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PRICE $8.25 (INCL GST)

OCTOBER 2012 ISSUE 79

15TH YEAR OF PUBLICATIONESTABLISHED 1998

Featuring a comprehensive coverage of Global Cruising for Cruise Passengers, the Trade and the Industrywww.cruisingnews.com

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Front Cover Images from SeaDream Yacht Club, Celebrity Cruises, Meyer-Werft and Princess Cruises

Visiting Geraldton P24

Tasmania P36

Macquarie Harbour & Gordon River P36/37

Plus the latest news and information on Global

Passenger Cruising

ABN 71 083 652 019Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every

effort is made to ensure the information published is correct

ISSN 1447 - 2112

Proudly Published in Australia by

Editor’s Say

As Australian, New Zealand and South Pacific ports prepare for the busiest cruise season on record a recent report states that the number of people around the world who took a cruise holiday grew by 10 per cent last year – an increase of almost two million people – to top 20 million global ocean cruise passengers for the first time. The 2011 figures were compiled from industry associations including the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the European Cruise Council, Passenger Shipping Association, International Cruise Council Australasia (ICCA) and industry analysts G P Wild (International) Limited.Commenting on the release of the numbers, ICCA General Manager Brett Jardine said the global figures were a powerful reminder of the size of the cruise industry and the widespread appeal of cruise holidays. Australian cruise passengers increased by 30 per cent in the past year to exceed more than half a million for the first time.As mentioned above the 2012/13 cruise season will be the busiest ever for the South Pacific area with summer regulars returning plus the arrival of the big ships – Carnival Spirit, Oosterdam, Voyager of the Seas and Celebrity Solstice coming for the first time. I’m certain their presence will not go unnoticed and will provide a huge economic

impact to the local communit ies visited.Adam Armstrong of Royal Caribbean Sydney office meets Captain Charles Teige on the bridge of Voyager of the Seas in Hong Kong.

Carnival Australia has welcomed the strong support for cruising shown by the NSW Visitor Economy Taskforce in its recent report and its recognition of the economic value the cruising industry brings. According to the comprehensive report, the double digit growth of the cruise industry over the past six years means Sydney and NSW will be unable to reap the economic benefits if infrastructure fails to keep up with demands. Carnival Australia CEO, Ann Sherry, welcomed the three priority issues to expand cruise berthing capacity, address economic loss from provedoring constraints and a 10-year Cruise Development Plan identified in the report. The cruise sector is already forecast to bring a total economic contribution of more than $1.1 billion to NSW by 2020. At the recent Cruise Down Under and Cruise New Zealand conferences international speakers clearly stated it is critical for Sydney and other ports in Australia and New Zealand to improve their infrastructure in order for the cruise industry to grow in the region. Work is well underway at the new $57 million Cruise Passenger Terminal at White Bay in Sydney which is due to take its first ship in March next year. We await the launch of a new Master Plan for the Overseas Passenger Terminal, with at least $30 million in improvements. Also there is the conversion of the heritage-listed Shed 10 on Auckland’s Queens

Wharf into a world-class multi-use cruise and events facility and ground work for the new facility in Townsville is underway.

The Chief Executive Officer of Sydney Ports Corporation, Grant Gilfillan said recently that large ships would become regular visitors to the OPT, following the historic berthing of the Queen Mary 2 at the terminal in March this year, made possible by a Sydney Ports decision to install a new mooring point to the north of the terminal. In addition, three cruise ships have also been offered berthing at the Garden Island naval facility in the coming season. Sydney Ports is working with the industry, the Navy and Government to meet the infrastructure challenges presented by this remarkable growth. Governments and authorities have to understand that a broad cross section of the community and business benefit when a cruise ship visits. Ports bear the brunt of costs associated with new infrastructure and should receive financial assistance.

MSC Group owner and President Gianluigi Aponte has received the highly prestigious Cruise International Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr Aponte founded MSC Cruises in the late 1980s. In just over two decades he has seen his company grow from modest

beginnings to become the world’s fourth-largest cruise operator, boasting an ultra-modern fleet of 12 ships - a thirteenth, MSC Preziosa, will be christened next March. The success of MSC Cruises is only part of a remarkable career that has spanned over 40 years and seen Mr Aponte build up a global empire that dominates in not just one shipping sector but several. In 1970 Mr Aponte set up the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).Under his leadership, MSC is now the second-largest container ship operator in the world, employing more than 40,000 people and operating a fleet of 441 cargo vessels serving

306 ports across five continents.It would be remiss of me not to mention the recent death of Rama Rebbapragada, a 29 year veteran at Royal Caribbean. Over the years Rama was responsible for the growth and

development in many markets including Asia and Australia. Rama will be remembered as a real “Gentleman” who made long lasting friendships with the people he met and worked with and will be sadly missed. In closing a reminder of an exhibition not to be missed! The Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney’s Darling Harbour is holding an exhibition to mark P&O’s 175th anniversary. It opens on 17 October and runs to 3 March next year.

Happy Cruising!John Treacy

THISISSUE

Coming Cruise Season ...................... P43 Queens to Visit. ............................... P5CDU Conference ............................... P5/6Pacific Pearl Update ........................... P10Pride of America Revamp ................. P14Skjolden Walkway ............................... P14Celebrity Reflection........................... P16Royal Princess ..................................... P16Voyage Back in Time .......................... P28

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Cruise Season Underway

The 2012/13 cruise season will be the busiest ever for the South Pacific area with summer

regulars Radiance of the Seas, Sea Princess and Rhapsody of the Seas returning to Sydney on

12, 14 and 18 October respectively.

Carnival Spirit, 85,920 GRT arrives on 20 October for full time cruising and Oosterdam sails into Sydney on 24 October for a season of voyages. Oosterdam at 81,769 GRT is one of the new generation Holland America “Vista” class ships designed to appeal to younger, more vibrant, multi generation, family oriented holiday makers. Launched in August 2003 Oosterdam has a lower berth capacity of 1,918 passengers. Volendam arrives on 21 October for a circumnavigation of Australia before relocating to Asia. Amsterdam passes through Sydney coming from Alaska and Asia before returning to North America via the Pacific and Celebrity Millennium arrives on way to Asia. These ships join our local regulars, Pacific Jewel, Pacific Pearl, Dawn Princess and Sun Princess from Sydney and Pacific Dawn from Brisbane. Likewise these ships will be visiting most ports in New Zealand, some on their way to Australia. John Heald, Senior Cruise Director at Carnival Cruise Lines on his blog reports the “Aussification” of the bonza Carnival Spirit has been completed as the ship is on its way to Sydney. The makeover will see Angus Beef Sausages added to Fat Jimmy’s Seaside BBQ with menus changing to reflect local tastes – lamb, more Indian and Asian dishes and meat pies. There will be grilled barramundi fillets fresh from the Sydney Fish Markets, Soy and Ginger Marinated, broiled Salmon Fillets, Spice wrapped grilled 200grams Rump Steak, pan seared Chicken Schnitzel and Cantonese Sweet and Sour Prawns. The Lido is now known as the Pies and Snag Shop offering Aussie Steak and Kidney Pies, Tasmanian Chicken Pies, Sausage Rolls, BBQ Lamb and a Beerstick in a Bun.Of course Aussie Beer is being added with a total of 16 draught beers on tap and new Coffee machines with fully trained baristas. Carnival Spirit will have all charges in Australian Dollars and there will be ATM’s on board. As previously reported the cruise director will be Australian Stu Dunn and he will be introducing Carnival Legend characters including Jimmy Barnes and Kylie Minogue as well as featuring Australian variety acts and Aussie comedians. On deck the sensational Green Thunder waterslide and relaxation area Serenity are in place. On the 22 November Royal Caribbean’s 137,289 GRT Voyager of the Seas with its innovative facilities like its own ice-skating rink, a four deck high Royal Promenade the length of two football fields, nine-metre rock climbing wall soaring 61 metres above sea level arrives to dwarf any vessel or building that comes near her. This ship will be a crowd puller and traffic stopper at all the ports visited. Likewise the 121,878 GRT elegant Celebrity Solstice will turn heads when she arrives in Sydney on 10 December. Voyager of the Seas (lower berth capacity 3,114) and Celebrity Solstice (lower berth capacity 2,852) have both attained record sales for the season and have already been confirmed for the 2013/14 season. Royal Caribbean will carry 10 times the number of passengers this season than in its first just two years ago. Most of its 60,000 passengers will be from the United States, Australia and Europe. Glowing reports have been received from those who have already travelled on these two ships.The Costa neo Romantica will arrive in Australian waters from Singapore

on 1 December at Darwin reaching Sydney on 10 December via stops at Cairns and Brisbane. The ship will then cruise to Melbourne and start two cruises from there around Australian and New Zealand ports until mid January. Also returning on 13 December is the 115,875 GRT Diamond Princess for another cruise season. Schedules reveal Sapphire Princess will be “down under” in 2013/14.Following the Christmas/New Year period there will be an influx of ships on world cruises. Coming this way are Crystal Symphony, Silver Shadow, Seabourn Odyssey, Seven Seas Voyager, Asuka II, Silver Whisper, Columbus 2, Artania, Seabourn Quest, Amsterdam, Europa, Aurora, Queen Victoria, Balmoral, Arcadia, Costa Deliziosa, Pacific Princess, Ocean Princess, Queen Mary 2, Saga Ruby, Caledonian Sky and MS Marina. Crystal Symphony, Silver Shadow, Seabourn Odyssey and Queen Mary 2 will spend extended time in the area. A ship or multiple ships can be sighted in Sydney Harbour during December 2012 and January, February and March 2013. There are only 5 days in December, one in January and 5 days in March that will be without a ship.Auckland and some other New Zealand ports will also see Pacific Venus, Queen Elizabeth, Bremen plus small ships Orion and Oceanic Discoverer.

The cruise companies have been promising to send their big ships and finally they are arriving, providing Australasia’s biggest cruise season to date. I’m certain their presence will not go unnoticed and will provide an economic impact to the local communities visited.

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World ProgramCunard Line has released details of its 2014 world voyage program, with its three Queens visiting six continents and almost 80 destinations as they travel the globe. Highlights include an extended trip around South America by Queen Victoria, which will make eight maiden calls to ports on the continent as part of her 116-night voyage. Meanwhile Queen Elizabeth will circumnavigate the globe on a 118 night odyssey which will feature her maiden visit to Japan with four inaugural calls, while Queen Mary 2 will sail on an exciting 116 night voyage, which will include her second circumnavigation of Australia. Between them, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2 will make 17 calls at Australian ports, giving Australian travellers a host of opportunities to enjoy Cunard’s legendary White Star service as they cruise to and from Australia.

Voyages in the new program include: a 28 night voyage on Queen Victoria from Sydney to San Francisco, visiting seven New Zealand ports as well as Tonga, Samoa and Hawaii; a 17 night voyage on Queen Elizabeth from Sydney to Kobe, Japan, visiting Papua New Guinea and three other Japanese ports en route and a 15 nights cruise from Cape Town to Fremantle, calling at Durban, Mauritius and Western Australia on Queen Mary 2.

Cunard calls to Australia in 2014: Queen Mary 2 – 12 Feb & 6 Mar Fremantle, 17 Feb & 12 Mar Melbourne, 19 Feb & 14 Mar Sydney, 21 Feb & 16 Mar Brisbane, 23 Feb Whitsundays, 27 Feb Darwin, 10 Mar Adelaide and 19 Mar Yorkeys Knob (Cairns); Queen Elizabeth – 1-2 Mar Sydney, 4 Mar Brisbane, 6 Mar Whitsundays; Queen Victoria – 3 Mar Brisbane and 5 Mar Sydney.

P&O's World Cruising P&O Cruise line’s 2014 world cruise program features three cruises, with Aurora and Arcadia sailing on full world circumnavigations, while Adonia will sail east for an in depth exploration of the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia. The three cruises from Southampton will visit a total of 81 destinations in 41 countries during itineraries ranging from 92 to 112 nights. Aurora’s 109 night circumnavigation departs 4 January 2014, calling at 33 ports in 22 countries. Her itinerary includes maiden calls to Xiamen, China and Hoi An, Vietnam as well as seven extended overnight calls to Cape Town, Hong Kong and Dubai.Arcadia’s 92 night world circumnavigation departs 10 January 2014 visiting 28 ports in 20 countries. Aurora and Arcadia will visit seven Australian ports. Adonia’s Asia Grand Adventure offers a point of difference from its sister ships, treating passengers to a 112-night cruise through the Mediterranean and Middle East to Asia. Departing 7 January 2014 the cruise will visit 44 ports in 23 countries, with the itinerary featuring five maiden calls, as well as three extended overnight visits – including two in Egypt.

Cruise Down Under Conference Hobart Tasmania

The 2012 Cruise Down Under Conference attracted a record attendance of 127 delegates. Four key international speakers addressed the conference - Christopher Allen, Associate Vice President Global Deployment and Itinerary Planning, Royal Caribbean International & Celebrity Cruises, Captain Nikolaos Antalis, Port Captain Royal Caribbean International & Azamara Club, Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director, Carnival Cruise Lines and Shirley Henderson, Manager Shore Excursions for Carnival UK, held in Hobart for the first time in the 16 years of the event. The Lord Mayor of Hobart welcomed delegates and told them both he and the deputy Lord Mayor were on the wharf to welcome every visiting cruise ship. Another highlight was the release of the 2011-12 CDU Economic Impact Study which revealed the economic impact of international and domestic cruise shipping in Australia for 2011-12 contributed a record A$2.4billion to the Australian economy. Total passenger expenditure was up 46% to A$443million and there was an increase of 39% in crew expenditure to A$60m. Cruise ship visits to Australian ports totalled 736 up from 573 in the previous year.

Infrastructure or lack of it was the theme of most presenters. Chris Allen told delegates it was important for Sydney to improve its infrastructure for the cruise industry to grow in the area and that planning has to be for the ships of the future. As well fuel costs and availability, port charges, direct and indirect taxes and fees, the ability to berth and not have to tender, emission regulations, distance between ports, availability of air lifts and costs and the need to work together was most important. The question raised by planning departments “is the destination easy to do business with?” is high on the agenda. Captain Nikolaos Antalis was more colourful and forceful in his presentation.“You are late, very late in providing for the big ships” he said. “If you invest the money you will get money back”. He told delegates that in Australia and New Zealand there is a wide variety of 50 potential ports of call and the development of these ports of call is currently the biggest challenge to developing cruise tourism further in the region. Of the fifty potential ports of call the Voyager of the Seas is able to visit only fifteen of them due to lack of proper infrastructure. He then outlined the required infrastructure to accommodate cruise ships: adequate depth in channel, turning basin

Silversea Unveils World Cruise 2014

Silversea Cruises has taken the wraps off its World Cruise 2014, a 113 day odyssey from Los Angeles to Barcelona aboard Silver Whisper, 6 January to 30 April 2014. Guests aboard World Cruise 2014 will visit 54 destinations in 29 countries, enjoying 12 overnight stays along the way. Silver Whisper will follow a westward path across the Pacific with calls to Hawaii, Samoa, Tonga, Australia and New Zealand. From there, the ship will sail up to the remote island of Koror and then head west to spend a month exploring fascinating Asian cultures, from China, Japan, and Vietnam to Thailand, Singapore, and India, including three days in Yangon, Myanmar. Silver Whisper will conclude her global tour calling on modern capitals and ancient cities in the Mediterranean. World Cruise 2014 will not only feature two night stays in Yangon and Hong Kong, but overnight calls in Sydney, Cairns, Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore, Istanbul and Barcelona. Silversea is offering guests the option to extend their World Cruise by adding a pre cruise Panama Canal voyage from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles (17 days), or extend from Barcelona to Lisbon (7 days) or Southampton (16 days). Full World Cruise guests will enjoy a variety of special amenities, including a gala Bon Voyage evening at a luxury Beverly Hills hotel, baggage valet service, complimentary Business Class air and transfers (or air credit), a generous onboard spending credit, complimentary laundry service and commemorative gifts. There will also be exclusive complimentary shoreside events: The Rising Dragon: This elegant evening event in Hong Kong will be hosted at the spectacularly situated Four Seasons Hotel, where guests will savor fine cuisine in a richly decorated setting that reflects both traditional and contemporary elements of this vibrant metropolis; Sunset Over Angkor Wat: From Bangkok guests will fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia, to explore the magnificent temple complex at Angkor Wat, enjoying overnight accommodations at a 5 star hotel, and dinner surrounded by colossal statues in the spectacular Bayon Temple; Supper in a Sultan’s Palace: Highlighting this immersive experience in Istanbul is a panoramic cruise along the Bosphorus, bordering Asia and Europe, followed by an atmospheric dinner in the glorious Ciragan Palace, once home to powerful sultans of the Ottoman Empire. Plus two complimentary Silversea Experiences will showcase the fascinating cultures of Fanning Island, Kiribati, and Alotau, Papua New Guinea. Guests will also have the chance to meet and mingle with distinguished destination experts, academics, journalists, diplomats and other specialists. Local entertainment, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and regional specialties will provide further immersion in each global destination.

Christopher Allen

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and alongside berth as well as reliable information, adequate piers with proper length, fenders and bollards for large cruise ships, adequate gangways and shoreside facilities, adequate terminals for turnaround operation of large cruise ships, need to keep overall guest experience in mind when planning new projects and identifying areas for improvement., local transportation must be easy and accessible, safety/security of port and surrounding areas and port information must be available and shared in advance if possible. He said it was not necessary to extend piers when dolphins can be added with proper bollards, but ensure that good dolphins are built. Also it was necessary for proper gangways to adjust

to the tide movements. Captain Nik reminded delegates that the cruise companies support the economy of the country and ports. The success of port calls rests on guests’ satisfaction – also happy guests go back and promote your port and country and passengers come back as tourists.He also talked about the expansion of the Panama Canal and how this will open up the movement of big ships around the world. In urging the speeding up of port infrastructure he said “I don’t care when it will be, just do it. What are you waiting for?”Jennifer Vandekreeke told delegates it was 48 days (17 October) to the arrival of Carnival Spirit to Australia. After presenting an overview of Carnival Cruises she said the ship had undergone “Aussification” with more interconnecting staterooms (for a total of 84), upgrades to the fitness centre, Aussie ATM’s, Pokies and Powerpoints, Aussie menu items and upgrading of coffee to suit Australian tastes. It was noted the majority of guests are new to Cruise and Carnival have really hit a chord with the family market and their opportunities and challenges in a rapidly growing market.Shirley Henderson’s presentation was most comprehensive and interesting, firstly outlining P&O UK and Cunards’ long experience in world cruising and the current role of shore excursions. She said “Sydney is the main highlight of Australian ports, with Fremantle close second and Adelaide and Melbourne consistently score high. Auckland

is the top NZ port, followed closely by Wellington. Her definition of regular world cruisers: once in lifetime customers, repeat cruisers stepping up to a longer or more exotic experience, international passengers from Europe, USA and Japan, average age is 67 – 70, sector passengers tend to be a bit younger and Cunard is very popular with

Australians. Shore excursions must provide guests with the best possible experience and have something for everyone. It is important that the focus be on product development and future strategies – what are the next generation of cruisers looking for? Information provided by the cruise line is key in determining what passengers choose to do in port. Participation in shore excursions is in decline with some passengers preferring to explore on their own. The ‘Ideal’ Shore Excursion - 68% prefer half day, 47% prefer trips with up to an hour free time, Morning departures 97% popular, evenly split between early (8-8.30) and late (10-10.30) start time and 83% prefer groups of 8-20 passengers

In closing Shirley said “If I could change one thing? Arrest the decline in shore excursion participation”. Karen Rees provided a short presentation about Tasmanian Ports and in particular outlined details of the A$7m redevelopment of Macquarie Wharf No 2 in Hobart that will provide a deep water cruise terminal in close proximity to the city centre. It is hoped that with increased air availability Hobart will become a turnaround port.Andrew McEvoy presented an update on Tourism Australia and its perspective on Cruise. He said Tourism Australia’s efforts are concentrated on the US market which offers the greatest opportunities for Australian tourism and cruising is part of the mix.Panel sessions with delegate participation took place during the afternoon. Also it was announced that Cairns would host the 2013 Conference with dates to be advised.It was a most interesting conference with informative speakers who provided many challanges for those present. Also there was ample opportunities for delegates to network with one another.The conference, sponsored by Tourism Tasmania, Hobart City Council, Tasports, Port Arthur and Burnie City Council, culminated with a gala dinner at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) overlooking the Derwent River.

Since the conference Cruise Down Under has organised the inaugural ‘VIP Cruise Famil’ in partnership with Tourism Australia and Qantas assisted by state and local tourism bodies, port authorities and individual CDU members. Eight cruise itinerary decision-makers from the US and UK inspected port facilities, shore excursion products and pre and post touring opportunities.

Cruise Down Under Conference Hobart Tasmania continued.....

Captain Nikolaos

Shirley Henderson

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In an industry first Crystal Cruises has unveiled the world’s first self contained, free standing living wall at sea, created and crafted by UK-based ANS Group Europe. ANS Group Europe spent two days installing the living wall on the 922 guest Crystal Symphony as the ship sailed from Portland to Dover to complete its 11 night “British Isle Brilliance” voyage. Designed for an al fresco area in the ship’s Deck 11 Trident Grill, the unique living wall uses a varied and diverse selection of indoor plants to display a world map. The living wall is 37.7 feet (11.5 meters) long and 7.9 feet (2.4 meters) high and will receive regular maintenance by Crystal Symphony’s onboard team of florists.“In keeping with our ongoing focus on design, we wanted to create a focal point that was both highly contemporary and visually stunning,” says Alexandra Don, Crystal’s vice president, hotel design and services. “The end result is a living wall that brings the Trident Grill to life and serves as an eye-catching backdrop to the incomparable service and choices that always characterize a Crystal holiday.”Joel Nash, marketing manager for ANS Group Europe added, “This bespoke project is an exciting and exhilarating scheme. Installing living walls on a cruise ship is taking us to a completely new level and opens up all sorts of possibilities. When you think this wall will be travelling as far north as Lapland and down to Cape Horn, it takes your breath away.” A living wall is a vertical garden that is pre-planted in panels and then attached to the wall or facade of a building. Plants stay intact in their vertical positions because their root structures are anchored in two to four inches of soil kept within the panel.The installation of the wall on Crystal Symphony is yet another example of Crystal’s “Crystal Clean” environmental and educational efforts both onboard and on shore. A living wall acts as a bio filter, enhancing air quality by breaking down harmful airborne contaminants and transforming them into clean oxygen. By absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, it reduces greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Chefs for Humanity Receives Donation Chefs for Humanity, www.chefsforhumanity.com, a non profit organization founded by Celebrity Chef Cat Cora, has received a US$50,000 donation from Oceania Cruises. The idea behind its founding was to galvanize culinary enthusiasts worldwide around a shared goal of reducing hunger and improving nutrition. “We are delighted that Cat Cora is now part of the Oceania Cruises family—her passion for fine cuisine captures the core of what we do every day,” said Kunal S. Kamlani, Oceania Cruises’ president. “We are immensely proud of Cat’s philanthropic endeavours outside the kitchen and the work she is doing to reduce hunger across the globe. It is an honour to make this commitment to Chefs for Humanity in celebration of her role as godmother to Riviera.” In May, Cat Cora christened Oceania Cruises’ newest ship Riviera, the second new ship launched by Oceania Cruises in under 18 months. Designed for epicureans, Riviera features 10 dining venues – six of which are gourmet restaurants – plus a Bon Appétit Culinary Centre for hands-on learning and La Reserve by Wine Spectator, a professional facility for wine tastings and pairing dinners. Chefs for Humanity was founded by Cat Cora in 2004 in response to the tsunami disaster in Indonesia. The non profit group has provided relief and assistance following disasters in New Orleans and Haiti and has made recent mission trips to Ethiopia and Haiti. “It is inspiring to have such generous support from Oceania Cruises,” said founder Cat Cora. “Smart philanthropy from organizations like Oceania can make an enormous difference in providing and implementing solutions to impact hunger and malnutrition. Chefs for Humanity are honoured to be a partner with Oceania Cruises in this fight against hunger.”

Seabourn Celebrates Partnership Seabourn celebrated the announcement of the luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot as its official timekeeper with a special visit aboard Seabourn Quest on Sunday, 2 September 2012. Seabourn Quest Captain Geir-Arne Thue Nilsen welcomed Carnival Corporation and plc Chairman and CEO Micky Arison and Hublot’s Chairman of the Board Jean-Claude Biver aboard the line’s newest ship during a port call at Cannes, France. Captain Thue Nilsen led a personal tour of the Seabourn Quest, proudly showing off several of the elegant Hublot wall clocks now displayed at various locations on the ship. Pictured from left to right in front of the new Hublot wall clock outside the ship’s Grand Salon are: Jean-Claude Biver, Hublot’s Chairman of the Board; Seabourn Quest Captain Geir-Arne Thue Nilsen; and Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc Chairman and CEO. Seabourn guests on board the line’s six ships will now be kept abreast of the current ship’s time by means of handsome Hublot wall clocks, designed and finished with the same flair and elegance that have made Hublot’s wristwatches multi-faceted icons of a constantly evolving Swiss watch making tradition.

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World’s First Living Wall at Sea

excursion boatassured

*Conditions: Offer is subject to availability and is not combinable with any other discount. Valid for new bookings only from 01 October 2012 or until sold out. 15% savings (for first time travellers) and 25% savings (for Coral Princess past guests) are valid on 05, 12, 15, 22 and 26 April 2013 departures only. No single supplement is valid for genuine single travellers only on selected departures and this special is not combinable with the 15/25% discounts. Prices are per person, twin share and are cruise only. Enquire for further details. ACN 010 908 417.

OR Single travellers cruise at twin share price (no single supplement)!+

2013 KIMBERLEYEXPEDITION CRUISINGThe Ultimate Kimberley Expedition Cruise

10 Nights Darwin to Broome v.v 2013 Kimberley Early BirdWaterfall Season Special

With Australia’s Coral Princess Cruises you’ll discover all of the icons of the Kimberley Coast over 10 unforgettable nights cruising between Darwin and Broome. In the north, discover the majestic King George River, with its towering 80 metre twin falls and the mysterious Bradshaw Paintings of Bigge Island. Explore the Mitchell Plateau and cruise the Kimberley’s iconic rivers, before exploring beautiful King Cascades, remarkable Montgomery Reef and the amazing natural phenomenon of the Horizontal Falls in the south.

Cruising aboard your choice of our purpose-built small ships Oceanic Discoverer or Coral Princess, you’ll discover all of the region’s icons, and with two landings most days you’ll enjoy the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the magic of the Kimberley. Aboard our unique ‘Xplorer’ expedition vessel and our fleet of zodiacs, and with the expert local knowledge of our experienced guides you are assured of making the most of every minute of your expedition. Throughout your cruise you will discover the very best of the Kimberley and with Coral Princess Cruises you will do it all in unrivalled style and total comfort.

SAVE 15%*or No Single Supplement*

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Seabourn Adds Seventh Continent

More than 20 years after pioneering an entirely new style of small-ship, Seabourn has announced plans to include Antarctica for the first time.

Seabourn Quest will begin a series of four 21 to 24 day voyages sailing between Valparaíso, Chile and Buenos Aires, Argentina starting in November 2013. Seabourn President Richard Meadows said “This move expands Seabourn’s global reach to all seven continents and builds on our already impressive list of exotic destinations.” The all-suite Seabourn Quest will cruise the Chilean coast, including visits to Puerto Montt, Castro and Puerto Chacabuco as well as Punta Arenas, from where guests can tour the magnificent Torres del Paine National Park. Then the ship will thread the glaciers, peaks and channels of the Chilean Fjords,

culminating in a transit of the Beagle Channel and its spectacular Glacier Alley. Weather permitting, following a call at Ushuaia in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, Seabourn Quest will cruise by Cape Horn bound for the Southern Ocean. Guests onboard will experience five days in Antarctica, including scenic cruising of highlights such as the breathtaking Lemaire Channel, picturesque Paradise Bay and the Gerlache Strait. An experienced Antarctic expedition staff will ensure that guests enjoy the best of the hundreds of available sites for landings and cruising in smaller inflatable boats, based on real-time weather and wildlife reports during their Antarctic adventures. Scientists, naturalists and other lecturers in a number of disciplines will speak on board and accompany guests ashore to add insights to their once-in-a-lifetime experiences.During the South Atlantic portion of the voyage, guests will enjoy visits to Port Stanley, in the Falkland Islands, and Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital, en route to or from Buenos Aires. A 24-day holiday version will include two days exploring the sub-Antarctic wildlife Eden of South Georgia Island, renowned for its beauty and its vast, teeming rookeries of king penguins and other seabirds, as well as breeding elephant and fur seals.

New Pacific Pearl Features

The addition of 10 pairs of interconnecting cabins and a New Zealand Natural ice cream parlour were part of changes added at the recent dry dock of Pacific Pearl that occurred in Sydney between 6-21 August. They are in line with additions made earlier this year to sister ship Pacific Dawn, which have proved popular with passengers of all ages. Other changes during the dry dock included the laying of new carpets throughout the ship, and minor refurbishments to the Marquee, Mix and Orient Bars as well as the ship’s mini suites and balcony cabins.

A Classy Royal (sailing) Lady

Royal Clipper, the largest sailing vessel of its kind in the world, is gearing up for a hectic schedule in 2013 with 25

cruises and two trans-Atlantic Ocean crossings. After the first three months of the year in the Caribbean, the ship will sail 15 nights from Barbados on 13 April to Lisbon to start the European season operating mainly 7, 10 and 11 night cruises including Spain, Morocco and France, the Amalfi coast and Sicily, Italy, Montenegro and Croatia, Corsica and Sardinia, before returning from Lisbon on 7 November back across the Atlantic to Barbados. A spectacular sight under full sail at speeds up to 20 knots, Royal Clipper boasts luxurious cabins with butler service in the top categories, a water sports platform, three swimming pools, massage and beauty treatments, a wood-panelled library, piano lounge, and an open seating dining room offering menus from top European chefs. The 134m long steel-hulled ship has five masts carrying 42 sails with a total area of 5000 square metres (almost the size of a rugby league field) 105 crew, and can carry 227 passengers.Meanwhile Star Clippers has announced sails to Cuba in 2014 - Star Flyer will offer a series of itineraries exploring the island in depth, with a pre and post cruise option to stay in historic Havana. For the four Cuba sailings, the 170 passenger Star Flyer will split the 2013/14 winter between Costa Rica, where the ship has already operated two highly successful seasons, and the Caribbean. On 2 February 2014 the vessel will sail 14 nights from Costa Rica to Cuba via the Panama Canal. Then on 16 and 23 February and 2, 9 and 16 March there will be seven night cruises departing Cienfuegos and calling at Cayo Blanco; Casilda (for the historic town of Trinidad, rich with colonial architecture); Little Cayman and George Town, capital of Great Cayman; Cayo Largo (Cuba), Archipelago de los Canarreos; returning to Cienfuegos.

MICE Events Aboard Athena Classic International Cruises is hoping the name of its Australian-based liner, Athena – named after the Greek goddess for wisdom, will appeal to ‘wise’ event organisers, with new, all-inclusive day delegate packages released to the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) market. “Hosting a lunch, product launch or a conference aboard a cruise ship in port or at sea is so much more exciting, popular and memorable than a land-based event,”

said Classic International Cruises Managing Director Grant Hunter. “It’s a wise move. And our smaller, classic-styled liner, Athena, carrying just 550 passengers, is ideally suited to charters and corporate events and, as part of our Australian program

this summer, we will be offering a record 12 short cruises of five nights or less.” New all-inclusive day delegate packages aboard Athena have been released from $470 per person, including two nights’ accommodation at sea, all meals and morning and afternoon teas, free venue and equipment hire, entertainment and a daily newsletter for delegates. Based in Adelaide and Perth between December, 2012, and April, 2013, Athena offers meeting space for up to 200 guests, with discounts available for groups of more than 32 passengers. “An in port lunch or a short cruise aboard Athena is ideal for product launches, annual conferences or in-house training sessions,” Mr Hunter said. “A cruise is a unique, exciting and economical way to reward top sales people, show appreciation to clients or build staff camaraderie. The atmosphere onboard Athena is also very relaxing and friendly, partners can relax by the pool and the views change every hour!” The new corporate packages can be used on any of Athena’s 17 Australian cruises this summer including the 12 short cruises from two to five nights that suit meetings and conferences at sea.New Discounts - Fares for pensioners on Athena have been discounted by up to $1100 per person on a voyage from Australia to England in April, 2013. The special discounts offered are for Australian Pensioner Concession Card holders on Athena’s 40 night voyage on 15 April 2013, from Perth to Portsmouth at the end of Athena’s ninth summer season based in Australia. The special fares are for new bookings only in selected cabins, subject to availability.

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Pride of America to Receive Major Enhancements

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced that the latest vessel in the company’s ship revitalization program, Pride of America, will enter dry dock in March 2013 for major enhancements, including the addition of new luxurious suites and studio staterooms.“As the only large US-flagged cruise ship, Pride of America offers a unique and extraordinary vacation to four of Hawaii’s most popular islands,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive officer. “We want to ensure that we are continuing to enhance the guest experience on this one-of-a-kind vessel. Therefore, we are making a major investment, over US$30 million, in enhancing this ship with beautiful new suites, studios for solo travellers, new restaurants and more.”Pride of America enters a 14 day dry dock on 23 March in Honolulu, Hawaii. The 2,124 passenger ship will receive major renovations including the addition of 24 ultra-luxurious suites, four Studio staterooms and four inside staterooms; Moderno Churrascaria, the line’s signature Brazilian-style steakhouse; ship wide wireless internet connectivity; new carpeting throughout; flat screen televisions in all staterooms; updated décor; upgrades to the fitness centre; new directional signage; renovations to the gift shop, photo gallery and art gallery; and much more.Guests wishing to travel solo in Hawaii can now do so in one of four new Studio staterooms on board Pride of America. Pride of America will return to her seven day Hawaii itinerary departing from Honolulu every Saturday when she returns to service in early April 2013. Ports of call include an overnight in Kahului, Maui; Hilo, Hawaii; Kona, Hawaii; an overnight in Nãwiliwili, Kauai; and an afternoon cruise past the breathtaking Nãpali Coast.

Skjolden’s New SeaWalk Floating Pier

When Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth visited Norway’s Skjolden on 11 August the new SeaWalk floating pier was put into action. From the time the ship arrived in position and had her mooring lines connected to the buoy and shore bollards it took only 30 minutes. Then only 12 minutes was required for the SeaWalk to dock with the Queen, become secured to her, and then for the ships accommodation ladder and gangway to be secured on the SeaWalk deck and ready to debark passengers. Skjolden is the world’s first port to install what is described as a revolutionary floating pier system.

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Celebrity Reflection leaves the building dockOn early Sunday morning, 12 August, Celebrity Reflection was floated out of the covered building dock II of MEYER WERFT in Germany, assisted by tugs. The 126,000-gt cruise ship is 319 m long and 37.40 m wide. In 1,515 cabins more than 3,030 passengers can be accommodated. She can reach a speed of 23 knots. Celebrity Reflection is the only ship among her four sisters that has 16 decks rather than 15, which increases the number of cabins by another 72, and provides more space in the theatre and in the restaurants.

Royal Princess “Float Out” Celebrated Princess Cruises’ newest ship, Royal Princess, reached a significant construction milestone when the vessel was “floated out” at its building dock at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy. A traditional ceremony marked the occasion, which was highlighted by a participant with a unique tie to the ship and the unveiling of a special ship’s bell.

Princess President and CEO Alan Buckelew and Royal Princess Captain Tony Draper attended the event, as did long-time Princess master Captain Nick Nash and his daughter, Victoria, who served as the ship’s “madrina” (or “godmother”).Following the Italian shipyard’s tradition, the float out of a ship is celebrated when the madrina cuts the cord that begins the flow of water into the ship’s dock. Victoria Nash was chosen to serve as madrina because she has a special connection to the first Royal Princess. As a baby, she was christened aboard the ship.

“The original Royal Princess left our fleet some time ago, but we wanted to bring the spirit of that much-loved ship, also a prototype design, to the new Royal Princess,” said Buckelew during the ceremony. “And who better to do that than Victoria, who has grown up into a beautiful young lady who will now have a special connection with both vessels.” As is tradition, the ship’s bell was used as her christening bowl during that ceremony in 1996, and Victoria’s name was subsequently engraved inside the bell to commemorate the occasion. Thanks to the Nash family, this same bell will be aboard the new Royal Princess.Photo - Princess Cruises President & CEO Alan Buckelew, Royal Princess Madrina Victoria Nash, Royal Princess Captain Tony Draper and Captain Nick Nash celebrate the float out of Royal Princess

The Ultimate in RelaxationOnboard Royal Princess

Princess Cruises has unveiled details of the Lotus Spa on its new Royal Princess, which will provide the ultimate in rejuvenation for passengers from couples’ villas to exotic steam rooms and sensory showers. Featuring a contemporary, sophisticated décor, the spa will offer more treatment rooms than any other Princess spa, as well as an array of new features including private Couples Villas and The Enclave – a thermal suite that is triple the size of any existing Lotus Spa.

New Ship will be Named Regal PrincessPrincess Cruises has marked the beginning of construction of the second of its new generation of ships with the official keel laying ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. At the same time the line announced that the ship’s name will be Regal Princess. The vessel, a sister ship to Royal Princess, will debut in the northern spring 2014. The company and shipyard officials started the countdown to the ship’s launch today as the keel was ceremoniously lowered into position in the building dock.

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Families come firston MSC Cruises

Great dining ideas and extra nanny hourmeans more fun for kids

In the light of the recent International Youth Day (August 12), MSC Cruises has three innovative programs which make it simpler for children to have a fun-filled holiday at sea with the parents.

Happy DinnersFirstly, the leading cruise line has dreamed up a MSC Happy Dinners program which allows youngsters to be served dishes from the kids’ menu while their parents enjoy their initial courses.However, when the children have finished at their usual enthusiastic speed, they no longer have to wait patiently for mum and dad to finish.“It’s the perfect recipe for a great family meal,” said Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand. “Mums and dads love eating with their children, and children love eating with mum and dad, but it’s no secret that children don’t like being seated for hours and that adults want to take their time over dinner.“Now, MSC Happy Dinners is here to offer families the best of both worlds.” With MSC Happy Dinners, the children are picked up by specialised kids’ club staff when they’ve finished and are then free to have fun with friends their own age, leaving parents to leisurely savour their different courses and wine and enjoy the remainder of their dinner.

Extra Nanny HourMSC Cruises has also introduced a second nanny-hour to its kids’ club programs. Every morning from 9am to 10am and now also from 5pm to 6pm, MSC offers a special programme designed for babies and toddlers

aged 10 to 36 months to spend quality time with their parents with the support of MSC kids’ club staff. Staff organise dedicated games and activities aimed specifically at MSC’s youngest guests and their parents, including playing with bricks, musical games, baby disco, puzzle games and drawing. Mums, dads and, most importantly, the kids, will be smiling all day long with Happy Dinners, Fun Time Dinners, nanny-hour as well as the comprehensive range of activities tailor-made for families on board the MSC fleet.

Fun Time DinnerFor kids who relish their independence and would love the freedom of eating with their friends, away from the grown-ups and their “dull” conversations, MSC Fun Time Dinners may prove even more tempting. With MSC Fun Time Dinners, children dine in a separate, specially

decorated area of the buffet restaurant with the entertainment team, and then have fun in the Mini and Junior Club while parents enjoy a leisurely dinner alone, picking up the kids when they’ve finished.

Every night of the week, children aged between three and 11 can eat together with the entertainment team and their new friends. Three of these nights are theme parties - a Welcome Party, Italian Party, and Farewell and Birthday Party - while the remaining four MSC Fun Time Dinners are just what they say - fun from start to finish. Both the MSC Happy Dinners and the MSC Fun Time Dinner services are now available free of charge on all MSC ships. Dedicated to children aged from three to 11, parents simply need to register their children in advance with the Mini or Junior Club and fill in the special ‘dinner coupons’ with their details.

For the 2013 Alaska cruise season, Holland America Line is increasing its presence in the region with more departures and more guests than in previous years. Although the number of Holland America ships deployed in Alaska will remain at seven — the same as 2012 — Amsterdam will double its departures on new seven-day roundtrip sailings from Vancouver. “Increasing our capacity in Alaska means that Holland America Line will offer nearly 1.6 million passenger days in the 2013 season,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. When the 1,380-guest Amsterdam begins its Alaska season on 24 May the ship will sail a series of 17 seven day Inside Passage voyages. The Vancouver sailings feature port calls at Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, Alaska, as well as scenic cruising throughout Glacier Bay National Park or Tracy Arm Fjord/Twin Sawyer glaciers. For the 2013 Alaska cruise season, Holland America Line also will feature Zaandam and Statendam each sailing on 18 Gulf of Alaska departures from Vancouver. Statendam and Zaandam also will sail four total Inside Passage routes, along with Amsterdam

(17), Volendam (21) and Zuiderdam (20). In addition, Oosterdam and Westerdam are scheduled to sail 21 and 20, respectively, seven-night voyages from Seattle. Added capacity and departures also will send more guests on the line’s CruiseTours, which combine a three, four or seven day Inside Passage cruise with in depth overland tours to the Yukon and Alaska’s interior. Offering up to three days at Denali National Park for wildlife viewing and spectacular scenery, CruiseTours are designed to highlight the best of Alaska’s wilderness, wildlife, native culture and history. Holland America Line offers more than 250 optional shore excursions in conjunction with its Alaska cruises. Meanwhile Holland America is offering two segments for its 34 Day circumnavigation by Volendam of Australia. The first segment, a 19 night Sydney to Perth (via Darwin and Indonesia) sailing departs on 21 October 2012 and arrives in Fremantle on 9 November. Departing the same day Volendam will embark on a 15 day journey taking in the southern coastline of Australia sailing into Sydney on 24 November completing the 34 day circumnavigation.

Holland America to Increase Presence in Alaska

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Fleet RefurbishmentsFindings from customer research commissioned by P&O Cruises has led to a multi-million pound investment on Ventura, Oceana and Arcadia. The Glasshouse menu and concept that has proved so popular on board Azura, is being introduced on board Ventura in the area that was previously Las Ramblas. Olly Smith will travel regularly throughout the year to lend his expertise and irreverent style in wine tastings and food & wine pairings. Ventura will spend approximately 13 days in a German shipyard in the northern spring 2013, between the cruise which returns to Southampton on 22 March and the following cruise which departs on 7 April 2013. Highlights of the work being undertaken are: 18 new single cabins in the same area as Azura adjacent to the Exchange bar and Fortunes casino; introduction of The Glasshouse to replace Las Ramblas bar and restaurant; installation of Enomatics wine dispensing system and conversion to The Glasshouse menu; installation of Retreat into the forward area on deck 16; introduction of a new dance floor in the atrium; optimisation of retail area to improve popular shopping facilities

on board; cyberstudy conversion to library with digital functions and cabin refurbishment including the replacement of carpets, bed runners, cushions, curtains and mattresses. The research focused on the different aspects of the cruise experience for both existing passengers and potential cruisers. P&O Cruise’s managing director, Carol Marlow said “We are committed to ongoing and continuous improvement and refurbishment of our ships so that there is a consistent standard of decor across the fleet. The Glasshouse and Retreat areas on board Azura have proved very popular and so we are taking this opportunity to add these innovations to sister ship Ventura. The addition of a dance floor in the atrium on board Ventura will make it the heart of the ship for afternoon and after dinner dancing, which is so popular on Azura.” Research was also carried out to look to dining preferences and trends across the fleet. Marlow continued: “Our research showed that the quality of dining is important to an overwhelming 97% of respondents. The speciality restaurants are also important as variety of dining came through as another priority, with premium grills, classic fine dining, Asian and Indian menus being the most popular. Whilst it is imperative that we continue to research changing trends and tastes it is reassuring to know that we are offering what our passengers want and adapting menus accordingly.” On Oceana, the concept behind Cafe Jardin will change and be replaced by a new menu by Marco Pierre White. Oceana will spend approximately 11 days in the ship yard, between the cruise which returns to Southampton on 5 December and the following cruise which departs on 20 December 2012. Highlights of the work being undertaken are: refurbishment to Oasis Spa changing rooms, sauna and salon; refurbishment to shops and Sundaes ice-cream parlour; additional and refreshed seating in Winners casino, Le Club and Horizon Grill; new lighting, sound and AV equipment in Le Club, including flat screen TVs, to make venue suitable for daytime entertainment; enhanced top deck lighting and sound equipment to enable increased outdoor entertainment; new Marco Pierre White menu in Cafe Jardin; significant cabin refurbishment including the replacement of carpets, bed runners, cushions, curtains and mattresses. Arcadia will also be refurbished in December 2013.

Azamara’s PlansAzamara Club Cruises has announced plans for the renovation of its two European boutique hotel-style ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. Both ships are scheduled separately to enter dry dock in 2012 and 2013, respectively,

where each will receive a ship wide facelift and a new profile with a new dark blue hull. Ship wide renovations will include new carpets, upholstery, and a new color palette in public spaces reflecting the cruise line’s inviting atmosphere; new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; and a resurfaced pool, and new sun loungers and pool towels on the outer decks. The Casino Bar also will be expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness center will be refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of enhancements will be made behind the scenes in the staff and crew area to add to the comfort of the cruise line’s most valuable asset. On the culinary front, guests onboard will soon enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina, one of the ships’ two specialty dining venues, as well as a new Chef’s Table concept featuring three wine degustation menus – Italian, French, and Californian. At Mosaic Café, the ships’ central gathering spot, guests will be able to purchase a freshly brewed cup of bespoke coffee. Azamara Quest will spend eight nights in dry dock at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, starting 7 November 2012. With renovations complete, Azamara Quest will then sail a 13 night Madeira and Canary Islands voyage, beginning 15 November followed by a 4 night Spanish and Northern Africa voyage on 28 November. The ship then departs on 2 December on a 16 night, trans Atlantic voyage to Rio de Janeiro for its South America season. Azamara Journey will enter Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard on 6 January 2013 for a 7 night renovation dry dock. Azamara Journey will then continue its Asia season with a 13 night Indonesia voyage roundtrip from Singapore on 13 January.

New Arctic CruiseA&K’s seasoned expedition team will be on board MV ‘Le Boreal’ when it sets sail to an exciting new destination, offered for the first time through A&K Australia in 2013. In next year’s northern hemisphere summer, A&K is giving travellers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the islands of the High Arctic Svalbard archipelago in Norway, less than 1,000 kilometres from the North Pole. You will be able to observe firsthand the amazing flora that comes alive with unexpected colour under July’s midnight sun, as expert guides help seek out the mighty polar bear in its natural habitat as well as discovering Greenland’s Bronze Age villages, Eskimo settlements and fishing enclaves and search for local wildlife including whales, seabirds, reindeer and walrus. This enriching journey ends amid the contrast of Iceland’s rural tranquillity and stunning volcanic landscape. A&K’s home afloat in Arctic waters is luxury vessel MV Le Boreal. She carries 200 passengers (though in other destinations capacity will extend to 264). Cruise dates are from 16 – 30 July 2013.

Culinary Experts Headline

Wine & Food-Themed Crystal Cruises In 2013Australasian and Balinese culinary arts will kick off Crystal Cruises’ 2013 Wine & Food-themed series, with regional star chefs and wine experts headlining two new, 12 day Crystal Symphony itineraries: Australia/New Zealand departing 17 January and Australia/Bali leaving 11 February. A bevy of experts will teach complimentary cooking lessons, hands-on recipe instruction, wine tasting, cocktail-mixing classes, and special dinner menus that all showcase the area’s unique gastronomic specialties. Presenters include: Damien Pignolet - Sydney’s renowned Modern Australian/French fusion chef and executive chef at Bistro Moncur restaurant; Heinz von Holzen - Balinese cookbook author and owner of the island’s only traditional, multi-award-winning restaurant and cooking school, Bumbu Bali; Greg Doyle - Former Australian Restaurateur of the Year and Owner of Pier, one of Australia’s finest seafood restaurants and a Sydney institution and Cameron Douglas - New Zealand’s first and only Master Sommelier. Connoisseurs can also indulge in optional, intimate Vintage Room dining experiences, offering multiple courses paired with extraordinary wines. The voyages offer access to each country’s culinary capitals, from the renowned wine regions of South Australia and Wellington to New South Wales’ fine dining and Northern Territory’s outback pubs. The January “Koalas and Kiwis” itinerary explores Brisbane, Newcastle, and Sydney (overnight), before sailing through stunning Milford, Doubtful, and Dusky Sounds en route to Dunedin, Christchurch/Lyttelton, Wellington and Auckland, NZ. The February “Reefs and Rainforest” voyage overnights in Sydney before venturing north through the Great Barrier Reef, Brisbane, the Whitsunday Islands/Hamilton, Cairns, Darwin, and Benoa/Bali. Also Crystal Cruises plans to soothe your mind, body, spirit and wallet in 2013 as you rejuvenate, reduce stress, improve balance and get motivated in 2013 with Crystal Symphony’s first cruise of the new year, a brand new Experiences of Discovery itinerary through southern Australia. With a Mind, Body & Spirit focus, the 5 January cruise from Melbourne to Brisbane features health and wellness experts leading complimentary classes and seminars—appropriate for beginners making a new fitness resolution or those looking to continue their regimen without missing a beat on vacation. Guest experts joining Crystal’s own onboard health and fitness specialists include: World-class ultra-runner, adventure racer, and Seven Summits mountaineer Marshall Ulrich, sharing experiences and motivational tips; legendary founder of the Tai Chi Institute, Dr. Martin Lee, teaching classes in the ancient discipline and Spiritually-inspiring yoga instructor Lisa Goodwin, leading various sessions.

Summer of Luxury Renowned for their all-inclusive, all-suite cruising style, Silversea is offering two 14 day luxury sailings between Australia and New Zealand aboard Silver Shadow in January 2013.First cruise departs Sydney on 4 January for a 14 day exploration of the ports and harbours of Victoria, north western Tasmania and both islands of New Zealand. Alternatively sail from Auckland on 18 January to Sydney via some of New Zealand’s best wine districts and the spectacular Milford and Dusky Sounds with an overnight visit to Melbourne.

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2013Kimberley ‘Waterfall Season’

Australia’s pioneer of small ship expedition cruising Coral Princess Cruises celebrates its 30th anniversary year in 2013 and is offering ‘Waterfall Season” specials of between 15 and 25 per cent off normal prices on their 10 night Kimberley Coast expeditions. The savings are valid on five April 2013 departures aboard their state-of-the-art 72 passenger small ship Oceanic Discoverer or the fully refurbished 35-metre catamaran Coral Princess.

The Kimberley wilderness of Western Australia is three times larger than England with a population of just 30,000. Coral Princess’s voyages between Darwin and Broome cruise through some of the planet’s oldest and most awe inspiring scenery and landscapes. Exploring the Kimberley Coast in April, immediately following the ‘wet season’, affords guests the unique opportunity to experience the region’s spectacular waterfalls in their full grandeur. From the towering 80 metre King George Falls, four tiered Mitchell Falls and the iconic King Cascades to the amazing natural phenomenon of Horizontal Falls and lesser known highlights such as swimming beneath beautiful Ruby Falls, Coral Princess’s Kimberley itinerary includes all of the icons of this spectacular coast in unrivalled style and total comfort.

The discounts apply to all new bookings on April 2013 departures and are available until 30 November 2012 or until sold out.

Sleep Experience withPratesi Bed Linens

Silversea guests will soon find their sleep experience elevated to a new level of comfort and luxury with the debut of Pratesi custom-made bed linens. Founded in 1860 and renowned for creating masterpieces in linens for the Italian and European aristocracy, the legendary Italian linens firm is bringing its high quality and stylish creations to the beds in every Silversea suite. The introduction began with the 3 September voyage of Silver Spirit and will be followed by Silver Cloud in November. Pratesi bedding will then be rolled out to the rest of the Silversea fleet in 2013. The plush new bedding collection, which features 240 thread count, 100% Egyptian cotton satin sheets, pillowcases and duvet covers, will complement an already lavish collection of sleep amenities enjoyed by Silversea guests. These include a memory pillow top and dual-side mattress that can be flipped to provide either soft or firm support, a down duvet and a pillow menu offering nine different pillow options, from soft down to memory foam, and chamomile or lavender aromatherapy pillow covers.

Paul Gauguin Cruises DebutsIts 2013 Voyages

Paul Gauguin Cruises, operator of the m/s Paul Gauguin and the newly acquired m/v Tere Moana, has debuted its colorful and comprehensive 2013 Voyages by Gauguin brochure. The 86 page brochure showcases a variety of dream cruises to enchanting destinations and can be viewed on-line at pgcruises.com/e-brochure. The brochure outlines five award-winning itineraries in French Polynesia that are available aboard the elegantly renovated Gauguin and 13 new itineraries encompassing the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe on the cruise line’s new luxury small ship, The Moana. Detailed itineraries are grouped by region and include cruise schedules, maps, highlights, and fares. The Gauguin’s voyages in exotic French Polynesia feature a host of exquisite islands with white-sand beaches, aqua lagoons, mist-laden mountains, and warm Polynesian culture. Itineraries include: 7 night Tahiti & the Society Islands; 10 night Society Islands & Tuamotus; 11 night Cook Islands & Society Islands; 11 night Australs & Society Islands; and 14 night Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands. The Moana offers 7 night Caribbean voyages roundtrip from St. Martin visiting a mix of sophisticated islands and unspoiled gems in the French West Indies, British Virgin Islands, and St. Kitts & Nevis during December and March. In January and February, The Moana’s 13 and 14 night Latin American cruises feature a classic transit of the Panama Canal; Cartagena, Columbia; and the wildlife reserves of Costa Rica. From April through November, The Moana operates a variety of European voyages. Highlights include 7 night cruises in the Black Sea and Greek Isles; a roundtrip Spanish Coast voyage and scenic sailings along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast and French and Italian Rivieras. Three special voyages transit Greece’s Corinth Canal, an experience available only to small ships like The Moana. During northern spring and fall, 14 night transatlantic crossings are offered between Europe and the Caribbean.

P&O Cruises Welcomes Centenarian Cruiser

Centenarian cruiser Emily Guidice has enjoyed a rare privilege shortly after becoming one of P&O Cruises’ oldest ever passengers, taking to the bridge of the superliner Pacific Jewel as a guest of the ship’s captain. One-hundred-year-old, Emily entered P&O Cruises’ history books when she boarded Pacific Jewel on Sunday (5 August) with her 81 year old nephew, Jack Thompson and his wife, Yvonne. The

visit to the bridge, where she enjoyed a bird’s eye view of Pacific Jewel, was the first of many special treats planned for her by family and Pacific Jewel staff. The voyage on Pacific Jewel is Emily’s second cruise following a voyage on Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess with Jack and Yvonne four years ago, and she was pleased to be back on the high seas enjoying the music and entertainment. Emily was born on Christmas Day 1911 and grew up in Narrabri in country NSW. She served with the Australian Army Nursing Service during the war including a year in Darwin caring for wounded Diggers. She also met her late husband Bill back then – he was serving with the Army’s Second Field Ambulance.

Photo: Emily Guidice takes in the view from Pacific Jewel’s bridge with Captain Stefano Ravera.

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Geraldton by Peter Plowman

The port of Geraldton in Western Australia is appearing more frequently now on the itineraries of cruises around Australia. Recently I made my first visit to Geraldton in the course of a cruise from Fremantle to Sydney aboard Sun Princess.

Geraldton has a harbour which is used primarily by bulk carriers, and there is no passenger terminal. As a result, Sun Princess had to drop anchor in Champion Bay, from which point it was a ten minute ride ashore in a tender.

There is a good landing facility in the protected marina, which is located a short walk from the centre of town. Arriving passengers are met by local tourist volunteers handing out an information sheet and a separate map showing the main attractions. They are ready to answer any questions and give directions for those wishing to walk to the main points of interest.

There is a shuttle bus service from the marina that costs $5 and takes passengers to four of the main tourist attractions, the HMAS Sydney Memorial, the Cathedral, Marine Terrace and the Museum, at each of which they can get off for a look and then reboard a later shuttle to go elsewhere. It is a very efficient system, and made exploring Geraldton much easier for those not wanting to walk around.I decided to walk to the various sights, as I often find that is when I get the best photographs. My first destination was the HMAS Sydney memorial, located on the top of Mt Scott, overlooking the town, and clearly visible as the tender came in to the marina. A tourist volunteer gave me clear instructions of the best route, with the advice that there was a steep hill involved, though I found it was not very high.

The HMAS Sydney memorial, featuring a dome covered with metal seagulls, one for each life lost on the ship, was erected in 2001 to commemorate the sinking of the second cruiser of that name off Geraldton on 19 November 1941, with the loss of the entire crew. When the wreck of the Sydney was located in 2008 it enabled the story of the tragedy to be completed, and a new pool was installed with an arrow pointing to the exact location of the Sydney. The names of all the men who perished are recorded on panels, as well as a brief history of the career of the ship. It has become the most visited site in Geraldton, with a special service being held every year on the anniversary of the sinking. The memorial is very moving, especially the life-size statue of a lady looking wistfully out to sea in the direction of the sinking.

Leaving the memorial I followed a winding pathway down to the town, and headed for the St Francis Xavier Catholic Cathedral. Designed by Monsignor John Hawes, who was also a fully qualified architect, it is a very impressive building with two towers and a large dome.

A short distance away is the main Geraldton shopping area, a particular attraction being Marine Terrace, which features numerous shops selling pearls and other local jewellery, as well as a variety of restaurants.

I passed several interesting old buildings, including the former Victoria Hospital, part of which is now the Visitor Information Centre. Close by is the Old Gaol, built in the 1850’s shortly after Geraldton was founded, and in use

up to 1986. Next door is the tiny old Police Station, now replaced by a large modern structure located next door to the impressive Court House building on Marine Terrace.

On the shores of Champion Bay is Town Beach, which stretches the full length of the waterfront. There is a very pleasant tiled walkway along the edge of the beach, with several cafes and restaurants, as well as a water park and children’s play area, making it a very popular place for locals as well as visitors.

At the southern end of the beach I came across a most unusual sight in a park - a yellow submarine. It is one of two such craft built by a Geraldton resident in 1969 to test the feasibility of establishing a green crayfish fishery, but when the submarine was tested it was found that gas emissions from the batteries caused problems for the two-man crew. The craft was then donated to Geraldton, and later repainted yellow after the Beatles’ famous song.

Near the northern end of the walkway is a large modern building housing the Museum of Western Australia Geraldton. Along with exhibits showing the rich heritage of the area and its people, there is a section devoted to famous shipwrecks along that stretch of coastline, in particular the Batavia, lost in 1629 on the Abrolhos Islands some 60 miles off Geraldton. Floating in the marina in front of the Museum is a replica of a longboat that brought 48 survivors from the Batavia to the mainland searching for water, but when none could be found they sailed the small boat all the way to Batavia.

Other places of interest to be found in Geraldton, but which I did not have time to see, are the Regional Art Gallery and Chimere Pearls, where tours are conducted showing pearl growing techniques.

There were only three tours available from the ship, each costing over $200 per person. Two half day tours were available, one going to the Principality of Hutt River, the other visiting Oakabella Homestead and the Chapman Winery. A seven hour tour went to the Kalbarri National Park, but did not leave any time available to explore Geraldton as well.

Personally, I think one would have a much better visit to Geraldton by simply walking around the town as I did.

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Old Worcester Reunion

Where would you find three Commodores of the P& O group at the same function? Well it happened recently at the 150th reunion of HMS Worcester in Portsmouth England. HMS Worcester was a training ship which, in very Spartan conditions, prepared young men from all over the world for a life at sea as an officer in the Merchant Navy between 1862 and 1968 when the ship ceased to operate.Some 300 Old Worcester’s [OW’s} from the ship, the youngest being 60, together with their partners and guests gathered in the historic maritime city of

Portsmouth, from where the First Fleet sailed for Australia, to celebrate the establishment of HMS Worcester 150 years ago with three days of events culminating in a formal dinner at the Guildhall with HRH Princess Ann as guest of honour and speaker. She impressed the audience with her knowledge of both their ship and the maritime industry in general.

The reunion concluded with a commemorative service at Portsmouth Cathedral where the organist was most impressed with the volume of the Sailor’s Hymn, “For those in Peril on the Sea “, sung by most from memory.While most attendees commenced a life at sea to become officers and ships’ captains thence other positions ashore in the maritime industry including a past chairman of the Australian National Line. Many left later to take up careers in a wide variety of pursuits including Antarctic explorers, airline pilots, teachers, police, captains

of industry even the clergy, with three of the latter officiating at the cathedral service.Many served in the armed services of a number of countries with some winning significant decorations including the Victoria Cross for gallantry. One OW, Admiral Togo of Japan commanded the fleet which defeated the Russian fleet in 1905.A large number of OW’s came by yacht and their yachts were berthed at Gunwharf where each day the Worcester ensign was hoisted to the yardarm on the dock to the sound of either a bosun’s pipe or bugle, at sunset the ensign was lowered in a similar manner to the delight of the locals and tourists.While the bulk of the attendees were from Britain, some 50 travelled from Australia, including a number of our regular readers, as well as New Zealand, Canada, USA, South Africa, India, Spain and other parts of the globe.Before the advent of the modern cruise industry more than a few had served as captains of cruise

ships, particularly those which visited Australia including Arcadia, Aurora, Canberra, Dominion Monarch ,Iberia, several Princess ships, QE2 and a number of other Cunard ships.The reunion signalled the end of an era with many a tale, some tall and mostly true, were aired between former comrades.

Mike Bartlett 1955-1957 & Richard Pocock 1955-1958

Barbie Experienceat Sea

Royal Caribbean International, in partnership with Mattel, is bringing the signature pink style of Barbie, the world’s most popular doll, to its cruise line. The all-new Barbie Premium Experience, available exclusively on Royal Caribbean ships, is making its stylish splash aboard the cruise line’s entire global fleet of 22 ships starting in January 2013 on select ships and rolling out to the remainder of the fleet by March 2013. The partnership with Barbie will encompass a host of activities in the cruise line’s Adventure Ocean youth program as well as a Barbie Premium Experience. Girls participating in the cruise line’s Adventure Ocean youth program can be part of the complimentary version of the Barbie program. The experience offers Barbie Movie Night, Barbie Story Time and other complimentary themed activities, plus Barbie movies on their stateroom televisions. The Barbie Premium Experience is the ultimate indulgence for Barbie enthusiasts. Girls can enjoy staterooms decorated in the iconic doll’s signature style as well as exclusive, themed activities throughout the duration of their cruise – from an invitation-only tea party and mermaid dance class to a fashion design workshop and Barbie Girls fashion show. Highlights of the Barbie Premium Experience include: a Barbie stateroom, adorned in the doll’s signature style and featuring keepsakes such as a Barbie doll and fashions, blanket and pillowcase, tote bag, toothbrush and toiletries bag; Tiaras & Teacups party, an invitation-only affair, featuring a whimsical palate of pink pastries and pink lemonade served on dainty dishes all while having fun learning tips on table etiquette; Mermaid dance class where girls can shimmy and shake while learning the latest dance moves from the hit movie Barbie in a Mermaid Tale 2; Fashion Designer workshop where they can channel their inner fashion designer with Barbie inspiration boards and sketch materials. Also the opportunity to sketch and create their very own Barbie doll fashions and Fashion Show where they can dress up to walk a pink carpet to the admiration and applause of their family and friends. There will also be the chance to perform their amazing dance routine as well as display their Barbie fashion creation. It’s the ultimate celebration of a truly memorable experience with Barbie and Royal Caribbean. Guests will be able to book the Barbie Premium Experience from late October 2012.

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Cassandra & Mike Bartlett

Richard Pocock

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The Rob Henderson & Doug Cremer CollectionThe Rob Henderson & Doug Cremer Collection

In P&O’s 175th year we feature another of the company’s ships that have served Australia since 1852. This ship is the R.M.S. MIRZAPORE (1871-1897) which started service to Australia carrying passengers and the mails in 1881. In a far cry from the P&O ships of today, MIRZAPORE carried 200 passengers only and weighed in at 3,763 tons gross.

Another of the brilliantly coloured images commissioned by P&O to adorn the reverse side of a playing card. It was another form of advertising and proved so popular that several of the images were reproduced as posters.

From the vaults comes this rare 1881 Orient Line poster promoting travel from Australia to London. Take a note of the fares in three classes plus open berths for men only!

The superb IBERIA II (1954-1972). She was a great favourite on the Australian liner service, a ship with a wonderful ambience, relaxed and comfortable for both passengers and crew. Unfortunately IBERIA suffered from mechanical problems which saw her early and unfortunate retirement.

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Voyages back in time During March and April 2013 Orion will again provide a very civilised and luxurious way to explore the coast and islands of near-neighbour, Papua New Guinea. 11 night itineraries conveniently commence and conclude in Cairns, Queensland, incorporating a charter flight direct to or from the ship in Rabaul for boarding or disembarkation. Discover the photographer-within or anthropologist-within as you explore this land of over 800 languages and a diversity of largely self-contained cultures that will challenge the imagination. Until relatively recently Papua New Guinea was still perceived as an isolated world of head-hunters; a land of mythology, sorcery and witchcraft. Bypassing the main towns, as Orion does, many villagers have only been exposed to the modern world through the workings of missionaries and occasional traders. Yet step ashore with members of Orion’s specialist expedition team and you will be greeted with broad smiles and warm welcomes from gentle villagers – an eye opening introduction to a way of life far removed from our Western world. Orion’s voyages to Papua New Guinea provide modern day explorers with the opportunity to venture to places far from mainstream tourism, yet to do so in the company of like-minded fellow travellers, in comfort and safety and without sacrificing creature comforts.

2013 Departures: 16 March, 27 March

Half the price! Take a mate for half price on all Captain Cook Cruises three, four and seven night Yasawa Islands and Northern Fiji cruises and discover the real Fiji and its amazing people and remote villages for an authentic and personal experience like no other. Offering a truly cultural experience onboard the 120 passenger, fully accommodated MV Reef Endeavour cruise ship, guests will visit unspoilt Fijian villages, schools, churches and handicraft markets, and experience a traditional village sevusevu ceremonies. As well as being immersed in Fijian culture there is plenty of time for relaxation and appreciating the beautiful marine life while snorkelling over amazing coral reefs, lazing on warm white sandy beaches, basking in crystal clear waters, diving in spectacular blue lagoons or being pampered by the ship’s Senikai Spa. The take a mate for half price deal is valid for sale until 31 October 2012 and valid for travel from 1 October 2012 until 31 March 2013 and includes Captain Cook Cruises first ever seven nights golf cruise, departing 11 September, 2012. The Golf cruise circumnavigates Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest Island and visits the top golf courses along the way.

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Latest EditionThe Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships 2013 authored by Douglas Ward will be

available on 1 November 2012.This is the 28th year that Berlitz has published the guide - the “cruise industry bible” as it’s known by travel specialists - and this fully

revised 2013 edition details all the latest trends in what has become an increasingly popular vacation choice. The book is divided into two main parts: the first helps you define what you are looking for in a cruise vacation and advises you on how to find it. The second section profiles almost 300 ocean-going cruise vessels.

SeaDream Again Tops

THE Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships has once again rated the 112 guest SeaDream I and SeaDream II as Top Two in its ‘Boutique Ships’ category (50 - 250 passengers) for 2013.

A New SuperStar Gemini

Star Cruises has announced the introduction of a new SuperStar Gemini. Formerly known as Norwegian Dream, the 50,764-ton vessel will soon undergo a US$50 million multi-faceted major refurbishment and join SuperStar Virgo, SuperStar Aquarius, SuperStar Libra and Star Pisces in the Star Cruises’ fleet. In early 2013, SuperStar Gemini will sail a series of inaugural cruises from Penang (2 to 24 January) calling at Krabi/Phuket in 17 cruises; a 7 days/6 nights special cruise (24 January to 1 February) to Singapore/Ho Chi Minh City/Nha Trang/Hong Kong; and from Sanya (1 February to 31 March) calling at Danang/Halong Bay/Hong Kong in 26 cruises. From April to October 2013, the vessel will commence her summer homeport deployment in Shanghai.

Retirement!Princess Hotel General Manager Emilio Mazzi has retired after more than 32 years at sea! Most recently heading up the hotel department

aboard Island Princess, Emilio began with Princess as an assistant bartender on Princess Carla.

Passengers Meet Famous Soldier

Passengers onboard Princess Cruises’ Star Princess were treated to a special p re s en t a t i on from the soldier who sent the message ending World War II in Europe. As an Army Signal Corps sergeant in 1945, 20-year-old Gregory Melikian was tasked with sending the telegraph message from US General Dwight Eisenhower announcing the end of the war in Europe. The message was sent shortly after the surrender of German forces from a schoolhouse in Reims, France, which was the makeshift Allied headquarters. He sailed on Star Princess with a large group of family members and friends, and was invited to meet Captain Edward Perrin on the ship’s bridge.

Entertaining Britain’s Got Talent Winners Pudsey and Ashleigh Butler returned home onboard Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 after a month long tour of the United States. During the seven night crossing Pudsey wowed the ship’s 2600 passengers with two special performances of their Charleston dance routine from the

Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals. Ever the entertainer, Pudsey couldn’t resist performing for the crowd on the quayside in Southampton after disembarkation. Queen Mary 2 offers the only kennels on a passenger ship where pet dogs can travel on board with their owners.

Inspired Princess Cruises has reinforced its Love Boat connection with the cruise line’s Diamond Princess serving as the backdrop to an Australian m a r r i a g e proposal. The proposal by B r i s b a n e -based Mark Ferres features as the inspiration for a new entry on Princess Cruises’ “Inspired to Cruise” blog. In the story, “A Diamond for My Princess on Diamond Princess”, found at www.InspiredtoCruise.com, Mark shares the story of his nerve-wracking proposal to now wife, Barb. His perfect moment came during Diamond Princess’ formal night, when during a stunning sunset on deck he proposed to the woman of his dreams – and she said yes!

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Hull Artwork UnveiledNorwegian Cruise Line has revealed Norwegian Breakaway’s signature hull artwork designed by pop icon and America’s most popular living artist, Peter Max. This is the first time Norwegian has commissioned a well-

known artist to paint the hull artwork on one of its ships. Launching in April 2013, Norwegian Breakaway will be the largest ship to homeport in New York City year-round. Max’s signature artwork will cover approximately 40,000 square feet of Norwegian Breakaway’s hull. “While

it has been an honor to have my art exhibited in museums and galleries, I have also enjoyed creating giant ‘canvases’ for public view, including my 600 ft. Woodstock stage, a giant World’s Fair mural, the body of a Continental 777 super jet, and now, the hull of Norwegian Breakaway,” said Peter Max from his New York studio. “The artwork is a composite of New York City and cosmic imagery— the Statue of Liberty, the Manhattan skyline, a giant sunburst, planets, stars, and musical notes. That’s my New York! And now Norwegian Breakaway is my New York cruise ship ‘canvas.’” Peter Max has paintings on exhibition in hundreds of museums and galleries worldwide. His vibrant colours have become part of the fabric of contemporary culture. Max has been successively called a Pop Icon, Neo Fauvist, Abstract Expressionist and the United States’ “Painter Laureate.” He has achieved his place in history having painted for various Heads of State, including six U.S. Presidents. From art that appeared on the first U.S. 10-cent stamp bearing the title “Preserve the Environment,” to 235 U.S. Border murals greeting millions of people entering America each year, Peter Max seeks to capture themes of America at its finest in his art. The 4,000 passenger Norwegian Breakaway will arrive in her year round homeport of New York City in early May 2013. The ship will begin weekly summer 7 day cruises to Bermuda on Sunday, 12 May 2013. From October 2013 through April 2014, New York’s ship will offer voyages from the heart of Manhattan to the Bahamas & Florida and the Southern Caribbean.

Asia Bids Farewell Back in 2000, Legend of the Seas was the first Royal Caribbean ship to be based in Australia, and for the past four years she has sailed from her current home in Asia and hosted over 17,400 Aussies and Kiwis. She has now returned to Singapore for her final season in Asia, relocating to her new home in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean in April 2013. Highlights of her last Asian season include four and five night festive cruises for Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year, the new seven night Borneo Explorer Cruise to new ports of call including; Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia and Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei; and the five night Bangkok and Ko Samui Cruise. Legend of the Seas will also offer a series of long and exotic repositioning cruises from Singapore to Rome, including a 14 night Singapore to Dubai sailing departing on 5 April 2013 and a 15 night Dubai to Rome sailing departing 19 April 2013. These two cruises can be combined into a 29 night voyage from Asia to Europe.

From Commodore Rynd’s Blog

It is becoming something of a Cunard tradition that when one of our ships calls at Cobh during a Round Britain voyage the company commemorates the loss of Lusitania in 1915 and Queen Elizabeth’s recent circumnavigation around the British Isles was no exception. The Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Barbara Murray, the Lord Mayor Cllr John Buttimer and Councillor Finbarr O’Driscoll (representing the Mayor of Cobh) were also in attendance and Port of Cork Commercial Manager, Michael McCarthy, welcomed the assembled crowd of several hundred Queen Elizabeth guests and people of Cobh with the words: “The sinking of the Lusitania on 7 May 1915 was a human catastrophe on a scale that this small town had not experienced before or since. People here witnessed firsthand, the trauma, tragedy and heartbreak that ensued. The dead, the injured and the bereaved were brought among a community here that mobilised itself and responded with courage and compassion to their needs. This memorial reflects the eternal connection between Cobh and Lusitania, between the aspiration of world peace and the tragedy of war. It is fitting that today the Captain of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth should be here together with the Mayor to reflect on the great loss and the human tragedy of the Lusitania”. I was then invited to lay a wreath on behalf of Cunard Line followed by the Chairman of the Port of Cork, Dermot O’Mahoney.

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You can spend seven nights onboard Uniworld’s River Countess while you take in the best sights of Venice and its surroundings. You’ll discover one of the world’s most entrancing cities, Venice, the “Queen of the Adriatic,” in all its water-bound splendour whilst you cruise the storied Grand Canal, pause at the Bridge of Sighs, and follow the footsteps of the doges through their historic palace. Also you’ll discover the glorious, surprisingly modern, frescoes of Giotto in 13th century Padua, uncover ancient mosaics in Ravenna, the last capital of Byzantine Empire in Italy. As well savour Bologna, home of the first university in Europe and the culinary capital of northern Italy. Maybe find romance in Verona, the city of Romeo and Juliet, and you’ll be introduced to Italy’s distinctive

culinary delights during a pasta-making workshop in Bologna, the culinary capital of northern Italy. Departure dates are available from April to November, 2013.

Orient-Express Hotels Ltd. owners or part-owners and managers of 45 hotel, restaurant, cruise and luxury rail businesses in 22 countries, has announced that it will launch a new river cruiser in Myanmar, to commence cruising in July 2013. Currently under construction in Yangon, the 50 guest ship will complement Orient-Express’ two other businesses in Myanmar, namely The Governor’s Residence which is a 48 Key colonial-style hotel in Yangon and the Road To Mandalay river cruiser which has been cruising the Ayeyarwady River for 17 years. Named Orcaella after the dolphins known to inhabit the Ayeyarwady River, the Irrawaddy Flotilla style ship will offer a collection of cruises, seven and 11 nights, between January to April and July to December. The vessel will meander the Ayeyarwady River between Yangon and Bhamo stopping at the key cultural sites

and towns as well as dropping anchor at interesting sites off the beaten track. The nimble ship will also cruise the Chindwin River, passing extensive mountain ranges, winding its way through western Myanmar as far north as Homalin, just 30 miles from the Indian border. With 40 staff onboard and a maximum of 50 guests, the elegant four-deck river cruiser will maintain Orient-Express’ reputation for offering unparalleled service and great attention to detail. The ship’s small size and shallow draft will enable it to ply remote areas of both rivers, providing passengers a rare opportunity to explore Myanmar’s rich heritage, natural beauty and friendly people, further adding to Orient-Express’ portfolio offering enriching journeys of discovery. All itineraries can be combined with stays in Yangon, Inle Lake or Ngapali on the Indian Ocean.

2013 River Cruise Sales

Surge

According to Avalon Waterways, Asia is witnessing a swell in river cruise sales for 2013. In fact, the award-winning river cruise company’s cruise sales in China for next year are up nearly 90 percent. Vietnam and Cambodia are showing even more promise with river cruise sales on the Mekong up more than 150 percent for 2013. “As more travellers adopt river cruising as their preferred travel style, they want to broaden their experiences,” said Patrick Clark, managing director of Avalon Waterways. “Our new ships and itineraries on both Mekong and Yangtze Rivers give them the luxury they’re looking for, coupled with the exotic and enriching experiences they desire. Avalon travellers sail approximately 650 miles through the most impressive stretch of the river featuring the Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge. Enhancing its Yangtze River offerings in 2013, Avalon is partnering with Century Cruises to offer travellers’ two new ships and exclusive experiences. Off ship, in 2013, Avalon passengers will be offered private excursions in China’s less-visited cities such as Chengdu where guests will visit the Giant Panda Research Base and Lijiang – where its medieval Old Town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Century Paragon (2012) and Century Legend (2013) feature a state-of-the-art propulsion system that decreases emissions as well as a pillar-less, multi-function lounge for unobstructed views, a large indoor swimming pool and staterooms with more than 300-square-feet of living space, including private balconies.To meet demand for exotic cruises in SE Asia, Avalon Waterways is also providing cruises on the new Avalon Angkor (2012). “Named after Angkor Wat and featuring only 16 staterooms, this is the first and only passenger ship built to cruise all the way from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap, exclusively eliminating seven hours of drive-time on land,” said Clark.*

Exceeding Expectations!

Scenic Tours General Manager of Europe Product, Aleisha Fittler said, “Since the launch of our 2013 France and Russia River Cruises program in April, sales have exceeded expectations and continue to be strong.” For France the deployment of a Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ on the French waterways has been the key contributing factor. For Russia the decision for Scenic Tours to build their own ship in Russia has been the key contributing factor. The ship enables Scenic Tours to provide the standard of cruising across all destinations that guests expect with the company. The Scenic Tsar completed refurbishment and set sail in June this year. It is the first ship in Russia over 25 years to be registered as ‘new build’ as 80% of the ship is new. Fittler said, “We recognised a gap in the market and so have built a program to meet the markets demands – a boutique size ship, 93% balcony cabins and all-inclusive. As the first new build in 25 years in Russia, the Scenic Tsar has taken river cruising in Russia to a new level so it is no surprise that our departures are filling fast”.

Venice & thePo River

New River Cruiserin Myanmar

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DECEMBER2012

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Innovation and ExpansionMarking a landmark year of innovation and expansion, Viking River Cruises (www.vikingrivercruises.com.au) has launched the Viking River Cruises Australia Facebook Page, yet another channel to improve Viking’s customer service, develop brand presence and product knowledge in the Australian and New Zealand travel markets.

The Facebook Page aims to be the social hub for the local Viking community, exchanging thoughts, recipes and travel tips. To better showcase Viking’s variety of experiences available a YouTube

channel was created. The Viking River Cruises AU YouTube channel, is a video library showcasing the wide variety of information regarding the new Viking Longships, the myriad of cultural experiences on hand and plenty of cooking demonstrations and recipes.

“We are proud to have launched the Viking Australia’s Facebook and YouTube accounts as we have observed the significant success the online presence and community has had in our other markets” said Teresia Fors, Managing Director Viking River Cruises Australia and New Zealand. “We also recognize that our Guests are internet savvy and active members of the online community sharing images and thoughts already via YouTube and Facebook while interacting with

their family and friends when away on holidays as well as after returning home. Thus, it was a natural step for us to provide yet another service to our Guests where they can interact with fellow travellers, share travel tips and seek information in preparation to their journey.”

In 2013, Viking River Cruises will have 14 of their new Longships sailing the majestic waterways of Europe. Viking’s radical design of the Longships is testament to the company’s philosophy to continually find new ways to deliver an outstanding holiday experience. The revolutionary new layout of the interior has resulted in roomy staterooms with full-sized verandas; while the spacious two-room suites rival those in a top hotel. In the words of Joanna Lumley, godmother to Viking Odin: “The Viking Longships are just going to be fantastic, sailing across the centre of Europe on some of the loveliest rivers, sublime countryside. To know that you’re crossing the country by water – what could be lovelier?”

Sale into Summer

You can save 25% on all 3, 4 and 7 night Murray Princess cruises with Captain Cook Cruises with their Summer Sun sale. Also for bookings for four or more adults a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine will be in each cabin on arrival. Summer is a spectacular time to cruise the Murray River as the dry heat and endless blue skies are moderated by cooling river breezes. High water levels continue to see visitors flock to the river with 2013 Murray Princess cruise departures already filling fast. The

Summer Sun sale is valid for travel throughout January and February 2013.

Successful Season

American Cruise Lines, operator of the newest riverboats and small cruise ships in the United States, has announced the conclusion and great success of its inaugural 2012 season in Alaska. The 100 passenger American Spirit, the newest small ship in Alaska, operated numerous weekly roundtrip cruises from Juneau. Following guest reviews, the Alaska Inside Passage cruises will resume again in 2013 on 1 June. In addition, beginning on 13 April the American Spirit will operate American Cruise Lines’ newest itinerary, Puget Sound & San Juan Islands, offering seven night roundtrip cruises from Seattle. A complimentary shore tour package and pre-cruise hotel stay will be offered again in 2013 on all Alaska Inside Passage cruises. Ports of call will include Glacier Bay, Icy Strait/Hoonah, Skagway, Petersburg and Tracy Arm.

Different ExperienceCaptain Cook Cruises, “Venture Cruise” is returning for summer from 1 November 2012

to 31 March 2013. The Venture Cruise departs Darling Harbour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for three and half hours of fun, sun, chart topping music and swimming at a secluded beach around Sydney Harbour. The Sydney Harbour Venture Cruise, aboard the catamaran - Aussie

Venture, includes a picnic lunch, great music, and a swim at one of Sydney’s most secluded beaches. A purchase bar is available onboard. “We wanted to provide a cruise for the young, young at heart and the adventurous market that enabled passengers to see and experience a different aspect of Sydney Harbour on board a sailing catamaran plus offering excellent value” said Richard Doyle, Head of Sales and Marketing at Captain Cook Cruises. The Venture cruise launch special is only $55 per person and departs Pier 26 Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1.30pm and returns at 5.00pm.

Itineraries for Familiesand Art Lovers

Tauck’s 2013 river cruise plans include the launch of two new itineraries on the Rhone, “Bon Voyage: France Family River Cruise” (part of the Tauck Bridges collection of family specific trips) and “Artistic Impressions: Monte-Carlo to Paris” which highlights art culture and history. The 10 day Tauck Bridges family cruise begins with an included two night hotel stay with guided sightseeing in Paris that includes the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and a special dinner at Fouquet’s. Guests then travel on the high-speed TGV train to Lyon, where they’ll board Tauck’s MS Swiss Emerald for a seven night cruise on the Rhone. Tauck is offering three departures of “Bon Voyage: France Family River Cruise,” on 11 and 25 July and 1 August 2013. Tauck’s art-inspired “Artistic Impressions: Monte-Carlo to Paris” itinerary begins with guided sightseeing and an included two night stay at the Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco before guests board the MS Swiss Emerald in Arles. Special art-themed activities during the subsequent nine-night Rhone cruise include guided tours of the Chagall and Matisse museums in Nice, as well as the Jean Cocteau Museum in Menton. Guests will also trace Van Gogh’s footsteps in Arles, and explore the works of Cezanne in the Granet Museum in Aix-en-Provence. In addition, guests will view Roman antiquities at Vienne’s Musees Gallo-Romains and enjoy tours of Beaux Arts museums in both Dijon and Lyon. The itinerary ends with an included two-night stay at the Hilton Arc de Triomphe in Paris, where guests will get a behind-the-scenes tour of an artist’s studio and choose between guided tours of the Louvre or the Musee de Rodin. Departures for “Artistic Impressions: Monte-Carlo to Paris” are 17 May and 18 September 2013.

Small Ship Cruising

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Visiting Tasmania

The many destinations which cruise ships visit in Tasmania are highly regarded by cruise passengers when they complete their questionnaire forms at the end of a cruise.

Described by some as the heart of Australia, Tasmania is home to over half a million people with almost half the population living in Hobart, the state capital and Australia’s second oldest city. During the cruise season Hobart is a hive of activity with cruise passengers having a wide choice of attractions to visit. Ships berth in the heart of the city in the Salamanca area and a short walk to the main shopping area. Salamanca has a long row of Georgian sandstone warehouses built in the 1830’s and today you find as you wonder art and craft shops, jewellers, restaurants and coffee shops, bookshops and fashion boutiques. Each Saturday the area is crowded with the weekly Markets, which have gained a world-wide reputation. Bus tours (or you can hire a car) are available of the city and its many attractions including Mount Wellington which rises 1,270 metres above sea level. We were able to drive to the top of Mount Wellington which was covered in snow. The panoramic view takes in Hobart, Bruny Island, the Tasman Peninsula and the southern World Heritage Area beyond. It is just magnificent. Other places of interest include visits to the many vineyards close by, the Cadbury chocolate factory, the Cascade Brewery, the Botanical Gardens or a drive into history to visit Richmond and its famous landmark, the Richmond Bridge which was built by convict labour between 1823 to 1825 around the

time of the town’s first settlement. It is Australia’s oldest bridge still in use. Nearby are more than 50 19th-century Georgian buildings as well as Australia’s oldest jail, Richmond Gaol (1825) and whilst at Richmond you can go back in time with a visit to Old Hobart Town, a miniature replica of Hobart in the 1820’s. Overlooking the town is St John’s Catholic Church and cemetery. Built in 1836 the Church is considered the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Australia.South of Hobart you can visit the Huon Valley and the Tahune AirWalk in the heart of the Southern

Forests near Geeveston. The Tahune AirWalk is a spectacular treetops walkway providing a birds-eye view of riverside rainforest and surrounding Tasmanian mountain ranges. Visitors walk the slender ‘high wire’ of the AirWalk, suspended up to 45 metres in the air, above the forest canopy. The AirWalk is a 2½ hours drive south of Hobart, on the Huon Trail through the Huon Valley, with its own rich heritage of fruit growing, timber and wooden boat building. On the way back to Hobart it is worth returning via Peppermint Bay passing by many picturesque bays, and quaint seaside towns.Hobart’s newest attraction is MONA. In 2001 David Walsh founded the Moorilla Museum of Antiquities on the Berriedale peninsula in Hobart. It was closed in 2007 to undergo $75 Million renovations. It was re-opened in January 2011 as the Museum of Old and New Art or MONA. MONA won the 2012 Australian Tourism Award for best new development and is now considered by some to be Tasmania’s leading tourist attraction. It has quickly gained an international reputation. MONA’s current exhibition, Theatre of the World, is guest-curated by Jean-Hubert Martin, in collaboration with MONA and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). There are no labels or wall texts. Instead, visitors are given a touch-screen device, which is sensitive to their location in the museum. Called the ‘O’, it allows

visitors to select the level of information they need and to vote for works they ‘hate’ or ‘love’. MONA houses a collection that ranges from ancient Egyptian mummies to some of the worlds most infamous and thought-provoking contemporary art. Perhaps the most talked about destination in Tasmania is the Port Arthur Historic Site on the Tasman Peninsula about ninety minutes from Hobart. Port Arthur was the largest and most feared Penal Colony in Australia from its establishment in 1830 until it was closed in 1877. Today the site sits in 40 hectares (90 acres) of landscaped grounds. Entry entitles a guided walking tour, a twenty minute harbour cruise and access to 30 buildings, ruins and restored houses. You need to allow plenty of time to explore. The centre has a fine restaurant, Fusions, open for dinner at night with an extensive menu and there is also a cafe/takeaway area.The December issue of Cruising News will feature a special report on the Port Arthur Historic Site.A number of cruise ships are now anchoring in the harbour at Port Arthur making it easier for passengers to visit instead of the 3 hour round trip from Hobart.Other destinations in Tasmania are the north-west coastal ports of Burnie and Devonport from which visits can be made to Launceston, Cradle Mountain in Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area and the historic village of Stanley, in far north-west Tasmania, nestled at the base of The Nut, a sheer-sided bluff - all that remains of an ancient, giant volcanic plug. On the east coast some ships are now anchoring off the stunning Wineglass Bay and the Freycinet Peninsula famous for their white sandy beaches and pure clear turquoise waters. Tasmania is perfect to visit by cruise ship. Your time will be well spent as each destination has so much to offer.

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PORT ARTHURREPORT

Mount Wellington

Richmond

MONA

Peppermint Bay

Fusions

Port Arthur

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Cruising Macquarie Harbour & the Gordon River

from Strahan - Tasmania

We had visited Strahan once before about thirty four years ago for a few hours and left with the impression of an attractive, sleepy seaside village located some distance from a major city. However we always wanted to return to experience this wilderness area and take a cruise on the Gordon River.Of course always in our minds was the immense publicity from the late seventies to the early eighties regarding the proposal to build a dam on the Gordon River – aptly named the Gordon-below-Franklin Dam project. During those years debate and protests raged which saw in the

end the project cancelled and the victory will always go down as one of the most significant environmental campaigns waged in Australian history. During the campaign the area was World Heritage listed.

This time we hired a car in Launceston and drove to Strahan via Devonport, Burnie, over the west coast dense rain forest mountain system with snow at the roadside and the once mighty mining towns of Rosebery, Tullah and Zeehan. With stops and the winding roads it was a six hour journey.Our return also gave us the opportunity to catch up with Troy Grining (together with his brother Guy) they carry on the Grining association with the Gordon River under the banner of their family-owned business, World Heritage Cruises. The Grining’s were among the settlers of the fledgling port of Strahan on Tasmania’s West Coast and pioneered tourist cruises into the mighty Gordon River in 1896 – beginning a family tradition which to date spans more than 100 years and five generations. They recently purchased a catamaran in Cairns which is now land-side at Strathan being readied for a new project. We must make mention of the

knowledge and courtesy of the staff on board and at the World Heritage Cruise’s office.After a quick reunion we joined Troy on the vessel Eagle (Eagle was the name of a cargo/passenger vessel used in the late 1800’s by the family) for the ultimate wilderness cruise experience. It was a cool, cloudy day with regular rain squalls as we left the pier and headed into Macquarie Harbour with Troy providing detailed commentary about the cruise and the intriguing story of the incredible history associated with the area.As the vessel moved towards the mouth of Macquarie Harbour we were informed the west coast of Tasmania sits on the Southern Ocean system called the “Roaring Forties” which batters the coastline with high winds and huge waves. The entrance to the harbour (only 120 metres wide) has a small opening known as Hell’s Gates. A rock wall was built in 1897 to help keep open this notoriously shallow and dangerous channel. The name Hell’s Gate was given by the early convicts to the area who claimed that it was their “‘entrance to Hell”. It has been a challenge for sailors since it was discovered in 1815.Today Macquarie Harbour is known for its “Fish Farming”, high-tech aquaculture where hundreds of thousands of Tasmania’s famous Atlantic Salmon and Ocean Trout are farmed. Earlier this year new leases were granted to three companies which will boost the worth of the industry to almost $500 million a year. Although the area farmed is only 926 hectares (3.3% of the harbour) about 45 tonnes are harvested from pens containing up to 60,000 fish daily. The catch is mainly for mainland markets, but also for export.We headed up the Gordon River and were immediately introduced to the dense mist covered rainforest in its various green and dark colours surrounded by spectacular high peaks and waterfalls, passing a few fishermen who proudly held up their catch of the day. Two hours were spent within the confines of this mighty river and as the rain ceased we were able to take a guided stroll into the rainforest at Heritage Landing. A raised timber walkway has been built so you can meander through this damp forest which features myrtles and leatherwood trees and species of

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native pines found only in Tasmania. A highlight is a fallen giant - a 2000-year-old Huon Pine which today continues to support new life in the form of saplings. As we left the area you couldn’t but appreciate the incredible experience – the peace, calmness and quietness and how lucky we are that the area was saved. Next lunch was served - a sumptuous buffet which included smoked salmon, cold meats, a selection of salads, fresh fruit, Tasmanian cheeses and local bakery bread rolls - as we headed back to the convict settlement at Sarah Island, the Macquarie Harbour Penal Station where just over 1,150 prisoners including 30 women served between 1822 and 1833. As we followed a guided tour of the island many ruins (structures of varying condition such as chimneys, fireplaces, ovens, walls and outlines of cottages and other buildings) of the settlement are still visible today. The six hectare island was once Australia’s most productive shipyard, turning out almost 100 vessels built from the highly prized native timber, Huon Pine. The slipways are still in place.Too quickly the cruise came to an end – it is a day that will be remembered!On leaving Strahan we drove to Hobart, firstly visiting Queenstown, once the location of the richest gold and copper mine with its many old buildings. Again it was another six hour journey with stops seeing the rugged mountainous landscape around Queenstown, winding through rainforest and passing huge lakes and then as you neared Hobart rich farming and grazing country.The visit to Strahan is a must, not just to see the beauty and tranquility of the area and the unforgettable river cruise with its magnificent scenery and the opportunity to walk in the rainforest, but also to see and obtain an understanding of the very early days of our great land by visiting Australia’s oldest convict ruins on Sarah Island, a settlement which pre-dates Port Arthur – another story for another issue.

If time permits there is also the ABT Wilderness Railway which runs from Strahan or Queenstown. The Mount Lyell Mining Co. opened in 1892, and established the railway between Queenstown and Strahan as the only way to move copper ore to the deepwater port at Strahan for access to the outside world. The railway ceased operations in 1963, but was then re-opened as a tourist attraction in 2002 as the ABT West Coast Wilderness Railway.

It’s Never Too Late to Start Living Now that she’s retired, Australian-born Annette Edis and Ray, her husband of forty-six years, are

fulfilling a life-long dream of living in Italy where Annette continues to write and Ray is studying painting. Annette has three children and six grandchildren, all of whom have given her many stories, anecdotes and life experiences, as have her numerous travelling adventures. ‘Retire and Live the Dream - our long journey to la Dolce Vita’ is

crammed with these stories and anecdotes, as well as practical tips for travellers. A true story of one couple’s journey to Italy: the destination of their dreams. Doing something that others can only imagine, Annette and her husband Ray picked up their lives and moved to the country of food and culture. This bookexplores how this dream became a reality and the endless possibilities for others. Annette doesn’t pretend that the move was easy yet her words of advice aim to make the transition simple for those wanting to follow in her footsteps. With many years of retirement to enjoy Annette was enticed by the thought of discovering a new culture, language and lifestyle. Their move to Italy is about experiencing the wonderful day to day things around them and appreciating the unfamiliarity as they get closer and closer to calling it home. In 2010, 43.63 million people visited Italy, such a great number indicates the appeal of the country. Annette’s travel tips and inspiring words encourage readers to take the plunge and travel. She shows others that just as it happened for her so too can they find a new adventure. Retire and Live the Dream may be about retiring but Annette and Ray remain young in their outlook on life and value the importance of life goals. These goals are forever changing as they are inspired by new ideas and challenges. The best part about the book is that people don’t have to just read it. The world is waiting to be discovered. Annette and her story are there to help and to provide proof that it really is possible to start living. Filled with anecdotes, myths and histories of the many towns, cities and countries visited by Annette, this wonderful tale provides a well-rounded perspective of travelling and those life changing experiences that go with it. ISBN 978-0-9872367-5-3 www.aampersanda.com

Books Fit for a Star! Sophia Loren shares her all-time favourite novels with MSC Yacht Club guests to enjoy during their stay on board MSC Divina. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens; Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens;The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway; A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway; Les Fleurs du Mal (The Flowers of Evil) by Charles Baudelaire; Il Disprezzo (Contempt/A Ghost at Noon) by Alberto Moravia; Il Viaggio a Roma (Journey to Rome) by Alberto Moravia; Il Nome Della Rosa (The Name of the Rose) by Umberto Eco; Baudolino by Umberto Eco; Il Giardino dei Finzi Contini (The Garden of the Finzi-Continis) by Giorgio Bassani; Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert ; Germinal by Emile Zola; L’Argent (Money) by Emile Zola; Le Collier de la Reine (The Queen’s Necklace) by Alexandre Dumas; L’Isola di Arturo (Arturo’s Island) by Elsa Morante; I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed) by Alessandro Manzoni; Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak; La Divina Commedia (Divine Comedy) by Dante Alighieri; Anna Karenina by Lev Tolstoj; War and Peace by Lev Tolstoj; A l’Ombre des Jeunes Filles en Fleurs (Within a Budding Grove) by Marcel Proust; Commedie by Eduardo de Filippo; Julie ou la Nouvelle Héloïse (Julie, or the New Héloïse) by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and La Gloire de Mon Père (My Father’s Glory) by Marcel Pagnol.

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From top of page, across and down - Atlantic Star –Marseille, Grand Celebrations – Piraeus, Columbus 2 ex Insignia – Barcelona, Minerva – Portsmouth, Azamara Quest – Suez, L’Austral – Cochin, Melody – Haifa, Israel, Erecting Cochin Cruise Terminal, Nautica – Saigon and Princess Danae - Saigon

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From top of page, across and down - Various Ferry vessels sighted in the Med – Knossos Palace – Piraeus, Moby Wonder – Livorno, Riace – Messina, Scilla – Messina, Agios Georgeos – Piraeus, Blue Star 2 – Piraeus, Eduardo M – Messina, Jet Ferry 1 – Piraeus, Superyacht A – Singapore and Superyacht Eclipse - Barcelona

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Sorrento - Queenscliff Ferry Service Celebrates

25 YearsBy Tim Ryan

Searoad Ferries are the operators of the passenger and car tourist ferry between Sorrento and Queenscliff at the entrance to Melbourne’s scenic Port Phillip Bay and the company has just celebrated its first 25 years of service culminating in spectacular fireworks displays off the beaches of both towns..Now marketed as Searoad Ferries, the service was commenced by Peninsula Searoad Transport Pty Ltd in 1987 using the 45 vehicle catamaran ferry Peninsula Princess. Today the appropriately named 60 metre catamaran ferries Queenscliff and Sorrento offer an hourly daylight service 365 days a year between the two towns carrying up to 400 passengers and up to 85 vehicles on each trip. On annual basis the ferries make some 8000 trips a year carrying nearly 800,000 passengers and contributing over $130m to the local economy.Both vessels have recently completed extensive refits including updates to the passenger lounges which now offer enhanced panoramic views and facilities during the 40 minute trip of the spectacular coastline around the Southern reaches of Port Phillip. Seals and dolphins are regularly sighted on the crossing and from time to time even Humpback and Southern Right whales appear in the Bay during their seasonal migrations.Sorrento is located near the end of the Mornington Peninsula, which separates Port Phillip Bay from Westernport Bay, and is close to Portsea and the Point Nepean National Park. Queenscliff is located at the end of the Bellarine Peninsula, which separates Port Phillip and Corio Bays. Both towns are historical precincts and famous as seaside resorts for residents from Melbourne, interstate and overseas.According to Searoad Ferries CEO Matt McDonald, the service is integral in linking the great Ocean Road, the Bellarine and Mornington Peninsulas as well as Phillip Island. The service provides a continuous coastal tourism experience in a journey that has become one of Victoria’s most popular touring routes.The service has won many tourism awards and in 1993 the 3000 tonne

Queenscliff, was built at Port Lincoln in South Australia to cater for the increased demand. In 2001 a similar vessel, the Sorrento was built at Launceston in Tasmania while the smaller Peninsula Princess is still retained as the relief vessel during peak periods and when the larger vessels are undergoing annual maintenance.Visitors to Melbourne also drive around Port Phillip and catch the ferry at either Sorrento or Queenscliff ensuring a very picturesque trip each way. Historic Sorrento is the site of Victoria’s first settlement in 1803 when Lt David Collins in HMS Calcutta dropped anchor in what is known today as Camerons Bight.Embarking at Sorrento with its historic limestone public buildings and cottages largely intact, passengers can view the magnificent clifftop mansions along the Sorrento to Portsea shoreline, a legacy of Victoria’s marvelous gold rush era of the late nineteenth century. The ferry passes exclusive Portsea and its sparkling beaches that back onto the Point Nepean National Park which boasts the former quarantine station and the grand limestone army barracks that are now open to the public. The park along with its spectacular views along the coastline of Bass Strait and Port Phillip Bay also contains the remains of the historic Fort Nepean which

MV Queenscliff and Couta Boat MV’s Sorrento & Queenscliff – A Mackinnon

Continental Hotel Sorrento

MV Sorrento & Couta Boat

Queenscliff Fort Lifeboat Shed & Lighthouses - A Mackinnon PS Weeroona at Queenscliff 1910 (Queenscliff Historical Museum)

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For over 100 years Queenscliff has been renowned as one of Victoria’s greatest fishing

ports. One of the most common types of fish which could be found in the Queenscliff region was Barracouta which were particularly common outside Port Phillip Heads.During the 1880s a unique type of boat developed which was used by the Queenscliff fishermen to catch the barracouta and these boats became well known as couta boats. The couta boats were designed specifically for use around the Heads and for handling the notorious Rip.In general couta boats were 26 feet overall in length with a beam of 10 feet and a draft of 3 feet 6 inches. Originally the boats were built out of clinker construction but later carvel hulls became common and were generally planked with New Zealand Kauri with Jarrah being used in the keel, stem and stern post. The boats were either gaff or lug rigged and the length of the mast was generally equal to the length of the boat.Couta boats were open boats with a laid timber deck and a wide cockpit area with round combing forward and aft. A centre plate case which was approximately a third of the length of the keel was fitted to the boats and was positioned in the forward section of the cockpit just aft of the mast.The fish were carried in a dry well either side of the centre plate case and when the couta boats returned to Queenscliff the fish were off loaded in scoops which were baskets that carried about 50 kilograms of fish. The boats would start fishing early in the morning and when the first boat had caught its limit of fish it would head for home. It was common for the rest of the fleet to join in and race back to Queenscliff and be the first vessel to unload its catch.

Hence, the couta boat race as we know them today, had their origins in the fisherman racing back to Queenscliff, and for over half a century one of the great events at Queenscliff was the sailing fishing regatta boat race held every year. The first organised couta boat race was held at Queenscliff

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were built in the 1880’s to counter the perceived threat of a Russian invasion. The first allied shots of both World Wars were fired from Fort Nepean and the gun placements and cannons are display as part of the numerous features the park has to offer which include walking tracks and nature reserves.The ferry crosses the famous Rip, the sometimes notorious strip of water between Point Nepean and Point Lonsdale at the Heads to Port Phillip. Many shipwrecks litter the area while many divers are attracted to the area which also includes several marine reserves with its prolific variety of fish and grasses unique to the area.After the ferry berths at Queenscliff visitors can explore another magnificent town largely built upon the Victorian Gold Rush and also a popular holiday resort. Queenscliff features many grand Victorian era buildings including many hotels and restaurants which have been renovated and offer a great staging point for the nearby Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road tourist drives.Queenscliff was first settled in 1839 when the Port Phillip Sea Pilots set up a camp on the beach at Shortlands Bluff to guide visiting ships through The Rip into Port Phillip Bay. Formally established as a town in 1852, two large granite lighthouses were built as the guiding lights to Port Phillip Bay and later Fort Queenscliff was constructed also as a deterrent to the Russian threat. The Fort and one of the lighthouses, still largely in original condition are also open for public inspection.For many years during the late 19th and early 20th centuries paddle steamers brought thousands of holiday makers down the Bay from Melbourne to Queenscliff and Sorrento. The

best known vessels were Huddart Parker Line’s Ozone, Hygeia and Weeroona with Weeroona making its last trip in 1942.Queenscliff is also the home of the famous Queenscliff Couta Boat, which is a gaff rigged sailing fishing boat unique to Bass Strait during the early twentieth century. Large fleets fished for schools of barracouta , the staple fish diet for the Victorian market and over one hundred new and restored craft now used for recreational purposes can be seen at either Sorrento and Queenscliff and represent one of the largest classes of traditional wooden boats still working around the world.

The Sorrento - Queenscliff ferry service provides a major contribution to the growth of tourism to the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas and offers a spectacular short sea cruise experience. Recently the company introduced a new promotion with “high tea on the water” in one of the lounges on board. As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations Searoad Ferries plans a number of new initiatives to further enhance the guest experience in this beautiful region of Victoria.

The Revival of the Queenscliff Couta Boat – A new Tourism Attraction

by Tim Ryan

MV Sorrento

MV Queenscliff & Dolphin – A Mackinnon Private Jetty Sorrento

Royal underway off Sorrento - A Mackinnon

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in about 1884 and was held on New Year’s Day for many years thereafter.The races between the fishermen were extremely competitive. However during the 1940s the fishermen used motor boats more frequently which marked the end of a colourful era. Over the past 30 years however, there has been a renewed interest in the old couta boats with many of the old boats being restored and many new replicas of the original boats being built. A special class body the Couta Boat Association has been established to implement rules and oversee and maintain the integrity of the design.Most of the fleet is now moored at Sorrento and the Couta Boat racing program and traditional wooden boat festival arranged by the Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club is a major drawcard for visitors and tourists from throughout Australia and overseas. The Club conducts several races each year at various places around the Bay, but particularly off Queenscliff, Sorrento and Portsea. In recent years competitive couta boat fleets have emerged on Sydney Harbour and even as far away as Perth.Many of the boats have been completely restored to their original condition. The “Royal” a typical Queenscliff couta boat was built in 1924 by probably the best known couta boat builder Mitch Lacco and was given to Mr. Val Ferrier as a 21st birthday present by his father.Like most of the Queenscliff fishermen the Ferrier brothers would sail to Rosebud late every afternoon to catch some big snapper, before returning to Queenscliff for about 4 hours sleep. They would then sail outside the heads to catch couta using hand lines and nets.Mr. Ferrier remembered how he was paid between two and three shilling for each 100 pound scoop of fish, which was a handsome sum in those days. He also proudly related how one night he caught 25 fish boxes of snapper in the Royal near the South Channel Pile Light off Rosebud.His parents once lived on the South Channel Pile Light and his father used to pass the time painting pictures of passing ships on the lining boards inside the Pile Light. These paintings were on display in the Polly Woodside Maritime Museum in South Melbourne for many years.Val Ferrier and his brother Bill fished in the “Royal” for more than 40 years

before the boat was sold and later converted into a houseboat. During the 1980’s the Royal and several other boats were restored to their original rig by Mr Tim Phillips who is generally credited for the revival of the interest of the Queenscliff Couta Boat and the restoration and building of over 100 couta boats since that time.Three other very famous boats which still exist today are the “Surprise”, “Muriel” and the “Wattle” which were all built by Mitch Lacco at Queenscliff between 1914 and 1928. During the 1920s and 1930s “Surprise” and “Wattle” won most of the races between the fishermen.The Surprise was built in Rosebud in 1914 by Mitch Lacco for himself to “surprise” the Queenscliff fishermen and he did just that on many occasions. There was one story how the Surprise (or Doreen as she was later known at the time) sailed down to San Remo one Friday night in the 1930s, won the San Remo Couta Boat Race on the Saturday and returned to Queenscliff on the Saturday night to resume fishing on the Sunday.Couta boats were also built by Mitch Lacco’s son Ken Lacco and other builders included Peter Locke, Caysers of Queenscliff, Higgs and Blunt at Geelong, C Blunt at Williamstown, Jones and McKenzie at Ascot Vale, and Harry Clark of Williamstown. Over the past twenty five years many new couta boats have being built by Tim Phillips at the Wooden Boat Shop in Sorrento in a boatyard specifically built for the purpose.The spirit and ability of such men has created something special in the revival of a unique type of wooden fishing boat. The competitiveness of the early Queenscliff fishing boat regattas has created what is possibly the world’s largest wooden boat heritage fleet and further reinforces the role of the historic townships of Queenscliff and Sorrento as significant tourist destinations.

The writer is the current owner and custodian of the Royal and is privileged to have met great Couta Boat men such as Val Ferrier and master shipwright Harry Clark who even into his eighties enthusiastically assisted in the ongoing restoration of the Royal and other couta boats at the C Blunt Boatyard at Williamstown.

Royal alongside

Whale off the Royal Sorrento - A Mackinnon

Couta Boat Royal Harry Clark & Tim Ryan Muriel off Port Nepean

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Appointments Royal Caribbean Cruises has announced that Michael Bayley has been promoted to President and CEO of Celebrity Cruises, replacing Dan Hanrahan, whose departure was

recently announced. Bayley will report directly to Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. Bayley has been with Royal Caribbean for over 30 years, most recently as Executive Vice President of Operations. Prior to this role, Bayley served as Executive Vice President — International,

where he oversaw the international expansion for the company. “In his role as Executive Vice President — International, Michael successfully spearheaded our aggressive expansion efforts into emerging and high-growth markets, and most recently has overseen all Operations for Royal Caribbean International,” said Fain. “Fortunately, Celebrity has a very strong management team to build on and I am delighted that Michael will bring his vision, passion and drive to bear on the continued growth of this important brand.” In a related move, Lisa Lutoff-Perlo has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations for Royal Caribbean International, reporting to Adam Goldstein, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. Lutoff-Perlo is a 27 year veteran of the company who has served in a variety of roles within both Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. Most recently, Lutoff-Perlo served as Senior Vice President of Hotel Operations for Celebrity Cruises. In that role, she oversaw all the hotel operations of the brand, including the highly successful introduction of the Solstice-class of ships. Prior to her tour of duty with Celebrity Cruises, Lutoff-Perlo was in charge of Product Marketing and Strategic Alliances for Royal Caribbean International. In the past, she has also served both brands in a variety of increasingly senior sales roles. “I am happy to welcome Lisa back to our team,” said Goldstein. “Given her tremendous accomplishments leading Celebrity’s highly successful hotel operations, I am excited to have her in this expanded role.”

Carnival Australia Welcomes

Tammy Marshall Carnival Australia CEO Ann Sherry has announced the appointment of Tammy Marshall to the key role of Senior Vice President of P&O Cruises. In this newly created role on the Carnival Australia executive team, Tammy will drive commercial operations for P&O Cruises and have responsibility

for cross-brand functions including Complete Cruise Solutions. Tammy was most recently Managing Director of Inspiring Journeys and AAT Kings and will bring more than 21 years of experience in the travel industry to Carnival Australia when she joins in mid-October. “Tammy has

established herself as an authority in the tourism industry and is ideally suited to lead our crew as we continue the double digit annual growth of the industry, drive the evolution of cruising in Australia and deliver the best possible product and experience for P&O Cruises’ passengers,” Ms Sherry said. “We searched far and wide to find the best possible leader for this critical role in one of Australia’s most iconic brands and Tammy meets the bill.”

Third Annual Sustainability ReportP&O Cruises has released its third annual Sustainability Report covering activities and achievements in 2011 in addressing its environmental, economic and social impact in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. In addition to marking 80 years of cruising from Australia to the Pacific Islands, the report emphasised P&O Cruises’ commitment to sustainable tourism with the increasing number of cruise ship visits to island destinations. Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which operates P&O Cruises, launched the report in Sydney at an event which included community and tourism leaders at the forefront of tourism initiatives in the Pacific Islands. “Our partnerships with island communities and our commitment to sustainable tourism are now fundamental to the way we do business,” Ms Sherry said. “We live it every day by minimising our environmental footprint and helping to safeguard the vibrant island cultures that are so vital to our passengers’ cruise experience.”P&O Cruises’ increased number of cruise ship visits highlighted the cruise industry’s general expansion in which nearly 625,000 Australians took a cruise holiday in 2011 – 34% more than in 2010 and the seventh consecutive year of double digit industry growth. In 2011, P&O Cruises recorded increases of 27.5% in passengers, 44% in passenger cruise days, 31% in nautical miles travelled, 30% in port calls and 40% in unique shore tours across its full cruise operations.According to the Sustainability Report, P&O Cruises’ progress in minimising its environmental footprint included: a 14% reduction in carbon emissions per passenger per cruise day, a 5% reduction in fuel used per available lower berth per kilometer and a 33% reduction in black water discharged to sea per person per day.At the launch, held at Luke Mangan’s restaurant Glass, Ms Sherry welcomed Elodie Jaunay from Noumea, Omayra Naisseline from Mare, Rika Hotere from Isle of Pines and Johnson Sausiara from Port Vila describing them as “the champions who have recognised and seized the economic opportunities of cruise tourism.”Image - (l to r) Johnson Sausiara, Manager Iarofa Cultural Village, Vanuatu; Omayra Naisseline, Loyalty Island Province Tourism Agent, New Caledonia; Ann Sherry, Carnival Australia CEO; Luke Mangan; Elodie Jaunay, General Manager of Kenua Agency, New Caledonia; Marie Pierre Sausiara, Vanuatu and Rika Hotere, Co-Manager of Kumaia Tours, Isle of Pines, New Caledonia.

New WA AppointmentScenic Tours and Evergreen Tours have welcomed Ann Miller to their sales team. She becomes the Business Development Manager and sales representative for the company’s travel agents in Western Australia. Ann has over 20 years’ experience in the travel industry including six years as a Sales Executive for Garuda Indonesia.

Cruise Industry has Adopted an Additional Safety Policy

On behalf of the global cruise industry, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the European Cruise Council (ECC) has announced the adoption of an additional safety policy. The policy, which exceeds current international regulatory requirements, addresses issues related to the loading of lifeboats by crewmembers for training purposes. It is an outcome of the Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review, which was launched in January 2012. The Life Boat Loading for Training Purposes policy requires the launching and full loading of a lifeboat at least once every six months for crew training purposes for all oceangoing members of CLIA and ECC, effective immediately. During the training, the lifeboat is filled to capacity with crewmembers and manoeuvred in the water to facilitate familiarization with lifeboat operations. It is mandatory that all crewmembers involved in operating or loading of lifeboats attend the drill. Smaller ships with less than 300 crewmembers will conduct similar training as appropriate. “The cruise industry continues to work on a global level to improve the safety of passengers and crew, which is our number one priority,” said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. The Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review receives advice and input from a panel of outside maritime and safety experts. These individuals are evaluating suggested policy improvements as part of the cruise industry’s continuous efforts to review and improve safety measures by developing comprehensive best practices for industry-wide implementation and, ultimately, formal submission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), as appropriate. This policy will be submitted to the IMO for consideration at its next session in November.

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ReportIt has been a big year for Cruise New Zealand! Amidst the backdrop of continued cruise passenger growth, Cruise New Zealand has embarked on a more sustainable organisational model with the

employment of its very first employee to manage its day-to-day affairs, joined TIA (Tourism Industry Association) to advance its advocacy projects, signed an Memorandum of Understanding with Tourism New Zealand to mark both parties’ commitment to marketing New Zealand as a cruise destination,

changed its funding tiers which will enable the progression of projects that can only add value to its expanding membership, as well as created the role of Deputy Chairperson to spread the ever-increasing workload. Amongst the priorities Cruise New Zealand will champion in the season ahead is that of ensuring New Zealand remains cruise-friendly by closely monitoring and influencing proposed legislation such as MPI’s (Ministry of Primary Industries) bio-fouling inspection regime which proposes a clean hull when entering New Zealand’s waters. In the preparatory lead-up to the maiden arrival of Voyager of the Seas, which will be the largest ship to visit New Zealand, Cruise New Zealand was also made aware of how insufficiently future-proofed its cruise ports are given the global context of larger ships and the flow-on effects of the completion of the Panama Canal expansion in 2015. This sentiment was reiterated when Captain Nikolaos Antalis, Port Captain of Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Cruises, gave his keynote speech at Cruise New Zealand’s AGM in September. In his speech, he hastened New Zealand ports to invest in upgrading their infrastructure to accommodate the new Sunshine-class ships and that it should have been built “yesterday”! Cruise New Zealand feels this urgency and will conduct a review and what this means for its regional stakeholders. In the meantime, all hands are on deck to prepare for what will be the largest season for New Zealand with exciting new arrivals by Voyager of the Seas, Celebrity Solstice, Oosterdam, Carnival Spirit, Marina, Costa Romantica and Caledonian Sky. The upcoming season visiting 740 ports around New Zealand is forecasted to break the 200,000 passenger mark for the first time.

For more details Raewyn Tan

Executive Officer Cruise NZM. +64 22 090 7752

E. raewyn@cruisenewzealand.org.nz www.cruisenewzealand.org.nz

Our new Management Committee as per photo (from left): Brent Warren (ATEED), Anna Fennessy (Tourism NZ), Graeme Marshall (Port of Tauranga and Deputy Chairperson of Cruise NZ), Craig Harris (ISS-McKay and Chairperson of Cruise NZ), Raewyn Tan (Executive Officer of Cruise NZ), Geraldine Hutchison (Air NZ), Jon Kelly (Centreport), Kevin O’Sullivan (Environment Southland) and Jeremy Palmer (IDNZ).

From the CDU desk:The momentum has certainly been high at CDU over the past three months with the Conference, VIP Cruise Famil and Cruise Shipping Asia all

preceding another record breaking season unfolding for 2012-13. This positive activity also comes amid the announcement of the CDU 2011-12 Economic Impact Study. The study shows the cruise industry

continues to out-perform other tourism sectors with growth increasing by 30% over the previous year. It also reveals that cruise, both international and domestic has become a $2 billion industry. The findings represent another year of strong growth for the industry that continues to exceed expectations. It demonstrates the continued positive growth trend for the cruise industry, despite the ongoing global economic challenges.The study revealed total expenditure by the international cruise shipping industry in Australia in 2011-12 was estimated at $1.77 billion compared to $1.1 billion in 2010-11. In addition to the international expenditure, the study considered the effects of domestic spending. It identified that when domestic passenger spending is added back into the economic effects, the total expenditure grows to $2.4 billion.The 2012 CDU Conference was held in Hobart from the 29th-31st August and was hailed an enormous success, attracting record numbers of delegates from around Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. The four key international speakers: Christopher Allen, Associate Vice President Global Deployment and Itinerary Planning, Royal Caribbean International & Celebrity Cruises; Captain Nikolaos Antalis, Port Captain Royal Caribbean International & Azamara Club; Jennifer Vandekreeke, Director, Carnival Cruise Lines and Shirley Henderson, Manager Shore Excursions for Carnival UK provided a valuable insight into the current industry trends and discussed openly and directly the issues pertinent to international and domestic cruising.Our inaugural VIP Cruise Famil commenced with a welcome function in Sydney on Sunday the 23rd September. The Minister for Tourism, The Hon. Marin Ferguson, welcomed the eight member delegation representing the cruise lines of Silversea Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Fred Olsen Line, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises/ Regent Seven Seas. The individual and intensive programs, taking in all of the States and the Northern Territory, focused on port facilities, shore excursion products and pre and post touring opportunities the country has to offer. The event was developed by CDU with the support of Tourism Australia and Qantas.

Further Details – and all media enquiries:Jill Abel

General Manager, Cruise Down UnderTel/Fax: +61 3 62237334

Mob: 0419 511 966

National Cruise Week Success

The recent International Cruise Council Australasia’s National Cruise Week proved to be a great success. More than 1000 travel agents across Australia and New Zealand took part offering a great range of special cruise deals. ICCA General Manger Brett Jardine said it was the biggest ever cruise promotion undertaken in Australasia.

The ICCA experienced a surge in travel agency memberships as agents across Australia and New Zealand signed up to take part in the first National Cruise Week. More than 50 travel agencies from Australia and New Zealand joined the Cruise Council in the past month. .Meanwhile three new members have been welcomed to the organization - Oceania Cruises, The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Wholesaler New Horizons.David Bunn, Managing Director of the Cruise Office, which represents Oceania in Australia, said it was the right time to join the ICCA. “Oceania Cruises has been actively involved with ICCA sister associations around the world for many years, including ICCA in New Zealand,” Mr Bunn said. “With the continued growth of the Australian market, the increasing level of education amongst agents, the recent launch of Riviera and Marina’s maiden visit next year, we felt the time was right for our iconic brand to join ICCA and become part of its exciting future.” Mr Jardine said Oceania Cruises would join the ICCA’s 28 other member cruise lines.The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has confirmed the importance of cruising to the Gulf region by signing on as an associate member. DTCM Executive Director of Business Tourism and Dubai Cruise Terminal, Hamad bin Mejren, said a combination of strong tourism infrastructure, air connectivity and a strategic location at the crossroads of the East and West made Dubai an attractive destination for many global cruise providers. “As cruising is the fastest growing segment in Australia’s travel industry it is important for the Dubai Cruise Terminal to be associated with the Council. It provides an excellent platform for us to educate travel consultants and showcase Dubai as a leading cruising destination,” he said. In 2011, the Dubai Cruise Terminal welcomed 108 cruise ships carrying more than 396,000 passengers, a number expected to reach 400,000 this year and grow to 425,000 passengers in 2013 with 115 ship visits. Following years of steady growth and the launch of a new cruise terminal in Dubai in 2010, ICCA General Manager Brett Jardine said it was the perfect time for the tourism body to sign up. “With many of our cruise line members calling at Dubai on their world itineraries and some even homeporting there, the Dubai cruise industry has seen some exciting growth,” Mr Jardine said.A member of The Travel Corporation, New Horizons Holidays has been operating in Australia for more than 30 years. New Horizons Holidays’ Managing Director Chris Evans said the company’s move to join the Council signalled its dedication to best practice and product knowledge. The move follows a recent expansion of New Horizons’ cruise offerings to include Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Scandinavian cruising in its product range.

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AUSTRALIADARWINRadiance of the Seas Oct 20:Sea Princess Oct 26:Volendam Oct 31: Dec 3:Amsterdam Nov 3:Ocean Princess Nov 25:Celebrity Solstice Nov 30:Costa neo Romantica Dec 1: Jan 27:Celebrity Millenium Dec 2:Diamond Princess Dec 7:Seabourn Odyssey Dec 26: Silver Shadow Dec 26:PORT DOUGLASRadiance of the Seas Oct 20:Sea Princess Oct 23:Dawn Princess Nov 13:Pacific Dawn Nov 14: Dec 12: Jan 16:Diamond Princess Dec 10:YORKEYS KNOBPacific Dawn Nov13: Dec 11: Jan 15: Celebrity Millennium Nov 28: Celebrity Solstice Dec 4:CAIRNSVolendam Oct 27: Nov 28:Rhapsody of the Seas Nov 22: Dec 11:Costa neo Romantica Dec 5: Jan 13:Radiance of the Seas Dec 26:Silver Shadow Dec 30:Seabourn Odyssey Dec 31:Seven Seas Voyager Jan 30:TOWNSVILLEVolendam Oct 26:Dawn Princess Nov 12:Seven Seas Voyager Jan 29:MACKAYOosterdam Nov 12:BRISBANE Pacific Dawn Oct 6, 15, 27: Nov 3, 10, 17, 24: Dec 8, 15, 27: Jan 5, 12, 19, 26:Radiance of the Seas Oct 14: Dec 22:Sea Princess Oct 20: Nov 20:Sun Princess Oct 20, 24: Nov 7, 18: Dec 2, 16, 30: Jan 13, 24:Volendam Oct 24:Dawn Princess Nov 8:Oosterdam Nov 9:Amsterdam Nov 9:Celebrity Millennium Nov 25: Rhapsody of the Seas Nov 27: Dec 16 Celebrity Solstice Dec 7:Costa neo Romantica Dec 8: Jan 10:Silver Shadow Jan 2: Seabourn Odyssey Jan 4:Crystal Symphony Jan 16/17:Seven Seas Voyager Jan 26:SYDNEYPacific Jewel Oct 7, 23: Nov 3, 9, 12, 22, 25: Dec 4, 18, 28: Jan 9, 19, 29:Pacific Pearl Oct 5, 8, 17, 27: Nov 3, 9, 23: Dec 6, 14, 27: Jan 8, 17, 25, 28:Sun Princess Oct 22:Dawn Princess Oct 10, 24: Nov 6, 17, 30: Dec 13:Radiance of the Seas Oct 12: Nov 15, 17, 30: Dec 1, 12, 20, 30: Jan 9, 21/22: Rhapsody of the Seas Oct 14, 23: Nov 4, 11, 14, 18, 29: Dec 7, 18, 28: Jan 7, 14, 23:Sea Princess Oct 18: Dec 3, 16, 29: Jan 12, 25:Carnival Spirit Oct 20, 28: Nov 8, 16, 27: Dec 6, 16, 27: Jan 8, 31:Volendam Oct 21: Nov 24:Oosterdam Oct 21: Nov 7, 21: Dec 5, 19,: Jan 2, 12, 26: Amsterdam Nov 11:Celebrity Millennium Nov 21/22: Voyager of the Seas Nov 22-25:

Dec 8, 21/22: Jan 5/6, 13, 27:Ocean Princess Dec 3:Celebrity Solstice Dec 9/10/11, 23/24: Jan 15/16/17: Costa neo Romantica Dec 10, 15: Jan 7:Diamond Princess Dec 14: Jan 11:Crystal Symphony Dec31-Jan 2: Jan 13/14, 20/21:Silver Shadow Jan 4/5:Seabourn Odyssey Jan 6:Seven Seas Voyager Jan 23:NEWCASTLERhapsody of the Seas Nov 19: Dec 8:Celebrity Millennium Nov 23: Radiance of the Seas Dec 29:MELBOURNERadiance of the Seas Nov 4:Pacific Jewel Nov 5-7:Pacific Pearl Nov 5-7:Sea Princess Nov 8:Voyager of the Seas Nov 11: Dec 6: Jan 8, 29:Volendam Nov 19:Costa neo Romantica Dec 12/13: Jan 2/3:Dawn Princess Dec 15, 28: Jan 10, 23: Diamond Princess Dec 18: Jan 9, 15:Celebrity Solstice Dec 26: Jan 19: Seven Seas Voyager Dec 30: Jan 20:Crystal Symphony Jan 4/5: Silver Shadow Jan 7, 29:Seabourn Odyssey Jan 9:HOBARTOosterdam Oct 26: Nov 23:Radiance of the Seas Nov 6:Voyager of the Seas Nov 13:Volendam Nov 21:Diamond Princess Dec 16: Jan7, 13:Seven Seas Voyager Dec 31: Jan 18:Costa neo Romantica Dec 31:Celebrity Solstice Jan 13: Crystal Symphony Jan 10: Athena Jan 30:BURNIEVolendam Nov 20:Costa neo Romantica Jan 5:Silver Shadow Jan 8, 28:FREMANTLERadiance of the Seas Oct 28:Sea Princess Nov 2:Voyager of the Seas Nov 5:Volendam Nov 9:Athena Dec 18, 30: Jan 2, 13, 18, 21:Seven Seas Voyager Dec 24: ADELAIDERadiance of the Seas Nov 2:Sea Princess Nov 6:Voyager of the Seas Nov 9:Volendam Nov 16:Crystal Symphony Jan 7: Athena Jan 27:

NEW ZEALAND

AUCKLANDSea Princess Oct 11: Nov 16, 29: Dec7, 25: Jan 21:Sun Princess Oct 28: Nov 22: Dec6, 26: Jan 3:Dawn Princess Nov 2, 21: Dec 4, 24: Jan 1, 14:Oosterdam Nov 3: Dec1, 29: Jan 22:Amsterdam Nov 17:Celebrity Millennium Nov 17: Radiance of the Seas Nov 26: Jan 31:Voyager of the Seas Nov 28: Dec 18: Jan 2, 21:Pacific Pearl Dec 2:Pacific Dawn Dec 4:Ocean Princess Dec 8:Celebrity Solstice Dec 19: Jan 4, 28: Crystal Symphony Dec19/20:

Jan 29/30:Costa neo Romantica Dec 21:Diamond Princess Dec 28: Jan 25:Seven Seas Voyager Jan 9:Silver Shadow Jan 18:Seabourn Odyssey Jan 22:Silver Whisper Jan 25:NAPIERSun Princess Oct 30: Nov24: Dec 8, 24: Jan 5:Dawn Princess Oct 31: Nov 23: Dec 6, 22: Jan 3, 16, 30:Oosterdam Nov 1, 29: Dec 27: Jan 20:Sea Princess Nov 14, 27: Dec 9, 23: Jan 19:Pacific Pearl Nov 30:Voyager of the Seas Nov 30:Pacific Dawn Dec 2:Crystal Symphony Dec 24: Seven Seas Voyager Jan 11:Silver Shadow Jan 16, 21:AKAROASea Princess Oct 13: Nov 25: Dec 11, 21: Jan 17:Dawn Princess Oct 29: Nov 25: Dec8, 20: Jan 5, 18, 28:Oosterdam Oct 30: Nov 27: Dec 24: Jan 18:Sun Princess Nov 1, 26: Dec 10, 22: Jan 7, 30:Radiance of the Seas Nov 11, 22: Jan 26:Pacific Pearl Nov 28:Voyager of the Seas Dec 1, 15, 29:Celebrity Solstice Dec 16, 31: Jan 8, 24, 31: Diamond Princess Dec 23: Jan 2, 20, 30:Crystal Symphony Dec 26: Jan 26:Costa neo Romantica Dec 26:Seven Seas Voyager Jan 6, 13:Silver Shadow Jan 14, 23:Seabourn Odyssey Jan 17, 28:Silver Whisper Jan 28:DUNEDINSea Princess Oct 14: Nov 24: Dec 12, 20: Jan 16:Dawn Princess Oct 28: Nov 26: Dec 9, 19: Jan 6, 19, 27:Oosterdam Oct 29: Nov 26: Dec 23: Jan 17:Sun Princess Nov 2, 27:Dec11, 21: Jan 8, 29: Radiance of the Seas Nov 10, 21: Jan 26:Voyager of the Seas Nov 17: Dec 2, 14, 28:Pacific Pearl Nov 27:Pacific Dawn Nov 29:Celebrity Solstice Dec 15, 30: Jan 9, 23: Diamond Princess Dec 22: Jan 3, 19, 31:Crystal Symphony Dec 27: Jan 25:Costa neo Romantica Dec 27:Seven Seas Voyager Jan 5, 14:Silver Shadow Jan 13:Seabourn Odyssey Jan 15:Silver Whisper Jan 29:WELLINGTONRadiance of the Seas Oct 8: Nov 12, 23: Jan 28:Dawn Princess Oct 30: Nov 24: Dec 7,: Jan 4, 17, 29:Sun Princess Oct 31: Nov25: Dec9, 23: Jan 6, 31:Oosterdam Oct 31: Nov 28: Dec 26: Jan 19:Sea Princess Nov 13, 26: Dec 10, 22: Jan 18:Voyager of the Seas Nov 19: Dec 30: Jan 24:Pacific Pearl Nov 29:Pacific Dawn Dec 1:Costa neo Romantica Dec 24:Diamond Princess Dec 24: Jan 1, 22, 28:Celebrity Solstice Jan 1, 7, 25: Seven Seas Voyager Jan 7, 12:

Silver Shadow Jan 15:Seabourn Odyssey Jan 18, 25:Crystal Symphony Jan 27:Silver Whisper Jan 27:PICTONRadiance of the Seas Oct 9:Voyager of the Seas Nov 18:Diamond Princess Dec 31: Jan 21, 29:Seabourn Odyssey Jan 19, 26:Silver Shadow Jan 22:TAURANGASun Princess Oct 29: Nov 23: Dec 7, 25: Jan 4:Dawn Princess Nov 1, 22: Dec 5, 23: Jan 2, 15, 31:Oosterdam Nov 2, 30: Dec 28: Jan 21:Sea Princess Nov 15, 28: Dec 8, 24: Jan 20:Celebrity Millennium Nov 16: Radiance of the Seas Nov 25: Jan 30:Voyager of the Seas Nov 29: Dec 17: Jan 1, 22:Pacific Pearl Dec 1:Pacific Dawn Dec 3:Ocean Princess Dec 7:Celebrity Solstice Dec 18: Jan 3, 5, 27, 29: Crystal Symphony Dec 22: Jan31:Costa neo Romantica Dec 22:Diamond Princess Dec 27, 29: Jan 24, 26:Seven Seas Voyager Jan 10:Silver Shadow Jan 17, 20:Seabourn Odyssey Jan 21, 23:

NEW CALEDONIA

NOUMEADawn Princess Oct 13:Pacific Pearl Oct 14, 24: Nov 12: Dec 9, 24: Jan 5, 20:Volendam Oct 18:Rhapsody of the Seas Oct 20: Nov 7: Dec4, 21: Jan 3, 10, 20, 29:Oosterdam Oct 21: Nov 18: Dec 16: Jan 5:Carnival Spirit Oct 23: Nov 13: Dec 13, 19: Jan 4, 11:Pacific Dawn Oct 29: Nov 5, 19: Jan 7, 21, 28:Sun Princess Nov 9: Jan 15:Pacific Jewel Nov 15: Dec 7, 25: Jan 6, 12, 26:Radiance of the Seas Dec 9, 15: Jan 2:Sea Princess Jan 9:Voyager of the Seas Jan 16:

Other Ships:Orion - Cruising various locations – Kimberleys, Papua New Guinea, Melanesian & Solomon Islands, Australian Coast, Antarctica, New Zealand Reef Endeavour – The Fiji Islands – year around cruisesTrue North – Cruising the Kimberly area, Top End, Papua New Guinea and SydneyOceanic Discoverer/Coral Princess - Cruising various locations- Australia/New Zealand/New Caledonia/Papua New GuineaMurray Princess - Cruising the Murray River throughout the yearBlue Lagoon Cruises – Ships cruising Fijian Islands(Data shown, sourced from cruise line schedules, port schedules and brochures, is believed to be correct at time of printing – schedules can change at short notice and readers should check dates prior to arriving at the locations to see ships- some ships will visit other locations and dates for some ships are incomplete)( Dunedin = Port Chalmers.)

lOCATIONS TO SPOT SHIPS

NEXT ISSUEMID DECEMBER 2012

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Behind the ScenesIt is always interesting and exciting to be invited to do a behind the scenes tour of a ship. Such was an occasion on MSC Divina recently. Down below is another city within a ship – large corridors lead to kitchens, large warehouse size storage area for food and general items, staff quarters and canteen, rubbish disposal, even a tailor’s area. Here in photos is a quick tour – John Treacy

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