Istanbul andKusadasi, Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; and Sicily/Taormina, Sorrento, and Rome, Italy. The deal means that junior cruisers aged 17and under can travel for free when sharing athird berth stateroom with two adults. All-inclusive “Book Now” fares for the fourluxury European cruises start at US$5,245pptwin share if booked by 28 February 2013. For full details, see your local travel agent, orvisit www.wiltrans.com.au.
Contact Discover the World Cruising your Hurtigruten Specialist 1800 OCEANS (1800 623 267) [email protected] | discovertheworldcruising.com.au | or your travel agent
*Anniversary Celebration Fares valid on select Norway Classic voyages, subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice. Saving of up to $2,925 per couple based on full fare Classic Round Voyage departure 01 Aug 13 in outside cabin grade J/L. ^Bonus Shipboard Credit is valid for any Classic Norway Voyage departing between
01 Apr & 30 Sep 2013 when booked by 31 Jan 2013. Travel Agent Lic. 2TA06929 (Discover the World Marketing Travel trading as Discover the World Cruising)
To celebrate this great milestone, Hurtigruten is offering special Anniversary Celebration Fares on select Norway Classic Voyages – saving up to $2,925 per couple*!
PLUS, book any Classic Norway Voyage departing between 01 Apr & 30 Sep 2013 and receive a bonus Shipboard Credit of NOK1200 per cabin
Hurtigruten celebrates their 120th Anniversary in 2013
ring
Save up to $2,925 per couple*
plus bonus shipboard credit^
HURRY!! book by
14 February 2013!
Contact D
NORWAY & Scandinaviaincluding Western Europe
& British Isles
Tailormade SeaTours
2013
navian Europe
les
ade SeaaTooururrss
2013 Norway & Scandinavia brochure
out now
Cruise and coach in NZ CELEBRITY Cruises has joined forces withNew Zealand Coach Holiday specialist, GrandPacific Tours, to release the 23 Day Best ofNew Zealand cruise and luxury coach tour. The holiday commences from Sydneyonboard Celebrity Solstice with a 12-nightcruise across the Tasman visiting MilfordSound, Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington andTauranga, before concluding in Auckland. From Auckland guests will join a luxury coachfor a 10-night land tour of NZ, with highlightsincluding a rail journey on the world famousTranzAlpine, a trip to the Waitomo Glow WormCaves for a tour and a visit to the HobbitonMovie Set. Fares start from $6049pp, which includesairfare from NZ to your homeport, taxes, mostmeals, attractions, cruise and coach travel. See your travel agent for details.
Looking for inspiration? WHAT could make a cruise better? Give it atheme. Well that’s what the folks at American CruiseLines have come up with, offering three brandnew theme cruises for 2013, including a GoldRush theme cruise in Alaska, a Civil WarEastern Theatre theme cruise to complementthe Western Theatre cruise offered on theMississippi River, and a new Enrichment themecruise to relax the mind, body and soul of ourguests aboard the New England Islandsitinerary. “Theme cruises are extremely popular asthey add an extra element of connectivitybetween our guests and the areas we travel,”said company VP Timothy Beebe. To learn more, visit your local travel agent, orsee www.americancruiselines.com.
ACL’s Queen of the Mississippi
Missed out on a Xmas cruise? CRUISEABOUT is luring Aussies who missedout on a Christmas cruise this year, with aspecial South Pacific December 2013 cruisedeal. Priced from $1,599pp, the deal includes aten-night South Pacific voyage onboard PacificJewel, which departs Sydney on 18 December. The round-trip voyage trip sails to Noumea,Lifou, Vila and Mystery Island, and includes aspecial visit to the Isle of Pines on ChristmasDay, where passengers can spend the daybasking under the sun on pristine beaches. The deal is available to book until 28February, or until sold out. See www.cruiseabout.com.au.
Celebrity Billboard CELEBRITY Cruises has partnered withBillboard music promotions to launch a seriesof new music shows onboard its vessels. As a result, the cruise line is bringing severalmusical themed games and parties onboard itsships including Billboard: The Music GameShow which is a TV styled interactivegameshow and Billboard: The Music TriviaSeries.
NEW 2013 BROCHUREOUT NOW!
CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A BROCHURE
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: [email protected] Page 4
Port Review: Saigon, Vietnamby Cruise Sales Manager, Roger Condon
Eventually, Vietnam captures everyone's travel imagination in one way or another. Numerousoccupations and the recent North/South conflict have turned this beautiful country upside-down, yet it has not dampened the Vietnamese spirit! Only 15 years after the fall of the Southand with the end of the Soviet Union, Vietnam opened its doors to West. Followed by the liftingof the U.S. trade embargo in 1994 this country has changed dramatically. Still politicallycommunist, capitalism has been fully embraced by most. It is in Ho Chi Minh City (renamed fromSaigon almost immediately after the fall of the South) that we see this rush to make money. At6am the roads are grid-locked with bicycles and mopeds and everyone seems to be moving atbreakneck speed towards another day. Cruises to Vietnam are extremely popular and normally operate between Hong Kong andSingapore or Bangkok. They usually include several Vietnam ports, such as Haiphong (forHanoi), Danang/Chan May (for Hue) and of course, Saigon. Saigon isn't located right on the sea, but is connected to it by a busy river. Depending on thesize of the ship you select will also determine how close you dock to the city. Small ships get youvery close to the action, just minutes away. Be on deck for the several hours sailing up the riverto Saigon. Some ships offer shuttle services to get you into town, or you can take a 'local' taxi,but first make sure it has four wheels and brakes, and air-conditioning translates into windingdown your window. I suggest you select an itinerary that includes two days here, so you can explore the frenziedSaigon markets, where you can buy everything from knock-off designer goods, hand-craftedlacquerware, clothing (including the beautiful Ao Dai), and discover the aromas of hundreds ofspices. There are enchanting pagodas and temples, culinary delights and many reminders of theVietnam War. Two days allow you to venture outside of town and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, givingyour a fascinating insight into Vietnamese ingenuity, or head south to the must-see MekongDelta, where an entirely different life on the water takes place, that of rice, coffee and fish.
Roger’s Quick TipsRoger’s Quick TipsRoger’s Quick TipsRoger’s Quick TipsRoger’s Quick TipsBest Months: December-AprilDon’t Miss: Mekong Delta. Drinks/dinner at ChillTour or Not: Some touring, some independent sightseeingSightseeing: Reunification Palace, Cu Chi TunnelsLanguage: VietnameseShopping: Diamond Plaza (high end), Ben Thanh MarketCash or Card: Credit Card, USD or Aussie cash
By Roger Condon, cruise sales manager, Discover the World Market ing - with 15 years at sea.
People’s Committee Building, Saigon
Tuesday 15 January 2013
Just one click away fromkeeping up to date with allthe breaking news as itcomes to hand...
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BECOME linked by sea. Princess Cruises’ newest blog will explore“the many relationships that begin, or arerekindled, at sea”. Titled ‘Linked by the Sea’ the blog sportsstories from both passengers and crewmembers, recounting personal tales offriendship, romance and meaningfulconnections forged at sea. “A cruise often includes the discovery ofnew friends or rekindled relationships thatlead to meaningful or lifelong bonds,” saidJan Swartz, Princess Cruises Executive VicePresident. “We frequently hear amazing stories fromour passengers and crew about people theyconnect with at sea. “These moving tales provided the perfecttheme for our third blog and we know theywill touch readers,” said Swartz. In the first blog, passenger Steve Deastells how wearing a kilt on board became anicebreaker that led to an ongoing friendshipwith Princess Maitre d' Generoso Mazzone.
VIKING Grace has hit the world stage thismonth, after her completion at STX Finland’sTurku shipyard. Billed as the world’s most environmentallyfriendly large passenger ship, Grace, is thenewest ferry to join Viking Line, and offersaccommodations for 2,800 passengers and1,000 cars. The vessel’s impressive environmental credsees the ship fueled by Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG), which reduces nitrogen and sulphuremissions and other greenhouse gases. The vessel also sports “safe return to portcompliance technology”, which involves“advanced levels of control technology and riskassessment not traditionally applied to cruiseferries”.
A new frontier in environmentally sustainable cruising In addition, Grace is already garnering aname for herself in regards to the design andlayout of guest areas, with innovativerestaurants such as the Oscar à la carterestaurant with its classic cuisine influenced byScandinavian specialities; the Seamore,champagne and wine bar; Frank’s, a moderndrop in restaurant; Aurora, the pleasant buffetrestaurant; Sweet & and Salty, café withsnacks; Retro, relaxed bar and dance club; andRockmore Bar, a “rocking After Sea bar”.
MSC enhances Mediterranean MSC Cruises has tweaked MSC Fantasia’sseven-night Eastern Mediterranean itinerariesbetween 24 March and 27 October this year,adding the medieval town of Dubrovnik to theline-up of port calls. Departing roundtrip every Sunday fromVenice, the itinerary will include calls in Bari,Italy, Katakolon, Santorini, Athens and Corfu inGreece, as well as Dubrovnik, Croatia. Meanwhile the company has also changedup MSC Splendida’s seven-night WestMediterranean itinerary sailing between 23March and 09 November out of Genoa, withreplacing the previously scheduled call inPalermo, Italy with a call to Tunis, Tunisia. Last but not least MSC Orchestra’s seven-night Mediterranean itinerary between 29March and 18 October out of Genoa, will nowfeature a call in Palermo, Italy, instead of theplanned call in Catania, Italy. For more information see your travel agentor visit www.msccruises.com.au.
People’s Committee Building, Saigon
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: [email protected] Page 5
Cruise Weekly is Australia’s 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 AdobeAcrobat PDF document.Sign up for a free subscription at www.cruiseweekly.com.au.PO Box 1010, Epping, NSW 1710Phone: 1300 799 220 Fax: 1300 799 221
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For details call us today: 1300 799 220Tuesday 15 January 2013
2012 Small Ship Shufflesby: Roderick Eime
The small ship, expedition and adventure cruise ship fleet iscontinually on the move. Not just on the world's oceans, but betweenoperators, owners and cruise lines. Typically a ship is owned by an individual, an investment group or aninstrumentality, like the Russian oceanographic ships, and managedby a specialist organisation like International Shipping Partners (ISP)in Miami. Ships are then chartered or leased to a cruise line that willsail it under their brand. Expedition ships, in particular, are apromiscuous variety, hopping from one line to another with new apersona as circumstances change. Here is a short summary of some of the better known expeditionship movements over the last 12 months. Corinthian II (one of the eight Renaissance class ships, R7) willconclude eight faithful years with US operator, Travel Dynamics, andbe renamed Sea Explorer. She will begin with newbie operator PolarLatitudes in March 2013. Orion II, once Clelia II (another Renaissance class ship, R4) after ashortened stint with Orion Expedition Cruises, is being returned toTravel Dynamics as Corinthian. She's had a tough life. Hebridean Spirit (R6) became Caledonian Sky after Australian APTtook a strategic stake in high-end adventure company, NobleCaledonia. She's heading to the Kimberley for the 2013 season (CW02 Oct 12). Sea Spirit (R5), once Spirit of Oceanus when with failed US cruiseline, Cruise West, returns to Quark after a 2012 northern summerseason with Dutch line, Oceanwide Expeditions. Ocean Diamond left service with Ponant Cruises at the end of 2011where she sailed as Le Diamant. Quark will return her to servicebeginning this Antarctic season. Built in 1974 as a cargo ship, she was
Lyubov Orlova Andrea Ponant Diamant
converted for cruising in 1986 and is nearing the end of her servicelife. Clipper Adventurer, an elegant and trusted vessel, if somewhat longin the tooth, became Sea Adventurer in 2012 and will sail for Quarkand Zegrahm in 2013. Built in 1975 in the former Yugoslavia, she is atwin of the Lyubov Orlova (sometimes unkindly referred to as 'lube oilall over') which, after languishing for many months under arrest inNova Scotia, now seems destined for the breakers. MS Andrea, a delightful little 1960-built former Hurtigruten coastalvessel (Harald Jarl) seemed doomed when her US owners went bustin 2008. Increasingly strict regulations made the cosy cruiser aliability, but it seems she will return to service this year under newRussian owners as MS Serenissima. Find her itineraries with NobleCaledonia. Akademik Sergey Vavilov, one of the most trusted and well-travelledice-strengthened oceanographic vessels joins Andrew Prossin's OneOcean Expeditions this year after stalwart service with Quark. Thiswriter completed his first expedition cruise in 1998 aboard this vesselwhile with Quark. The sister ship, Akademik Ioffe, began operationswith OOE in 2010. Le Levant departs Ponant Cruises after entering service with theFrench-flagged line from new in 1998. The sleek 90-passenger luxuryvessel will be operated from this year by Paul Gauguin Cruises inFrench Polynesia after a comprehensive refit and overhaul. Marina Svetaeva, the sturdy 1989-built Arctic ferry, bought byAurora Expeditions founders Greg and Margaret Mortimer in 2008soon became a burden. After sale to Dutch line, OceanwideExpeditons, it became Ortelius and just completed its first year ofservice with new owners.
