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Holland America Line's Oosterdam and Volendam return to Australia/New Zealand for 2013-2014 season

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 03 April 2013 03 April 2013

Holland America Line's Oosterdam and Volendam will return to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific islands for the 2013-14 season with a series of sailings that will visit more than 50 ports of call. During the voyages, guests will have the opportunity to experience the regions incredible wildlife on land and in the sea, including Australia's legendary Outback and the world's largest coral ecosystem, the Great Barrier Reef, during a complete circumnavigation of the continent.

Guests can select from a series of multiple departures ranging from 10- to 14-day sailings round-trip from Sydney, Australia, or Sydney to or from Auckland, New Zealand, between October 2013 and March 2014. New Zealand itineraries give guests a chance to experience some of the most amazing scenic cruising in the world, including the dramatic Fiordland National Park and Bay of Plenty, renowned for its majestic beaches. These itineraries also visit both the North and South Islands of New Zealand with calls at the popular ports of Wellington, Napier and Tauranga.

"Over the past few years the popularity of the Australia region has grown tremendously because of its beauty, diversity and friendly citizens, with many travelers making it their top must-do trip of a lifetime," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "Our array of itineraries includes popular ports, stunning island visits, extended stays, overnight calls and enticing pre- and post-cruise options to make the trip Down Under a memorable experience."

Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Voyages

In 2013-14 Oosterdam sails a total of four 14-day Australia and New Zealand cruises from Auckland to Sydney or reverse Oct. 27 and Nov. 10, 2013, and Feb. 2 and 16, 2014. Featured ports of call include Melbourne, Australia; Hobart, Tasmania; Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington, Napier, Gisborne and Christchurch, New Zealand, and scenic cruising at Fiordland National Park. Cruise fares begin at $1,599 per person, double occupancy.

Three 14-day New Zealand Discovery voyages depart on Oosterdam round-trip from Sydney Dec. 8, 2013, and Jan. 19 and March 16, 2014. During those voyages throughout New Zealand port calls include Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Akaroa, Gisborne, Milford Sound, Napier, Tauranga and the Bay of Islands. Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person, double occupancy.

Five additional sailings to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific include Oosterdam's 14-day Pacific Treasures cruises round-trip from Sydney Nov. 24 and Dec. 22, 2013 (holiday voyage), and Jan. 5 and March 2 and 30, 2014. Those cruises feature more exotic and lesser-known tropical ports at the South Pacific islands of Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji. Cruise fares begin at $1,499 per person, double occupancy.

Longer unique itineraries including Australia Circumnavigation

Holland America Line offers several longer itineraries throughout the season, including Volendam's 34-day Australia Circumnavigation. This voyage is round-trip from Sydney Oct. 20, 2013, and features more than 20 ports as well as scenic cruising in the remote Ribbon Reef and Far North Regions. Calls during the counterclockwise trip around the continent include Brisbane, Hamilton Island, Townsville, Cairns, Darwin, Exmouth, Freemantle (Perth overnight), Esperance, Port Lincoln, Adelaide (overnight), Kangaroo Island, Melbourne and Burnie, Australia; Hobart, Tasmania; Komodo Island, Indonesia, and a beautiful sunrise call at Lizard Island and sunset call at Booby Island off the coast of Australia. The ship also visits the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Cruise fares begin at $4,999 per person, double occupancy.

19-day Great Barrier Reef

Travel Melbourne to Singapore on the Volendam departing Nov. 20, 2013. Featuring two days of scenic cruising in The Great Barrier Reef with stops at Sydney, Burnie, Hamilton Island, Cairns and Darwin, Australia; Komodo Island, Bali and Semarang, Indonesia before arriving Singapore. Cruise fares begin at $2,299 per person, double occupancy.

Trans-Pacific crossing itineraries

One-of-a-kind itineraries also are offered at the beginning and end of the season sailing from North America to the Pacific region. Volendams 21- or 24-day South Pacific Crossing departs Los Angeles, Calif., or Vancouver, B.C., for Sydney Sept. 25 and Sept. 28, 2013. Oosterdams 24- or 27-day South Pacific Crossing departs Los Angeles, Calif., or Seattle, Wash., for Sydney Sept. 29 and Oct. 2, 2013, and includes an overnight call at Honolulu, Hawaii. Oosterdam returns to North America on a 28- or 29-day South Pacific Crossing from Sydney to Seattle or Vancouver April 13, 2014.

The repositioning cruises provide an excellent opportunity to visit the South Pacific and Hawaii, as well as enjoy more relaxing days at sea. Cruise fares for the trans-Pacific sailings begin at $1,899 per person, double occupancy.

Collectors voyages

Ranging from 28 to 58 days, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Collectors Voyages on Oosterdam and Volendam are perfect for avid explorers who seek a more extensive cruise experience. The voyages combine back-to-back itineraries and represent the best per-day value for guests. Holland America Line sails a total of 17 Collectors Voyages, affording the most in-depth exploration of this diverse region with extended itineraries visiting multiple destinations and more days at sea. Cruise fares for the Collectors Voyages begin at $2,799 per person, double occupancy.

Extended stays and pre- and post-cruise tours

Guests are able to maximize their cruise experience at select calls throughout these voyages that feature a late departure or overnight visit allowing for evening shore excursions or longer independent explorations. Extended-stay ports include Hobart, Tasmania; Noumea, New Caledonia; Honolulu and Lahaina, Hawaii, and Suva, Fiji.

Cruisers looking to make the most out of their time in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific can add a three- or five-night pre- or post-cruise land tour to the Great Barrier Reef, Ayers Rock/Uluru National Park or The Blue Mountains National Park, home to the famous Three Sisters rock formation.

Azamara celebrates third anniversary of delivering immersive voyages to intriguing destinations

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 April 2013 02 April 2013

Azamara Club Cruises is marking its three year anniversary this April with a month-long opportunity for up-market travelers to enjoy even greater value when exploring the world's most intriguing places aboard a destination immersive voyage. Travelers who make a booking in April 2013, for a voyage departing August 1, 2013 through July 2014, will enjoy a double-category upgrade to a Club Veranda Stateroom when booking at a Club Interior price. Paired with the cruise line's existing ChoiceAir cruise credit of $1,000 per stateroom, more inclusive amenities and newly launched complimentary AzAmazing Evenings, Azamara has created a unique value proposition that is sure to entice seasoned travelers.

"We are thrilled to mark our three-year anniversary of delivering destination immersive voyages at a great value as Azamara Club Cruises," said Edie Bornstein, senior vice president of Marketing and Sales for the cruise line. "Since our rebranding, we have upgraded destination immersion with AzAmazing Evenings. We also upgraded our inclusive amenities and both ships were upgraded through extensive refurbishments recently. To commemorate our milestone, we're upgrading up-market travelers with our anniversary offer to provide the opportunity to plan an unforgettable experience with Azamara."

Additionally, guests will enjoy up to 50 percent savings on the voyage fare, 25 percent off Land Discoveries shore excursions when booked online prior to their sailing, as well as $1,000 ChoiceAir cruise credit for bookings made before April 30, 2013. More information about Azamaras Anniversary offer and applicable sailings can be found at http://www.AzamaraClubCruises.com/2013UpgradePromotion.

Azamara Club Cruises offers distinct destination-immersive experiences for up-market travelers. The cruise line uniquely features longer stays and more overnights in ports on each voyage to provide guests the opportunity to experience night touring in some of the most compelling destinations of Europe, Asia, South America, West Indies as well as Central and North America. On board its two intimate ships, which embody a sophisticated country club ambience, Azamara guests receive extraordinary and personal service from every member of the crew whose aim is to anticipate guests every need. Guests also enjoy fine cuisine and boutique wines from around the world, as well as more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary red and white boutique wines during lunch and dinner; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle transportation to city centers in ports, where available.

Beginning with each ship's Europe 2013 season, guests also will enjoy an authentic, intimate and bespoke AzAmazing Evening event on every voyage that showcases the true and sometimes unexpected colors and flavors of a destination, as well as more inclusive amenities including boutique wines, international beers and select standard spirits in the ships' bars, lounges and restaurants when open.

MSC Cruises teams up with VSOE in luxury train connection offer

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: More News More News; Published: 02 April 2013 02 April 2013

MSC Cruises says has formed partnership with the British Pullman, operated by London based Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), offering passengers a rail and sail package for a single cruise at first, but with more luxury train packages due in 2014.

“Holidaymakers can now book an exclusive journey from London to Southampton on the vintage and unique 1920’s carriages of the British Pullman before embarking on a seven-night Northern European cruise on the MSC Opera on 22 June 2013,” MSC Cruises said in a statement.

Passengers will board the Art Deco carriages of the British Pullman at London Victoria Station at 8.30am and arrive in Southampton at 12.00pm ready to embark on their cruise. “Once settled into comfy armchairs onboard, guests will enjoy a delicious brunch with a Bellini cocktail and take the chance to explore the individual and elegant carriages as the train glides through quintessentially British countryside,” the company continued.

There is a dedicated check in at Southampton for British Pullman passengers and there will be no need to worry about luggage; this will be checked in at London Victoria Station and then transferred directly to the cabins.

Business Development Director Oliviero Morelli said: “We are very excited by the partnership with the British Pullman, offering our customers the last word in luxury travel. This first June departure is just the start and we will extend the offer to customers departing from Venice in Summer 2014.

VSOE operates a luxury train of the same name between London and Venice, via Paris.

Norwegian Breakaway's captains and hotel director named

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 01 April 2013 01 April 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the seasoned captains who will serve on Norwegian Breakaway, the company's most innovative ship to date. Norwegian also introduced the ship's hotel director, responsible for all guest areas, including the 28 dining options, world-class entertainment which includes three Broadway shows, extensive nightlife venues, family and recreational activities and staterooms ranging from studios to the luxurious suites in The Haven.

Following the ship's transatlantic voyage and series of exciting inaugural events, Norwegian Breakaway, the largest cruise ship to ever be constructed in Germany, will sail 7-night cruises from New York City to Bermuda under the command of Captain Evans Hoyt, an experienced seafarer, with more than 30 years at sea. He joined Norwegian Cruise Line in 2005. Previously serving as Captain of the company's U.S. flagged vessel, Pride of America, Captain Hoyt is responsible for all aspects of the ship, its guests and crew. He also served as Captain aboard three additional ships within the Norwegian fleet, including Norwegian Spirit. Captain Hoyt graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in New York in 1982. Born in Morocco, the son of a U.S. diplomat, he has lived in many different countries. Showing his true passion for the sea, he and his wife sail the world on their sailboat during his time off.

While Captain Hoyt is enjoying his vacation, Captain Hakan Svedung will take the helm of Norwegian Breakaway. He has been at sea for 35 years and is currently captain of Norwegian Epic. Captain Svedung, who lives in Sweden, has joined Norwegian in 2006; prior to that he worked for Star Cruises, one of Norwegian's shareholders, for 12 years. Both captains are looking forward to this exciting and challenging new role.

Norwegian also announced that Denis Prguda will serve as Norwegian Breakaway's Hotel Director. Denis began his career at Norwegian in 1997 on board the Leeward and has since held a variety of positions on numerous ships in Norwegian's fleet. His previous positions have included Food and Beverage Director and Assistant Hotel Director. He was promoted to Hotel Director in 2008. As Hotel Director, he has led teams on Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Epic. When he is not on board, Denis spends his vacation with his family, including his wife and two daughters, in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

"We carefully chose these seasoned veterans to lead the on board team that will launch the most extraordinary ship in our company's history," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. These team members have a proven track record as successful leaders in our operations team and possess the dedication and passion that will make the launch of Norwegian Breakaway in New York City our most successful new ship launch to date.

Inaugural sailing dates

The company will showcase Norwegian Breakaway to travel partners and media in both Europe and the United States during four inaugural sailings, prior to the ship entering weekly summer service to Bermuda from New York City. Following delivery on April 25, 2013, Norwegian Breakaway will sail to Rotterdam for a two-night inaugural cruise departing on April 26, followed by a one-night cruise from Rotterdam to London (Southampton) on April 28, and then a one-night inaugural event in London (Southampton) on April 29. Following her transatlantic crossing from London (Southampton) to New York on April 30, the ship will be christened in New York City on May 8, followed by two, two-night inaugural cruises. Following the inaugural events, the ship will set sail on a series of seven-day cruises to Bermuda beginning on May 12.

Qantas and Emirates begin historic partnership

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 31 March 2013 31 March 2013

Qantas and Emirates have marked the official start of their historic partnership, with the first Qantas flights departing from Sydney and Melbourne to London via the international hub of Dubai.

The partnership marks a new era for Qantas and Emirates, and a seismic change for global aviation, as the two carriers collaborate to deliver the best network, lounges, frequent flyer benefits and travel experiences.

Chief Executive Officer of Qantas, Alan Joyce, said the partnership would make long haul travel more seamless – and faster – for millions of Australians.

“From today, our customers from Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and Sydney have one-stop access to 65 destinations in the Middle East, North Africa, the UK and Europe via the joint Qantas and Emirates network.

“By travelling through Dubai, Qantas customers can connect to the extensive Emirates network into Europe and the UK and fly directly to their destination,” said Mr Joyce.

“Before today, the Qantas network offered five one-stop codeshare destinations into Europe and the UK with our partners. From today, we offer access to more than 30 destinations in Europe on the combined Qantas and Emirates network.

“The new network will cut average journey times by more than two hours from Melbourne and Sydney to the top 10 destinations in Europe,” added Mr Joyce.

Combined the two airlines will offer 98 flights a week between Australia and Dubai. Qantas will continue to operate its A380 services from Sydney and Melbourne through to London.

President of Emirates, Tim Clark, said no other aviation partnership offered customers a coordinated premium airline experience like Emirates and Qantas.

“The strength of this partnership stems from the fact the Emirates and Qantas brands are an excellent match. Emirates customers using a Qantas lounge or taking a Qantas flight will experience a level of service that is on par with what they expect from Emirates,” he said.

“Our two airlines offer the largest joint fleet of Airbus A380s and passengers will be welcomed through the world’s only all-A380 terminal at DubaiInternationalAirport, which is the geographical centrepiece of the partnership.

“A major benefit is the range of products we are offering frequent flyers. Customers of either airline can leverage many of their privileges when they fly on the joint network, including earning points, redeeming flights and accessing lounges,” added Mr Clark.

Customers have already responded very strongly to the partnership, with over 210,000 sectors booked so far on the joint network. Qantas has seen a sixfold increase in bookings to Europe on the joint network in the first nine weeks of sales compared to the same period last year.

The number of Emirates customers booked to travel on Qantas’ domestic network is almost seven times higher than under Qantas’ previous partnership arrangement in the same nine week period.

The partnership is expected to benefit Australian tourism, with both airlines developing a global marketing campaign to promote Qantas destinations that are now part of the extended Emirates network. New codeshare destinations such as Hobart, Cairns, the Gold Coast and Port Lincoln are now part of the joint network.

Qantas is also receiving bookings from customers outside of its traditional markets, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, India and Malaysia, for its flights between Dubai and London. These are Emirates customers opting to fly on codeshare flights operated by Qantas.

As part of the Qantas-Emirates partnership, today also marks:

- A return to a Middle East stopover for the Kangaroo route (Sydney-Dubai-London and Melbourne-Dubai-London) following a 30 year absence while it operated via Asia.
- Lounge access for eligible Qantas and Emirates passengers into either airline’s network in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and the UK and Europe.
- Chauffeur Drive for Qantas Business and First Class passengers on flights (matching Emirates’ existing service).
- The ability to redeem existing Qantas Frequent Flyer or Emirates Skywards points for flights to 175 destinations worldwide, on both airlines.
- Reciprocal status recognition for frequent flyers across both networks (e.g. priority check-in for Qantas Gold Frequent Flyers when flying Emirates).
- Harmonised baggage policies, including an increase in Qantas’ Economy checked baggage allowance from 23kg to 30kg.