Travel & Cruise Castlemaine's Blog

Gold Coast push for cruise terminal

castlemainetravel — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:20:34 +0000

Major cruise lines are investigating the potential for ships to visit the Gold Coast instead of Brisbane. THE Gold Coast may soon be opened up to cruising – if the local tourism body and government can work together on a solution – but the move would be likely to take ships away from Brisbane.
According to Gold Coast Tourism ce Martin Winter, “political considerations” were hindering the development of the Gold Coast as a cruise destination.
“This has been a highly political issue for many years, because Brisbane is only a short trip away, but I think the demand from cruise passengers is for the Gold Coast rather than Brisbane,” he said.
Winter told Cruise Weekly that two major cruise lines were interested in changing their itineraries to incorporate the Gold Coast.
“In the discussions we’ve been having, these cruise companies have said they would be very keen to visit the Gold Coast, but it depends on their ability to safely load and unload passengers,” he said.
Gold Coast Tourism has completed a preliminary study into an offshore mooring facility for cruise ships, which will be
presented next week to the Broadwater Masterplan Community Reference Group.
“Offshore mooring makes a lot of sense, and it appears to be feasible, but our preference would be for a permanent platform-style facility inside the broadwater on Wavebreak Island, with a bridge connection,” Winter said.
“This would require extensive dredging, but it is doable.”
The project would also require substantial government funding for the new infrastructure, he said.
Meanwhile, the State Government and Gold Coast City Council are set to undertake a $1.5 million study into the future usage of the region’s broadwater.
“Clearly, one of the key features will be what it takes to create an environmentally sustainable cruise terminal, and I’m absolutely certain that the study will involve cruise industry input,” Winter said.
“Hopefully this will lead to a timeframe as to when we can welcome the first cruise ship to the Gold Coast.”
Winter’s vision is to have several cruise ships visiting the city in time for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Information supplied courtesy of Cruise Weekly

Love Boat captain to visit Sydney

castlemainetravel — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 01:54:12 +0000

Captain Merrill Stubing will be onboard the Pacific Princess when it sails into Sydney this weekend. ACTOR Gavin MacLeod, who played the captain in the Love Boat television series, is set to delight fans when he sails into the harbour on Sunday (26 February). The Princess Cruises ship is the namesake of the original Pacific Princess , which starred in the filming of the popular Love Boat series in the 1970s and 80s. Since the show ended in 1986, MacLeod has continued as a spokesperson for the cruise line. He joined the world cruise as a guest speaker from Auckland to Sydney, sharing tales of the original Pacific Princess and the cult series which made him a household name around the world. Regarded as a catalyst for the cruising boom, the Love Boat was broadcast for ten seasons from 1977 to 1986 and is still in syndication in 92 countries worldwide including Australia. Princess Cruises’ passengers were often cast as extras. According to the company’s commercial director Stan Birge, Princess has says welcomed Captain Stubing back on board. “The Love Boat is a colourful part of our history and we love being able to bring such a cherished era of television and cruising back to life with Gavin’s help,” Birge said. Captain Stubing fans can share their memories of the program and cruising onboard the original “Love Boats”, Pacific Princess and Island Princess, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/PrincessCruises and on Twitter using the hashtag #loveboatinsydney.

New emergency drill policy enforced

castlemainetravel — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:03:13 +0000

An overhaul of global cruise safety will see all passengers attending muster drills before their cruise departs.
THE worldwide cruise industry has announced a stricter emergency drill policy requiring mandatory muster for embarking passengers prior to departure from port.
The voluntary move follows the industry’s announcement last month of a Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review in response to the Costa Concordia accident on 13 January.
Effective immediately, the new policy exceeds existing legal requirements by calling for the mandatory muster of all embarking passengers before the ship sets sail.
On rare occasions when passengers arrive after the muster has been completed, passengers will be promptly provided with individual or group safety briefings that meet the requirements for musters applicable under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
The formal policy is designed to help ensure that any mandatory musters or briefings are conducted for the benefit of all newly embarked passengers at the earliest practical opportunity.
Current legal requirements for conducting a muster of passengers requires that a muster occur within 24 hours of embarkation.
The Cruise Lines International Association, European Cruise Council, and the Passenger Shipping Association have put forward the new policy with the support of their members.
Further changes to onboard operations are expected under the global cruise safety review.
A copy of the new muster policy can be viewed at www.cruising.org.

Scenic Emerald enters French waters

castlemainetravel — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:41:30 +0000

Scenic is extending its Space-Ships’ reach in Europe, with the deployment of Scenic Emerald in France from April 2013. AS part of the deployment Scenic Emerald will cruise along the Rhone and Saône rivers in Southern France, offering itineraries including a 14-day South of France River Cruise. Other itineraries include a 23-day Normandy, Loire Valley & France voyage, a 27-day France River Cruise & Splendours of Spain adventure and a 27-day Grand European River Cruise, which all combine the 14-day South of France River Cruise onboard Emerald, with other European itineraries on Scenic Space-Ships (and in the case of the 27-day France River Cruise & Splendours of Spain adventure with land touring as well). French ports of call on the itineraries include Chalon-sur-Saône, Beaune, Tournus, Mâcon, Trévoux, Lyon, Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Avignon and Arles. Emerald will also offer a 15-day Rhine & Rhone River Cruise, with ports of call including Chalon-sur- Saône, Mâcon, Lyon, Vienne, Tournon, Viviers, Avignon and Arles. Speaking to Cruise Weekly about the move Scenic Tours gm of Sales and Marketing, Michelle Black, said that with Emerald’s 2013 positioning Scenic believes it is getting ahead of the pack, with the company predicting that the Southern France route will be one of the most sought-after in the coming years. “The countryside of South Eastern France is simply astounding in its beauty and the journey from Chalon-sur-Saône to Arles along these waterways becomes even more spectacular as we travel further south,” she said. “At Scenic Tours we are committed to creating new travel experiences and the popularity of recent introductions like our Russia River Cruises is powerful evidence that we need to keep evolving with new products. “The feedback from our returning guests underpins this strategy,” she added. Emerald will arrive on the Rhone and Saône rivers in early 2013, with her transfer aided via the use of an ocean carrier. Once in Southern France she will offer a total of 14 sailings between Apr and Oct, with cruises priced from $6,595 per person twin share for the 14-day South of France River Cruise in an E category cabin. Itineraries for Emerald’s 2013 Southern France season are on sale now, call us on 03-5472-3822 for details.

Athena taps into cruise bonanza

castlemainetravel — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:16:16 +0000

Classic International Cruises’ unique product is enabling it to cut through the mass of cruise line promotions and resonate with agents and consumers, according to its managing director.

Grant Hunter said the positioning of its Athena ship as an “old fashioned” liner created a point of difference from the “big ships that are filled with distractions”. The 550-passenger Athena two and half months into a six month stint in Australian waters – its longest ever season – with passenger numbers currently up 7% on 2010/11. Hunter said it was likely to push on and record 10% growth come the end of the season in late May. With more ships arriving in and operating around Australia than ever before, Hunter acknowledged that over capacity could become an issue at some point, but for now demand was keeping pace with supply.
We also have a unique, traditional product which appeals to people and we are able to differentiate ourselves,” he told Travel Today. “Because of that we are able to get our voice heard with agents. The product resonates across all retail groups, with the trade generating 100% of sales, added.
Focusing on Perth and South Australia was also creating a point of difference with both markets still full of untapped potential, he said. He ruled out any expansion to the east coast. Hunter admitted the cruise line had received a handful of calls from worried passengers in the aftermath of the Costa Concordia tragedy but said no one had cancelled. “I think there will be a short term impact for cruising but people will see it as a one-off,” he said. “There are very few incidents and not of a technical nature. The Concordia would seem to be the result of an individual situation.”

7 ways to get “free” drinks at sea

castlemainetravel — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:46:50 +0000

Here are nine great reader tips and tricks for scoring free or discounted pours on cruise ships.

One quick caveat:

With one or two justified exceptions, the following tips do not include wine. Policies vary, but most mainstream lines allow passengers to bring vino onboard in some fashion, though you’ll likely have to pay a corkage fee to drink it in a restaurant. Check out our full rundown of cruise line alcohol policies for more information.

Opt for in-cabin bottle service. “Some of the lines offer bottles of liquor via room service,” writes Scott. “So we often will order a bottle of vodka, and a six pack of seven up or sprite, and mix our own vodka-seven cocktails. It actually can save a lot of money, and you can have a cocktail in your room instead of having to go find a bar and wait in line.” Not all lines offer this bottle service option, but those that do include Oceania and Princess. Prices do vary by line, and so, too, will savings.

Make nice with the bartender. “My husband and I have always found that if we frequent the same bar staff during the majority of the cruise, and be sure to tip generously, we get excellent service,” writes Linda. “May not always be free, but the bar staff tend to be more generous.” Linda also recommends asking your favorite barkeep where he or she is going to be when. Tim agrees. “They will treat you right with strong pours and drinks that never find their way to your tab,” he says.

Liquid courage? While we can’t condone alcohol smuggling — mainstream mega-ships are nearly unanimous in their restrictive policies (save for the aforementioned wine) — many of you offered various means of subterfuge. But be warned: “I just got of a Carnival cruise in MIA,” says Heidi. “I normally hide my rum in an ice tea bottle, but this year I put vodka in my water bottles. The port security got smart and took the bottles out of the plastic wrap from the store and shook each one to check out the bubbles. They snagged the only four bottles I put vodka in and let me go with the rest of the water.”

More loyalty perks. In our first boozeworthy piece, 7 ways to get free drinks at sea, we mentioned the free-flowing past-passenger perks offered by Royal Caribbean and Holland America. Many of you wanted to toast the loyalty programs of other lines. “As Elite loyalty members with Princess, we receive a free mini-bar selection on embarkation day,” says Jenny. “Too bad we don’t drink alcohol at all, but we can usually find someone who does!” Adds Anne: “We are on the Celebrity‘s ‘Select’ tier, one of the perks is a free wine tasting seminar. It was interesting and there were six wine ‘tasters’ — great if you enjoy wine!”

Buy yourself the gift of liquor. “On Princess, we always buy ourselves a ‘Bon Voyage’ gift or two,” writes Kim, referring to the pre-cruise order options, which can be delivered to your cabin. “Liquor is a particularly good deal. Extra bonus — when the gift is set up in your room, it includes a nice set of glasses to use during the cruise. You are not supposed to take these drinks out of the cabin, but we have never been questioned when doing so.” Here’s an example of Princess’ prices. Carnival’s list is even better. “Saves tons of money rather than buying drinks at the bars,” writes Samantha. Cruise Critic called the line’s Bon Voyage department (800-522-7648), and a friendly lady told us the prices for liter bottles of Absolut ($40), Beefeater ($40), Jim Beam ($38) and Jamison ($55). You can certainly do better at your local liquor store, but it’s still an outstanding savings over the onboard prices.

Cocktail soup and drunken desserts? “On Princess they served a ‘Pina Colada Soup’ with some dinners,” says Art. “This ‘soup’ is remarkably cold and full of alcohol. For those who still haven’t caught on, IT’S A FREAKIN’ FREE PINA COLADA!” Deidra K. offered a similarly boozy tip. “On HAL‘s Zaandam, we were delighted to find the ice cream dessert bar at the buffet was doling out (you need to request it) large, overflowing tablespoons of delicious liqueurs on top of the vanilla ice cream — Wowza! They even offered coconut rum as well — Gratis!”

Use a travel agent who loves you. There are few better ways of saying “thanks for your business” than finding the gift of vino in your cabin. “Our travel agent buys us a bottle of wine for every cruise we book through her,” writes Gloria.

A river of beer and wine. “Take a river cruise,” suggests Drew G.. “We are taking a Viking cruise in Europe, and were told we could bring anything we wanted onboard. Booze. Beer. Wine. They volunteered the information. Plus, wine and beer are complimentary at night.” Indeed, most river cruise lines include wine and beer, often locally sourced, with your evening meal — and most are liberal about passengers taking on local ales or vintages. River cruise fares are certainly more expensive than those found on a mainstream mega-ship line, but the inclusivity and hassle-free attitude is a welcome touch.

Consider an all-you-can drink package. “Celebrity has sauce packages that are bottomless and worth it,” writes Mike B. “If you drink, get one and save. Added benefit: You know how much you’re going to spend. Also, I’ve found that waitstaff prefers cash tips. It’s a pain to carry extra cabbage, but worth it.” Many other readers proclaimed the merits of beverage packages, which are offered by Celebrity and Oceania, as well as a few Royal Caribbean ships. Still, they’ve been controversial. Some readers firmly believe that “all-you-can-drink” could contribute to creating a frat house vibe.

Feeling loose-lipped? Share your best tip for getting free or subsidized drinks at sea.

A new full-time ship from 2013?

castlemainetravel — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 01:53:49 +0000

Carnival Australia has booked out Sydney’s main port for five years but is yet to name the mystery vessel – or vessels.
CARNIVAL Australia has made regular bookings to berth at Sydney Harbour’s Overseas Passenger Terminal every 10-14 days from October 2013 to January 2018, with the ship’s name listed as ‘TBA’. The bookings are not for any of its existing
P&O, Princess or Holland America Line vessels, nor the new Carnival Spirit, which all have separate bookings already in place. The information has been published on Sydney Ports Corporation’s website (www.sydneyports.com.au) for months, but the cruise company is yet to make any announcements. According to the first TBA booking, on 30
October 2013, the ship would dock overnight and then return on 03 November, suggesting a three- or four-night sampler or preview cruise. Then the port is booked for every 10, 12 or 14 days until January 2018. It is also possible that the five-year booking would be used for several ships or to shuffle around its current fleet’s itineraries. Meanwhile, Carnival’s various lines have etched their commitment to Sydney’s cruise schedule over the next decade.

Pacific Pearl and Jewel (but also Pacific Sun, which leaves the P&O fleet in July 2012) are listed through to 2020.
Carnival Spirit, which arrives in nine months, is locked in until January 2018. Princess bookings have been made up until
May 2014, and Holland America until April 2015. When contacted by Cruise Weekly, a Carnival Australia spokesperson responded: “Given the fast growing nature of the cruising industry in Australia, our planning team works many years ahead to pencil in dates so we have flexibility in itinerary planning. “As always, details of final ship movements will be shared when itineraries are published.” A spokesperson for Sydney Ports, which manages the shipping schedules, said it “has a history of taking TBA bookings” from the cruise industry, often for several years in advance. “Sydney Ports has not received any information from Carnival Australia about what ship – current or new – they intend to berth at OPT for those advanced bookings,” the spokesperson added.

Information supplied courtesy of Cruise Weekly

Adventure Cruising: Into Africa

castlemainetravel — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:06:40 +0000

With our planet “shrinking” at a rapid rate, expedition cruisers are spinning their globes in search of new and enriching destinations to add to their adventure CVs. Nowadays, the whole Earth is pretty much fair game and with social and political relaxation on the west coast of Africa, several cruise operators are setting out to these once dangerous lands.

If early indications are anything to go by, it will be a hit with most departures booked out in advance. Here are some of the early-adopters:

Zegrahm Expeditions – This respected, 20-year-old company has been slow to make its mark in Australia, but Zegrahm’s African itineraries and new local representation may be just what they need to kickstart them in the Aussie market.

From Mauritius to Morocco and everything in between, Zegrahm offer one of the most comprehensive African explorations out there, but this cruiser has his eye on April’s “Tracing the West Coast of Africa” exploring Cameroon to Senegal. Stops include Ghana, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone. Zeco (that’s their industry nickname) operate the stalwart Clipper Odyssey, well known in small ship circles. From US$12,980.00 for 18 days.

Variety Cruises – Apart from a few isolated cruises in Russia, Australians will know little about this Greek company offering an intriguing exploration of the rivers of The Gambia and Senegal. This week long cruise is in and out of Dakar (Senegal) venturing 270 km upstream to Kuntaur aboard the ‘megayacht’ MY Pegasus. Twice renovated since launching in 1990, Pegasus carries just 49 guests (max) in 23 cabins. Twitchers in particular will foam at the mouth for the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Saloun Delta Biosphere Reserve in Senegal. From €1390.

Silversea – This well known operator adds a touch of glamour and luxury to its expeditions aboard the much lauded 132-guest Silver Explorer Three itineraries are offered in the region ranging from 10 to 18 days, as the vessel sails from Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands to Cape Town. I’m betting there will be several guests staying on for the
whole 45 days. Highlights include UNESCO-listed Goree Island, the seldom visited Bijagos Archipelago and a meet-up with the forestdwelling pygmy people of Cameroon. Heavily booked, you’ll need to get in early for this. It’s priced from A$6699 for the ten day itinerary.

Those prepared to venture outside the mainstream will find a wide variety of low key voyages on vessels of all descriptions. Old hands in the shipping industry tell us that infrastructure is in place at most of the cargo ports (for vessels that need it) and it’s just a matter of making minor modifications for the small passenger numbers.

“Nobody takes the time to go there and try to work closely with these destinations,” says Luis De Carvalho, an independent shipping consultant now working with these ports to help them accept more passengers. “Africa is learning, but it’s the responsibility of the cruise industry to help them grow and to support them.” That may all be about to change.

For more information call us now on 03-5472-3822

Information supplied courtesy of Cruise Weekly

FOR sale – one cruise liner, in slightly worsefor- wear condition.

castlemainetravel — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:04:26 +0000

Auction site eBay has today removed a “spoof listing” in which an advertiser offered the grounded Costa Concordia for sale. It was a bit of a bargain with a starting price of just $1, but the listing warned that although it had one “careful owner,” some carpets may need to be replaced and there was also “some water damage to interior,” according to the Daily Telegraph. eBay removed the item once bidding had reached just over $1000, saying it was not an appropriate listing. “eBay does not permit listings that attempt to profit from human tragedy or suffering,” according to a company spokesperson. AND while that one was clearly a joke, Costa Cruise Lines certainly isn’t laughing at an attempt by a Hungarian family to profit from the Concordia catastrophe. Last weekend rescuers were contacted by the family who said one of their relatives had called from the ship before it hit the rocks on January 13. This prompted panic, as the person in question did not appear on any passenger lists, and suggested the possibility of missing stowaways on the ship. However further investigation has revealed that the so-called “missing person” had actually been dead for three years. “Based on officially confirmed information today it has become clear that claims about the missing woman were unfounded,” said a Hungarian foreign ministry statement. “The person who made the claim about the missing person turned out to be abusing the personal data of a person who had died three years ago,” it added.

Information supplied courtesy of Cruise Weekly

Coffee, Tea or me?

castlemainetravel — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:04:32 +0000

ECONOMY class passengers on Virgin Australia flights are now offered complimentary tea, coffee and water on all flights, with the move coinciding with the launch of the carrier’s new narrow-body domestic business class cabin on
most flights yesterday. Previously passengers had to pay for tea or coffee – and the good news continues for Virgin
passengers who will also enjoy a selection of complimentary beer and wine on flights between Australian mainland capital cities departing 4-7pm Mon-Fri. The new business class cabin service includes amenity kits along with blankets and pillows on three hour-plus flights. There’s also a coat check-in service with a complimentary coat bag, newspapers until noon, full service Luke Mangan dining and premium beverages. Virgin Australia business class
pax also get complimentary lounge access and at Sydney Airport optional valet parking plus direct kerbside access into the lounge via a dedicated security screening point and check-in desk.

Information supplied courtesy of Travel Daily