CRUISE in Style has a package mixing a week-long tour in South Africa with a 30-night cruise. Departing Sydney on September 24 next year, the trip begins with flights to Johannesburg, a three-day safari at Madikwe taking in the “big five”, and a four-night stay in Sun City.
After flights to Athens, guests will join Holland America’s Prinsendam for the cruise, calling at ports in Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Greece and Italy including Alexandria, Marmaris, Dubrovnik and Venice, ending in Civitavecchia (Rome) for the flight home.
The package ranges from $10,999 an individual twin share, but the cruise can be shortened to sixteen nights, ending in Civitavecchia mid-way, reducing the fare to $9499 an individual twin share.
Theme and variations
Oceania Cruises has launched a programme of themed cruises for 2012.
High spots include a 10-day Jacques Pepin cruise from Barcelona to Rome on Marina with the respected chef and restaurateur, who is also the line’s culinary director, hosting cooking demonstrations and book signings.
Other options include a 10-day Spring Music Fest cruise from Athens to Barcelona on Nautica on May fourteen, featuring jazz musicians, and a 12-day Italian Wine Immersion Cruise from Rome to Venice on Regatta, leaving July twenty-seven. There are 2 cruises with a spotlight on health. One is on Regatta, a 10-day cruise from Venice to Athens leaving on August 8, and the second is from Athens to Istanbul on Marina, leaving on October 24. (02) 9959 1370, oceaniacruises.com.au.
Christmas on board
If you haven’t already confirmed plans for the Christmas vacations, there’s still plenty of time to consider a cruise. PO has 2 10-night Christmas cruises, leaving in December from Sydney and cruising the South Pacific, priced from $999 an individual twin share.
Pacific Jewel heads out first on December eighteen, with Pacific Sun hot on its heels the following day. Special events on board both will include laser shows and Christmas concerts, going carolers, and a Christmas-themed menu.
Santa also will be visiting both ships, handing out gifts to each kid on board aged between three and 17, and guests can join in beach cricket at the four destinations including Poser Island and Noumea. 13 24 94, pocruises.com.au.
Royal trifecta
Cruiseaway has a package mixing cruises on all Cunard’s three Queens and a celebrating of Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee.
Dubbed “The Triple Queen Triumph”, the 34-night package departs from Australia on May 6 with an overnite stay in London ahead of the first cruise : fourteen nights on the Queen Victoria to Russia and the Baltics. The second cruise, on Queen Elizabeth, is a 13-night exploring of the Mediterranean calling at Sardinia, Gibraltar and Monte Carlo, and the 3rd is a five-night cruise to Belgium and France, incorporating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations next year.
All three cruises are round trips from Southampton, including an overnite stay between cruises one and 2, and the whole package ranges from $9599 an individual twin share, with bonus credit offers. 1300 887 590, cruiseaway.com.au.
Profile : Azamara Search
LAUNCHED Originally in 2002 as Renaissance Cruises ‘ R Seven, then in 2007 as Azamara Search. PASSENGERS 694. REGULAR HAUNTS Far East, Europe, the Caribbean, South America. BEST FOR Couples. THE DETAILS A 17-night cruise from Singapore to Shanghai, leaving on Feb 29, is priced from $4329 an individual twin share. 1300 369 848, ecruising.travel. 1800 754 five hundred, azamaraclubcruises.com, writes tagza.com.
1. Azamara is dubbed a “luxury lite” compound cruise product that sits between premium and luxury. There are many inclusions in the fare such as bottled water, soft drinks and fresh juices, house wines at lunch and dinner, speciality coffees and tips.
2. Accommodation ranges from interior staterooms to apartments with private balconies. All have a sitting area with a refrigerator, flat-screen Television and wi-fi. Club Suite guests have additional perks including butler service, priority check-in, complimentary garment pressing and complimentary seating in speciality restaurants.
3. Findings is an open-seating affair, while Windows Cafeteria is an off-the-cuff, part-alfresco smorgasboard. Prime C and Aqualina are specialty diners, each with perspectives and an extra charge of $US15 ($14.50) a head.
4. Other facilities include a spacious sun deck and pool with two jacuzzis, a fitness centre, a spa, an EU style cafeteria, the exclusive Michael’s Club for loyalty program members and many bars.
5. The dress code on board is always smart casual.
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