Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au Page 1

New River guide on shelvesEVERGREEN Tours has become the first

company to launch its full European River Cruise guide for 2014 to the Australian market.

The major highlight of the launch sees the first range of voyages on the firm’s new-build deluxe ships Riva Royale and Riva Princess, which will sail the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers.

Additionally, new cruise itineraries have been packaged with paired land content, including Amsterdam to Basel, Copenhagen to Geneva and a 21-day Christmas Markets River Cruise with Paris and Prague extensions available.

The new brochure is on travel agent shelves, or to download, see www.bit.ly/eteurope.

TODAY’S ISSUE OF CW Cruise Weekly today features five pages packed full of all the latest cruise news.

T H U R S D A Y 2 4 J U L Y 2 0 0 8

www.cruiseweekly.com.au

Ph: 1300 799 220 Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au

Editors: Bruce Piper & Katrina Archer

Cruise W E E K L Y

Tuesday 9 April 2013

How do you relocate a ship?ThE Scenic Emerald has started operating

along the Saône and Rhône rivers, having been relocated last month from Germany to France via the English Channel aboard the MV Rose cargo ship.

To watch a time-lapse video of the vessel’s complex 10-day journey, including an amazing submerging manoeuvre to get the ship aboard the cargo vessel, see the video at http://youtu.be/kSBsIuqpcYM.

Royal Caribbean Flagship saleONBOARD credits and reduced deposits are

some of the benefits available to passengers in a special Flagship Sale on until 13 April.

Guests can take advantage of up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom as well as reduced deposits of up to 50% for cruises of 12 days or longer.

Onboard credits of up to $100 are on offer for voyages of 5-11 days.

The offer is valid for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific cruises departing between September 2013 and April 2014.

For available cruise fares and all terms and conditions, see www.royalcaribbean.com.au or contact a travel agent to book.

NEW EXPLORE YOUR WORLD BROCHURE OUT NOW28 CRUISES ON SALE NOW

CLICK HERE TO ORDER YOUR COPY

Two Celebrities in Aust in 2014/15Celebrity Century will join Celebrity Solstice cruising from Australia, after a very strong Solstice debut this season.

ROyAl Caribbean Cruise Lines, the parent company of Celebrity Cruises, says it is encouraged by Australia’s “whole-hearted”

response to Celebrity Solstice this year, with the 1800-passenger Celebrity Century to offer 11 voyages based in Australasian waters from the beginning of the 2014/2015 cruise season.

Together, the two ships will offer a total of 27 cruises in the region in summer 2014-15, ranging from three to 23 nights and offering departures from Sydney, Fremantle and Auckland.

Century will arrive in Sydney on Friday 10 October 2014 following Celebrity’s first ever single-voyage crossing of the Pacific - a 23 night voyage from San Francisco to Sydney via Hawaii and Tahiti.

The season will include an eight-night South Australian cruise, a seven-night Tasmania voyage as well as Celebrity’s first ever voyage combining the South Pacific with Tropical Queensland.

From Jan 2015, the ship will depart on a 14-night cruise to Singapore, where Century will operate a new Southeast Asia program.

Celebrity Solstice, which was also yesterday confirmed as returning for her third consecutive Australian season in 2014/15, will offer 16 cruises from Sydney and Auckland for almost six months from late October 2014.

The Solstice itineraries include a 17-night Australia and NZ cruise from Auckland to Perth which can be combined with a subsequent 17-night ‘Top End’ voyage from Perth to Sydney to create a 34-night circumnavigation.

Also offered is a three night weekend sampler departing Sydney on Thursday 23 Oct 2014.

Solstice departed Sydney yesterday after her inaugural Australian season during which she carried about 34,000 passengers - of whom 60% were international visitors.

The 2014/15 Century and Solstice seasons will go on sale later this month.

Book an Oceanview stateroom or above& choose your offer:

1 Free Classic Beverage Package

2 Free Gratuities or 3 Up to US$300 Onboard

CreditAvailable on cruises worldwide~

celebritycruises.com.au

Book by 15 April 2013

Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au Page 2

Cruise W E E K L Y

www.cruiseweekly.com.auTuesday 9 April 2013

KIMBERLEY CRUISESINCLUDING TOUR & RAIL EXPEDITIONS 2013-2014 BROCHURE

OUT NOW!To download your copy Click HEREor visit www.broomekimberley.com.au

Advertise with us

For details call us today: 1300 799 220

• Cost Effective • Targeted • Easy

Scenic Tours’ rebuilt ships debutThe new-look Scenic Diamond and Scenic Pearl have showcased the “luxe” décor and faster internet to be installed across the fleet.

Australians have praised the first two Scenic Tours ‘space-ships’ to be revamped under a $10 million upgrade project.

According to the company’s managing

director, Glen Moroney, passengers on board the relaunched Diamond and Pearl are “absolutely delighted” with the changes unveiled on last week’s European river cruises.

“The rest of our fleet will follow, sailing the Main, Rhine, Moselle and Danube waterways and to the Black Sea, to show off their new look for the 2013 cruising season,” he said.

Moroney said the rebuilds were so extensive that each ship only has its original walls, ceilings and base.

All suites have “luxe” new wallpaper, marble desktops and furniture, soft furnishings and carpets, and the “sun lounge” has been re-fitted to allow the full-size balconies to convert into an indoor lounge.

Large 32” high-definition televisions are now linked to MiniMac computers to provide easy access to faster in-cabin email and internet, with an upgraded Wi-Fi system using both satellite and UMTS mobile technology.

Dining options have also been expanded to include the River Café for “relaxed meals” (such as gourmet pizza cooked to order) and the intimate Table La Rive for degustation.

The Bar has additional coffee machines, wine dispensers and a redesigned reception area.

Moroney said it took considerable commitment to complete the work over the northern hemisphere winter.

For details, see www.scenictours.com.au.

MIDDLE EAST & ASIADiscovery Cruising on Voyager

550 like-minded passengers • Renowned Guest Speaker program • More time in port to see more and explore

Cruiseco Azamara charterThE Cruiseco group of Australian travel

agents has announced an exclusive charter of the luxurious Azamara Journey.

The voyage, departing in 2015 will include 37-nights cruising the Mediterranean and visiting 27 ports in 11 countries.

The mid-sized Azamara Journey carries 682 guests and is able to go where larger ships can’t, with Cruiseco’s “Mediterranean Montage” sailing from Istanbul to Nice and departing on 21st April 2015.

Qantas Frequent Flyer points are available (at the rate of one point per $150 spent) for bookings on the charter, which visits Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Malta, Montenegro, Morocco, Spain and Turkey.

Earlybird fares start at $9800 per person twin share, with the package including the 34-night cruise, all onboard meals, wine with dinners, sightseeing and transfers, gratuities, port charges, taxes and a three night pre-cruise stay in Istanbul.

The $9800 fare is for a “Club Interior Stateroom (12)”; other categories and fares include $11,900 per person twin share for a Club Oceanview Stateroom (08), $14,350 for a Club Verandah Stateroom (V2) right up to $31,500 for a Club World Owner’s Suite.

Prices exclude flights, but these can be easily organised by travel agents.

For more information download the flyer by ClICKING hERE or call 1800 225 656.

Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au Page 3

Just one click away fromkeeping up to date with allthe breaking news as itcomes to hand...

Follow us on:Cruise W E E K L Y

www.cruiseweekly.com.auTuesday 9 April 2013

Cruise Weekly’s cruise calendar details upcoming port calls of passenger cruise ships at various destinations in Australia.

Cruise Calendar

melbourneMS Oosterdam Thu 11 Apr

sydneyRadiance of the Seas Tue 09 AprPacific Jewel Wed 10 AprCarnival Spirit Thu 11 AprRhapsody of the Seas Fri 12 AprMS Oosterdam sat 13 AprPacific Pearl mon 15 AprSea Princess mon 15 Apr

brisbAneRadiance of the Seas Thu 11 AprSea Princess sat 13 Apr

dArWinDawn Princess Tue 09 AprOceanic Discoverer Thu 11 Apr

Consumer focus cruising teamA NEW team of dedicated cruise specialists

has been launched by the Jetset Travelworld Group and will enable customers to search for their nearest local expert in the holiday style.

The division is centered around a new online portal - www.thecruiseteam.com.au - which will enable consumers to search for the most appropriate voyage to suit their needs from a preferred ship or cruise company, destinations, regions and last-minute special offers.

More than 500 agents and 150 agencies in the Jetset network will be involved, meaning agents can be found at Jetset, Travelworld, Harvey World Travel and Travelscene outlets, as well as affiliate agencies.

Further, all member agencies of The Cruise Team will be accredited with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and will benefit from the buying power and marketing prowess of the global representative group.

The Cruise Team general manager Alastair Fernie said the establishment of the team was in response to consistently strong demand from customers for cruising product.

“We want to provide travellers from across the country with a one-stop cruise shop for hassle-free planning and booking” Fernie said.

“Our experts have collectively spent a total of over 5,000 nights at sea on 92 different ships, visiting every continent of the world”.

Cruise Team agents can complete all aspects of a holiday incorporating a cruise, including flights, hotels, pre- and post-cruise touring options, transfers, insurance, foreign exchange, visa arrangements and more.

“As cruise experts, members of The Cruise Team are committed to connecting travellers with their perfect cruise holiday,” Fernie said.

To celebrate the launch, an exclusive offer from Royal Caribbean Cruises is now on sale, with cabins on an 18-night New Zealand cruise priced from $1,799pp - a saving of up to $500.

South American cruise tourA NEW 30-night combination fly/cruise

tour incorporating a 17-night cruise has been released by ecruising.travel.

Named “The Myths, Gods and Machu Picchu” tour departs Sydney on 05 March 2014 and includes a 17-night voyage aboard Princess Cruises’ Golden Princess from Valparaiso in Chile through to Los Angeles.

Two nights are spent in Santiago, Chile prior to a train trip to Cusco, Peru and to take in Machu Picchu and the Peruvian capital, Lima before boarding Golden Princess.

The itinerary is priced from $7,599ppts and includes Qantas airfares, premium hotels, all transfers, air and port taxes as well as transfers, and to book, see www.ecruising.travel.

Carnival Spirit milestone saleDISCOUNTS of up to 40% off brochure fares

will be available in a special seven-day sale held in celebration of the 100,000th booking to be made for the Carnival Spirit vessel.

The sale began yesterday and will continue until this coming Sunday 14 April, with deals including a seven-night New Caledonia voyage from Sydney, priced from $699 per person.

For more information or to book, see your local travel agent or www.carnival.com.au.

First ship in at White Bay portP&O CRUISES’ Pacific Pearl will next Monday

become the first cruise ship to dock at the new cruise terminal at Sydney’s White Bay.

The new Sydney Ports Corporation terminal has come about following the decision by the NSW Government to relocate cruise ships from their former dock at Wharf Five at Barangaroo.

The company is advising passengers due to embark the vessel on Monday to follow their scheduled boarding time to avoid congestion as new terminal processes are put to the test.

P&O races over the high seasV8 SUPERCAR fans will be able to put the

pedal to the metal on P&O’s Pacific Pearl with the liner introducing onboard racing simulators for the use of passengers.

The simulators allow users to put their racing skills to the test on a wide variety of circuits, including Mount Panorama, home of the annual Bathurst 1000km endurance event.

Pacific Pearl is currently the only P&O ship featuring the technology, however the line plans to add simulators to Pacific Dawn and Pacific Jewel later this year.

Time on the simulators will be regulated into set sessions and available for $10 per session.

10% discount on Coral PrincessDEPARTURES on Oceanic Discoverer in May

and June have been discounted by 10% in a new deal offered for a limited time by Broome & The Kimberley Holidays.

Further, the wholesaler is offering a bonus night accommodation in Darwin and a $500 gift card to use on land arrangements.

Bookings must be made by 31 May, with the cruise priced from $7,911pp twin share, and to book, see a travel agent or call 1300 245 565.

Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au Page 4

This week, Cruise Weekly chats with Captain Goran Peterson, master of royal Caribbean vessel GTV Radiance of the Seas.How long have you been working on cruise ships for?i have been working on ships for 37 years, 13 of these on cruise ships.When did you join royal Caribbean Cruise lines?i joined royal Caribbean in 2002.What is the best thing about working for royal Caribbean?it is very rewarding to work for a cruise company that has a strong safety culture and builds innovative ships.What is your favourite cruising destination that you visit as part of your role?i have always enjoyed cruising in the mediterranean sea and love napoli in italy and Villefranche in France. but now after having experienced Australia / nZ, i must say that sydney has become a new favourite for me. Arriving in sydney Harbour at sunrise with the opera House and the sydney Harbour bridge staging the scenery is breathtaking.Briefly explain what your job entails and what passengers can expect from your services on board. i am responsible for the safety and care of all persons onboard, the ship’s seaworthiness, navigation and operation.What do you enjoy most about your job with royal Caribbean?To meet and connect with people from all parts of the world is what i enjoy the most.Who is the most famous person you have served? i have met many well-known persons onboard over the years, one that comes to mind is a former Asian President. but i would like to welcome them onboard again soon, so i’m keeping their name under wraps!How do you spend your holidays/vacation when you return home?i spend most of my vacation with my family in sweden, but once in a while, my wife and i go for a cruise as guests. i enjoy a good ride on my motorcycle as well.

Cruise W E E K L Y

www.cruiseweekly.com.auTuesday 9 April 2013

P O R T H O L EP O R T H O L E

• Cost Effective • Targeted • Easy

For details call us today:1300 799 220

Advertise with us

Crew Profile

BIOlOGISTS from the Washington State Fish and Wildlife Department have found a crate of live tropical beakfish inside a bait box of a boat which had drifted across the Pacific Ocean from Japan to the United States.

The boat containing the fish, who appeared unharmed and healthy, washed up on shore and is believed to be part of a tide of debris from the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan which crossed the ocean.

In addition to the beakfish, the boat also contained several species of Japanese anemones, scallops, crustaceans and worms.

However, with the exception of one fish that will soon go on display at the Seaside Aquarium, the entire “shipment” of animals were euthanised to avoid the risk of introducing an invasive species to the state.

Investigations revealed the fish survived the long trip at sea due to the boat drifting with its bow up, with the stern (where the fish were being kept) under the water’s surface, with enough space for the fish to escape long enough to go, find food and return home.

Cruise to the disputed zonesChINA will soon begin operating cruises to

a region of disputed islands known around the world as the Paracels and all territorially claimed by China, Vietnam & Taiwan.

According to Chinese newspaper Xinhua, the Haihang Group ship company has constructed a 47,000 tonne vessel with capacity for 2,000 passengers is ready to sail touring cruises, and another ship is being built.

The first tours will take place next month, with passengers eating and sleeping on the boat and visiting the island for sightseeing.

Carnival CEO critic responseThE head of Carnival Cruises, chairman and

CEO Micky Arison has met with a US Senator known for his vocal criticism of the cruise industry following recent incidences involving the Costa Concordia and Carnival Triumph to reassure him that his vessels are safe.

In a ten-page letter to the Senator, Arison referred to 90 examples in the last five years of reports made to US Coast Guard authorities by Carnival brands of an incident on-board, saying 83 of them were classified as “Not Serious”, according to Federal Regulations.

The remaining seven included both the Costa Concordia incident, Carnival Triumph, a similar situation on Carnival Splendor in 2011, some medical evacuations, two ship collisions that resulted in no injuries and a guest who jumped off a ship and had to be rescued.

MSC to return to the EmiratesThE upcoming northern winter 2013/2014

season will see MSC Cruises’ MSC Linica vessel return to the United Arab Emirates following the conclusion of an 18-night voyage from Genoa to Dubai.

Eighteen voyages of seven-nights duration will be operated by the liner during a season running from 23 November until 29 March, with sailings departing Dubai and stopping in Abu Dhabi and Khor Al Fakkan in the UAE as well as Muscat and Khasab in Oman.

Great Wall and Grand AegeanCRUISE Abroad has released an 18-day fly/

cruise package priced from $2,999pp twin share, taking in a 10-night cruise aboard the Norwegian Jade and a 4-night Beijing stopover.

Two departure dates are available on the 6th and 27th November - phone 1300 669 369.

Five Arctic Aurora expeditionsAURORA Expeditions will operate five

departures taking in the European Arctic region in 2014, with cruises taking in Greenland and Spitsbergen available - call 1800 637 688.

Carnival resumes Turks stopsTESTS conducted by Carnival Cruises “did

not conclusively determine” examples of gastroenteritis as being caused by visiting the Turks & Caicos Grand Turk Cruise Centre, a statement released by Carnival Cruises said.

As a result, the liner will resume ports of call at the terminal this week following a brief suspension while investigations took place.

HAL speaking many languagesMULTI-LINGUAL shore excursions will be

made available to Spanish, Dutch and German speaking guests on Holland America Line’s European voyages in an effort to boost cruise enjoyment of international speaking guests.

The multi-lingual tours are aimed at travellers who may already have visited the popular attractions in ports such as Rome or Athens and will be offered when more than 30 guests speaking a common language are booked.

Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au Page 5

Cruise Weekly is Australia’s favourite online cruising publication.In production since 2007, Cruise Weekly is published each Tuesday, with a further travel industry update each Thursday.Cruise Weekly is free and is sent to subscribers via email as an Adobe Acrobat PDF document.Sign up for a free subscription at www.cruiseweekly.com.au.PO Box 1010, Epping, NSW 1710 Phone: 1300 799 220 Fax: 1300 799 221

Cruise Weekly is a publication of Cruise Weekly Pty Ltd. All content fully protected by copyright. Please obtain written permission to reproduce any material. While every care has been taken in the preparation of Cruise Weekly no liability can be accepted for errors or omissions. Information is published in good faith to stimulate independent investigation of the matters canvassed. Responsibility for editorial comment is taken by Bruce Piper.

Publisher/Managing Editor: Bruce PiperEditor: Louise GoldsburyProduction Editor: Matt LennonContributors: Roderick Eime and Chantel HouslerEmail: info@cruiseweekly.com.au

Advertising and Marketing: Christie-Lee Lachance, Magda Herdzik and Lisa MartinEmail: advertising@cruiseweekly.com.auBusiness Manager: Jenny PiperEmail: accounts@traveldaily.com.au

Cruise Weekly is part of the Travel Daily Group:

Top Five Cruise Ship Terminalsby: Louise Goldsbury

Marina Bay Cruise Terminal, Singapore Shanghai International Cruise Terminal, China Canada Place Terminal, Vancouver

Cruise W E E K L Y

www.cruiseweekly.com.auTuesday 9 April 2013

AS SYDNEY prepares for the opening of the controversial new terminal at White bay, what better time to highlight the fact that Australian cruise terminals are not the world’s greatest! The growth of cruising around the globe, however, has spurred the construction of many modern and efficient facilities, especially in Asia, easing the way for travellers.

MARINA BAY CRUISE CENTRE, SINGAPORE The most wonderful feature of this new terminal, completed in may 2012, is the ability to check in to the airport after disembarking. A first for this region, the service is ideal for my current Silversea voyage from Hong Kong, which ends in singapore tomorrow, as i have an 8.30pm flight home. instead of wondering what to do with my luggage all day, i can hand over my suitcase in the morning and go off to enjoy a day of sightseeing (or shopping), then turn up at Changi Airport an hour before my flight. The $500 million facility has been specifically built to handle vessels up to 220,000 tonnes, which just happens to be the size of the world’s largest cruise ships: royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

KAI TAK CRUISE TERMINAL, HONG KONG The other contender for Asia’s main cruise hub is Hong Kong, which will also be prepared to turn over the mega-sized ships. royal Caribbean is an investor in this facility and already has three ships scheduled to use it, along with Cunard, Princess and regent seven seas.

The first terminal is set to open in Victoria Harbour in June, followed by a second terminal in July 2014. built over the old runway of the former Kai Tak airport, the building has a large park on the top floor, which is open to the public.

SHANGHAI, CHINA China would be expected to be in the running for the best and biggest, but the truth is shanghai international can only handle ships one-third of the size of other terminals. it has a good location next to the historic bund. large ships dock at Wusong international Cruise Port, opened in 2011, north of the city.

PORT EVERGLADES, FLORIDA The united states remains the heart of cruising, with Terminal 18, part of Fort lauderdale’s Port everglades facility, still the world’s largest single ship cruise terminal. it features 90 check-in counters, processing passengers in only 15 minutes, and free wireless internet. The area is also surrounded by many hotels, which often have tables set up in the lobby to assist passengers pre-cruise, and regular shuttle buses.

CANADA PLACE TERMINAL, VANCOUVERThis was one of the first multi-use terminals, combined with year-round events and attractions. outside of the summer cruise season, it hosts concerts, festivals and imAX movies, while cruise passengers can also leave their luggage to be delivered to the airport.