In February 2012, Queen Mary 2 completed an historic maiden Royal Circumnavigation of Australia. The fastest, most magnificent ocean liner ever to undertake such a voyage, she charted a course around Australia in celebration of Matthew Flinders’ first circumnavigation of the continent. A record number of bookings were made within the first sale day and the voyage had sold out within weeks.
After the popularity of this voyage, Cunard is pleased to announce that Queen Mary 2 will return in February 2014 to sail her second Royal Circumnavigation of Australia.
2014 Royal Circumnavigation features:
• Roundtrip sailings available from Perth (Fremantle), Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane
• Fares start from AUD $6,499* per person twin share for an inside stateroom for 22 nights
• Past Passengers booking roundtrip sectors will receive an on board credit of USD $175 per person (applicable to the first two passengers sharing a cabin) until 31 December 2012
Bookings go on sale on 20 February 2012.
Departure dates are:
Fremantle 12 Feb 2014
Melbourne 17 Feb 2014
Sydney 19 Feb 2014
Brisbane 21 Feb 2014
To preregister please contact Travelrite International on 1800 616 434 or email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
Author: Shawn
Categories
Shannon’s London and Paris Trip
LONDON AND PARIS EDUCATIONAL
By Shannon Benson
Qantas Flight
The A380 is an amazing aircraft, quiet and smooth. QF crew were very friendly and accommodating, found the AF crew a little less helpful however they were still pleasant. Overall the flights booked were good times and excellent connections.
London Hotels:
Thistle Kensington Gardens:
Excellent location and well equipped for large groups, however the reception area is rather small to handle more than one arriving at the same time. Having the early check in available was awesome as we all wanted a shower and change before heading out touring.
Rooms are clean and modern, great value for money for people who want to spend the majority of their time out seeing London, proximity to tube is also a plus.
May Fair hotel:
Loved this place, the staff were fabulous and the rooms were quite unique. The whole ambiance of the hotel was relaxed but stylish. For clients who are looking for an up market hotel I would certainly recommend this hotel, I would also recommend anyone going to London to dine at their restaurant, best food I have had, mmmmm yum the lamb was the best. The restaurant staff know the menu very well and are helpful and friendly. I was impressed with the interaction between all the staff in the hotel, they seem to be great friends and that feeling creates a very homely vibe.
Park International hotel:
This is a very charming hotel and excellent value for money. I am glad to have seen this property and now better understand the rooms are all different sizes/layouts due to heritage restrictions. Was impressed at how quiet it was, being on Cromwell Road I thought noise would have been an issue. Also glad that I saw the lower ground rooms with view of street above, need to make clients aware of the view (I don’t see it as a negative but its best they are aware) and also need to advise the lower their room is located the larger it is. Very funky restaurant/bar area.
Collignham Gardens:
Great for people who are staying in London for a longer period of time, who like extra space or families/friends travelling together. Having a laundry is also a plus for people who are travelling around UK/Europe and London is at the end of their trip. Staff are very friendly and the apartments are located close to the action but in a quiet street.
Presidential Kensington Gardens:
Kind of had an Ikea feeling, minimal and no charm. The apartments are modern and have all you need but lacked atmosphere. The additional bedding was unusual, they are couches that fold out to a mattress which sits on the floor, ok for kids but I wouldn’t recommend adults travelling together. Wasn’t keen on its location opposite a backpacker with another located up the road.
Think Earl Court Apartments:
Massive Tesco located next door therefore good for people staying a long period of time. Location is a bit out of the way but excellent for people who are visiting the exhibition centre. The apartments are new and bright white but the hall ways are dark with minimal lighting (on purpose, not dodgy lighting!). Apparently they are still working on the property with construction of a gym/pool area on the bottom floor.
Paris Hotels:
Waldorf Trocadero hotel:
Really cute typical Parisian building in a quiet street away from the hustle and bustle. The breakfast room is tiny, you wouldn’t want many people in there at the one time but the décor is really interesting with all sorts of art pieces. Location is pretty good with an easy walk to the Champs Elysees.
Tours / Activities:
LONDON:
Used the Oyster Card for the first time, awesome sums it up, can we please have the tube here!! It was a great idea to have optional tours, for those who had seen Madame Tussauds before they could experience something they hadn’t done before. I personally wasn’t too keen on going to Madame Tussauds however found it to be quite fun. Getting in was horrible though, we were shunted to all different lines, no one seemed to know what was going on.
The London Eye is fantastic, we saw excellent views of the Thames and Parliament and it was very organised.
Most of us decided to go to a show that evening, we sure We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre. What a show!
PARIS:
The Eurostar is the best way to travel between London and Paris, from the centre of London to the centre of Paris without the hassle of lengthy check in times and waiting for luggage. The seats are really comfortable, the food served is nothing special but for such a short trip it is fine.
The first evening we did the Dinner Cruise, Eiffel Tower and Moulin Rouge tour with Cityrama. The driver was very nice and gave clear instructions as to where to meet etc. The cruise was lovely and a great way to see both banks of the city, the food like all mass produced tourist dinners was ok. Having fast track tickets up to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower was fantastic and there was plenty of time to see the lights/sights, good timing after dinner. By the time we were ready to head off to Moulin Rouge I was ready for bed!! Perhaps my tiredness, the wait in line to get in and the amount of people crammed into the theatre was the reason I didn’t enjoy it. I think the three in one tour is too much, if clients have time I will certainly recommend they do Eiffel and cruise one night and then do the early show at Moulin Rouge another night. Would not recommend Moulin Rouge to people who suffer from claustrophobia.
The Eternal Paris – Essential Ride is the best tour I have done in Paris, the drivers are extremely knowledgeable and take you to all the major sights in Paris. People must be prepared to have their photo taken, we turned into a tourist attraction ourselves! They dropped us at Sacre Coeur and we spent the afternoon wandering through the Montmartre area. Working out the metro was a little more difficult in Paris but after being offered advice for a fee from a generous Parisian we worked it out. For dinner that evening we went to the Latin quarter which is very petty to wander, the restaurant choice wasn’t great but the dessert made up for it, mmmm gelato and wandering Paris, simple but enjoyable!
We missed the guided tour of the Louvre however Saskia organised audio tours which are on individual Nintendo DS systems. This was far better as we were able to explore what we wanted to see. After the Louvre we explored the city on Les Cars Rouges, this is a great way to see the city and take your own time. I have done Le Open Tour before and found that they cover more areas of the city however have more than one route, I found it very easy on Les Cars Rouges as they have just the one route. The afternoon was spent shopping on Champs Elysees and chasing Mariah Carey out of Louis Vuitton, not even a fan but when in Paris!! The paparazzi were amazing zipping in and out of traffic on their scooters.
Saskia bought some champagne and strawberries on the way back to the hotel and we enjoyed a glass in the lounge of the Waldorf Trocadero, it was very nice of the hotel to allow us to do this, we kind of took over!
If you would like more information on London and Paris holidays or to make a booking contact Travelrite International on (03) 9836 2522 or balwyn@travelrite.com.au
Categories
David Stratton Film Festival at Sea
Travelrite International organised the first Movie Cruise to depart in January 2012 with David Stratton as the film personality. We departed from Sydney, sailing for New Zealand. We had four days at sea before reaching Dunedin. During this time David introduced two movies each afternoon. Afterwards we had a question and answer session. David has an encyclopaedic memory and could answer any questions on any film. We saw 25 classic movies in thirteen days and the most popular movie of the cruise was 12 Angry Men. While in port our days became busier as we enjoyed sightseeing tours in the morning and movies in the afternoon. While in Wellington we visited the Weta Studios, where we saw a film describing how Hobbits, Elves and special CGI creatures were made and how the special effects were done for The Lord of the Rings and Tintin among their many movies. In Tauranga we travelled to Hobbiton to see the set for the Hobbit movies, which was terrific. Plans are underway for another Film Festival at Sea, so watch our website: www.travelrite.com.au
Sandra Walliss – Tour Manager
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises will start the year with aggressive pricing and highly visual campaigns that focus on ship features, rather than itineraries.GAVIN Smith, general manager, Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia, has told Cruise Weekly that the company’s two local brands are set for an exciting new direction.
“Royal and Celebrity are bringing two of the world’s best ships down here, so for the first time in Australia, I think ships will become the destination, and the ports of call will be complementary,” he said. Agents can expect to see a strong marketing push for Voyager of the Seas and Celebrity Solstice over the next few months.
“Until now we have been focused on telling the consumer about the current summer season, but in Jan/Feb we will delivering the imagery on the onboard amenities – the ship will be the hero. “We will bring the visual appeal of the ships to life during the first half of the year, and I am very confident that we can generate a lot of excitement.”
The new Voyager campaign is designed to highlight the introduction of the Dreamworks program, which was quietly announced last year.
“We haven’t wanted to confuse people who might think they would get the Dreamworks characters and parades and breakfasts on Radiance and Rhapsody, but now we will really be promoting our great family appeal.” The Solstice advertising will highlight unique features such as the Lawn Club.
Pricing for both brands will be “very genuine, to make us more relevant as a holiday option,” Smith said.
“I don’t think we can leave aggressive pricing until later in the year because those passengers will just travel with someone else.” The arrival of the two new ships will also affect the focus of others ships in the fleet next season.
“As agents will note in the summer deployments for 2012-13, our ships are spending a lot of time in Australia, and not so much time in the South Pacific, so Voyager and Solstice will become our Australia-New Zealand ships and Radiance and Rhapsody will become our South Pacific ships,” Smith said. “This is because the Royal and Celebrity model is very dependent on Americans and Europeans travelling to Australia – 35-50% of our guests are inbound – and they are most interested in coastal Australia and New Zealand.”
Visit www.cruiseoffers.com.au for fares.
We gathered at Sydney Central Station to board the Indian Pacific, one of the most iconic train journeys in the world. The friendly efficient staff ensured we were checked us in and settled with a minimum of fuss.
As the train rolled though the western plains of Sydney spread out on either side we snatched glimpses of backyards and into the lives of the way people live in this vibrant city. Then the climb into the Blue Mountains commences.
This escarpment held back the further inland settlement for many years until a way was found. The railway travels over part of the original route. Passing through towns such a Katoomba and Leura stirs reminiscences of a slower time, a time of Sunday drives and Greek Cafes’ in every small town.
Cocktails in the lounge car, a sumptuous dinner then returning to our cabins finding our beds prepared and turned down ready for our excited but weary heads. It’s like being transported into a 1930’s Hollywood movie. Luxurious, comfortable, sophisticated train travel, a true delight.
Our first morning on the train found us in Broken Hill. Most passengers took the opportunity for a sunrise tour through the place where ‘the big Australian’, BHP was founded. Then back on the train for a welcome breakfast, as we rolled through the outback to Adelaide.
We arrived in the relaxed and pretty city of Adelaide in the mid afternoon. Where we took advantage of a tour to see the highlights and be delivered back in time for our evening departure.
The next day we crossed the Nullarbor Plain. We wake to rolling red sand hills covered with small desert trees dotted about. Many ask the question, is this it? Is this the Nullarbor Plain? No it’s not but quite suddenly we come out onto a large expanse of very flat, very wide plain with not a tree to break the horizon, ‘the’ highlight of this fabulous train journey.
A day of watching this plain rolls by with a short stop in Cook which has a population of five and finally in the late evening Kalgoorlie. As we crossed the plain we were privileged to watch the rare event of thunderstorms rolling across the horizon and occasionally over the train. Stopping in Kalgoorlie allows you to stretch your legs or join a bus tour of the city.
Our third and final day found us racing through the wheat belt of W.A. on our way to Perth. We are sad to end this part of our journey but excited for the next step. A city sights tour through the bustling expanding city opens our eyes to both its’ history and the great potential of its’ future. Then off to Freemantle to this bustling port put on the world map when Australia won the Americas Cup.
Three days in Fremantle; to rest, or explore interesting and historic towns of the region. Our included day trip to Rottnest Island allowed us stroll the beaches and get great photos of cute quokkas.
Next we board the Sun Princess. What a sight, this beautiful white ship bright in the afternoon sun. With the paperwork complete we boarded with a minimum of fuss. Some rushed off to their cabins others chose lunch first then off to their cabin then most spend the rest of the afternoon finding our way around our home away from home for the next 2 weeks.
Our first day ashore is a tour of Geraldton, one of the sparkling gems of the Western Australian coast. A town based on farming, mining, fishing, and growing very quickly. But also a place of reflection with the only National Memorial outside of Canberra, built and financed by the people of Geraldton, a memorial to HMAS Sydney, where the storey of the battle between it and German raider Cormorant is told.
Spending the next two days at sea, being as active or relaxed as you choose to be. I know for a fact an afternoon nap on a sun lounge was popular.
Ubud, Bali, a place of artists, markets and some tasted bubi gooling an iconic dish of this island. A quick visit to Ubuds’ market for that perfect gift, then onto a Balinese compound or home. This intimate glimpse of another culture was a highlight with many questions asked and answered.
Our wonderful cruise finished with stops in Broome, Darwin, Port Douglas, Townsville, Brisbane and then returning to Sydney.
If you interested in experiencing this wonderful cruise/rail package please select either of the two links.
Package 1, depart 24 April 2012
http://www.travelrite.com.au/circum_aust_cruise_rail_dawn.shtml
Package 2, depart 4 July 2012
http://www.travelrite.com.au/circum_aust_cruise_rail_sun.shtml
Categories
Courtney Abblitt’s Japan Trip
My Trip to Japan by Courtney Abblitt
I have just returned from an amazing trip to Japan. It was my first time to this beautiful country and it will not be my last! I loved learning about the culture and learning to say a few words, which the locals love, but they love speaking English to us even more.
Walking around and seeing the green gardens, the mountains, and all the different scenery was magical. I felt very safe everywhere we traveled. The Japanese people were so polite and very generous. With all that has happened in Japan, I was surprised how quickly everything has returned to normal and I am happy to say Japan is very safe to travel to.
Food – is oishii (delicious). Presented so delicately, so many different varieties and the portion sizes, all I can say is you will never go hungry.
Wow is all I could say about the Bullet Train. I wish we had them in Australia. Traveling comfortably for a couple of hours and then being in a new city was amazing. The train carriage was so roomy and stable that you do not even feel like you are traveling and the scenery just makes the train ride so much more enjoyable. The best way to travel in Japan!!!
Two highlights of my trip was – Shirakawa-go & Kinkakajui Temple in Kyoto
Shirakawa-go is a preserved town with original streets and old wooden houses. The way they have preserved the buildings is spectacular and beautiful.
Kinkakajui Temple in Kyoto is amazing. Again the temple is well preserved and covered with gold leaf. Amazing!! I was able to get some really great photos and thoroughly enjoyed my time there, which wasn’t enough.
Travelrite International have a number of tours and cruises that are traveling to Japan. For more information follow the link:
Quilting Tour to Japan November 2011 www.travelrite.com.au/quilting_japan.shtml
Queen Mary 2 Wonders of the Orient Cruise March 2012 www.travelrite.com.au/hongkong.shtml
Diamond Princess Singapore to Beijing Cruise March 2012 www.travelrite.com.au/beijing_sing.shtml
We would also be happy to organise your own personal itinerary or tour to this amazing country. Please give us a call.
Courtney Abblitt
Travel Consultant
Dubai is one of the most changeable and changing cities in the world. Blink and you might miss another architectural marvel fill the skyline. You can walk for miles in shopping malls that are outrageous, fabulous and jaw dropping. Go skiing on a black run, ice skating, find your perfect gold and diamond bracelet, see fountains that light up at night and ‘dance’ to music or sit at one of the many cafés have a cuppa watching the world go by.
Our 2011 group of travellers were amazed and delighted with our first destination and while we had several activities as a group, many spent hours exploring this city with new friends. Some took the opportunity to visit the Burj Al Arab for a sumptuous afternoon tea with million dollar views and also Burj Khalifa, tallest building in the world.
On our last night in Dubai we visited a Bedouin camp enjoying a sumptuous feast while relaxing in traditional Bedouin style on cushions and carpets. The ladies tried henna tattoos and all enjoyed the excellent belly dancer.
Boarding the Dawn Princess for the cruise section of our holiday is always a joy. As always, staff are welcoming, cabins well appointed and cuisine excellent, our home away from home for the next 4 weeks. Easing into shipboard life with a few sea days before our first port of call encourages people to wind down into holiday mode while familiarising themselves with the ship.
Salalah, Oman is a non tourist type of town yet it appears the Queen of Sheba may have lived nearby. We toured the ruins of an ancient palace, overlooking a lagoon, watching flamingos feed. Off out into the rugged rocky desert to view 2000 yr old frankincense trees, along a jagged coastline with blowholes and soaring cliffs. Returning to town we visited the souk for frankincense and myrrh, oils and perfumes, with many other delights available.
More sea days to enjoy the many activities of the ship and those organised by tour leaders Amanda, Gretha and Leeanne.
Petra, Jordan is hidden in one of the many folds of the mountains of the Negev desert. Walking into Petra along the narrow winding canyon it’s easy to see how this community was kept secret for so long. Finally we stepped out to view the treasury building made famous in the movie, Indiana Jones and the last crusade. But there is more to see of this hidden city, a roman amphitheatre, Nabataean rock tombs and amazing geological features.
Following sea days include a transit of the Suez Canal and an early arrival in Port Said. The canal is an awe inspiring piece of engineering; all dug by hand with shovels.
Cairo, Egypt is the biggest city in Africa, busy, bustling, bursting with life and home to the mighty Pyramids of Giza. Nothing can prepare you for your first visit it is everything you imagine and more.
Jerusalem, Israel, historically fascinating and of great religious importance to many people the world over. A walking tour through the old city finishing at the Western (wailing) Wall and a stop in Bethlehem on the West Bank opened our eyes to the differences and similarities of people and religions.
Mykonos, Greece an island of blue and white buildings, clear blue water on golden beaches with the hot sun in a wide expanse of blue sky. Picture perfect and we all took lots of pictures. A day to drink Greek coffee, send postcards or just laze away your time shopping, snoozing, or visit the beaches where swimsuits are optional!
Istanbul, Turkey a city thought to be the jewel in the crown of so many empires, as it is the gateway to Europe or the Orient depending which side of the Bosphorus you stand. A walking tour though the home of Sultans, St Sophia, Blue Mosque and the roman ruins highlight the richness of over 1000 years of history.
Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Peninsula allowed us to see what our soldiers saw in that early morning in April nearly 100 years ago. A moving service and wreath laying was held with a performance of the Dawn Princess Choir, made up of over 150 passenger volunteers, who practised every day for the service. Nearly the whole ship attended with standing room only.
Athens, Greece, settled as a place to worship the goddess Athena and birthplace of democracy but only if you weren’t a woman or a slave! However both women and men made it to the top of Acropolis with great city views and temples that amaze the mind and lift the spirit. Of course we also made time to wonder the plaka, the old part of the city with interesting shops and restaurants
Citivecchia, Italy, gateway to Rome the eternal city. The Vatican and the Colosseum are highlights for many, so stops were included but we also travelled through the city like locals; on foot. A walking tour lets you discover the treasures hidden down cobbled lanes and squares no bus could ever reach.
Livorno, Italy, stepping-off port for the Tuscan countryside and the picturesque village of San Gimignano. This hill top village is everything you imagine a Tuscan village could be. City walls built to protect the village. Cobbled narrow streets which twist and turn with unexpected vistas across rolling hills covered in sunflowers, wheat fields or vineyards.
Monaco, a tiny principality surrounded by France made famous when Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier and put it on the jet set map. We landed by Tender going past multimillion dollar yachts anchored in the harbour some with helicopters! Touring along the corniche gave us extensive views, while walking past the ‘Palais du Prince’ less than a week after Prince Albert got married with all the decorations still in place was a treat . We also crossed the border to Nice for coffee and a chance to sample local delicacies at the market such as socca, cherries and flat peaches.
Barcelona, Spain, famously home of many Gaudi architectural wonders including the Sagrada Familia. Strolling along La Ramblas to see the ‘living’ statues, sampling tapas and sipping sangria filled many peoples time on a hot lazy afternoon.
Lisbon, Portugal, a city shaken to near obliteration but rebuilt into a people friendly city with verdant green gardens and ‘wild’ lands through and around the city and a short drive to Sintra the home of palaces, castles and luxury homes. Returning to the ship via the coast road allowed us to gasp with wonder at windsurfing skills this area is world famous for.
Le Havre, France a huge bustling container port but it took only minutes to leave the hustle behind heading for Giverny and Monet’s Garden. Our only day of rain for the whole trip didn’t dampen our spirits.
Dover, England, white cliffs of ‘that’ song fame and rolling green downs of southern England are a delight to drive through on a sunny day heading to one of the most iconic cities in the world, London. Disembarkation off the Dawn Princess was a breeze with just a short holdup due to misplaced luggage. Located a short stroll from Harrods, our hotel was welcoming and comfortable which eased some of the sadness we felt as out amazing journey was coming to an end. Our final organised activity was a tour of London with some of the famous blue badge guides. These guides hold so many interesting stories and facts in their memories that any question asked was answered with ease.
On our final day there was time for shopping before the small group who were returning to Australia headed to the airport. The majority of the group took the opportunity to extend their stay in Britain and Europe to visit friends and family or visit that special place on your bucket list.
Visit http://www.travelrite.com.au/wondersqe.shtml for information on a fully escorted Dubai to London cruise on the Queen Elizabeth in 2012.
Visit http://www.facebook.com/Travelrite for photo’s of the cruise
Categories
Frank Lloyd Wright Tour 2011
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright (1867- 1959) was recognized in 1991 by the American Institute of Architects as “the greatest American architect of all time”. ‘Fallingwater’ is Wright’s great masterpiece. The house, which overhangs a waterfall, is the highlight of a tour of over 20 of Wright’s most important buildings. Others in the itinerary include the Guggenheim Museum, the House and Studio, Robie House, Unity Temple, Johnson Wax Building, Beth Shalom, Taliesin and Taliesin West. The tour also includes two outstanding examples of Wright’s modernist peers, Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House and Philip Johnson’s Glass House. Malcolm Carver, a Sydney architect, will lead a tour. The tour, which starts on October 6, 2011, is suitable for architects and anyone else interested in fine buildings. Call Travelrite International on 1800 630 343 or visit www.travelrite.com.au/arc.shtml
Another fantastic Travelrite International group cruise upon the famous Queen Mary 2 concluded in late March upon arrival into Hong Kong. Our group of 45 enjoyed a wonderful four week cruise from Sydney to Hong Kong with interesting ports of call as well as plenty of days at sea to enjoy the ship. The Queen Mary 2 certainly did not disappoint. We all enjoyed beautiful meals in the sumptuous Britannia Restaurant, spectacular shows in the Royal Court Theatre, fascinating lectures on history, geography and film stars as well as our own bingo, deck games and trivial pursuit.
We boarded in Sydney on 22 February 2011 and had overnight on the ship with a free day in Sydney to explore the sights and make ourselves at home on board the QM2. Our first destination was to be Christchurch but this was curtailed due to the devastating earthquake there. We instead enjoyed a lovely tour of Wellington, the New Zealand Capital. After day at sea we visited Auckland with a tour of the City of Sails. Our next port of call was Guam. Guam was the site of World War II fighting between the USA and Japan is now a popular tourist destination. We stopped at the WWII museum and beautiful Two-lover’s point.
From the heat of Guam we travelled to the cold of Japan. We berthed in Osaka and had a sightseeing tour of nearby Kyoto. During our tour of the Golden Pavilion we actually had snowfall. Our next port in Japan was to be Nagasaki, however the terrible earthquake and tsunami occurred on route and the port was closed by the time we arrived. We continued on to our fourth country; China, where we had wonderful tours of Beijing (and we saw the Forbidden City) and Shanghai (a highlight for many tour members).
Our final destination was Hong Kong which was enjoyed by all – especially the shoppers.
The Queen Mary 2 is certainly a grand Cruise Liner. I would happily recommend joining its world cruise – with a superb mix of interesting ports of call and days at sea to enjoy the ship. Photos from this tour have been loaded on our facebook page: Travelrite International. Please visit our web site for future fully inclusive escorted cruise tours: www.travelrite.com.au
Nigel Walliss
Tour Manager
Departures from Melbourne and more short breaks are features of P&O Cruises massive new 2012-13 program.
On sale from March 31, the new program is P&O Cruises’ biggest ever and features a record 126 voyages between June 2012 and April 2013, with great value fares from $749* per person for a seven-night cruise from Brisbane and $1199* per person for a 10-night cruise from Sydney.
The program offers 24 cruises of less than a week, including more of the themed cruises that have proven such a hit with passengers, such as food and wine getaways and comedy cruises.
Highlights include a three-night Australia Day long weekend cruise from Sydney in January 2013 onboard Pacific Pearl, plus a new four-night Christmas shopping cruise from Sydney to Melbourne in early December on Pacific Sun, with fares on the shopping cruise priced from $649* per person.
The new program also features two new Australian ports of call, with Pacific Sun visiting Port Lincoln and pristine Kangaroo Island in South Australia on a coastal cruise. Fares start from $899 per person quad share for a nine-night cruise from Fremantle to Sydney departing on October 23, 2012.
Meanwhile, P&O Cruises has added Melbourne to its line-up of homeports, with the cruise line returning to the Victorian capital to offer seven summer cruises from late 2012, in addition to regular voyages from Sydney, Brisbane, Fremantle and Auckland.
Jenny Lourey, Senior Vice President of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, said the new program offered more cruise itineraries than ever before, with destinations ranging from Asia to Tasmania, as well as the Pacific islands.
“Not only do we offer great places to visit, our ships are a destination in themselves. No matter where you’re cruising, the fun begins the moment you step onboard a P&O Cruises’ ship,” Ms Lourey said.
“Whatever your age, our ships offer a great range of features to make your holiday memorable – from spectacular aerial circus acts and great kids’ clubs through to delicious meals at Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill Restaurant and relaxing treatments in the spa.”
The new program also offers travellers front-row seats for the total solar eclipse in November 2012, with Pacific Jewel and Pacific Dawn sailing to the Pacific islands and northern Queensland to ensure the ships offer the best vantage points for the eclipse. Fares start from $799 per person quad share for a seven-night cruise onboard Pacific Dawn departing November 10, 2012.
Meanwhile, Brisbane will see 36 cruise holidays on offer onboard Pacific Dawn and Pacific Sun, including 25 of the popular seven-night cruises to the Pacific Islands or exploring the Queensland coastline. Cruises start from $749 per person quad share for a seven-night Queensland cruise onboard Pacific Sun departing July 8, 2012.
Fremantle will welcome home Pacific Sun for a third season of cruising in 2012, offering a mix of short breaks, Western Australian cruises and longer voyages to Asia between August and October 2012.
Twelve-night cruises to Indonesia calling at Bali and Komodo Island are priced from $1099 per person quad share.
Pacific Pearl will return to Auckland for another season of cruising from New Zealand, sailing five cruises of between three and 15 nights between April and May 2013. Fares start from $1299 per person quad share for a 10-night cruise to the Pacific Islands departing May 8, 2013.
Australian travellers will also have the chance to celebrate the birth of cruise holidays, with two special voyages planned in August 2012 to mark 175 years since the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company signed its first contract to deliver mail by sea and 80 years since P&O Cruises’ first Australian cruise.
Pacific Pearl and Pacific Jewel will meet in Sydney Harbour on August 22 and set sail in tandem on special heritage cruises, featuring tailored entertainment including a 175th Anniversary Gala dinner, a heritage art display and fascinating guest speakers. Fares on the nine-night Pacific Jewel cruise start from $1199 per person quad share.
For more information, Cruiseoffers on 1800 616 434 or visit www.cruiseoffers.com.au
* Fares are quad share. Subject to availability, conditions apply.