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 ...
Carnival Cruise Line to Host Record Shows at Punchliner Comedy Clubs in 2017
Carnival Cruise Line will provide its guests with more laughs than ever in 2017, hosting a record 25,000 shows at its Punchliner Comedy Clubs featured across its 25-ship fleet and more than 1000 on sailings from Sydney on Carnival Legend and Carnival Spirit.
Boasting more comedians and performances than any land-based comedy club.
So get ready to laugh on ...
Carnival Cruise Line will provide its guests with more laughs than ever in 2017, hosting a record 25,000 shows at its Punchliner Comedy Clubs featured across its 25-ship fleet and more than 1000 on sailings from Sydney on Carnival Legend and Carnival Spirit.
Boasting more comedians and performances than any land-based comedy club.
So get ready to laugh on ...
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 ...
Record Ship Numbers as Australia Sails into a Cruisey Summer
Australia will welcome an unprecedented number of cruise ships this summer, with more than 40 vessels sailing in local waters - including eight ships making their maiden visits Down Under.
Among the flotilla will be the largest ship to visit Australia – Royal Caribbean’s 167,000-tonne Ovation of the Seas – as well as the youngest and most luxurious ship ever to cruise here, the boutique Seabourn Encore, which will arrive in Australia just two weeks after it is officially named in Singapore.
Read on
Australia will welcome an unprecedented number of cruise ships this summer, with more than 40 vessels sailing in local waters - including eight ships making their maiden visits Down Under.
Among the flotilla will be the largest ship to visit Australia – Royal Caribbean’s 167,000-tonne Ovation of the Seas – as well as the youngest and most luxurious ship ever to cruise here, the boutique Seabourn Encore, which will arrive in Australia just two weeks after it is officially named in Singapore.
Read on
New Cruise Liner for Australian Waters
Emerald Princess puts Barry Matheson in the mood for more.
Aussies don't have to go afar these days to catch a cruise ship, many of the major lines are bringing their vessels to our shores that offer luxury amenities, exotic destinations and cuisine that is good, if not better than you find in restaurants at home.
Princess Cruises will station its 19-deck high, 3,000 passenger Emerald Princess here from November 15
Read on ...
Emerald Princess puts Barry Matheson in the mood for more.
Aussies don't have to go afar these days to catch a cruise ship, many of the major lines are bringing their vessels to our shores that offer luxury amenities, exotic destinations and cuisine that is good, if not better than you find in restaurants at home.
Princess Cruises will station its 19-deck high, 3,000 passenger Emerald Princess here from November 15
Read 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 ...
