Port of Seattle
Growth in Seattle cruise spurs need for third cruise terminal at Port of Seattle
This year, the Port of Seattle will host the three largest cruise vessels on the West Coast, leading with the arrival of the Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas—with 4,180 passengers. The Norwegian Joy makes Seattle its homeport this year and its sister ship, Norwegian Bliss returns, both double berth passenger capacity.
Learn more on this famous port ...
Growth in Seattle cruise spurs need for third cruise terminal at Port of Seattle
This year, the Port of Seattle will host the three largest cruise vessels on the West Coast, leading with the arrival of the Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas—with 4,180 passengers. The Norwegian Joy makes Seattle its homeport this year and its sister ship, Norwegian Bliss returns, both double berth passenger capacity.
Learn more on this famous port ...
LOCKED AT THE LOCK ON A CROISI EUROPE CRUISE OF THE RHINE
It was all smooth sailing from Basel on the nine night cruise on CroisiEurope’s M.S.Douce France, the 110 metre 106 passenger vessel cruising to Amsterdam.
Ten nautical miles from Strasbourg the cruise was stalled at the fourth of the 13 locks between Basel and Amsterdam. A large log had jammed in the operating system making it inoperable.
Read how the Captain saved the day ...
It was all smooth sailing from Basel on the nine night cruise on CroisiEurope’s M.S.Douce France, the 110 metre 106 passenger vessel cruising to Amsterdam.
Ten nautical miles from Strasbourg the cruise was stalled at the fourth of the 13 locks between Basel and Amsterdam. A large log had jammed in the operating system making it inoperable.
Read how the Captain saved the day ...
CAPTAIN COOK CRUISES FIJI HAVE THE FRIENDLIEST SHIP IN THE WORLD
Dallas Sherringham and Michael Osborne find that going on a luxury voyage aboard Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is like going off to explore Paradise with a group of close friends aboard your own super yacht.
The cruise staff and crew aboard their superb ship Reef Endeavour are quite simply the friendliest people I have ever had the fortune to travel with in my time as a travel writer. I recently went on a seven night voyage to eastern and northern Fiji to explore the cultural and colonial history of the islands.
Follow our adventure ...
Dallas Sherringham and Michael Osborne find that going on a luxury voyage aboard Captain Cook Cruises Fiji is like going off to explore Paradise with a group of close friends aboard your own super yacht.
The cruise staff and crew aboard their superb ship Reef Endeavour are quite simply the friendliest people I have ever had the fortune to travel with in my time as a travel writer. I recently went on a seven night voyage to eastern and northern Fiji to explore the cultural and colonial history of the islands.
Follow our adventure ...
Coral Expeditions new vessel Coral Adventurer arrives home in Australian waters
The state-of-the-art expedition ship arrived into Fort Hill Wharf, Darwin after completing her 18-day maiden voyage ‘In the Trail of Tasman’, retracing the historic explorations of Dutch explorer Abel Tasman around the Indonesian archipelago from Singapore.
The Coral Adventurer was officially welcomed by Northern Territory Minister, the Honourable Lauren Moss, to commemorate this historic moment in the company’s history and signal the beginning of a new era of growth for the Australian marine industry.
Read further ...
The state-of-the-art expedition ship arrived into Fort Hill Wharf, Darwin after completing her 18-day maiden voyage ‘In the Trail of Tasman’, retracing the historic explorations of Dutch explorer Abel Tasman around the Indonesian archipelago from Singapore.
The Coral Adventurer was officially welcomed by Northern Territory Minister, the Honourable Lauren Moss, to commemorate this historic moment in the company’s history and signal the beginning of a new era of growth for the Australian marine industry.
Read further ...
MSC Magnifica Visits Australia
Burgeoning MSC Cruises will follow up its first world cruise with a second round-the-world voyage next year, writes Features Editor, John Newton.
The Swiss-based cruise line - headquartered in Geneva - made its maiden voyage with MSC Magnifica to Auckland, Fremantle and Melbourne last month (March) during its first world cruise.
Read John's report ...
Burgeoning MSC Cruises will follow up its first world cruise with a second round-the-world voyage next year, writes Features Editor, John Newton.
The Swiss-based cruise line - headquartered in Geneva - made its maiden voyage with MSC Magnifica to Auckland, Fremantle and Melbourne last month (March) during its first world cruise.
Read John's report ...
Luxury Ships meet in Sydney Harbour
Iconic cruise line Silversea Cruises is celebrating the historic rendezvous of two of its ultra-luxury vessels Silver Muse and Silver Whisper in Sydney Harbour on Saturday, 2nd February 2019; the first time in 20 years that two of its ships have met in the harbour city. The magnificent sight was reminiscent of the arrival of sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind in Sydney in February 1999.
Mature Traveller was there to help celebrate ....
Iconic cruise line Silversea Cruises is celebrating the historic rendezvous of two of its ultra-luxury vessels Silver Muse and Silver Whisper in Sydney Harbour on Saturday, 2nd February 2019; the first time in 20 years that two of its ships have met in the harbour city. The magnificent sight was reminiscent of the arrival of sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind in Sydney in February 1999.
Mature Traveller was there to help celebrate ....
FROM ANTARCTICA TO THE KIMBERLEY COAST: SILVERSEA CONTINUES TO UNLOCK REMARKABLE EXPERIENCES IN ITS 10th YEAR OF EXPEDITION CRUISING
In its 10th year of expedition cruising, industry-leading Silversea Cruises is continuing to unlock a broad range of deep travel experiences for guests. From the cool conditions of Antarctica to the warm climates of Australia and beyond,
See the full season and book now ...
In its 10th year of expedition cruising, industry-leading Silversea Cruises is continuing to unlock a broad range of deep travel experiences for guests. From the cool conditions of Antarctica to the warm climates of Australia and beyond,
See the full season and book now ...
New 2019 Dates for Upper Murraylands Cruise…
We highly recommend this cruise. See amazing Australian landscape and history
Captain Cook Cruises has released the 2019 departure dates for their much loved seven-night Upper Murraylands Cruise, onboard Paddlewheeler, PS Murray Princess.
Departing once a month, this exciting cruise offers a fascinating itinerary, exploring the northern area of the Murray River from Mannum to Morgan, before returning to Mannum.
Read on and book your cruise today ...
We highly recommend this cruise. See amazing Australian landscape and history
Captain Cook Cruises has released the 2019 departure dates for their much loved seven-night Upper Murraylands Cruise, onboard Paddlewheeler, PS Murray Princess.
Departing once a month, this exciting cruise offers a fascinating itinerary, exploring the northern area of the Murray River from Mannum to Morgan, before returning to Mannum.
Read on and book your cruise today ...
MULTI GENERATIONAL CRUISING GREAT FOR FAMILIES
Take the grandkids
As a travel writer and photographer I love cruising, but recently I had the chance to undertake a cruise that was completely different, a cruise our family had talked about for years.
It was the adventure of a lifetime for us. We had discussed it over and over around the family dining table for years: “We should go on a family cruise together.”
Finally it happened. We booked a 10 day cruise on Carnival Spirit.
Join the family on the cruise ...
Take the grandkids
As a travel writer and photographer I love cruising, but recently I had the chance to undertake a cruise that was completely different, a cruise our family had talked about for years.
It was the adventure of a lifetime for us. We had discussed it over and over around the family dining table for years: “We should go on a family cruise together.”
Finally it happened. We booked a 10 day cruise on Carnival Spirit.
Join the family on the cruise ...
SEADREAM’S MORE NIGHTS IN PORT IN 2020
IF you’ve already locked-in your holidays for next year and you’re starting to think now about 2020 and possibly the Caribbean or Mediterranean, SeaDream Yacht Club has just released the programs for its 112-pampered guests aboard mega-motor-cruisers SeaDream I and SeaDream II in both these regions
In the Mediterranean this will mean unforgettable summer vacation experiences through the French and Italian Riviera, the Greek Isles, Spanish Mediterranean coast, Kusadasi in Turkey, and to many less-crowded yet equally beautiful ports in the region, including new for SeaDream being Ikaria in Greece.
Small ship cruising - the way to go ...
IF you’ve already locked-in your holidays for next year and you’re starting to think now about 2020 and possibly the Caribbean or Mediterranean, SeaDream Yacht Club has just released the programs for its 112-pampered guests aboard mega-motor-cruisers SeaDream I and SeaDream II in both these regions
In the Mediterranean this will mean unforgettable summer vacation experiences through the French and Italian Riviera, the Greek Isles, Spanish Mediterranean coast, Kusadasi in Turkey, and to many less-crowded yet equally beautiful ports in the region, including new for SeaDream being Ikaria in Greece.
Small ship cruising - the way to go ...
The Royal River
A Visit to France and the Loire River with CroisiEurope.
It’s known as ‘The Royal River’ – and, as features editor, John Newton, found out on a leisurely and romantic cruise along its legendary dazzling landscape, the Loire River in France lives up to its name.
But before boarding CroisiEurope’s rivership - MS Loire Princesse.
Cruise along with John ...
A Visit to France and the Loire River with CroisiEurope.
It’s known as ‘The Royal River’ – and, as features editor, John Newton, found out on a leisurely and romantic cruise along its legendary dazzling landscape, the Loire River in France lives up to its name.
But before boarding CroisiEurope’s rivership - MS Loire Princesse.
Cruise along with John ...
Koningsdam by Holland America Line
After a stellar cruise from Hong Kong to Japan on Holland America Line’s much-loved 19-year-old ms Volendam in 2017, features editor – John Newton – decided this year he’d jump aboard HAL’s biggest and newest ship, ms Koningsdam, on a 2540-nautical mile, 12-day ‘Iberian’ cruise from Amsterdam to Rome.
A ship with more than 2600 on board was something of an eye-opener. After all, I’d always cruised on more intimate smaller ships. But Koningsdam - did not disappoint!
Join John on his Iberian adventure ...
After a stellar cruise from Hong Kong to Japan on Holland America Line’s much-loved 19-year-old ms Volendam in 2017, features editor – John Newton – decided this year he’d jump aboard HAL’s biggest and newest ship, ms Koningsdam, on a 2540-nautical mile, 12-day ‘Iberian’ cruise from Amsterdam to Rome.
A ship with more than 2600 on board was something of an eye-opener. After all, I’d always cruised on more intimate smaller ships. But Koningsdam - did not disappoint!
Join John on his Iberian adventure ...
Sunborn Yacht Hotel Gibraltar
It's small compared with the giant cruise ships that dock not far away under the Rock of Gibraltar, but this sleek ship that doesn't move is in a class of its own.
Sunborn Yacht Hotel is the world's first floating five-star hotel - a permanent fixture in Western Europe’s southernmost tip - Gibraltar's Ocean Village Marina.
It is also a Casino ...
It's small compared with the giant cruise ships that dock not far away under the Rock of Gibraltar, but this sleek ship that doesn't move is in a class of its own.
Sunborn Yacht Hotel is the world's first floating five-star hotel - a permanent fixture in Western Europe’s southernmost tip - Gibraltar's Ocean Village Marina.
It is also a Casino ...
PRINCESS CRUISES ANNOUNCE OLYMPIC-INSPIRED 2020 WINTER PROGRAM 2 WORLD CRUISES, 2 SHIPS, 90 DESTINATIONS, 55700 NAUTICAL MILES WITH RECORD-BREAKING NUMBER OF CALLS TO JAPAN
Princess Cruises is set to break one of the first records in Japan over the Olympic year, with the launch of the line’s 2020 Winter Program featuring more calls to the region than ever before.
Announced today, the program will see both Sun Princess and Sea Princess sail on 36 itineraries to 90 destinations across 38 countries.
Read on for more exciting news ...
Princess Cruises is set to break one of the first records in Japan over the Olympic year, with the launch of the line’s 2020 Winter Program featuring more calls to the region than ever before.
Announced today, the program will see both Sun Princess and Sea Princess sail on 36 itineraries to 90 destinations across 38 countries.
Read on for more exciting news ...
P&O Cruises Celebrates Pacific Explorer’s 1st Birthday
With the Biggest Birthday Cake at Sea
P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer celebrated her first birthday in Sydney Harbour with a spectacular party featuring the cruise line’s biggest birthday cake at sea.
Standing more than three metres high on the top deck of the 2000-guest cruise ship, the first-of-its-kind cake surprised guests when acrobats, jugglers and dancers from Love Riot, the ship’s explosive production show, emerged from beneath the layers of “icing”.
To mark Pacific Explorer’s first birthday, P&O Cruises is offering one lucky person and a guest the opportunity to win a three-night cruise.
Read all about it ...
With the Biggest Birthday Cake at Sea
P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer celebrated her first birthday in Sydney Harbour with a spectacular party featuring the cruise line’s biggest birthday cake at sea.
Standing more than three metres high on the top deck of the 2000-guest cruise ship, the first-of-its-kind cake surprised guests when acrobats, jugglers and dancers from Love Riot, the ship’s explosive production show, emerged from beneath the layers of “icing”.
To mark Pacific Explorer’s first birthday, P&O Cruises is offering one lucky person and a guest the opportunity to win a three-night cruise.
Read all about it ...
NEW CRUISE TERMINAL FOR BRISBANE IS NOW FULL STEAM AHEAD
A new international cruise terminal will be operating in Brisbane within two years after Port of Brisbane and Carnival Australia today announced they had reached a commercial agreement.
The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) at Luggage Point will be operating by mid-2020 and is expected to generate almost $5 billion in economic value for the Queensland economy alone within 15 years. Learn more ...
A new international cruise terminal will be operating in Brisbane within two years after Port of Brisbane and Carnival Australia today announced they had reached a commercial agreement.
The Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) at Luggage Point will be operating by mid-2020 and is expected to generate almost $5 billion in economic value for the Queensland economy alone within 15 years. Learn more ...
AUSSIE BUSINESS GURU WHO OWNS THE CONFLICT ISLANDS
Most business people one day dream of having enough money to buy a tropical island escape, but Australian business guru Ian Gowrie Smith went one better and bought 21 islands.
The Conflict Islands have become a national travel sensation thanks to the extensive nightly TV ads featuring a castaway stranded on the remote island chain while P&O passengers are happily holidaying on a nearby tropical beach. Enjoy the cruise ...
Most business people one day dream of having enough money to buy a tropical island escape, but Australian business guru Ian Gowrie Smith went one better and bought 21 islands.
The Conflict Islands have become a national travel sensation thanks to the extensive nightly TV ads featuring a castaway stranded on the remote island chain while P&O passengers are happily holidaying on a nearby tropical beach. Enjoy the cruise ...
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE’S NIEUW STATENDAM
Features Editor John Newton reports
Newest Pinnacle-Class ship to showcase reconfigured family staterooms and enlarged Neptune Lounge
Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam is set to debut in December 2018; and when the ship sets sail from the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy it will feature distinct stateroom enhancements.
Let's go sailing ...
Features Editor John Newton reports
Newest Pinnacle-Class ship to showcase reconfigured family staterooms and enlarged Neptune Lounge
Holland America Line’s Nieuw Statendam is set to debut in December 2018; and when the ship sets sail from the Fincantieri shipyard in Marghera, Italy it will feature distinct stateroom enhancements.
Let's go sailing ...
SAILING MEKONG’s PAST IN THE PRESENT
David Ellis cruises from Vietnam to Cambodia.
ABOUT to step aboard the little river boat Toum Tiou 1 in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City for a trip up the mighty Mekong River to Siem Reap in Cambodia, we suddenly baulk at what we see lays before us.
For surely if everything else aboard this tiny vessel is like that which we are now facing, and amongst which we are soon to be immersed for a whole eight days, we wonder should we rather be kitted-out in khakis and pith helmets from another era, and not our so-recently acquired fashions of the 21st century?
Step back to the present ...
David Ellis cruises from Vietnam to Cambodia.
ABOUT to step aboard the little river boat Toum Tiou 1 in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City for a trip up the mighty Mekong River to Siem Reap in Cambodia, we suddenly baulk at what we see lays before us.
For surely if everything else aboard this tiny vessel is like that which we are now facing, and amongst which we are soon to be immersed for a whole eight days, we wonder should we rather be kitted-out in khakis and pith helmets from another era, and not our so-recently acquired fashions of the 21st century?
Step back to the present ...
I do like to be aboard the Seaside
Cruise expert, Roderick Eime, travels to Miami to inspect one of the newest and largest cruise ships in the world. The MSC Seaside has certainly set tongues wagging.
Now, I get that not everyone likes a ship this big and it’s certainly not my usual choice when it comes to cruising, but I was intrigued with this vessel, particularly as it was the first in a brand new class of advanced technology ship from this ebullient Italian family-owned shipping and cruise line.
Enjoy the maiden voyage ...
Cruise expert, Roderick Eime, travels to Miami to inspect one of the newest and largest cruise ships in the world. The MSC Seaside has certainly set tongues wagging.
Now, I get that not everyone likes a ship this big and it’s certainly not my usual choice when it comes to cruising, but I was intrigued with this vessel, particularly as it was the first in a brand new class of advanced technology ship from this ebullient Italian family-owned shipping and cruise line.
Enjoy the maiden voyage ...
Life on Sea
Sandip Hor on his maiden voyage on MSC Opera
It’s almost midnight in Havana. I am standing at the top deck of MSC Opera with a ‘mojito’ in my hand to bid good bye to the Cuban capital. Soon the horn blows breaking the night-time silence and the vessel begins to roll on. As the illuminated silhouette of the Cuban capital fades away, life on sea begins for me. I feel excited, this being my maiden sea voyage.
Sail away ...
Sandip Hor on his maiden voyage on MSC Opera
It’s almost midnight in Havana. I am standing at the top deck of MSC Opera with a ‘mojito’ in my hand to bid good bye to the Cuban capital. Soon the horn blows breaking the night-time silence and the vessel begins to roll on. As the illuminated silhouette of the Cuban capital fades away, life on sea begins for me. I feel excited, this being my maiden sea voyage.
Sail away ...
NORWEGIAN JEWEL CELEBRATES INAUGURAL HOMEPORT SEASON IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) celebrated the start of an incredible new chapter with the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line’s iconic Jewel-class ship – Norwegian Jewel – into Sydney Harbour for her inaugural Australia and New Zealand season.
Learn more about NCL ...
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) celebrated the start of an incredible new chapter with the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line’s iconic Jewel-class ship – Norwegian Jewel – into Sydney Harbour for her inaugural Australia and New Zealand season.
Learn more about NCL ...
A Seven-Day Dream
Almost a decade ago, Features Editor John Newton crossed the Southern Atlantic on SeaDream 1 from Tenerife in the Canary Islands to the Caribbean without seeing land - and not much else for that matter.
It was a re-positioning voyage, with the bonus of three days ashore on Caribbean islands. SeaDream Yacht Club later invited him back aboard the same vessel – but this time on a breathtaking voyage which took him to a different port of call every day on a stunning seven-day Mediterranean cruise.
Please sail on ...
Almost a decade ago, Features Editor John Newton crossed the Southern Atlantic on SeaDream 1 from Tenerife in the Canary Islands to the Caribbean without seeing land - and not much else for that matter.
It was a re-positioning voyage, with the bonus of three days ashore on Caribbean islands. SeaDream Yacht Club later invited him back aboard the same vessel – but this time on a breathtaking voyage which took him to a different port of call every day on a stunning seven-day Mediterranean cruise.
Please sail on ...
FIRST GLIMPSES OF SILVER CLOUD AS SHE PROUDLY JOINS SILVERSEA’S EXPEDITION FLEET
Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment, Silver Cloud’s transformation into an ice-class vessel is nearly complete, soon to be unveiled as the most luxurious expedition ship in the market. Destined largely for the Arctic and Antarctic, Silver Cloud can now proudly join Silversea Cruises’ exclusive expedition fleet. Silver Cloud’s new strengthened ice-class hull was on display as she left Malta.
Go on an expedition ...
Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment, Silver Cloud’s transformation into an ice-class vessel is nearly complete, soon to be unveiled as the most luxurious expedition ship in the market. Destined largely for the Arctic and Antarctic, Silver Cloud can now proudly join Silversea Cruises’ exclusive expedition fleet. Silver Cloud’s new strengthened ice-class hull was on display as she left Malta.
Go on an expedition ...
CUBA HOLIDAY WILL PROVE A SEADREAM
SEADREAM Yacht Club has been overwhelmed with bookings for its first-ever season into Cuba in early 2019, with past passengers snaffling 80% of the space within 10 days of the launch, even though it is almost a year-and-a-half away.
Cuba’s colour, richness and culture is truly embraced with shore excursions included in its sailings there.
Rumba along ...
SEADREAM Yacht Club has been overwhelmed with bookings for its first-ever season into Cuba in early 2019, with past passengers snaffling 80% of the space within 10 days of the launch, even though it is almost a year-and-a-half away.
Cuba’s colour, richness and culture is truly embraced with shore excursions included in its sailings there.
Rumba along ...
An Added Touch of Class
Sleek and sparkling white, the twin ferries of the Silja Line are more like cruise ships than passenger/car ferries plying the pristine waters between Helsinki and Stockholm and vice versa.
John Newton stepped aboard Silja Serenade and spent two nights sailing between the Finnish and Swedish capitals, including a six-hour whirlwind tour of Stockholm before re-joining to the ship for the return voyage.
Enjoy the cruise ...
Sleek and sparkling white, the twin ferries of the Silja Line are more like cruise ships than passenger/car ferries plying the pristine waters between Helsinki and Stockholm and vice versa.
John Newton stepped aboard Silja Serenade and spent two nights sailing between the Finnish and Swedish capitals, including a six-hour whirlwind tour of Stockholm before re-joining to the ship for the return voyage.
Enjoy the cruise ...
Cruising to St Petersburg.
High Russian visa costs can be avoided by Australian tourists travelling on cruise ships, such as a grand old lady of the seas, from Helsinki to St Petersburg. John Newton took advantage of the no visa fee on a four day/three night sojourn from the Finnish capital across the Gulf of Finland to the stunning, historic Russian city.
Sail along ...
High Russian visa costs can be avoided by Australian tourists travelling on cruise ships, such as a grand old lady of the seas, from Helsinki to St Petersburg. John Newton took advantage of the no visa fee on a four day/three night sojourn from the Finnish capital across the Gulf of Finland to the stunning, historic Russian city.
Sail along ...
Sailing the Orient with ms Volendam
Cherry Blossoms brighten the ordinary weather as features editor John Newton sails from China to Korea and Japan.
As perfect days go, the masses of springtime cherry blossoms in Japan that have become a national obsession – and a major international tourism drawcard – were putting on a blooming jaw-dropping show.
For the 1400 passengers aboard our cruise ship – ms Volendam – it was a splendid and welcome sight.
Blossom on ...
Cherry Blossoms brighten the ordinary weather as features editor John Newton sails from China to Korea and Japan.
As perfect days go, the masses of springtime cherry blossoms in Japan that have become a national obsession – and a major international tourism drawcard – were putting on a blooming jaw-dropping show.
For the 1400 passengers aboard our cruise ship – ms Volendam – it was a splendid and welcome sight.
Blossom on ...
Exploring the Orient with Holland America
Features Editor John Newton savours the delights of ms Volendam
As cruising continues continues to be a tourism industry lifeline with phenomenal growth year-on-year, Holland America Line (HAL) is pulling out all the stops to retain its status as one of the world's top cruise lines.
Sail Away ...
Features Editor John Newton savours the delights of ms Volendam
As cruising continues continues to be a tourism industry lifeline with phenomenal growth year-on-year, Holland America Line (HAL) is pulling out all the stops to retain its status as one of the world's top cruise lines.
Sail Away ...
ON THE ROAD TO OLD CANTON
Most travel stories paint the destinations in glowing terms with words like ”stunning”, “amazing” and “superb”.
This is not a story like that. This is the story about how wrong a day trip can go if you have a bad guide, a shambolic destination and an itinerary that is virtually impossible to follow.
Yet, it all started so well when I booked the day trip to Xiamen on our cruise ship. It ran something like this: “Tour and shop in the exciting new city of Xiamen before experiencing the beautiful Chinese landscape as we take a leisurely trip to Guangzhou (formerly Canton).
Learn more ...
Most travel stories paint the destinations in glowing terms with words like ”stunning”, “amazing” and “superb”.
This is not a story like that. This is the story about how wrong a day trip can go if you have a bad guide, a shambolic destination and an itinerary that is virtually impossible to follow.
Yet, it all started so well when I booked the day trip to Xiamen on our cruise ship. It ran something like this: “Tour and shop in the exciting new city of Xiamen before experiencing the beautiful Chinese landscape as we take a leisurely trip to Guangzhou (formerly Canton).
Learn more ...
Celebrate Regent Seven Seas’ Voyager’s Entry to Australian Shores
-Refurbished Voyager’s local Australian voyage ties in with 25th anniversary celebrations-
The spectacular Seven Seas Voyager recently called into Sydney after her extensive enhancement, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), the world’s most inclusive luxury cruise line.
Luxuriate on ...
-Refurbished Voyager’s local Australian voyage ties in with 25th anniversary celebrations-
The spectacular Seven Seas Voyager recently called into Sydney after her extensive enhancement, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC), the world’s most inclusive luxury cruise line.
Luxuriate on ...
Crystal's 2019 Collection of Globetrotting Voyages Unveiled
Booking now open for luxury travel experiences that reach the farthest corners of the world
With a continued focus on more choices of luxurious ways to travel the world, Crystal is the first cruise line to officially unveil a full collection of worldwide itineraries for 2019, and all are open for booking beginning today. The voyages span the entire water-faring Crystal portfolio to create an unparalleled year of luxury global exploration.
Cruise on ...
Booking now open for luxury travel experiences that reach the farthest corners of the world
With a continued focus on more choices of luxurious ways to travel the world, Crystal is the first cruise line to officially unveil a full collection of worldwide itineraries for 2019, and all are open for booking beginning today. The voyages span the entire water-faring Crystal portfolio to create an unparalleled year of luxury global exploration.
Cruise on ...
Ah! A life on the ocean waves – is the only life for me.
As a young lad growing up in the then fishing village of Watsons Bay in Sydney, where my grandfather and uncle were fishermen, I developed a love of the sea. But being a genuine red-head my complexion and the sun burn prevented me from spending too much time pursuing my dreams.
During my forties, I discovered cruise ships! Now THIS IS the life for me.
Sail on ...
As a young lad growing up in the then fishing village of Watsons Bay in Sydney, where my grandfather and uncle were fishermen, I developed a love of the sea. But being a genuine red-head my complexion and the sun burn prevented me from spending too much time pursuing my dreams.
During my forties, I discovered cruise ships! Now THIS IS the life for me.
Sail on ...
CRUISING THE PRINCESS WAY
Features Editor Dallas Sherringham reports
A Princess Cruise allows mature Australian travellers to experience luxury cruising at a reasonable cost in familiar surroundings.
The cruise ships are comfortable, friendly, laid back, larger resort style vessels.
They are not “showy”, instead concentrating on creating an ambience that Australians flock to in ever increasing numbers.
I have undertaken Princess cruises in a variety of destinations around the world and always return home refreshed and looking forward to the next one.
Read on ...
Features Editor Dallas Sherringham reports
A Princess Cruise allows mature Australian travellers to experience luxury cruising at a reasonable cost in familiar surroundings.
The cruise ships are comfortable, friendly, laid back, larger resort style vessels.
They are not “showy”, instead concentrating on creating an ambience that Australians flock to in ever increasing numbers.
I have undertaken Princess cruises in a variety of destinations around the world and always return home refreshed and looking forward to the next one.
Read on ...
Silversea's luxury expedition fleet will expand to four ships in November 2017 when Silver
Cloud joins Silver Explorer, Silver Discoverer, and Silver Galapagos. Fresh from an extensive refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class expedition ship, Silver Cloud launches a series of Antarctica voyages in November and December, featuring itineraries from 10 to 19 days, and sailing mostly round trip from Ushuaia.
Read on ...
Cloud joins Silver Explorer, Silver Discoverer, and Silver Galapagos. Fresh from an extensive refurbishment and conversion to an ice-class expedition ship, Silver Cloud launches a series of Antarctica voyages in November and December, featuring itineraries from 10 to 19 days, and sailing mostly round trip from Ushuaia.
Read on ...
FAMILY CRUISING ABOARD PACIFIC JEWEL
P&O has been Australia’s favourite family cruise line for many years and the newly revamped Pacific Jewel upholds that great tradition.
I first cruised on the Jewel five years ago and it won me over right from the start with its laid back friendly crew and its modern facilities.
Going on board recently was like going home. Smiling faces, people having fun and great new facilities.
Read on ...
P&O has been Australia’s favourite family cruise line for many years and the newly revamped Pacific Jewel upholds that great tradition.
I first cruised on the Jewel five years ago and it won me over right from the start with its laid back friendly crew and its modern facilities.
Going on board recently was like going home. Smiling faces, people having fun and great new facilities.
Read on ...
Avalon Waterways has launched its latest Suite Ship, Imagery II on the river Rhine in Germany.
Features Editor Barry Matheson was an official guest at the launch and inaugural cruise.
The luxury vessel which carries a maximum of 126 passengers offers 30% more cabin space than other major competitors, with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that can be drawn back to turn the entire cabin into an open-air balcony, or closed to create a private sitting room. Read on ...
Features Editor Barry Matheson was an official guest at the launch and inaugural cruise.
The luxury vessel which carries a maximum of 126 passengers offers 30% more cabin space than other major competitors, with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that can be drawn back to turn the entire cabin into an open-air balcony, or closed to create a private sitting room. Read on ...
Being Spoilt Azamara Style
It's nice to be spoiled once in a while, but on a Azamara Club Cruises voyage you are spoiled every day in more ways than one - as features editor John Newton found out on a recent 13-day sailing from Auckland around the spectacular North and South islands of New Zealand and across the Tasman Sea to Sydney - a total distance of 2620 nautical miles.
Read on ...
It's nice to be spoiled once in a while, but on a Azamara Club Cruises voyage you are spoiled every day in more ways than one - as features editor John Newton found out on a recent 13-day sailing from Auckland around the spectacular North and South islands of New Zealand and across the Tasman Sea to Sydney - a total distance of 2620 nautical miles.
Read on ...
Paradise and the Islands of the Pacific
We have had a fascination on tropical islands with crystal lagoons inside pounding reefs. Green mountains staining towards the heavens. Mostly friendly were the Polynesian and Melanesian peoples, well some didn’t like the idea of strangers trying to take over their part of paradise.
Over this period, one of the most visited groups has been the Fiji Islands. So when the invitation came from Blue Lagoon Cruises to come and explore some of these islands, surrounded by the comfort and safety of one of their specially designed expedition style small ships – we were off. Read on ...
We have had a fascination on tropical islands with crystal lagoons inside pounding reefs. Green mountains staining towards the heavens. Mostly friendly were the Polynesian and Melanesian peoples, well some didn’t like the idea of strangers trying to take over their part of paradise.
Over this period, one of the most visited groups has been the Fiji Islands. So when the invitation came from Blue Lagoon Cruises to come and explore some of these islands, surrounded by the comfort and safety of one of their specially designed expedition style small ships – we were off. Read on ...
Why an Ocean Cruise?
Is it the ship or the ports of call? Maybe both!
For this time it was the ship …….One of the most popular larger cruise lines for mature travellers is Holland America.
For our review we chose to sail from Singapore, We sailed on the msVoledam, a long-time favourite with Australian passengers and we were not disappointed.
Read on ...
Is it the ship or the ports of call? Maybe both!
For this time it was the ship …….One of the most popular larger cruise lines for mature travellers is Holland America.
For our review we chose to sail from Singapore, We sailed on the msVoledam, a long-time favourite with Australian passengers and we were not disappointed.
Read on ...
Riverboats and French Cuisine
There’s no doubt about it. The riverboats of a bygone era that slowly – very slowly – made their way down Europe’s iconic waterways have not only picked up speed but a wave of high-class new vessels have entered service – and, according to John Newton, upended the traditional notion that a river cruise is one big snooze. Read on ...
There’s no doubt about it. The riverboats of a bygone era that slowly – very slowly – made their way down Europe’s iconic waterways have not only picked up speed but a wave of high-class new vessels have entered service – and, according to John Newton, upended the traditional notion that a river cruise is one big snooze. Read on ...
CroisiEurope opens up the Loire River to cruising
Two hours southwest of Paris, the Loire Valley presents France’s finest chateaux and vineyards in surroundings so picturesque they are World Heritage listed by UNESCO.
Australian travellers are now able to cruise this remarkable region in style due to an innovative paddle wheel design inspired from ancient times. CroisiEurope, the Strasbourg-based French river cruise line who are represented in Australia by Cruise Abroad has just launched a paddle wheel design vessel encompassing all the contemporary features and style of a European river boat.
Read on ...
Two hours southwest of Paris, the Loire Valley presents France’s finest chateaux and vineyards in surroundings so picturesque they are World Heritage listed by UNESCO.
Australian travellers are now able to cruise this remarkable region in style due to an innovative paddle wheel design inspired from ancient times. CroisiEurope, the Strasbourg-based French river cruise line who are represented in Australia by Cruise Abroad has just launched a paddle wheel design vessel encompassing all the contemporary features and style of a European river boat.
Read on ...
Steamboats on Lake Geneva
There are few jaw-dropping views, if any, better than those stretching as far as the eye can see from the majestic steamboats plying the pristine waters of Switzerland’s Lake Geneva, reports Features Editor, John Newton
From the towering peaks of the French Alps on one side to the picturesque terraced vineyards of the Lavaux region – now a UNESCO World Heritage site - on the Swiss side, the ‘grand old ladies’ of the lake exude the charm and romance of yesteryear.
Read on ...
There are few jaw-dropping views, if any, better than those stretching as far as the eye can see from the majestic steamboats plying the pristine waters of Switzerland’s Lake Geneva, reports Features Editor, John Newton
From the towering peaks of the French Alps on one side to the picturesque terraced vineyards of the Lavaux region – now a UNESCO World Heritage site - on the Swiss side, the ‘grand old ladies’ of the lake exude the charm and romance of yesteryear.
Read on ...