New flagship for Silversea christened in Monaco

 
Silver Muse christened by Silversea Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio's daughter, Costanza Lefebvre, in Monaco

The ninth ship in the Silversea fleet offers the highest expression of excellence at sea

Ultra-luxury cruise line, Silversea, welcomed VIPs and other distinguished guests to Port Hercule in the heart of Monaco yesterday, including: His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco; His Excellency Minister of State of the Principality, Serge Telle; His Excellency Archbishop of Monaco Barsi; Mr. Peter Greenberg (CBS-TV Anchor and News Travel Editor, Master of  Ceremony); Mr. Geoffrey Kent (Abercrombie & Kent Founder) and Mr. Gerald Lawless (Chairman of WTCC), for an intimate ceremony marking the christening of the latest addition to the fleet, Silver Muse. 

The historic celebration, hosted by Silversea Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, was honoured with incredible performances by the Sinfonietta Orchestra of Rome and renowned violinist Charlie Siem, both of whom enriched the ceremony with sublimely moving musical renditions.

Silver Muse, the ninth ship in the Silversea fleet, caters to the most discerning passengers at sea, offering the highest expression of elegance and comfort while aiming to redefine the ultra-luxury cruising experience.

Over the past two weeks, guests from around the world were invited to preview the new flagship on a number of exclusive voyages in the Mediterranean. Initial feedback from media, as well as trade and industry representatives has been overwhelmingly positive, with the quality of the finished Fincantieri vessel and Silversea's level of service by the Silver Muse crew exceeding guests' expectations.  

Accommodating 596 passengers, the ship boasts an unrivalled selection of dining options on board, including three restaurants new to the Silversea fleet: Atlantide, a seafood and grill concept representing the ultimate in culinary excellence and creativity by using the finest ingredients sourced from around the world; the Asian-accented Indochine; and an Italian-themed poolside restaurant, Spaccanapoli, which serves homemade Italian pizzas throughout the day. With the addition of these new culinary venues, Silver Muse guests have a choice of eight onboard restaurants and the freedom to dine on "anything, anywhere, at any time" on the ship.

Silver Muse is also home to the unique Zàgara Beauty Spa, which offers a relaxing sanctuary while transporting guests on a journey of the five senses tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

Monaco is not merely the base of Silversea's operations, it is also the home of the company's proud Monegasque history. Silversea shares the culture, traditions and values of the Principality with the world, with its nine ships visiting more than 900 different ports of call each year.

Attending the christening ceremony, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco said: "On behalf of the Principality of Monaco, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Silver Muse, its crew and passengers. She represents the next generation of cruise ships with respect to both fuel efficiency and energy saving technology. We share with Silversea common values and principles surrounding responsible environmental practices, and the development of sustainable business activities. The preservation of the oceans is a crucial priority for future generations."

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Silversea Chairman, said: "The close ties between Silversea and the Principality of Monaco reflect not only our commitment to this beautiful region but also to the history and values to which we adhere. Silversea is an Italian, family-owned business, yet our heart will always be shared with the Principality as we continue to move forward. As the home of Silversea, Monaco was always the natural choice for the christening of our new flagship, Silver Muse, and it is with great pleasure that we can share this milestone with both the residents and guests of the Principality."

Roberto Martinoli, CEO of Silversea Cruises

Roberto Martinoli, CEO of Silversea Cruises, added: "Silversea is associated with exceptional quality and voyages that leave long-lasting memories of discovery and wonder. As we continue to invest in our entire fleet, Silver Muse offers guests a taste of what is to come. Silver Muse represents an evolution of the Silversea hallmarks that set the company apart from the competition. With eight dining options, offering 28 varieties of culinary delights, Silver Muse has redefined the art of gastronomy at sea. With more open-air spaces and state-of-the-art facilities on board, we are positive that both new and returning guests will enjoy unforgettable memories."

For more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Renewed Norwegian Jade resumes service

Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel-class ship returns to service with upgraded dining options, newly designed spaces and clean modernisations across the entire ship just in time for her summer season in Europe.

 


Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Jade sailed into her seasonal homeport of Tampa as an essentially new vessel this morning, following a three week dry dock where she received enhancements to every part of the onboard experience, from two brand new restaurants and two new bars and lounges, updated design and décor in many public spaces, and a refurbishment of all staterooms. Norwegian Jade's extensive renovation is a part of The Norwegian Edge™, an investment program that sets a high standard of excellence encompassing the entire guest experience across Norwegian's fleet. Norwegian Jade's extensive enhancements come just in time for her highly anticipated summer season, the brand's first ever complete season sailing from Hamburg, Germany to the Norwegian Fjords, with embarkation also available in the UK.

"We're thrilled to welcome Norwegian Jade back into the fleet with her new stylish finishes and modernised onboard atmosphere," said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. "It is our sincere goal to deliver a fantastic holiday experience across our entire fleet, and this update to Norwegian Jade is an opportunity for us to enhance the ship's hardware to match the fantastic guest experience our hardworking crew delivers to our guests every day."

Norwegian Jade guests can now enjoy two new restaurants, as well as redesigned spaces in many of the ship's existing restaurants. Norwegian's 24-hour neighbourhood pub-style restaurant, O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill, has been added to deck eight. Serving up cold brews and snack-time favourites in a relaxed atmosphere, the new venue features modern flooring, refurbished front and back bars and new banquet seating. The Pit Stop, a newly installed concept for Norwegian Jade, will serve up poolside fun and fare in a 1950s-style American diner atmosphere, clad with vintage licence plates, gas station signage and classic car elements.

Moderno Churrascaria received a new home on deck 13 and features a new upscale glass door entrance, floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing for stunning panoramic views of the ocean enhanced by new flooring, wall coverings and upgraded furniture. Now, even more Norwegian Jade guests can enjoy Cagney's Steakhouse, as the ever-popular restaurant has added additional seating to the completely refurbished space, which offers a new color scheme befitting of a classic steakhouse, upgraded flooring, new wall linings and an intimate new virtual fireplace. La Cucina, Norwegian's signature Italian specialty restaurant, received an elegant modernisation with several new features including updated décor and furniture, flooring, a new decorative bar and an impressive wine display wall. Teppanyaki, Norwegian's Japanese hibachi grill restaurant, was enhanced with updated furnishings and fittings while complimentary favourites Jasmine Garden and the Garden Café also received extensive enhancements including newly designed spaces with upgrades to furniture, new flooring and much more.

Those looking to dance the night away aboard Norwegian Jade can now do so in the chic new Bliss Ultra Lounge on deck seven, which has the feel of an upscale Miami nightclub and features a cool colour palette of silvers, greys and black. Guests who wish to indulge in  an exotic cocktail can enjoy their favourite mojito, or opt for a flight and try them all, at the new Sugarcane Mojito Bar on deck 13 adjacent to Moderno Churrascaria, a Norwegian fan favourite since the concept debuted on Norwegian Getaway in 2014.  Sugarcane features, new granite bar fronts, as well as new furnishings and finishes. Norwegian Jade's Spinnaker Lounge also received a complete redesign of the entire space to include new flooring and window treatments, decorative chandeliers, reupholstered seating and refurbished bars with contemporary mosaic tiling and LED lighting.

Every stateroom on the ship was enhanced during this renovation, with all receiving new carpets, furniture, flat screen TVs, new larger headboards with USB charging outlets and more than 2000 new pieces of artwork. Guests sailing in The Haven®, Norwegian's ship-within-a-ship luxury suite concept, will now enjoy a more modern chic atmosphere in all suites and villas, as they now feature new finishes to walls and ceilings, new flooring throughout the suites and balconies, plus new soft goods and drapery. Norwegian Jade's villas and suites also received more than 250 new pieces of artwork alone. Luxury has been taken to the next level aboard Norwegian Jade with a complete refurbishment of the ship's Haven Courtyard. Guests of the ship's top villas and suites can soak up the sun in style one of the Haven's four new plush cabanas nestled at the top of the ship or take a dip in the newly refinished pool surrounded by modern furnishings and new artwork.

The Atrium, the heart of the action on Norwegian Jade, has been enhanced with a refreshed look and décor brought to life with an eye-catching, custom-designed marquee chandelier, as well as new modern finishes in modern calming grey tones, updated flooring, enhanced reception and shore excursion areas, a new large TV screen and relaxed banquette seating so guests can relax in a contemporary lounge atmosphere while enjoying all of the ship's excitement. Norwegian Jade will also now offers guests easier ways to view and purchase mementos of their cruise vacation with an upgraded "Photo Gallery" featuring new individual digital monitors  and larger photo display panels, along with sleek furniture and tile flooring. The ship's main pool deck was also touched by this extensive refurbishment, with the addition of glistening new lighting fixtures as well as new flooring and tiling around the pool and whirlpools.

Norwegian Jade now offers fitness enthusiasts the opportunity to work up a sweat with all-new TechnoGym fitness equipment and new rubber flooring, ideal for weightlifting and plyometric workouts. Junior cruisers aboard Norwegian Jade can now enjoy playtime with new floorings in Splash Academy that include new noise reducing mats so kids are free to play into the evening hours. The ship's elevator landings were also all refurbished with updated interior finishes and flooring, new wall coverings, new carpet and updated light fixtures.

Norwegian Jade is currently sailing the final part of her winter season, cruising from Tampa to the Western Caribbean. On April 30, she will journey across the Atlantic to her summer homeports of Southampton and Hamburg, where she'll sail the Norwegian Fjords as well as Norway & North Cape itineraries.

To book a cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Line or for general information, contact a travel professional, call Norwegian's local hotline, Australia: 1300 255 200, New Zealand: 0800 969 283, email resoffice@ncl.com or visit www.ncl.com.au.

Brand new Majestic Princess to Sail from Sydney

Princess Cruises Announces Majestic Princess to Sail from Sydney over 2018-19 Summer

Majestic Princess

In a major development for the local cruise industry, Princess Cruises has announced that its latest ship, the spectacular Majestic Princess, will be based in Sydney over the 2018-19 summer season.

Carrying 3560 guests, the 143,000-tonne Majestic Princess will be the largest Princess ship ever to sail in Australian waters, with her deployment confirming the cruise line’s popularity amongst Australian and New Zealand cruisers.

The luxurious flagship of Princess Cruises’ 18-ship fleet, the newly-launched Majestic Princess sailed on her maiden voyage in Italy last week (April 4). She will offer cruises in Europe and China before heading south to Sydney where she will be homeported from September 2018 through to March 2019, when she will return to China.

During her inaugural Australian season, Majestic Princess will sail on 16 cruises to destinations including Fiji, New Zealand and Tasmania as well as two Asia voyages between Shanghai and Sydney, and Sydney and Hong Kong. Fares start from $1499* per person twin share for a balcony room on a six-night roundtrip cruise to Tasmania departing November 18, 2018.

The ultimate in premium cruising, Majestic Princess features 13 dining options including two restaurants with menus designed by Michelin star chefs – Harmony by Chef Richard Chen and La Mer by Chef Emmanuel Renaut – as well as more than 1000 square metres of designer shopping, the cruise line’s largest ever thermal suite and a dramatic over-the-ocean glass walkway, the SeaWalk.

Deluxe Balcony Room

Guests can enjoy a wide range of high-end accommodation including suites, Club Class mini-suites and new deluxe balcony rooms, with more than 80 per cent of the ship’s 1780 staterooms offering private balconies.

Majestic Princess’ deployment is a highlight of Princess Cruises’ new 2018-19 Australia and New Zealand program which will go on sale at 9am on Thursday April 27, 2017. The program features four Princess ships – Majestic Princess, Golden Princess, Sun Princess and Sea Princess – which will together offer almost 100 cruises from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, Fremantle and Auckland over a seven-month period.

Unveiling the program, Princess Cruises Vice President Australia & New Zealand Stuart Allison said the deployment of Majestic Princess was testament to Australians’ love of cruising and the popularity of Princess Cruises in the region.

La Mer Restaurant

“From her gourmet restaurants to her stunning onboard features, Majestic Princess is nothing short of magnificent. We’re thrilled to be welcoming our newest, most stylish and most luxurious flagship to our shores – having just experienced her preview voyage I know Australian cruisers will love all that she has to offer,” Mr Allison said.

Majestic Princess has already attracted enthusiastic reviews from media and travel agents. Cruise Critic Editor in Chief Carolyn Spencer Brown said: “It's as if Majestic has pulled together the best of cruise worlds, old and new.” Meanwhile Australian travel agent Janette Wall from Cruiseabout said: “Majestic Princess has certainly raised the bar for the 21st century cruiser.”

Princess’ latest program also reinforces the cruise line’s role as the destination experts, revealing two new ports of call for the cruise line – the stunning and remote Conflict Islands in Papua New Guinea and Queensland’s exciting Moreton Island, famous for its great marine life and fun adventure activities. In total the program covers cruises to 72 different ports in 18 countries.

Meanwhile, the 2018-19 summer will see Princess deliver its biggest ever New Zealand season, with a record 39 cruises to Australia’s transTasman neighbour. Majestic Princess alone will sail on 14 New Zealand cruises, including six one-way cruises between Sydney and Auckland.

Cruises available in the new program include:

Majestic Princess’ first roundtrip cruise from Sydney – a 12-night cruise to Fiji and New Caledonia departing September 15, 2018 priced from $1899* per person twin share for an inside cabin and $2699* per person twin share for a balcony room.

A 13-night roundtrip cruise from Melbourne to New Zealand’s North and South Islands on Golden Princess, departing Melbourne on November 8, 2018 with fares from $2199* per person twin share

An 18-night roundtrip cruise to New Zealand and southern Australia from Adelaide on Golden Princess, departing January 7, 2019 and priced from $3299* per person twin share

A four-night roundtrip Sun Princess cruise from Sydney on January 5, 2019, making the cruise line’s maiden call to Moreton Island. Fares start from $679* per person twin share

An 11-night roundtrip cruise from Brisbane to Papua New Guinea on Sea Princess, making the cruise line’s first call to the Conflict Islands. Fares start from $2199* per person twin share for the cruise departing December 16, 2018.

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

*Subject to availability, conditions apply.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers US$500 shipboard credits

 
Regent Seven Seas Cruises takes guests to some of the world's most exciting and compelling destinations aboard the world's most-luxurious ships with all-suite, all-balcony accommodation. Beginning April 1, 2017, Australian and New Zealand travellers can take advantage of a limited-time Book Now Reward offer and receive up to US$500 shipboard credit, per suite, for all new bookings on any unforgettable 2017 Regent Seven Seas Cruises voyage.

"Regent Seven Seas Cruises delivers the most-inclusive and luxurious travel experiences that showcase more than 425 destinations worldwide," said Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.  "Australian and New Zealand travellers should take advantage of the Book Now Reward to select an unforgettable experience in a part of the world they have always wanted to visit, or visit again."

With the new Book Now Reward offer, travellers will receive US$500 shipboard credit, per suite, for any new bookings made between April 1 and May 31, 2017 on a 2017 Mediterranean voyage, and US$250 shipboard credit per suite on all other 2017 voyages.

While Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers the most-inclusive, luxurious experience, guests can apply their shipboard credit to make their voyage extra memorable, such as choosing an indulgent and rejuvenating treatment in the ships Canyon Ranch SpaClub, or by spoiling themselves in our on board boutiques.

Guests also can choose extra special Regent Choice excursions, such as a Tuscan cooking class and lunch in an exclusive Lucca restaurant when calling at Livorno, Italy; or a new Seven Seas Wellness experience at Provence (Marseilles), France, which combines a very intimate Tai Chi class in the garden courtyard of the Pharo Palace, with a signature Canyon Ranch SpaClub service to create an individualised wellness program.

For more specific itinerary details or for general information about Regent Seven Seas Cruises, visit www.RSSC.com, email res.apac@rssc.com , call Australia: 1300 455 200, New Zealand: 0800 625 692, or contact your preferred travel agent.

Silversea reveals Silver Muse’s Balsorano Owner’s Suite

 
The new flagship's premier suite has been designed in conjunction with Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio

 
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Ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea, has revealed details of Silver Muse's Balsorano Owner's Suite, a unique space which reflects the taste and Italian tradition of Silversea chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio.

Named Balsorano, the suite draws inspiration from the chairman's full name, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio di Balsorano de Clunieres. Balsorano is also a castle in Italy.

At more than 1000 square feet in size, the Balsorano Suite contains a specially curated selection of Mr Lefebvre's personal items including books, sculptures, works of art and family photographs. Among the items chosen are a chesterfield chair and ottoman, an additional chair from Mr. Lefebvre's former family residence in Rome, and photos of Mr. Antonio Lefebvre, Mr. Lefebvre's father and mentor.

The bookshelf in the Balsorano Suite is adorned with Mr. Lefebvre's favourite titles, including: The Great Navigators of the Eighteenth Century by Jules Verne; The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean by David Abulafia; and After the Victorians: The World Our Parents Knew by A.N. Wilson.

The Balsorano Suite will also be stocked with vintage port, each variety having been specially selected by Mr. Lefebvre himself.

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Silversea Chairman, said: "I am incredibly proud to present the Balsorano Suite, a space which superbly encapsulates my family's Italian heritage and taste. I hope that guests will, like me, find the Balsorano Suite a spectacular home away from home aboard Silver Muse."

Barbara Muckermann, Chief Marketing Officer at Silversea Cruises, said: "Owned and operated by one family – the Lefebvres of Rome – Italian tradition is firmly ingrained in the Silversea brand. As is reflected across the entire ship, much passion and pride has gone into the creation of the Balsorano Suite, the most luxurious suite on Silver Muse."

Calling at 34 countries and 130 ports in 2017 alone, Silver Muse will redefine ocean travel, enhancing the small-ship intimacy with spacious all-suite accommodations that are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. The addition of Silver Muse, will expand Silversea's fleet to nine ships and will once again significantly raise the bar in the ultra-luxury cruise market.

For more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Cruise special deal Carnival Spirit

MAY CRUISE SPECIALS

CARNIVAL SPIRIT

Call Andrew on 02 9369 4466

Departs 09 May 2017 – 08 Nights New Caledonia

Interior Category $999.00 per person twin share with AUD50 dollars per person on board credit

Departs 17 May 2017 – 08 Nights New Caledonia

Interior Category $899.00 per person twin share with AUD50 dollars per person on board credit

Oceanview Category $1099.00 per person twin share with AUD50 dollars per person on board credit

Balcony Category $1399.00 per person twin share with AUD100 dollars per person on board credit

Carnival Cruises New Mobile App

Carnival Cruise Line has launched its free mobile app, Carnival Hub, on its Australia–based ships, giving guests instant access to all the fun onboard.

Guests will be able to use the Carnival Hub to maximise their fun throughout their cruise, with the app featuring the cruise line's Fun Times daily activities schedule as well as a 'favourites' function allowing guests to bookmark the day's best events. Other features include a reminder to attend chosen events, searchable deck plans with attractions highlighted, itinerary details including port visits and a real-time shipboard account balance.

For a one-off fee per cruise of AU$9, the app also offers a 'chat' function, making it easy to connect with family and friends onboard. The function automatically adds guests travelling together to a contact list, making it easy to arrange to catch up with friends and family while unique identification number allows guests to add new friends to their chat contacts.

Whales, Waves and Wilderness with CruiseAway

Sail to the spectacular fjords and pristine wilderness of Alaska on board Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. This exclusive cruise package has been specially created by CruiseAway.com.au experts.

Set sail from Sydney and meander your way through the exquisite pacific island destinations New Caledonia, Fiji, and Hawaii before disembarking for a 4 night interlude exploring Seattle. Then time to head back onboard to cruise through the charming townships of Alaska where you will explore the wondrous Alaskan scenery in all its glory. The highlight of the cruise is the staggering Tracy Arm Fjord, with dramatic glaciers and native wildlife you will truly experience the beauty of Alaska.

Prices start from an incredible $5899 per person and this package includes one way flights from Seattle to Sydney, total of 29 nights on board Explorer of the Seas, 4-night accommodation in a 4-star hotel while in Seattle, Premium Seattle city tour, Boeing Factory tour and private transfers throughout.

Conditions apply. Offer is valid until sold out.

Link to offer: https://www.cruiseaway.com.au/cruise/waves-whales-and-wilderness-583538

Contact www.cruiseaway.com.au / Phone: 1300 306 134