SUMMER 2012

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IN THIS ISSUE:Australia’s most controversial industry columnist, Max Najar is wondering why we need an expensive national airline customer advocate – when agents can do the job for free!

CRUISING TO ADVENTURE IN LUXURY:Silversea is answering demands by upmarket clients for more adventurous destinations with two expedition class ships and brilliant new destinations. Butlers included!

MARRAKECH:Exploring the souks is the best fun – but watch out, the sharks are always hard at work – particularly carpet salesmen. They just don’t understand the word NO!

ADELAIDE’S AIRLINE WAR:Emirates will go daily from Adelaide next year and Singapore Airlines double daily most days – but can the market cope?

PLUS:HOTEL report: We take a long hard look at The Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel in Covent Garden London. This newly renovated property is offering agents special rates as a Christmas bonus.We wish all of our readers a happy and safe Christmas.

by Max Najar

the capacity to extend unbiased advice and personal touches to a booking. We are the best conduit between the consumer and passengers - at no cost to taxpayers at all! Prevention is always better than cure. The new advocate should waste no time in stressing to consumers the value of our network when booking flights. After all, it is always the agency network that pulls together and saves the day after disasters like the recent collapse of Air Australia.

Just how effective is Australia’s expensive new independent National Airline Customer Advocate?

The Government set up the advocate to give passengers the extra help and protection they need in getting complaints resolved. You have to wonder though about the effectiveness of a position that is jointly funded by Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar Airways, Regional Express and Tiger Airways! I would like to know how much power this new authority really has to intervene and force one of our domestic airlines to fix an issue or refund a pax. The money would have been better spent on promoting the use of licensed travel agents. We are best placed to firstly make sure a client gets what he wants from an airline and secondly is properly compensated if things go wrong. We offer unbiased advice, the best fares, TCF security, superb backup support and a friendly human to talk to. So much better that a cold email address or phone number. Two things we know for sure: Airlines will continue to delay and cancel flights and secondly they don’t have

We usually hear about a company in trouble well before disaster strikes - another benefit for our clients. In the case of a totally unexpected collapse, we have creative booking and refund procedures ready to roll. It is amazing how a simple phone call to a colleague can rectify a problem or resolve an issue. Consumers who book direct with an airline or a supplier or via a website or 1300 number, take on huge risks and are basically “on their own” if something goes wrong. The advocate should point out that just to engage a lawyer to fight an international ruling or solve an international travel problem usually starts with a $2000 fee. The message needs to be hammered home that an Australian licensed professional travel agent complies with State and Federal Government regulatory levels of responsibility and accountability plus those of AFTA, IATA and ICCA. Our business is about security, integrity and a passion to deliver travel in an honest and quality driven manner. MAX NAJARmax@handzon.com.au

Why waste money on an airline customer advocate?

MARRAKECHThe souk is the star attraction offering treatsLike a free neck massage, with exotic Argan Oil...

The best fun was wandering around by ourselves on the last day - people watching as we enjoyed a mint tea in the medina (main square) while snake charmers confused cobras and monkeys posed on the shoulders of tourists. Fiona McIntosh reports.

from our riad. Follow me please Abdou says, grabbing our bags and disappearing down a narrow, dusty ochre coloured ancient laneway. We scamper to keep up as he wheels the bags with practiced ease through a bewildering network of what could be best described as alleys.

You are not alone. Pushbikes and even motorbikes roar past, often annoyingly close - in the busy commercial areas the smoke from exhausts can be choking. You are tired, a little nervous. How is this going to end, you wonder - how will I ever find my way back to civilisation? Huge elegantly carved wooden doors that appear in the ancient walls provide part of the answer - Abdou swings them open and we step into a peaceful world fit for a sultan. Riad Flam.

Marrakech – just saying it aloud – conjures visions of romance…for me anyway. For some inexplicable reason I immediately think of the 1930s; men in linen suits and women drinking mint juleps, laughing children and robed locals wearing the fez and offering plump, juicy dates. All terribly exotic, not that the modern airport was giving anything away. You could be anywhere. A hint perhaps from the currency exchange office- my $US200 translates into nearly 2,000 dirhams which by the way are worthless outside of Morocco.

We feel rich I tell our smiling driver as we pile into his near new van. The ride into town is quick past vast olive tree plantations and ancient crumbling walls. Suddenly we are in a square right in the thick of a mid afternoon rush of local traffic - carts drawn by small, unhappy looking donkeys, giggling children walking home from school, men on pushbikes shaking their fists at youngsters roaring about on noisy motor-scooters. In ancient times this area was home to the world’s richest salt market, our driver says. Thank-you and now I leave you here. He can’t be serious I am thinking until a tall good looking young man emerges from the shadow of a doorway and explains he is

Our beautifully furnished room facing the central courtyard is magnificent. After a delicious cup of welcoming mint tea we unpacked, explored our Riad including the traditional open rooftop lounge and then bravely decided to walk to a local restaurant. La Salama was recommended and yes amazingly we found it. The large stylish candlelit room has real character, the food simple and delicious. Most surprising is the floorshow – music and belly-dancing women, artfully balancing trays full of silverware on their heads as they bend backwards or gyrate impossibly fast with tinkling bells and brightly coloured costumes . Thankfully audience participation is not part of the deal. We retraced our steps and somehow found our way home and already felt we were getting the hang of the place. One visitor told me they used to take a stick of pink chalk with them and discreetly dot walls as they moved about.

A welcoming cup of mint tea at Riad Flam.Tourists battle it out with bikes, motorbikes, even donkeys in the narrow, smoke filled lanes.

Lunch was upstairs at Riad Omar – untidy and crammed but huge serves of fruit, couscous, interesting tagines and delicious flat bread at very moderate prices. Our tour continued with a fun stroll through just one section of the labyrinth of souks that lead off the main square, and then the program started to disintegrate.

Despite specific instructions, our professional guide took us into a carpet shop on the pretext we were inspecting a beautifully renovated villa to see the work of artisans. No pressure - they all say that. The screws never stopped turning! Out they rolled, carpet after carpet. Then came the sales pitch - then tears – poor country carpet makers were starving, no not starving, they were dying! How could we leave and let them suffer. “Did Australians hate their work?”. Suitably chastised we hoped, Mohammed promised this time he desperate wanted to show us some beautiful local handiwork and promptly took us to another overpriced commission shop for tourists .We decided the only way to escape the barrage was to buy something so a bracelet was purchased for the equivalent of US50 and we fled. Tired and disappointed, we headed home to the peace and tranquillity of Riad Flam. I have subsequently been advised the company to use is Morocco by prior arrangement operated by Australian Carol Prior: moroccobypriorarrangement.net

Next morning our guide Mohammed arrived and our full day walking program started at the The Bahia Palace in the medina of Marrakesh along the northern edge of the Mellah, or Jewish quarter. The lush green gardens and ornately decorated rooms often roofed with ceramic tiles contrast strongly with the drab earth coloured general scenery. Built and extended by two powerful and wealthy vizirs, it demonstrates how local architects cleverly used open courtyards to deal with the long hot summers.

We strolled past the old Jewish quarter to the landmark Koutoubia Mosque, also known as the Mosque of the Booksellers but as it was holy day in Marrakech we could not enter. Next a real surprise on a hot day – the lovely, shady 12-acre Majorelle Garden. Fortunately Yves Saint Laurent, whose ashes are scattered here, purchased the complex in 1980. It is not hard to see why it was such a special place for him – beautiful vistas, waterways and fountains arrive at every turn.

The best fun was wandering around by ourselves on the last day - people watching as we enjoyed a mint tea in the medina (main square) while snake charmers confused cobras and monkeys posed on the shoulders of tourists. Flea-bitten donkeys looked worn out and sad as they haul around cartloads of goods. The souk really is the star attraction - you quickly lose all sense of direction - and everything in your wallet if the traders can help it. Most memorable shop was a genuine Berber Pharmacy, famous for its Argan Oil. We were warmly welcomed by Amel, who wore a white pharmacist’s coat, to add weight to the fact that she is a fifth generation herbalist and a member of the family that own the shop called Herboristerie LesAmis ll. Amel took us into a special ‘tactile’ consultation room at the back of the shop that looked like an old fashioned chemist from my early childhood and there she gave us first a run through some of the most popular natural treatments. For instance we had the fantastically perfumed chunk of soft amber rubbed over our skin as Amel explained its natural aptitude as a deodorant. Next we were shown white musk – often used in perfumes – but in Amel’s estimation it was the perfect anti moth device. She made us smile when she discussed what she nicknamed Moroccan Vick but its real name is sanouge, which is Nigella seed wrapped in a tiny muslin bag and sniffed as an inhalant to prevent snoring as much as runny noses, sinus problems and allergies. She gave us – of all things – a tiny eucalyptus crystal to chew on.Snake charmers confuse cobras in the main square.

gathered by goats! These clever creatures eat the kernels of a tree and when the time is right they expel the nuts in their faeces. Yes…I’m afraid so. The nuts are gathered then crushed with a pestle and mortar, water is added and then the mix is cold pressed for the first oil that is cosmetic grade. Our friend, Amel, noticed white freckles on my arms and decided I really needed fig oil to combat that. Back to the argan oil, we learned that the second press – the hot press – produces cooking grade oil The third press produces ‘massage oil’ and she called in her assistant to demonstrate its properties.

Before we knew it, we were both being treated to an impromptu massage – or btissam - of our neck and shoulders by an expert using Argan Oil... it was a fun end to a great day.

‘Great for freshening breath,’ she assured, ‘or use it in tea.’

We were intrigued by her ‘black magic powder’ that Amel aimed to convince us would make our teeth much whiter if we put a little of it on our toothbrushes and scrubbed with it twice daily together with toothpaste. We moved next onto oils. Orange oil, we were told, is excellent for stress relief and if you put two drops into water and give it to children, they’ll sleep well. It’s good for us to sleep too. It smelled brilliant.

Rose oil is a marvellous deterrent for puffy eyes.

On to Argan Oil. Now you won’t believe this girls. But the oil we pay so hugely for is first

Before we knew it, we were both being treated to an impromptu massage – or btissam - of our neck and shoulders by an expert using Argan Oil... it was a fun end to a great day.

ABOVE: The national dish, couscous in the fez style.BELOW: Head to the La Salama for a value, fun night out.

FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

Early booking discounts of up to 20% are available on narrow boat canal holidays in Britain for new reservations in 2013. According to Martyn Paterson, these holidays are ideal for couples, families or groups – with comfortable cabins and shower/toilets - no experience or boat licence required. Cost for weeklong hire of 2-4-berth canal boat from $740 (normally $925) including hire fees, cooking facilities, linen and towels. Conditions apply. More details, www.outdoortravel.com.au

‘Koreastay’ offers visitors the chance to experience life with a Korean family.

Host families are carefully selected after undergoing strict assessment of such criteria as residential environment, guestroom and house cleanliness, service and convenience Most host families are located in major cities, close to tourist areas and provide some home cooked meals and various travel information. Starting from US$30 per night rates vary depending on host and location. More details, http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/koreastay

Clients heading to the UK next year will be bombarded with celebrations. For a start it will be the 150th anniversary of The Underground, the first subterranean transport system. 2013 also marks 50 years since The Beatles first album was recorded at the iconic Abbey Road

The Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel in Covent Garden London is offering you special rates as a Christmas bonus. I like this property - it is newly renovated and is in an excellent position close to attractions, pubs and restaurants. The deal is 99 pounds per night for a double or twin superior valid from December 21-26 and from January 1-31. Conditions apply. More details, call Katherine or Sarah on 03 95202353.

The charming Victoria Palace Hotel in Paris is now rated 5 stars. Current special is ‘Stay 4 nights, pay for only 3’ for all stays until December 27 2012 and from January 2 – March 31, 2013 The hotel nestled in the heart of the Left Bank close to the famous Luxembourg Gardens, Boulevard Saint-Germain and Bon Marché department store. I have stayed there - and can recommend the property.

Studios in London featuring ‘Love Me Do’. The Chelsea Flower Show will celebrate its centenary and October 2013 marks 50 years since the National Theatre Company opened at the Old Vic with its first production of Hamlet starring Peter O’Toole and Michael Redgrave. A permanent exhibition, Stage by Stage, on the history of the theatre will be open on the third floor. June 2, 2013 marks 60 years since the Queen’s coronation in 1953 at the age of just 26. The formal ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey in London followed by a street procession and was the first coronation to be televised. As well it will be 125 years since infamous serial killer Jack the Ripper was plying his gruesome trade. Many of London’s walking tour companies provide themed Jack The Ripper walks around East London to follow in his footsteps.www.walks.com

New attractions will include the view of London from the city’s spectacular new building The Shard, London Bridge. This will be the highest viewing point in Western Europe and nearly twice as high as any other view in London, providing visitors with a multi-sensory experience and exhilarating views for 40 miles across London Finally, the Imperial War Museum (IWM) will be closed from January - June 2013 for major renovations that will include ground-breaking WWI galleries. Children enjoy pony rides in the famed

Luxembourg Gardens.

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER

(and the indemnity form you are required to complete) before heading out. It will tell you what to do when you come across these animals (hint: don’t run!) “Stay clear of the water; it’s ripe with hippopotamus that are big, fast, lethal and not scared of you, or your golf club.”

La Jenny Golf Course, FranceOne of the few places in the world where you don’t have to worry about a golf-dress code – but be sure to bring plenty of insect repellent. Europe’s only naturist golf course features a par-3 and par-4 holes and is open to the public and hosts tournaments during the year.

Cheapflights.com.au has named some of the world’s most world’s most hazardous golf courses, for instance the Prison View Golf Course, Angola, Louisiana, US. The Louisiana State Penitentiary, the largest maximum-security prison in the United States has a 9-hole golf course, complete with practice facilities and a clubhouse all for $10 a round. There are a few catches: Playing this course requires some advanced planning, as you must allow 48 hours for a background check before you can even schedule a tee time. Finally, be prepared for play to be suspended in the event of a riot or attempted jailbreak).

Skukuza Golf Course, Kruger National Park, South Africa. Here’s your chance to combine a safari with your round of golf as this course backs up to Kruger National Park. Lions, elephants, leopards, warthogs, buffalo and more wander onto the course regularly. Don’t really believe it? Read the information sheet

Free connectivity is more important than free coffee according to a recent survey conducted by US based GO Airport Express. When the ground transportation company asked its customers, what, aside from breakfast, is their favourite hotel freebie, 57 per cent listed WiFi. The second top answer, at 30 per cent, was free transportation between the hotel and the airports. Following that response were in-room coffee and tea, health club and pool and complimentary newspaper in that order. Surprisingly an ironing board came in last – it would be very different here.

Insects are just one of the diversions at the La Jenny Golf Course in France.

for a very wealthy gentleman, the boat has been extensively restored with 5-double/twin cabins comfortable cabins all with their own bathroom. The on-board chef prepares regional cuisine served in a stylish dining area. Highlights of the itinerary include: Namur, Huy, the forests of the Ardennes, Flanders Fields in the Somme, Wallonia, Noyon, Compiegne, Bougival and 2-nights moored near the Eiffel Tower in central Paris. For those who don’t want to ride there are walking trails. Fifteen day tours depart from Maastricht to Paris on September 21 and from Paris to Maastricht on October 11, 2013. Cost including meals and e-bike hire is $2840pp, twin share.More details : http://tinyurl.com/d3hpv22

Nothing is too much trouble for health conscious Australian guests on board SeaDream yachts. “Olive oil spread was recently suggested as an alternative to butter but we had problems obtaining fresh stock says president, Bob Lepisto. “So, we now ensure the kitchen makes a supply whenever we have Australians sailing with us.”

Medical tourism is a growing business, particularly in Asia. Clients combine a relaxing, value stay with everything from expensive dental work to facelifts. New is Bhavana Phuket, the only medically licensed rehabilitation and detoxification centre in South East Asia. According to the company, programs require a stay of as little as seven days to achieve detox from alcohol dependence and begin the rehabilitation process. The centre is located on a private beachfront estate in Southern Phuket, with international flight access close at hand. More details, www.bhavanahealing.com

e-bikes are taking the cycling world in Europe by storm. With a capacity of 80-km per charge and a 8-speed hub-gear (with real-time progressive assistance) e-bikes can give the rider up to 70% more power (with no noisy motor) making longer distances and hills much easier. Clients can try one out on a new cruise/cycle tour along the tranquil canals and rivers from the beautiful city of Maastricht in Holland to Paris. Built in 1926

Guests at Best Western’s Bierkulturhotel Schwanen in Ehingen, Germany, literally “sleep in beer” with rooms made using the wood of a former grain and hop storage. The beer-themed hotel is operated by a local family, who also own the adjacent brewery, operational since 1697. The beds, cupboards and living room suite are literally infused with the scent of beer. The hotel’s restaurant and brewery “Schwanen” was first opened in 1697 and is connected to the hotel. The brewery offers guided tours and workshops for guests who want to try brewing their own beer, with Graduate-Brew master Micha Miller. Centrally located between Munich, Stuttgart and Lake Constance, Ehingen is an ideal starting point for cycling and hiking tours.

banquet dinners and onsen spa baths are all included. A maximum of 20 guests relax in a 45-seat luxury coach. Priced from $8,175 land only these tours operate in April and May 2013. More details, www.toursgallery.com

If you’re fortunate to have been blessed with long legs, you can now opt for preferred seating with Air Canada and secure a seat in the bulkhead and exits rows for just CAD120 (A$118). Do the maths and you’ll find it works out at just $8.50 per hour of flying between here and Vancouver! You do need to be able to fulfil safety requirements and the seating is available on a first come, first served basis and other terms and conditions, so talk to your travel agent and make sure you get in early.

The slopes at Canada’s Big White Ski Resort are already open. The resort is kicking off the season with an early start and a host of new programs, activities and events.

Starwood has released an opening package for its newest Luxury Collection Resort, Vana Belle Koh Samui, which will open in January. Guests can enjoy complimentary daily breakfast, THB 2,000 resort dining credit per room per day and double Starpoints from the Starwood Preferred Guest program. Rates start from around $A560 a night for a Classic Pool Suite and are valid for stays until 15 July 2013. Guests will retreat to an exclusive world of indulgence and pampering with 80 Pool Suites and Pool

Australian Paul Morris and his Catalan wife Marta Llinares Perez look forward to giving your food and wine loving clients a fun tour of their home, Barcelona. They are the owners of Taste BARCELONA – Culture, Tapas and Wine Walking tours. “Small groups joining our cultural wine and tapas tasting tour visit the most interesting neighbourhoods of the city in search of the finest local foods, tapas, wine and cava, Paul said. “Our clients really feel the “Barcelona vibe” and experience the culture from Catalonia.” More details www.taste-barcelona.com

Toursgallery director Ken Osetroff, who has been creating tours to Japan for 30 years, laments the fact that most visitors only see the standard tourist attractions. “Japan beyond the tourist track is a totally different experience he says – so I designed our Cherry Blossom and Best of Japan Tours so that people can really explore the countryside. Autumn and spring are the most active months when rural Japan is alive with workers in the fields. Our pax see everything from rice paddies being prepared to nashi, pear and apple growers individually wrapping their fruit on the trees. They walk through thatch roof villages, rice fields, orchards and tea plantations, meet farmers harvesting and planting their crops and see the unique machinery they work with. Wild cherry blossoms, azaleas and wisteria add splashes of colour to the country villages. Traditional ryokan accommodation, Japanese

Villas featuring expansive outdoor spaces that offer the utmost in privacy ranging in size from 86 - 211 square meters. The resort is perched on a quiet, serene bay at the southern end of Chaweng Beach.

According to V Roam, telcos have twigged to the “loss of revenue” from people avoiding outrageous global-roaming costs, and are now slugging mobile phone users up to $150 to unlock handsets. The Australian Communications Consumer Action Network wants the Federal Government to scrap the fees to help travellers.

Eco-adventure operator explora has taken out South American’s Leading Expedition Company category in the World Travel Awards. explora offers clients a new way of travelling to remote areas in South America, such as the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, Easter Island and the southernmost tip of the world in Patagonia. The company is also known for more adventurous, multi-day nomadic journeys through the Bolivian Altiplano, northern Argentina or El Chaltén in Argentinian Patagonia. Two new horseback riding expeditions explore Atacama and Patagonia.

EMIRATES: FLYING HIGH IN ADELAIDEreal value – but those days might be over if competition really heats up. Hoffmann says Emirates powerful advertising has very quickly created a similar desire to experience its inflight service that Singapore Airlines achieved over many years with the Singapore Girl. The carrier already flies to more than 30 European destinations – and the number keeps growing which is great news for agents with cruise passengers either embarking or disembarking from ports as diverse as Venice and St Petersburg. Max Najar from Axis travel is another convert. This is a fresh product that clients want to try, he says. “I do wonder about the long term viability however if we don’t achieve a boost in business confidence and consumer sales in SA. “Carriers may reduce

South Australia’s tourism industry received a long overdue shot in the arm recently thanks to the decision by Emirates to operate from the City Of Churches initially four times a week – becoming daily early next year. There is also talk that the SA government via its tourism commission is encouraging China Southern to enter the market although it is a bit hard to imagine why Chinese visitors would head in droves to SA - particularly at this early stage. It is not easy to find much support for this idea - or indeed for the commission itself. Whether the Emirates decision was made before BHP decided to abandon the huge Olympic Dam mine is not known – but that obviously would have provided a significant boost to vital front-end traffic. So can the SA market support an extra 1200 seats a week increasing to 2100 in the New Year from Emirates alone? Most agents I spoke to, including industry luminary Phil Hoffmann, seem to think the answer is yes. For a start, an unusually large number of locals (some say up to 40 per cent) currently buy flights to Europe and beyond that depart from Melbourne or Sydney. Despite the inconvenience and cost of a domestic leg these tickets have represented

size of aircraft, codeshare with others, cancel flights or add an interstate port to supplement services.”

Emirates are winning on price ex-Adelaide with Europe under $2000, business under $8,000 and first under $11,000. Agents say other plus points include the fact that the flight to Dubai is direct with fast connections onto Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the US. Adelaide to London for instance takes around 23 hours. Also praised are the excellent business class lie flat beds (I can vouch for this), the first class configuration, new generation 777 aircraft, brilliant ICE entertainment system plus the excited and motivated staff. So much for the good news.

Emirates needs a better ability to make decisions on the spot and if they want more agency loyalty - we need to be compensated and that means more than the current deal per ticket,” was one comment. “Adelaide is a town where deals are signed in blood – other carriers are currently very obliging with levels of service, support and ability to make decisions, including matching airfares. “Emirates can throw whatever fares they want at consumers, but it will be many factors –including backup service, (for instance the ability to amend-refund-exchange tickets) that will keep us loyal.

Cathay Pacific will be the only carrier offering premium economy cabins, he adds.

According to Dominic Perret GM Cathay Pacific Southwest Pacific, Adelaide is one of the first cities in the world to be serviced with the company’s premium economy cabins as well as the “world’s Best Business Class” as judged by the Skytrax Awards 2012. I can’t wait to experience the difference. Couples in particular were rightly critical of the previous herringbone seating arrangement. The carrier celebrated 20 years of service to Adelaide in October with some excellent Early Bird deals to Europe of around $1655. Some summer services are direct, others via Melbourne.I have travelled in Emirates business and economy cabins on a number of occasions and found the service consistently excellent. The ultimate ride is aboard the company’s

Adelaide is currently serviced daily by Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand, the latter providing connections via Auckland to the US. Qantas flies three times a week to Singapore with connections to Europe but whether this will continue after March when the Qantas/Emirates partnership takes off remains to be seen.

Singapore Airlines, which has serviced the state in style for more than 20 years (former CEO Dr Cheong Choong Kong graduated from Adelaide University) reacted swiftly to the Emirates decision by announcing it would initially boost services to 10 times a week with the possibility of double daily sometime next year. It didn’t take the airline long to up the ante.

The man who makes it all happen for the carrier in SA, sales manager Maurice Baggio, announced a few days later that effective July 4, SQ will fly 12 times a week out of Adelaide – that’s double daily every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.

The relaxing daylight flight to Singapore takes around 6 hours 40 minutes from Adelaide - Singapore to London around 14 hours - a bit like the Dubai itinerary in reverse.

Phil Hoffmann says Malaysia Airlines will probably place less emphasis on Europe and more on providing speedy connections for travellers heading to Asia as the market adapts.

A380’s – but clients will obviously have to go to Melbourne or Sydney for that. The flight to Dubai is long – around 14 hours – but once you arrive just about any major destination in Europe is six or seven hours away.

Dubai as a destination is safe and fun for a few days – the end result of a desert full of imagination and unlimited oil dollars quite takes your breath away. The place to stay is downtown – we recommend the Al Manzil hotel close to the Dubai Mall or head for the Dubai Marina area. Activities range from shopping in some of the world’s finest malls to riding sand dunes in four wheel drives and indoor snow skiing…followed by more shopping. This is the bargain capital of the world. Growth at Dubai’s new airport has been so rapid the main terminal is already overcrowded. It is also annoying to arrive after a long flight on a 777 only to face a surprisingly long and jerky bus ride, as aerobridges never seem to be available for flights from Australia.

Finally there is a real bottleneck in the morning at the airport as arriving passengers squeeze through security before heading on to European destinations.

None of this is likely to deter anyone however – although shopaholics aside, once explored I wonder if Dubai will attract as much repeat business as Singapore or Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific is now offering Adelaide passengers premium economy seats - as well as its new business class, recently judged as the World’s Best.

SILVERSEACRUISING TO A NEW DIMENSION IN ADVENTURE AND LUXURY...

Silver Explorer will make maiden calls to more than 20 new ports next year.

Zodiacs head out from Silver Explorer

instead of the Caribbean after completing her 2013 Mediterranean season. The “Passage to the Far East” will depart Athens in October and heads for Egypt and India via the Suez. The yacht then sets sail for Singapore via Colombo and Phuket followed by18 sailings in the region. SeaDream I will make the company’s first-ever transit of the Panama Canal in November 2013 to spend several weeks sailing a series of week-long voyages along the picturesque coast of Costa Rica. In February and March SeaDream II heads up the Amazon River. Silversea has created a new product called Silversea Expeditions just for clients who want to taste a new dimension in adventure without sacrificing creature comforts like butler service and open seating dining with gourmet selections by Relais & Chateaux. The program is operated by Silver Explorer and she will be joined soon by the 100 pax Silver Galapagos.

You have to hand it to the smaller, more luxurious cruise lines – as well as outstanding service they really do offer clients an amazing array of destinations these days. While the Royal Caribbeans of this world work on the theory that biggest is best, operators like Silversea stay small and increasingly adventurous.

You don’t have to be Captain Cook to work out that the monsters of the sea are never going to be at the forefront when it comes to new and innovative itineraries. New Silversea destinations next year include Klaipeda Lithuania, Saaremaa, Estonia Chios, Greece and Port Arthur Tasmania.

Many years ago, back in the days when Robert Broadley looked after Seabourn in Australia, we were invited on a cruise that made headlines because the itinerary included long forgotten Myanmar. We had pioneered modern day cruising to Burma and everyone on-board was very excited. It’s wonderful just to be doing something different one old girl told me as we headed slowly up the muddy Irrawaddy – “that’s the problem with cruising today – too often it’s the same old itinerary.” How the times have changed. The SeaDream Yacht Club for instance has made significant itinerary changes following pressure from regular clients. Next year SeaDream II will sail to Asia

GM Australasia Karen Christensen says that the company is constantly searching for new and secluded harbours to satisfy high repeat guest numbers. Silver Explorer for instance will make maiden calls to more than 20 new ports next year. “ Karen says the expedition program is selling very well - “in fact Asia Pacific is the second largest producing office for our company globally. “We are all very excited about the addition of Silver Galapagos to our fleet to complement our already successful expedition program.”

Silver Explorer is purpose built for polar cruising and offers an amazing array of itineraries including Antarctica, west coast of Africa, Europe and the British Isles, Arctic, Greenland and Canada plus the Caribbean, Central and South America. Complimentary small group excursions are guided by experts. There are too many amazing itineraries to discuss here in detail – how about Rainforests and Reefs, departing on October 18, 2013 (7 days) from Colon Panama. Guests pass through the Panama Canal and explore Fuerte Amador (Panama City) followed by Darien Jungle (top birding location visited by less than 1000 tourists a year) Isla de Coiba, Golfito, Costa Rica, Puerto Quepos, Costa Rica followed by Puerto Caldera. Fascinating reading - but so is the 176 page Silversea 2013 Voyage Atlas. In fact I spent hours selecting my favourite itineraries. The Silversea fleet has now grown to six ships if you include the Explorer and that means the company travels to all seven continents.

GM Australasia Karen Christensen says the company is constantly searching for new and secluded harbours to satisfy high repeat guest numbers.

along the Bosphorus Strait and Black Sea to Yalta Ukraine followed by Sevastopol Ukraine, Odessa, Constanta Rolmania and Nessebur Bulgaria before returning to Istanbul.

Agents should note that 2014 voyages are also now on sale. New is a fare guarantee program

Despite all of the innovation, The Mediterranean and Northern Europe still remain the biggest sellers along with Alaska but each year more people are looking for something different. My favourite choices do not take into consideration any of the 10 grand voyages – as magnificent as they are. How about, for instance, Stockholm to New York, 36 days, including Estonia, Russia, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, England, Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, Maine and Massachusetts? And then there is the 115 day world cruise departing from LA on January 4. Wouldn’t I love to be on-board.

So, here are my cruise plans, month by month: January 7, 2013 SILVER CLOUD; 18 days Santiago to Buenos Aires; February 4, SILVER WIND; 18 days Cape Town to Las Palmas; March 24, Silver Whisper; 12 days Port Louis to Cape Town; April 29, Silver Explorer; 14 days Lisbon to Portsmouth; May 16, Silver Whisper; 12 days Southampton to Copenhagen; June 26, Silver Spirit; 7 days Istanbul to Istanbul; July 17, Silver Cloud; 9 days London to Reykjavik; August 4, Silver Cloud; 10 days London to Southampton; September 28, Silver Whisper; 10 days Montreal to New York; October 9, Silver Shadow; 10 days Shanghai to Tokyo; November 4, Silver Explorer; 11 days Santiago to Ushuaia (Patagonia and Chilean fjords). My favourite “discovery” is the Istanbul-to-Istanbul itinerary on Silver Spirit departing on August 11 and September 26. Just the cruise for clients looking for something different, it heads

ensuring guests will benefit from any future reduction in the Silver Privilege fares for their voyage. Guests can also save an additional 10% when combining two or more consecutive voyages.

HOTEL REPORT with Ian McIntoshfull English breakfast for one, early check-in, guaranteed late checkout to 4pm, free wireless and a 20 per cent discount on food - all for 195 pounds a night.

Booking was simple and as our arrival got closer we started to get emails highlighting how to get to the property - even a special welcoming menu. I was quietly impressed. The hotel (formerly Mountbatten) stands at the apex of Seven Dials in Covent Garden, with Soho, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street and Leicester Square and theatreland on your doorstep. The entrance is unpretentious and lovers of huge marble foyers will not be happy - the Mercer street reception area is small and functional.

Any disappointment is soon swept aside however by the level of service extended by the delightful front of house staff. Bags were out of the cab and into our sixth floor room as we arrived. This is an environmentally smart property - the rooms are not big - adequate is a word that comes to mind - yet there seemed to be plenty of room for the coffee table and two comfy armchairs as well as a king bed. The aircon was a little noisy, not that is was needed in April. Two people can exist in the bathroom (shower over the bath) - but it is most comfortable for one.

Radisson’s Mercer Street Hotel, Covent Garden, London Regular visitors to London on business/pleasure usually have a favourite district and hotel. I used to prefer my old stomping ground South Kensington.

One year we stayed at The Swiss Howard Hotel on The Embankment and that became a real favourite. The nearby embankment café serves a mean breakfast – and the forest like setting is right out of a Robin Hood movie. Dining outside under a spreading chestnut tree is one of the city’s little known delights. A short walk and you are right in the heart of Covent Garden with its shows and endless list of pubs and good value restaurants. Want to spend the day exploring? Forget expensive buses and the tube – Harrods, Royal palaces, Madame Tussauds, the British Museum, Royal Opera House, St Paul’s Cathedral plus the Victoria and Albert Museum area stroll away. Admittedly it is a longer walk - but even Buckingham Palace is possible in a day. However I digress. Last year The Howard closed and so our search began for a value four-star hotel around Covent Garden. We eventually settled on the brand new Mercer Street Hotel in Covent Garden, a Radisson property which at the time had a special going for Aussie travellers that included

the restaurant plus 24 hour room service. Breakfast had everything I could ever want - cooked or just fresh fruit - served with a smile. The restaurant on the ground floor is always buzzing because it is popular with locals as well as guests. Dial is about shared experience – from the bar’s delectable small plates to the comfort and conviviality of the restaurant. The menu is interesting and good value.

Try also Cafe Pasta, 184 Shaftesbury Avenue that is just up the road. Two pizzas, wine,

Rather annoyingly I thought some bright spark had decided to replace soap and shampoo with pumps which were attached to the wall by the shower and the main basin...the sort of thing you would expect at a three star airport hotel.

Just how an old girl with a touch of arthritis in her fingers would get on I really don’t know. The goodies included an illuminated magnifying mirror and heated towel rail. Keeping the bathroom door closed is mandatory because the exhaust fan always seems to be on and it is by its very nature a little noisy, particularly at night. Soundproofing is excellent and the views we had over the skyline to London’s newest high-rise, The Shard, always a delight. Bedside lighting gets the thumbs up with bright lamps and a little moveable spot to make sure readers are happy. The flat screen TV is teamed with Apple technology.

The main room lighting was not as bright as it should be - particularly in the foyer area thanks to LED down lights not giving 100%. I believe this problem has now been rectified. There is plenty of hanging space for two, quality wooden hangers, tea and coffee facilities, a safe and iron/board.

The minibar is not stocked - a phone call fixes that. Other features include free wireless Internet connection, which worked like a treat, a complimentary newspaper in the lobby and

sparkling water and a diet coke cost 35 pounds - honest food, nice atmosphere, very relaxing.

To conclude: A smart, well run boutique style hotel in the heart of Covent Garden, a brilliant location for business or leisure travellers to London. The front of house service in particular stands out. Agents should check with Katherine Heath heathk@radisson.com for any specials.

The rooms are not big - yet there seemed to be plenty of room for two comfy armchairs and a king bed.

500 international awards and over 120 destinations worldwide including over 30 cities in Europe. For more information contact your Emirates’ Sale Representative or the Emirates’ Contact Centre on 1300 880 599.

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