Sail away with these cruise deals
A LUXURY package to sail Asia, a gay cruise through New Caledonia and a trip from Sydney to Japan are some of this week's best holidays.
A LUXURY package to sail Asia, a gay cruise through New Caledonia and a trip from Sydney to Japan are some of this week's best holidays.
Plenty to entertain
WHEN Voyager of the Seas arrives this November, cruising in Australia will be revolutionised. Not only will it be the biggest ship to be based in the region at almost double the size of most of its contemporaries, Voyager of the Seas will feature concepts and experiences never before seen in the region.
Sports lovers can choose from facilities such as a basketball court, rock-climbing wall, in-line skate track and ice-skating rink; for pampering try the day spa with more than 100 treatments; 14 bars for a drink; multiple dining options; and the innovative indoor "main street" mall and entertainment area.
The DreamWorks Experience means kids can dine with their favourite characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda and Madagascar or catch the character parade. Itinerary choices include a 14-night New Zealand Adventure departing from Sydney on November 24 priced from $1755 a person, twin share; a one-night sampler cruise departing Sydney on November 23 priced from $195 a person, twin share; and a 14-night Asia & West Coast Treasures cruise departing Perth on March 9 next year priced from $1525 a person, twin share.
Ph 1800 754 500 or see www.royalcaribbean.com.au
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Sydney to Tokyo
DISCOVER the delights of Asia onboard the Sun Princess, cruising from Sydney to Japan. Visit ports in Indonesia, Vietnam, China and Japan, before spending three nights in Tokyo.
The package includes a 25-night cruise from Sydney to Tokyo in an inside cabin, three nights' accommodation at the InterContinental Tokyo Bay Japan, transfers in Japan and airfare from Tokyo to Australia.
The trip, departing from Sydney on April 1 next year, is priced from $3939 a person, twin share, ex-Sydney.
Ph 13 27 57 or see harveyworld.com.au
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The gay Spirit
CARNIVAL Australia has partnered with gay tour operator Gay Globe to organise an exclusive gay cruise on Carnival Spirit in April next year.
The nine-night cruise visits New Caledonia and includes calls at Isle of Pines, Lifou Island, Mare and Noumea. Carnival Spirit is nearly the length of three football fields and 12 decks tall and offers plenty of things to do, see, taste and try, from the water park, mini-golf, two-deck fitness centre, jogging track and sports court to the Serenity area, day spa and pools and spas. There are four restaurants, 16 bars and several lounges to enjoy.
The cruise departs on April 2 and prices start at $1110 a person for quad staterooms.
Ph 8005 1690 or see gayglobe.com.au
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Seasonal delights
PLAN a Christmas at sea and let the chefs of Oceania Cruises look after Christmas lunch while on a 17-night cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Santiago aboard the mid-size Marina.
A package that includes return airfares from Sydney, two nights in Rio, a night in Santiago, transfers and the cruise visiting Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Ushuaia, the Chilean Fjords for two days, Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Montt is priced from $7785 a person, twin share, with an onboard spending credit of $US500 a cabin. Book by September 30.
See cruising.com.au
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Kiwi highlights
SEE New Zealand from the comfort of a cruise ship with a 13-night Dawn Princess trip sailing from Sydney on November 17, priced from $1299 a person, twin share.
The cruise includes calls to seven ports around New Zealand as well as all accommodation, main meals, onboard entertainment and activities.
Ph 13 24 88 or see princess.com
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Explore Asia in Silversea style
CRUISE Asia in luxury from Hong Kong to Singapore on a 10-night package including nine nights aboard Silversea's Silver Shadow calling at Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and Singapore.
Prices start from $5789 a person, twin share, and include airfares from Sydney to Hong Kong, returning from Singapore flying Singapore Airlines; one night's pre-cruise accommodation at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel Hong Kong, or similar; nine-night cruise; all meals and entertainment on board; complimentary beverages on board the ship; port charges and government fees; shipboard gratuities and air taxes.
The offer is valid for sale until September 30 for travel on December 11 this year.
Ph 1300 450 133 or see cruiseabout.com.au