Get Cruising!

Friday 30 September 2016

SeaDream's taste of the Mediterranean's good life


START TO 2017 WILL HAVE YOU SEADREAMING

IF you'll be in the USA come early next January and know you'll have a few spare days up your sleeve, fill them in with an unforgettable 4-day start to 2017 aboard the world's highest-rated boutique motor-cruiser, SeaDream I on a big-discounted round-trip sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados in the Caribbean.

Departing on January 3, the price of this 4-day sailing has been slashed from US$4624pp twin-share to just US$2223pp twin-share.

You'll visit the uninhabited Tobago Cays with their green turtles and coral reefs (and doubtless recognise where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed,) Union Island dubbed "the Tahiti of the West Indies," Port Elizabeth that's home to the famed "Mac's Lobster Pizza," and tiny Mayreau where crew will host SeaDream's exclusive Champagne and Caviar Splash in a picture-perfect secluded bay…

Included will be wines with lunches and dinners, premium drinks from the open bars, power and sail water sports where locally permitted, mountain bikes for shore expeditions, a no-charge onboard golf simulator and fitness centre, and port charges and taxes.

For full details see travel agents or visit www.seadream.com; SeaDream I carries a maximum of just 112 guests served by 95 crew.

[] IT'S unique Champagne and Caviar Splash will be a feature of SeaDream I's 4-day Caribbean sailing from Bridgetown, Barbados next January.


Friday 23 September 2016

Silver Muse maiden voyage - get aboard




Silversea's new flagship, Silver Muse, is set to redefine ocean travel, enhancing the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations.  Igniting the start of an exciting 2017 Mediterranean cruising season, Silversea has tailored Silver Muse's maiden voyage to sail one of the most sought-after stretches of the European coastline.

Departing Monte Carlo, Monaco on 19 April 2017, Silver Muse sails west towards Spain.  The vibrant city of Marseille is the first port of call, where guests can be immersed in the countries rich history and culture, before exploring Barcelona, Spain.  Here guests can view ancient and modern architecture and relax on the sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches. Guests also have the option of a variety of shore excursions ranging from a relaxing day of golf, to soaring to new heights on a helicopter tour of the city.

The voyage continues toward Italy's picturesque coast, stopping at the beautiful ports in Sicily, Amalfi, Sorrento and Rome.  Here guests can savour a delightful array of traditional Italian food, and bask under the hot Italian sun.  Guests return to the enchanting French Riviera, disembarking in Nice, on 03 May 2017, where a guided tour of the Old City awaits to conclude the truly luxurious Silversea experience.

Soak up the ambience and award-winning gastronomic pedigree of what is surely the most comprehensive dining experience at sea. Eight superb restaurants mean more choice than ever while our unrivalled culinary excellence raises the bar in offshore dining.

As part of Silversea's Early Booking Bonus offer, guests can save 10% on the published fare when booked and paid in full before 31 October 2016. Prices are per person based on double occupancy, in a Classic Veranda Suite:

·         Published fare starting from AU$10,950
·         Early Booking Bonus fare starting from AU$9,855

Silversea fares include: all-suite accommodation with butler service; gourmet menus inspired by Relais & Châteaux; complimentary onboard champagne, wines and spirits; and one hour of complimentary WiFi per day for each guest and unlimited WiFi for the ship's top suites (Medallion and higher categories) and all gratuities.

This voyage is subject to availability.  Terms and conditions apply.  For more information, contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 or visit www.silversea.com.

Monday 19 September 2016

Cruise Bites: September 2016


Crystal have added a 3-person submarine to their fleet, so you can now take your cruise underwater. When Scenic and Crystal launch their new state-of-the-art expedition ships, both will feature these craft that can dive to over 100m. True.

The once impassable Northwest Passage welcomed its first full-size cruise ship when Crystal Serenity took a leisurely 32 days to sail from Alaska to New York. It’s on again for 2017.

No longer a best-kept-secret, New Zealand will see a record number of cruise ships including the largest ship to sail there, RCCL’s 167,000 tonne Ovation of the Seas. A total of 33 ships will make more than 600 port calls.



RCCL’s Ovation of the Seas will be the largest ship ever to visit Australia, eclipsing Cunard’s QM2 by 20,000 tonnes. The ship can fit almost 5000 passengers and will homeport in Sydney this summer.

Launched in May this year, the massive, 4000 passenger Carnival Vista will feature not only the first IMAX at sea, but a water park, an aerial bike ride and a brewery located in the onboard Red Frog Pub. Burp!

Passengers aboard the brand new Aranui 5 can indulge in an ancient Polynesian art by having an authentic tattoo by native artists during port stops in the remote Marquesas, considered the birthplace of this unique body art.