CRUISE EXPRESS

the
CRUISE EXPRESS
CRUISE WITH THE EXPERTS
SUMMER 2016
MESSAGE FROM THE TEAM
SPECIAL BUSINESS CLASS RIVER CRUISE PACKAGES
s we sail into 2016, it’s amazing to see how fast the cruise
industry has grown. A record 24 million passengers
worldwide will take a cruise this year – 73% more than a
decade ago. To meet that growth, an extra 27 new ocean,
river and specialty ships will be launched this year. The sheer
volume of ships now sailing the seven seas can make planning
a cruise bewildering, especially online. That’s why you can
rely on our friendly team of expert Travel Specialists to help.
Flying Business Class means you can enjoy a red-carpet cruise
holiday from the moment you leave home until you return.
Spacious seats, fine food and wine, room to sleep, lounge
access – this could be all yours on
one of seven all-inclusive, luxury
river cruises with Scenic in Europe or
Asia. Everything is included during
your 2016 cruise through France,
the heart of Europe, Burma or from
Vietnam to Cambodia – drinks,
shore excursions, wi-fi, private
special events ashore, bicycles –
even a butler! Fares are as low
as $8,460 per person, twin-share,
including return Business Class
flights. These hot deals expire on
January 31, unless sold out prior
so don’t delay, call today!
A
If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to travel more, pop
in, email or call us today so we can find the right holiday for
you at the best price. Christmas may just be in our wake but
Christmas 2016 cruises are already selling fast. Our website
features no less than 22 holiday season cruises from or to
Australia, including unique sailings on the luxurious Holland
America ships, ms Maasdam and ms Noordam. Wherever
and whenever you want to escape to sea, we’re here to make
it all possible. Wishing you a wonderfully cruisey start to the
New Year!
Bon voyage
from Hardy, Meg, Clive & the team
BIG NEWS - NEW SHIP FOR AUSTRALIA
H
ighlighting the rapid growth of the Australian cruise
market, it’s just been announced that a brand new
135,000-tonne ship will
join the local P&O Cruises
Australia fleet in 2019. The
4200-passenger vessel will
be the largest and newest
ship to ever sail for P&O
Cruises here. Exciting news
and we’ll be sure to keep
you updated.
SHIP INSPECTIONS
I
f you’re thinking of joining one of our Escorted Voyages this
year or planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean International,
join us for one of our upcoming ship inspections and lunches.
In Sydney, you can board the super-sized Voyager of the Seas
on February 19 or Celebrity Millennium on March 29. There is
also an upcoming ship inspection planned for Brisbane - stay
tuned. The inspections include lunch, a walkaround and a $99
gift card which can be redeemed on your next cruise booking.
We also offer complimentary transfers from the NSW Central
Coast to Sydney for inspections in the harbour city. Spaces
are filling fast so visit the ‘Events’ page on our website today
to book a place.
2014 Silver
Cruise Agency
of the Year
Award Winners
Book before 31 January to fly Business Class!
FIRST WORLD JOURNEY - includes free flights
A
zamara Club Cruises will offer its first-ever World Journey
in 2018 – an epic and luxurious 102-night voyage from
Sydney to Southampton. Beginning with a free night in a
Sydney hotel at the end of summer in March, 2018, you’ll sail
in style aboard the boutique
Azamara
Journey.
Then
visit 61 amazing ports in 29
countries, arriving in Europe
for the northern summer.
Your
cruise
includes
complimentary
beverages,
gratuities,
and
exclusive
evening events ashore. You’ll
also enjoy US$1,000 per person to
spend onboard , plus a free Economy
Class flight back home. Book a suite
and you’ll fly back in Business Class!
This is a dream cruise so to find out
where the voyage will take you, visit
our website.
WHAT’S A SHIP’S REAR END CALLED?
We all love cruising so we thought we’d share five fun trivia
questions you can impress your friends with. The answers are
on the back page. Good luck!
1. What is the pointy end of the ship called?
2. What is the rear end of the ship called?
3. Why do Celebrity Cruises ships have an X on the funnel?
4. What is the largest cruise ship in the world?
5. What’s the difference between a ship and a boat?
1300 766 537
or Central Coast NSW 1300 676 926
[email protected]
www.cruiseexpress.com.au
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
If you are seeking new horizons to explore this year, this unique cruising adventure is for you. It’s a 5-star, all-inclusive cruise
expedition this July from Nome in northern Alaska to the Russian Far East and back to Seward in southern Alaska. Along the
way, you’ll encounter rarely visited islands and remote villages in the Bering Sea, including Kodiak Island with its famous bears
and also the pristine Aleutian Islands. The 15-night package with Silversea Expeditions offers every guest an ocean-view suite,
complimentary beverages and tours ashore. Flights and accommodation in Vancouver and Anchorage are also included from
just $19,190 pp. Contact our team today for more information as less than 10 suites remain!
SOLO SAVINGS WITH SILVERSEA
S
olo supplements as low as 10% are now available on a
range of all-inclusive, ultra-luxe cruises with Silversea
Expeditions. The low single passenger fares are available
on a selection of sailings to remote destinations aboard
Silversea’s intimate ships from
February to April this year.
Destinations include the South
Pacific, Kimberley coast and
islands of the Atlantic. Along
the way, you’ll live it up with
complimentary
beverages,
guided tours, wi-fi, open-seat
dining and your own stateroom
butler service. There’s also a
welcome-aboard champagne reception to allow you to meet
your fellow travellers. The reduced solo supplements are only
available until sold out so check our website for details.
EVENTFUL CRUISES
A
new trend in local cruising is the emergence of more
sailings that bring you to major events like the Melbourne
Cup, State of Origin, Australian Open Tennis and Australia
Day festivities. P&O Cruises
now offer a range of cruises
that get you to these exciting
events this year and next in
relaxed style. If you thought
your recent New Year’s Eve
lacked some buzz, choose
from a range of festive
season cruises that include a
New Year’s party at sea. These
special cruises sell quickly
and earlybirds get to choose the best cabins, so call us to find
out more or see our website.
CRUISE TIPS
Depending on the cruise and time of the year, a ship’s
swimming pool and jacuzzis can sometimes be crowded. If
you’re keen for a more relaxing dip or soak, choose a ship
with an adults-only pool or try these times - early morning for
a great start to the day, during bingo when many passengers
try to win back the cost of their cruise, early evening when
people are dressing for dinner and, if the pool and tubs are
open late, just before bed for a restful sleep. Most pools
and spa tubs are heated but on cooler days, when most
passengers retreat indoors, you may find one all to yourself.
For more handy cruising tips, visit our Facebook page - www.
facebook.com/cruiseexpress - which is now followed by
42,000 cruise lovers just like you. To ensure you don’t miss
the latest cruise offers, deals and news, also register on our
website – www.cruiseexpress.com.au - to receive our free
newsletters via email.
www.facebook.com/cruiseexpress
WAVES OF MUSIC
*2016 Music Cruises Selling Fast *
E
ntertainment aboard cruise ships
is always great but what if Dame
Kiri Te Kanawa, Marina Prior, John
Farnham, John Paul Young, Jon
English, Adam Brand, Beccy Cole
or Peter Noone from the 60s band,
Hermin’s Hermits were singing for
you? These stars and many more
headline four special music cruises
sailing from Sydney and Brisbane
this October and November.
Whether it’s musical theatre, Aussie
rock, country music or 60s music
you prefer, there’s a toe-tapping
cruise for you. You’ll sail the South
Pacific with Royal Caribbean
International and a host of famous performers who’ll have
you singing and dancing every day. Cabins are selling very
fast so gather some friends and reserve yours soon. See our
website for more.
MEDITERRANEAN ODYSSEY
J
oin the intimate Aegean Odyssey
and explore the magnificent
scenery and fascinating history that
this remarkable sea has to offer: from
the elegance of the Alhambra to the
splendours of imperial Rome via the
picturesque Cote d’Azur. The package
includes flights, pre and post cruise
accommodation and 10 half or full day
shore tours! Prices start from $8,099 pp. See our website for
more.
DUCK READY TO CRUISE
A
wake from his summer slumber, our madcap, meandering
mascot, Duck, has been feathering his nest with Cruise
Express tour goodies ready
for another big year of
cruising. Duck can’t wait to
join you on our 2016 Escorted
Voyages to Japan, Norway,
the Mediterranean, Adriatic,
northern Europe and Panama.
As you can see, all guests
on our Escorted Voyages
receive a complimentary
backpack, cap or visor, cruise card lanyard, ticket wallet and
our own branded baggage labels, all handy accessories to
keep your belongings secure throughout your travels. They
also enjoy the priceless service of a friendly Cruise Express
Tour Manager and the captivating company of our floating
ambassador, Duck!
Grand Japan
Featuring Russia & South Korea
Our Escorted Voyages to Japan in 2015 proved sell-outs so to
meet demand, we are offering a new ‘Grand Japan’ cruise tour
this September. Our 22-night package includes an overland
tour that embraces Japan’s ancient temples, elaborate palaces,
ornate gardens, Bullet Trains and exotic customs. You’ll then
board the luxurious Diamond Princess for a cruise north to
the fishing villages, towering snow-capped peaks and conifer
forests of Japan’s northern island. You’ll also sail to fascinating
Korea and the transformed harbour city of Nagasaki. Fares are
available from only $7990 per person, twin-share, including
flights and touring. Of course you’ll also have a Cruise Express
Tour Manager looking after you the whole way. This tour has just
been released so call us to have a brochure sent to you.
ESCORTED VOYAGES
Our own exclusive Escorted Voyages are luxury inclusive, red carpet
group tours. Allow our experienced Tour Managers to host you and
take care of all the details so your holiday is hassle-free.
Cradles of Civilisation
Whirling dervishes, ancient cities
and ruins dating back thousands
of years will be the focus of our
new and exotic Escorted Voyage
in the eastern Mediterranean with
Celebrity Cruises this October.
BONUS - Includes a shore tour in
every port!
Panama and Central America
Explore the spectacular Pacific
coastline from Los Angeles to
San Francisco before sailing
with Holland America Line
to the sun-kissed Mexican
Riviera, the jungles of Costa
Rica and through the incredible
Panama
Canal
to
Florida.
Norway - Land of the Midnight Sun
Bathed in 24-hour daylight
are the world’s grandest fjords
and most beautiful landscapes.
These and much more feature
in our hosted cruise tour to
the top of Norway and beyond
with Hurtigruten this August.
Europe
A hosted cruise tour is the best and easiest way to enjoy the
highlights of Europe. Join our Adriatic itinerary from Venice to
Rome in May or sail with us to Scandinavia and the treasures
of St Petersburg. Combine both tours for the ultimate 33-night
European holiday. For a very limited time only, save an
additional $1,000 per couple. Call us today to find out more.
Enclosed with this newsletter are flyers for more of our 2016
Escorted Voyages.
UNIQUE JOURNEYS
Our Unique Journeys are perfect for independent travellers keen to
explore on their own. These exclusive, handcrafted itineraries are
are all packaged with flights, hotels, transfers and a cruise.
A VERY ROYAL AFFAIR
L
ondon’s famous Ritz Hotel, the uber-luxe Belmond Royal
Scotsman train and the floating Scottish manor, the
Hebridean Princess, are just a
few of the exclusive experiences
guests will encounter on one of
the finest cruise tours ever offered
by Cruise Express. The 17-night
itinerary this August also includes
a tour inside Buckingham Palace,
the Royal Edinburgh Military
Tattoo and a visit to the fairytale
castle of Inveraray in the Scottish Highlands. A Scottish
bagpiper will welcome you aboard the romantic, 49-guest
Hebridean Princess for a cruise through the wild and beautiful
islands of The Hebrides. A holiday brimming with new
experiences! Our website has all the details.
Enclosed with this newsletter are flyers for more of our 2016 Unique
Journeys including:
Mediterranean Tapestry
The lavish, 1000-year-old Alhambra
Palace will take your breath away on
your tour through Spain before you
sail in elegant luxury with Holland
America Line to Venice. Then enjoy
spectacular rail journeys across
the Swiss Alps to the majestic
Matterhorn. This amazing tour will
leave you on a high!
The Spice Route
The spellbinding Taj Mahal is just one of many unforgettable
sights on this November’s journey by land and sea through
fascinating India and south-east Asia. You’ll be pampered
like a maharaja each night of your
10-day overland tour, with stays
in some of India’s most luxurious
hotels. The indulgence continues
for 13 nights aboard Azamara
Journey to Singapore with beer,
wine and selected spirits included
throughout your cruise.
Limited time offer
Book now to take advantage of a complimentary double
upgrade from an Interior cabin to a Verandah. That’s a saving
of $2,000 per couple! Hurry, this offer is selling fast and is
subject to availability.
*Groups may be escorted or locally hosted subject to minimum numbers.
For details of these and other packages, see our website or call us.
1300 766 537
or Central Coast NSW 1300 676 926
www.cruiseexpress.com.au
WAKE VIEW - YOUR SAY
There’s been a big rise in the number of grandparents joining their
adult children and their kids on multi-generation cruise holidays. We
talk to a Sydney mother who has joined up to 16 members of her
extended family on four cruises together in four years…
“For us, a cruise is a special way to escape on an adventure
all together away from the
stresses of everyday life. We all
lead such busy lives so it’s nice
to come together on a holiday
where we can all do our own
thing and then meet up for
meals or in ports. The food,
service and entertainment are
always amazing as is the free
kids club which our children beg to go back to! Not having
to clean or cook is also a big plus. Long flights and airports
are a hassle for families but I find everything about a cruise
is easy, carefree and also great value for money. The pure
joy of watching three generations have the time of their lives
together is priceless.”
Karis, Frenchs Forest, NSW
Did you know? Our expert team can help you choose the
right ship for you and your family. You may also be entitled to
additional bonuses for booking your cabins all together, so
be sure to ask your Travel Specialist when you call.
* Exclusive Family Offer *
Perfect for families is the big, new and very exciting Ovation
of the Seas, which will sail to Australia for the first time this
year. You and your family
could be onboard the
largest cruise ship to ever
visit our shores, sailing from
Singapore to Australia in
November. Exclusive family
of four offers are available
from only $2968 in total for
6 nights. For full details, see
our website.
Jokes That Float! DREAM CRUISE
A woman told her husband she had dreamt the previous
night that she had been given a free, luxury Mediterranean
cruise. “What do you think my dream
meant,” the wife asked. “I think you
might find out tonight,” the husband
responded with a smile. That night,
the man came home, kissed his wife
and gave her a present. She excitedly
unwrapped the gift to find a book
entitled: ‘Dreams and their Meanings’!
2014 Silver
Cruise Agency
of the Year
Award Winners
Pictured: Stephen enjoying the beach at Lifou in New Caledonia
CRUISE NEWS
Asleep at Sea
Princess Cruises will roll out more than
44,000 new ‘Princess Luxury’ beds
across it’s entire fleet by the end of 2018.
The deluxe 27cm-thick mattresses are
designed by a US sleep expert with plush
new bedding by the Canadian interior
designer and TV presenter Candice Olson.
Don’t miss our special Princess Sale Week
for seven days only from February 1, 2016. Onboard spending
money and 50% less deposits are available on all sailings with
Princess Cruises. Cruise the South Pacific, Papua New Guinea,
Asia or that round-the-world cruise you’ve always promised
yourself. You can also sail half way around the planet for 52
nights from Southampton to Sydney this September aboard
Emerald Princess, with lots of special bonuses available.
Call us or see our website for all the details, especially from
February 1 for our big Princess Sale.
QM2 Facelift
Cunard’s grand ocean liner, Queen Mary 2, will undergo
a major refurbishment
this May, emerging with
new single occupancy
cabins and glamorous
new designs, carpets and
furniture. Replacing the
Todd English restaurant
will be The Verandah, a
luxury restaurant that first
appeared on the original
Queen Mary exactly 80
years ago pictured below
right. The Winter Garden
will also be transformed into
the new Carinthia Lounge
– a relaxed sanctuary for
light meals, afternoon teas
and evening drinks. Be amongst the first to experience the
new-look QM2. Look for packages on our website or sailings
on our website’s ‘Search and Book’ function.
CRUISE TRIVIA ANSWERS
1: Bow. 2: Stern. 3: In Greek, X stands for CH – the first two
letters of Chandris, the original Greek owners of the cruise
line. 4: Allure of the Seas, at 225,282 tonnes. 5: You can put a
boat on a ship but you can’t put a ship in a boat! It’s generally
accepted that boats longer than 20m become ships.
1300 766 537
or Central Coast NSW 1300 676 926
[email protected]
www.cruiseexpress.com.au