luxury holidays & corporate travel issue 24
DESCRIPTION
Autumn/Winter 2014TRANSCRIPT
N E W Z E A L A N D ’ S O N L Y D E D I C A T E D L U X U R Y T R A V E L M A G A Z I N E
RRP NZ$19.95 / AU$16.95 incl gst Issue 24 Autumn/Winter 2014
CRUISING...The Mediterranean, Continental Europe, Baltic Sea, Alaska, Caribbean, South Pacific & Expedition Cruises
CRUISING INTO THE FUTUREThe Latest Trends
NEW CRUISE DESTINATIONSCambodia, Vietnam, Arabian Gulf, Mississippi River & Beyond
WINDS OF CHANGEAboard one of the World’s Most Luxurious Sailing Ships
GOING WITH THE FLOWLuxury on the Waterways
SPA FINDERChuan Spa at The Langham
YASAWASFiji’s Best
Kept Secret
LIQUID ELEGANCE
The art of Cognac,We sample
France’s finest
Cruiseof thebest
best
WIN 1 OF 3 BOTTLES OF SWEDISH PREMIUM DQ VODKA
LUXURYHOLIDAYS & CORPORATE TRAVEL
2 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
M I D - S I Z E E L E G A N T S H I P S
E N R I C H I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S
P A S S I O N A T E S E R V I C E
Haven
For a brochure call 0800 CRUISE (278 473) | OceaniaCruises.com
2014 & 2015 sailings are open for reservations with 39 selected sailings on special offer until 30 June 2014. See your Travel Agent today.
AFRICA • AL ASK A • ASIA • AUSTR ALIA • CANADA CARIBBE AN • EUROPE • SOUTH A MERICA • SOUTH PACIFIC
Oceania Cruises’ Owners Suite featured on Marina & Riviera
*Sales to 30 Jun 14. Price is in NZ$, based on double occupancy, Marina’s 28 Oct 14, 7 night sailing, Penthouse Suite (PH3). Subject to change & availability.
THE PINNACLE OF PER FEC TION
On board Oceania Cruises, our suites are uncommonly spacious. From Penthouse Suites boasting oversized living & dining areas, through to our Owners Suites which, on board Marina and Riviera,
are furnished from the Ralph Lauren Home Collection. Suite privileges abound, from priority embarkation to personal butler service. Whatever your desires in accommodations, our ships will
fulfill them beautifully. There is no more luxurious way to explore Your World, Your Way®.
7 to 30 nights starting from only $3,150 per guest*
2 3Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
M I D - S I Z E E L E G A N T S H I P S
E N R I C H I N G D E S T I N A T I O N S
P A S S I O N A T E S E R V I C E
Haven
For a brochure call 0800 CRUISE (278 473) | OceaniaCruises.com
2014 & 2015 sailings are open for reservations with 39 selected sailings on special offer until 30 June 2014. See your Travel Agent today.
AFRICA • AL ASK A • ASIA • AUSTR ALIA • CANADA CARIBBE AN • EUROPE • SOUTH A MERICA • SOUTH PACIFIC
Oceania Cruises’ Owners Suite featured on Marina & Riviera
*Sales to 30 Jun 14. Price is in NZ$, based on double occupancy, Marina’s 28 Oct 14, 7 night sailing, Penthouse Suite (PH3). Subject to change & availability.
THE PINNACLE OF PER FEC TION
On board Oceania Cruises, our suites are uncommonly spacious. From Penthouse Suites boasting oversized living & dining areas, through to our Owners Suites which, on board Marina and Riviera,
are furnished from the Ralph Lauren Home Collection. Suite privileges abound, from priority embarkation to personal butler service. Whatever your desires in accommodations, our ships will
fulfill them beautifully. There is no more luxurious way to explore Your World, Your Way®.
7 to 30 nights starting from only $3,150 per guest*
4 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
The Rocky Mountaineer. Views to stir the heart. Luxury to soothe the soul.
4 5Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Be inspired by spectacular moments and dramatic landscapes aboard Canada’s award winning Rocky Mountaineer. This world renowned, luxurious train travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s west coast. Choose from one of three journeys to the majestic Canadian Rockies now departing from Seattle or Vancouver and enjoy the ultimate rail experience. Relax in unparalleled comfort in your bi-level glass domed coach as you pass the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Allow Rocky Mountaineer to welcome you on board with a morning toast, enjoy delicious meals and be kept entertained with interpretative story telling as you travel through some of the world’s most remarkable scenery. The luxury and comfort is simply beyond compare.
www.railplus.co.nz
Everything cruising.
There has been an increasing trend in the travel world
toward cruise holidays, so we decided it was time to
dedicate an issue to cruising. Now becoming a competitive
market place with everything from romantic and river
to themed and expedition, there is a cruise holiday for
everyone. Even Richard Branson is getting onboard and
eyeing up the cruise sector and looking to launch some
oceangoing liners into the mix.
We provide advice on how to get your bearings and
choose the right cruise for you, the differences between oceangoing liners and
boutique luxury ships, plus how to get the best out of your cruise holiday from the
planning stages to onboard tips, including the latest in cruise ship fashion.
We showcase key cruising areas from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Alaska
and beyond. In each region, read first-hand stories of experiences aboard vastly
different cruise lines from traditional sailing ships and large floating hotels to boutique
cruising vessels.
Next we explore the rise of river cruising along Europe’s mighty waterways and
newer destinations like the Mississippi. We touch on adventure expedition cruising,
which gives enthusiasts the chance to get up and personal with Mother Nature.
Covering off future trends in cruising, we also highlight the amazing ‘wow’ facilities
that ships are incorporating into their designs above the water-line to seduce holiday-
makers of all ages.
Back on land, we re-visit Fiji’s stunning Yasawa Island Resort & Spa and see the
multitude of family fun and things to do in Macau. Then finally with the ocean theme
in mind, we visit Chuan Spa in Auckland to indulge in Thalgo’s Indocéane’s exotic
Spa Ritual.
So, get ready to have your interest in cruising piqued and for those already converted,
be inspired to book your next cruise holiday. Once you catch the cruise bug there will
be no turning back. Enjoy the read and I invite you to email me about your favourite
cruise experiences to [email protected]. I really look forward to hearing
from you.
Keep relishing in what the wonderful world of travel has to offer.
Editor’s Letter
LUXURY Holidays & Corporate Travel
Cover image: Paul Gauguin’s Tere Moana in the Corinth Canal, Aegean Sea
Publisher:
Travel Publications Limited
Editorial Director:
Philip Harrison Phone: +64 21 477 514 Email: [email protected]
Editor:
Melanie Hawkins Phone: +64 21 557 579 Email: [email protected]
Features & Advertising Enquiries:
Janice Burmaz Phone: +64 21 630 257 Email: [email protected]
Contributors:
Philip Tetley-Jones Peter Thornley Ben Chandler David Libeau Jackie O’Fee Jacqueline Unsworth Judi Cuervo Trish Ryder Fiona Harper Carol Kirkup Donal O’Sullivan Stuart Walker Helen Nixon Janice Burmaz Bonita Burnett Dr. John Walker Philip Martin Joanna Hall Timothy Giles
Creative Director:
James Rangihika
Designer:
Kendal Baker, Natalie Barlow
Contact Details:
PO Box 559, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140, New Zealand Phone: 0800 758 759 Fax: +64 9 300 7511 Website: www.luxurymagazine.co.nz
ISSN: 1178-2382
Our preferred retail travel partner is United Travel. www.unitedtravel.co.nz
Although we endeavour to provide the highest level of quality in our content, the views and opinions contained within this magazine have been obtained from independent sources, and Travel Publications Limited explicitly disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, content or availability of the information.
Digital version available from www.zinio.co.nz
PS: Invest in one of Fodor’s Cruise Travel Guides. With detailed reviews of cruise
lines and valuable recommendations, it will be a good starting point before
visiting your cruise travel agent.
Melanie Hawkins
Editor, LUXURY Holidays & Corporate Travel
“...read first-hand stories of experiences aboard vastly different cruise lines...”
7Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
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8 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
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8 9Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Features18 Choosing a cruise
20 Get the best out of your
cruise holiday
24 Boutique cruise or luxury liner?
86 New frontiers of cruising
90 The big blue – cruise facilities
94 Best South Pacific cruise
destinations
96 Conferences at sea
101 Macau magic for families
In Every Issue10 Review
12 Luxury Preview
57 Travel Accessories
79 Style File – Men
81 Style File – Women
100 Q&A – Jacqui Spice
Cruise Destinations28 Mediterranean – Paul Gauguin
33 Mediterranean – Seabourn
36 Baltic – Nautica
40 Baltic – Cunard
44 Alaska – Un-Cruise
50 Caribbean – Windstar
54 Caribbean – MSC
58 South Pacific – Island Escape
62 South Pacific – Star Clippers
66 South Pacific – Blue Lagoon
Cruise Experiences68 River – Uniworld
72 River – American Queen
Steamboat Company
76 River – APT
82 Expedition – Lindblad
National Geographic
Hotel Reviews108 Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji
Lifestyle
104 Liquid Elegance – Croizet Cognac
112 Spa finder
62
108
68
104
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1010 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Review: Autumn/Winter 2014Check out these great events happening over the next few months. Ranging from football and opera to some of the biggest international events of the year, you’re sure to find something here of interest.
FIFA World Cup™, BrazilOccurring every four years, the FIFA
World Cup™ is the biggest single-event
sporting competition in the world.
The preliminary action starts with 204
teams from six continents competing
for 31 available spots. You can count
on extreme action, fun and festivities in
beautiful Rio de Janeiro as the team vie
for the ultimate title.
12 June - 13 July 2014
www.fifa.com
Rally des Princesses, ParisThis elegant and original vintage car
rally is designed for all women who
possess an automobile passion. A truly
unforgettable experience, gather your
like-minded girlfriends for a 6-day
journey winding through France’s
most adorable country roads.
31 May 2014
www.zaniroli.com
American Express Winter Festival, Queenstown, New ZealandNew Zealand’s biggest winter party for all ages, this icy event
features everything from ice skating to all-star snowboarding,
dog derbies and a Mardi Gras party. Get amongst the buzz as
they celebrate their 40-year anniversary in style.
20 - 29 June 2014
www.winterfestival.co.nz
Opera in Paradise, SamoaThe Opera in Paradise festival will
celebrate its 10th Anniversary on the
tropical South Pacific island of Samoa.
The event showcases both opera
singers and instrumentalists. Enjoy
magnificent local colour, rich history
and traditions, while experiencing a
series of unique musical concerts.
9 - 19 October 2014
www.operatif.com.au
Image: Mike Heydon
Festivals, ItalyJuly is a great month for Italian festivals. Il Palio di Siena, a famous
horse race around Siena’s central square has a dramatic medieval
procession that precedes the race. Festa della Madonna Bruna is
celebrated in Matera, an interesting town with cave dwellings in
southern Italy. The Madonna Bruna is paraded on a chariot with the
finale being a spectacular fireworks display.
Il Palio di Siena: 2 July, 16 August 2014, www.discovertuscany.com
Festa della Madonna Bruna: 2 July 2014, www.festadellabruna.it
Image: Richard Bord Mezzo Soprano Elisha Fa’i-Hulton
10 11Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 10
Image: Mike Heydon
Like us on Facebook DQ VODKA NZ www.brandhouse.co.nz
Luxury Preview
Haute cuisine from Air France
We’re seeing more and more airlines
compete at the top end of the market
by accepting the challenge to redefine
what’s possible with that lowly rated
category, airline food.
As one might expect, Air France is
leading the move towards haute cuisine.
Its latest initiative involves a champion of
locally sourced produce.
Since April and for a period of six months,
five exceptional new dishes crafted by
Régis Marcon will be served successively
on long-haul flights in the Business
Class cabin.
From stewed green lentils with shrimp to
free-range chicken with black morels, the
triple Michelin-starred chef passionately
prepares natural, locally sourced products
to serve up deliciously authentic cuisine.
If you find yourself flying long haul on Air
France Business Class within the next six
months, then you’re in for a treat.
www.airfrance.com
Southern ComfortAro Hā Wellness Retreat in Glenorchy on Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand, opened less than a
year ago and it’s already won a coveted Gold List Award.
“It is such an honour for a property such as ours to be recognised in our early days,” says
co-founder Damian Chapparo. “We aim to combine luxury, adventure, nature and wellness
in one stunning setting.”
Aro Hā Wellness Retreat offers four night/five day and six night/seven day retreats in the
heart of the South Island’s lake country with a focus on nutrient-dense organic nutrition,
yoga, massage, hiking, and exposure to the beauties of Mother Nature. Relax in Zen-
inspired luxury accommodation in neutral hues and drink in the healing alpine views of
mountain peaks thrusting skyward over an azure lake.
This purpose-built sustainable property keeps guest numbers low and also offers a series of
retreats starring guest experts throughout the year. An experience to add to the bucket list.
www.aro-ha.com
Turn your smartphone into a hotel room keyOnce upon a time, there were clunky hotel keys attached to hunks of wood or metal so
you wouldn’t inadvertently walk out the hotel carrying the keys. Then there were
pre-programmed plastic cards, designed to be inserted into a slot to electronically release
the lock.
The latest development in hotel room access is a virtual key that’s encrypted in a
smartphone app. Check into the hotel and your virtual key unlocks the chosen door with a
Bluetooth-enabled tap from an iPhone.
The virtual key is being tested in a pilot programme in two properties owned by Starwood
Hotels & Resorts. Starwood officials are betting that the technology will become routine for
hotels in the future, replacing traditional check-in methods.
“We believe this will become the new standard for how people will want to enter a hotel,”
says Frits van Paasschen, Starwood’s CEO. “It may be a novelty at first, but we think it will
become table stakes for managing a hotel.”
Take a journey of self-discoverySouth Korea is known as a place of mystique and cultural beauty and is an important
hub to East Asia. Travellers can now also consider this as a destination for self-discovery.
Passengers flying Korean Air Prestige Class can factor in a short stay check-up in Seoul to
improve their health and wellbeing at INHA International Medical Centre (IIMC).
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” once quoted by Benjamin Franklin
is fitting in today’s world, where we’re all so very busy with our day-to-day lives and
workloads. Often, finding the perfect balance in life can sometimes even add to our stress
levels. Prevention is the path to good health and should be our main priority, yet usually this
gets pushed to the back seat. The idea of taking time out to make a doctor’s appointment
for a basic health check is usually out of the question. However, combining your next long
haul business trip or holiday with a convenient health check may be the answer.
Just a short distance away from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport is INHA International
Medical Centre (IIMC), which offers a professional range of health check services. Travellers
can make a reservation at IIMC before leaving home for a compact medical check during
transit, choosing from a number of simple services including a blood and urine test, an
eye examination, an oral examination and other radiology examinations like CT, MRI and
Ultrasound. If time allows, the patient can also receive other comprehensive medical checks
during their stay. Using state-of-the-art medical equipment, these medical checks are
designed to assist in preserving health, saving time and money, early detection and peace
of mind. IIMC provides other treatments from Korean medicine to dermatology and plastic
surgery. For the convenience of its patients, IIMC will also arrange airport pick-ups and
transfers, plus overnight hotel accommodation if required. www.inhaim.com
Korean Air Prestige Class is a relaxing and affordable option when flying to Seoul,
connecting travellers to 125 cities and over 45 countries with a fleet of 155 aircraft
including eight A380s. Korean Air offers passengers safety, convenience and comfort, as
well as providing them with a memorable in flight experience. www.koreanair.com
Luxury Preview
Platinum Card not exclusive enough? Try this!
Westpac has recently introduced the
new Westpac World MasterCard –
MasterCard’s most exclusive premium
card – into New Zealand. They describe
it as a “super premium credit card that’s
exclusively designed for high net-worth
travellers and offers unrivalled travel and
lifestyle customer benefits.”
So what sort of benefits do you get?
Three hotpoints per dollar spent, Priority
Pass airport lounge access to over 600
airport lounges in 300 cities, regardless
of the class of travel or airline they
are flying. They also enjoy an On-Call
Concierge Service. www.westpac.co.nz
New luxury in New Caledonia
Sheraton has announced the imminent
arrival of a major new development – the
Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort &
Spa. Opening in July 2014, this property
looks set to add even more glamour to
our neighbour in the South Pacific.
The design theme certainly reflects the
resort’s tropical location. With unique
and interesting architecture influenced
by the Melanesian culture, the property’s
bungalows offer a true New Caledonian
luxury experience. A canopy bed, a
luminous flat-pebble-tiled bathroom
with a walk-in shower and freestanding
bathtub, and a large terrace with an
oversized lounge will allow you to be
rejuvenated by the surrounding forest
vegetation or oceanic paradise.
www.starwoodhotels.com
Luxury Preview
Fabulous new gateway to India
Home to 20 million people, Mumbai is
one of India’s premier cities and a major
portal to the subcontinent. For many
years, travel to Mumbai was constrained
by bottlenecks at the city’s Chhrapati
Shrivaji International Airport. But no more.
The brand new Terminal Two combines
international and domestic services under
one roof, optimising terminal operations
and minimising passengers’ walking
distances. But functionality is only half
the story. The new building is India’s
largest and most complex infrastructural
project ever accomplished and as such the
building has been designated as a major
cultural statement. www.csia.in
Reward yourself with One&Only luxuryThe exclusive brand that offers unique resorts in select locations around the world has
recently descended onto Australia’s Hayman Island. From July 2014, you can enjoy premium
elegance against the backdrop of the stunning Coral Sea.
With accommodation located in three separate sections of the resort, each with its own
unique style, you’ll feel instant relaxation. Whether you’re overlooking the beach, the pool
or perched higher up to take advantage of the sweeping views, privacy is the ultimate
objective. www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Experience another side of Bali in the Chedi SakalaThe Chedi Sakala has now opened its gates on two and a half hectares of lushly
landscaped oceanfront property at Tanjung Benoa Beach in Nusa Dua. Managed by luxury
hotel management group GHM, the resort promises culinary sophistication, sublime
wellness opportunities and a room-by-room spaciousness that is otherwise a rarity on the
Island of the Gods.
The destination itself is one of Bali’s most enticing new lures. Long the province of fishing
boats and downscale accommodation, the charms of this peninsula, from its unrivalled
access to water sports activities to its proximity to the island’s oldest Chinese temple, are
set to seduce guests of The Chedi Sakala. www.ghmhotels.com
Announcing the departure of the Orient Express brand
Don’t panic – the fabled train service
isn’t departing. However, the company
that runs it is changing its name from
Orient-Express Hotels to Belmond.
They say that the new brand is a more
appropriate fit for the group, which
encompasses 45 hotel, rail and river
cruise experiences.
The experiences may be diverse,
but they all have a few key things in
common. Combining luxury with an
absolute taste for the exotic, Belmond
will be a name to remember when
seeking out upscale expeditions.
www.belmond.com
Four Seasons Soars to new heights
The luxury hotel group is taking their
impeccable service to the skies with the
introduction of their own fully branded
private jet from February 2015. Inside
the retrofitted Boeing 757, guests will
rest on individually handcrafted leather
flatbed seats, enjoy globally inspired
cuisine and signature Four Seasons
service onboard.
Global in-flight WIFI keeps discerning
guests and staff connected, so that spa
treatments, golf tee times and more can
be arranged to ensure a seamless and
personalised itinerary. Reservations for
selected trips are now available.
www.fourseasons.com/jet
Qantas unveils new Hong Kong Lounge
Hong Kong’s strategic position on the
travel map has been underlined by the
opening of a new Qantas Lounge. The
airline claims this 300-seat lounge offers
a new level of luxury to visitors travelling
to and from the city.
Customers can enjoy a range of dining
experiences from the Spice Temple BBQ
Bar to yum cha trolleys, an extensive
buffet or the locally influenced plate of
the day. www.qantas.com.au
Luxury for all the family at Sofitel FijiThere’s more to a family holiday in Fiji than kids’ clubs and splashing about in the pool.
That’s why the popular Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa has launched a new Luxury Family Room
category for families looking to stay in style.
The room is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor living and offers extra space, freedom
and entertainment options. The 16 new rooms are located on the ground floor with direct
access to the beach, lawn and the world-famous lagoon pool.
For added lifestyle indulgence, each Luxury Family Room features floor-to-ceiling sliding
glass doors that open out to a personal outdoor entertainment area, complete with
spacious timber decking and furniture to encourage time outside in the tropics.
By popular demand, the family room children’s area comes with beanbags, Playstation3,
separate dedicated LCD TV and individual reading lights to minimise disruption by late night
bookworms. www.sofitel.com
Magnifique Events in FijiSofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is also the ultimate conference and incentive destination boasting
296 luxurious rooms and a beautiful beachfront location. Flexible enough to cater up to
794 guests, Sofitel’s meeting options are endless ranging from boardrooms and ballrooms,
through to private gardens and a romantic on site wedding chapel. Renowned for its
creative events and themed dinners, the resort specialises in water, culture and unique
adventure options.
Sofitel have a special conference offer:
• One complimentary day delegate package for every 20 delegates.
• A one-hour complimentary welcome cocktail party, which includes beer, wine, soft drinks
and the Chef’s selection of canapés.
• Complimentary WIFI for all delegates.
Book before: 31 December 2014. Travel: 1 November 2014 - 31 March 2015.
Block out dates: 23 December 2014 - 6 January 2015. Terms and conditions apply.
For all new bookings call +679 675 7884 or email [email protected]
Luxury Preview
Luxury Preview
A new five-star boutique hotel for Christchurch
Christchurch continues its phoenix-like
resurrection with the announcement of
a new boutique opening on the site of
the old Chateau Blanc apartment hotel.
Hotel Montreal will open in July on
Cranmer Square, complete with 27
rooms and a tapas bar. It will be only
the second five-star hotel in the city
– alongside The George – after the
damaged Millennium closed following
the earthquakes.
Property developer and investor Lilly
Cooper has bought the old Chateau
Blanc site and will give it a “massive
makeover” to create Hotel Montreal.
“It will be an exquisite fit-out. It’ll be as
good as anything international, with a
wow factor,” Cooper exclaims.
Every room of the hotel has its own
private balcony, iPad and is between
50 and 70m2 in space. All the furniture,
art, decorative objects and sculptures in
the elegant suites are for sale exclusively
to guests. If you love it, you can take it
home with you.
There is something for every discerning
taste. An old classroom at one end of
the building has been converted into a
restaurant called The Birch Tree and the
other, Coopers & Co Deli. There’s the
superb Polo Bar, with Argentine tapas –
the perfect place to sit and unwind with
a glass of award-winning wine, before
experiencing fresh New Zealand cuisine
served at the charming bistro a few
steps along the laneway, or perhaps
an art-house film at the open
urban theatre?
www.hotelmontreal.co.nz
Escape the winter at Fiji’s newest resortAs the days grow shorter and winter rainstorms batter the windows, thoughts turn to the
tropics. Just a short plane flight from New Zealand lie the islands of Fiji – and the brand
new attractions of Nanuku Resort & Spa.
The resort is located on the beach at Pacific Harbour. It takes just over two-hours by
chauffeured vehicle along the scenic Coral Coast of Viti Levu to reach Nanuku by road. So if
you’re keen to avoid a small plane connection to an offshore island, Nanuku offers you the
beauty of Fiji without the complication of an additional flight over water.
Nanuku Resort & Spa is highlighting its Pacific Harbour location as the adventure capital
of Fiji. Experience shark dives in the Beqa Lagoon, surf the legendary Frigates Pass, zipline
through a lush rainforest canopy, experience whitewater rafting or join an off-road cave
safari where you wade by lantern light through Fiji Island’s largest cave system.
With creative fusion cuisine, a first-rate children’s club and a host of adventurous activities
on your doorstep, Nanuku Resort & Spa is a very welcome addition to the Fijian holiday
landscape. www.nanukufiji.com
An authentic taste of Italy in Auckland’s Federal StreetThe Federal Street precinct alongside Auckland’s Sky Tower has just gained another superb
dining destination. Sean Connolly is extending his philosophy of simple, uncomplicated
food with the opening of authentic Italian restaurant Gusto at the Grand.
“Historically, Italian food is made to be shared, and I am respecting this tradition at Gusto,”
says Connolly. The devotion to quality and authenticity doesn’t end with the menu. Gusto’s
interior, designed by Gordon Moller, is classic Italian. White arabescato marble and gold
onyx, timber floors and stained American ash tables with Thonet chairs enhance the
European look and feel. www.skycityauckland.co.nz
THOM CRAIG ARCHITECTS LTD
TEL 64 3 943 9980FAX 64 3 943 9981WEB thomcraig.com
COPYRIGHT 2009. THOM CRAIG ARCHITECTS LTD
94 Coleridge Street, SydenhamPO Box 7520 Sydenham 8014Christchurch, New Zealand
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Luxury Preview
Eurostar kicks things up a notch with Business Premier class
As much as we love the romance
of air travel, it can be nice to glide
along at ground level. Eurostar, the
operator of train services through the
Channel Tunnel, now offers an extra
layer of luxury with Business Premier
class. Travellers in Business Premier
enjoy a host of bonuses, including
check-in 10-minutes before departure,
complimentary lounge access, extra
spacious seats, taxi booking service, and
a full at-seat dining experience.
As you’d expect, it’s not just any old
dining experience. Eurostar brings its
Business Premier class customers cuisine
by renowned chef Raymond Blanc. As
Chef Patron of the two Michelin-starred
Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and founder
of the Brasserie Blanc restaurants,
Raymond brings 30 years of creativity
and experience to the table.
If stretching out in a comfortable seat
while the countryside races silently past
your window and a waiter pours a glass
of the finest French wine is your idea of
luxury, make sure you book in Business
Premier when travelling between the
Continent and London.
www.eurostar.com
Two South American airlines raise their gameFootball fans craving a taste of the action in Rio this year will be thrilled at the news that
two major South American airlines have laid on more flights this June and July.
LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines, part of South America’s largest airline group, have
announced the addition of new flights to provide the best service to passengers during one
of the biggest sporting events in the world that will take place in Brazil mid year.
While both companies will add more than 300 international flights, TAM Airlines has
altered 31 per cent of its domestic flight network from 10 June 2014 to 15 July 2014 by
adding more than 750 new flights within Brazil.
With hundreds of thousands of visitors, and the eyes of the world on Brazil, the local travel
industry is taking things very seriously. In June and July 2014, TAM’s passenger capacity all
around Brazil will be seven million, minimising the risk of hold-ups.
LAN and TAM have complemented their investment in extra flights with a spruce-up of
cabin design. Moving forward, all new Airbus A320 and A321 short-haul aircraft will
feature new cabin interiors and seats, giving passengers more space and comfort. For the
new long-haul cabins, the fabric incorporates more cloth elements to create maximum
comfort for longer flights.
South America is increasingly on the radar for travellers from this part of the world, and it’s
great to see major airlines making the extra effort to offer visitors a great experience.
www.lan.com
18 Your ultimate cruise resource.
18 19Your ultimate cruise resource.
For the novice passenger embarking on their maiden voyage,
selecting a cruise can be a daunting experience. It’s easy to feel
all at sea when you’re faced with dozens of operators and an
armada of ships, each catering to a different taste and budget.
But by doing your homework and with a little expert advice,
you can set your course for an unforgettable adventure.
So where to start? The first and most obvious question to ask is just
what kind of passenger are you? Are you travelling on your own or with
a partner or family? Are you the social type who loves to party or is time
to yourself top priority? Then there’s your choice of destination. Do you
prefer to island hop or catch a rare glimpse of some of the world’s most
spectacular and inaccessible places?
As the trend toward niche cruising continues to gather momentum,
there is literally a cruise for everyone, featuring everything from
celebrity chefs, rock concerts and singles cruises to eco adventures.
Cruise ships range in size from small luxury liners with less than a
hundred passengers to 6,000 passenger behemoths. Smaller ships
can provide a quieter, more intimate cruising experience, while the
mega liners of Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International
are brilliant for families. With multiple pools, kid’s clubs, climbing walls
and even full scale water parks, there’s enough to keep the kids busy
all day but you’ll need to be prepared for queues, frequent public
announcements in multiple languages and staggered dinner sittings.
Even similar sized ships have their individual quirks, particularly in the
passenger to staff ratio, amenities, entertainment, dining options and
onboard activities. Onshore excursions may or may not be included in
your package so it’s a good idea to check before you decide.
Cabin sizes can also vary. Family-oriented cruises, such as Disney and
Carnival Cruise Lines usually have larger standard staterooms designed
to accommodate children, while some newer ships also offer family
suites. Luxury brands like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn
feature suites exclusively.
If the sky’s the limit, there’s always Norwegian Cruise Line’s 460m2 ,
three-bedroom Garden Villa Suite, complete with a sauna and hot tub,
as well as your own butler and private elevator.
The position of your cabin on the ship can also make a difference.
Generally, the lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and
sway you will feel, so it might be worth trading a better view for a more
comfortable journey. If you don’t plan to spend a lot of time in your
cabin, you may be perfectly happy with a standard berth without a
balcony. Those who like their own space will prefer their own verandah.
For novice and seasoned cruise shoppers alike, Fodor’s Cruising Guide
is an indispensable resource, giving you side-by-side comparisons of
the many cruise lines, along with the pros and cons of each. The golden
rule for planning a successful cruise is to do the research and work with
an experienced travel agent. Jacqueline Unsworth, Cruise Marketing
Manager for United Travel says, “matching someone up with a cruise is
a bit like arranging a marriage.” She continues, “it’s the little things that
make all the difference and there’s nothing like first hand experience.”
United Travel have a dedicated team of cruise specialists who have
sailed with virtually every cruise line.
Choosing a cruiseYou’ve decided to cruise for your next holiday, now comes the hard part
Explorers
For active adventurers, Lindblad Expeditions or Silversea Explorer
offer a range of off the beaten track destinations.
Groups and special interest
For groups and those wanting a themed ‘foodie’ or ‘music-themed’
cruise then check Seabourn and Celebrity Cruises’ schedules.
Seniors
Mid-sized ships from Oceania, Cunard and Holland America Line
offer a balance of space, service and plenty of on and off ship activities.
Experienced ocean cruisers may prefer river cruising with Uniworld
Boutique River Cruises, Viking River Cruises or APT River Cruising.
An ocean of choices Today’s cruise market literally offers something for everyone.
Here are a few of our top picks:
Romantic Getaways
With smaller ships, impeccable service and luxurious appointments,
Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar Cruises provide an intimate
cruising experience, where children are not usually onboard.
Family Holidays
For an almost endless range of activities, Disney Cruise Line,
Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean
International have large ships that cater for children of all ages.
20 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Cruiseholiday
Get the best out of your
20 21Your ultimate cruise resource.
So you’re considering a cruise. The idea of touring exotic ports in
a floating wonderland of luxury has finally become too hard to
resist. Or perhaps you’ve had friends return from a cruise raving
about the experience. It’s time to dip your toes in the water.
Before you get out your credit card and spend a four or five-
figure sum, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Here’s
our inside guide to making the most of the cruise experience.
Use a specialist cruise travel agent
Our first tip is to spend some time with a travel agent – and not
just any travel agent, but one who specialises in cruise holidays.
A cruise specialist won’t just grab the nearest brochure and push
you to make a booking. He or she will listen to your ideas, suggest
options you may not be aware of and share insights gained from
experience. Weighing up the merits of different cruise lines,
destinations and packages can be quite a saga, so make sure you
get expert guidance.
Understand cabin types
You should definitely get the travel agent’s advice on the various
cabin types. Do you yearn to sit on a balcony or luxuriate in a suite?
Options abound at a range of price levels. And make sure you see
the ship’s deck plan so you can check the location of the engine
room and restaurants – and ensure you are near them if mobility
is an issue.
Onboard expectations
Your travel agent can also help you understand the level of service
you’ll receive on the different cruise lines. Some luxury cruises offer
a very high staff-to-passenger ratio, so you’ll have the sensation
of being waited on hand and foot. Other cruise lines provide an
experience that’s still glamorous but with less of the grand hotel
feeling. Another area to be aware of is the policy on gratuities.
Knowing what to expect is the key to avoiding disappointment.
If your cruise is for a special occasion, please don’t hesitate to let the
staff know. Birthdays and anniversaries can be celebrated onboard
and you can often pre-purchase special ‘celebration packages’ for
your loved ones such as a cake, flowers, spa treatment or dining at
a specialty restaurant.
Story: Philip Tetley-Jones
22 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Book in advance
Made your choice? It’s smart to book well in advance as cruise
lines frequently offer earlybird specials. The most popular cruises
sell out first so don’t hold back in expectation of last-minute deals
– there may not be any.
Suites and cabins with balconies also sell-out fast so book early to
secure your position or you’ll have less choice. Because river cruise
ships are smaller they can often sell out up to one year in advance.
Pack appropriate clothing
As the embarkation date looms you’ll need to start packing. This
can be a little different from preparing for an ordinary holiday. For a
start, you’ll need to include a few smart outfits for formal nights (or
choose a cruise line with alternative dining options). Make sure you
pack appropriate clothing for every port and climate zone you’re
travelling through.
One of the great things about cruising is that you have the same
room for your entire holiday. Without the need to constantly haul
baggage from airport to hotel to taxi and back again, you can
bring some large suitcases with everything you need, unpack them
once and get on with enjoying your holiday.
If you’re cruising within a tropical destination, you may want to
consider taking your own snorkelling gear as it can sometimes cost
to hire, or you may just prefer to use your own.
Bring your own beverages
Do you like the idea of relaxing with a quiet drink on your private
balcony or in your own stateroom, away from the crowd? Most
cruise lines allow your own non-alcoholic drinks onboard, so
long as it’s within your luggage allowance at embarkation and
consumed in your cabin.
Some cruises allow you to bring your own alcohol on board. Make
sure you check the cruise line’s policy before you leave. Drinks
packages are also offered on some ships and these offer excellent
value for money.
Excursion planning
One of the best parts of a cruising holiday is going ashore.
Your itinerary will include a succession of ports, and these may
come with a choice of shore excursions. Some cruise lines offer
extensive options while others let you take the initiative on the
basis that their customers enjoy the independence of exploring
new destinations on their own. Perhaps you have a special interest
in cuisine, sightseeing, culture or adventure. Ask your travel agent
what’s on offer, and don’t forget to factor in the extra cost of any
shore trips.
While we’re talking about excursions, make sure you book at least
one day trip with a ‘wow’ factor. Imagine diving with tropical fish
in the waters of a little-visited atoll, or walking through history as
an expert guide brings to life the story behind a 3,000 year-old
Princess Cruises
22 23Your ultimate cruise resource.
Greek temple. These are the sorts of experiences you never forget.
Yes, cruising on a luxury ship is a holiday in itself, and a true escape
from the everyday. But the true value of a cruise holiday is the way
your floating luxury hotel takes you to a succession of destinations
that are outstanding in their own right.
Seeing Venice loom out of the Adriatic, then docking and spending
a day exploring the magnificent sights of the city, is an experience
that will live forever in your memory. Money spent on a shore
excursion like this is money well spent.
Another word of advice is to attend the port talks as they are a
huge source of local information and insights.
Onboard spa treatments
As ship spas become increasingly popular, it is advised to pre-
book your treatments on-line (where possible) before your cruise
commences or otherwise do it as soon as you get onboard. Of note,
is that on port days, treatments are often discounted – good for
those who might want a day off from sightseeing.
Disembarkation
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. As your ship
approaches the final port it’s time to start getting ready to vacate
your cabin and return to the comforts of home. One tip to make
the end-of-cruise experience a little less jarring is to check and
pay your bill the night before disembarking. You’ll avoid the last-
minute queues and be able to smoothly move onto your next
destination without delay.
Keep an open mind
Our last piece of advice applies to all holidays, not just cruising ones.
It’s to keep an open mind and embrace the attitude that each new
experience is one to be savoured. Cruising offers you a seductive
combination of comfort and adventure on a well-appointed ship
that exists to make life fun. Entertainment, excellent food and a
range of pleasant diversions are all part of the package. At times
you’ll be challenged by the unexpected but you’ll have helpful staff
on hand to help you navigate it. Enjoy the experience to the full
and then come home and reflect on the memories you’ve created.
Chances are, you’ll be hooked on cruising. Before too long you’ll be
scanning the brochures, surfing the Web and talking to your travel
agent about the next exotic cruise that you just can’t wait to take.
Silversea Expeditions’ Prince Albert II
24 Your ultimate cruise resource.
With hundreds of cruise lines crisscrossing the seven seas – not to mention the world’s lakes
and rivers – there’s no shortage of choice for the aspiring holidaymaker.
Story: Philip Tetley-Jones
Choosing the right one for you
Boutique cruise or luxury liner?
24 25Your ultimate cruise resource. Top: Cunard’s Queen Victoria; Bottom: Uniworld’s River Royale
26 Your ultimate cruise resource. 26 Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource.
But there’s a world of difference between
traversing the Pacific on the Queen Mary
and gliding down the Volga in a Russian river
cruiser. Which type of vessel is right for you? It
depends on what you seek from a holiday.
First, let’s look at what most people mean
when they talk about a cruise holiday – the
large cruise ship. These oceangoing giants
can carry thousands of passengers and
almost as many staff. The sheer size of these
floating hotels means they can offer an
amazing variety of onboard entertainment.
Think shopping malls, ice rinks, water parks
and rock climbing walls. There’s even a
simulated skydiving experience and a
windowed capsule that extends off the ship
via a mechanical arm, available on Royal
Caribbean’s soon-to-be-launched Quantum
of the Seas.
The other advantage of a big ship is people.
You’ll have the chance to meet and befriend
a diverse group of fellow travellers, or lose
yourself in the anonymity of a crowd if that’s
what you desire.
Of course, sharing your holiday with 5,000
other people has its downsides too. Queues
can be tedious and the experience of getting
ashore can be a bit of a scrum. You might also
get weary of traipsing long distances to get
around an oceangoing behemoth.
If this doesn’t sound like your cup of lapsang
souchong, consider the merits of the
boutique cruise.
With small ships you’ll enjoy a more
intimate atmosphere, and even the aura
of an expedition or adventure. You won’t
be queuing for the nightclub but you may
strike up new friendships over coffee in the
dining room. You’ll probably become better
acquainted with the crew and you’ll feel
like you’re really at sea, rather than staying
in a luxury hotel that has occasional
rocking motions.
Smaller ships are also more navigable, so they
can take you to a wider range of ports and
reach more out-of-the-way destinations. If
you’re hungry to explore the Alaskan inlets or
visit tiny islands in the Med, a boutique cruise
may be the smart choice.
The downside is predictable – less onboard
variety. You won’t have the same array of
dining options and the entertainment will
come with less Vegas-style razzle dazzle.
But you may have more attentive staff,
personalised service and cuisine.
But the options don’t end there. River cruises,
luxury barges, houseboats and cruise charters
all have their devotees.
Many people love the experience of
journeying down the world’s great rivers,
stopping at fascinating towns and watching
the landscape unfold day after day. Think
the Rhine, Danube, Volga, Nile, Mississippi,
and even the Murray River closer to home.
Riverboats tend to be narrower and smaller
than their oceangoing cousins, but what you
lose in onboard facilities you gain in daily
stops and excursions.
Luxury barge or houseboat holidays offer
something similar but on an even more
intimate scale. Imagine gliding along the
waterways of provincial France, stopping at
idyllic villages for baguettes and travelling
through the landscapes that inspired
Cézanne and Monet. For some people, this is
their idea of heaven.
Another possibility is to get a group
together and charter your own boat. This
is a fantastic option for groups. It will take a
bit of organising but you’ll be able to craft
the perfect itinerary and enjoy a tailor-made
experience, with an expert crew 100%
dedicated to your happiness. How expensive
is chartering? That depends on your budget,
but there are some very luxurious choices
out there.
The options are endless and the possibilities
are intriguing. The logical next step is to pick
the brains of a travel agent who really knows
cruising. Then book your tickets, pack your
bags and get ready for embarkation.
Level 11, 99 Bathurst StreetSydney NSW 2000T: (02) 9264 1488
www.macautourism.gov.mo
For your best companion when visiting Macau download your “Experience Macau” app for FREE
Level 10, 120 Albert Street, AucklandPhone: (64)9 969 7610Fax: (64) 9 969 7474www.macautourism.gov.mo
Uniworld Cruises
26 27Your ultimate cruise resource. 26
Level 11, 99 Bathurst StreetSydney NSW 2000T: (02) 9264 1488
www.macautourism.gov.mo
For your best companion when visiting Macau download your “Experience Macau” app for FREE
Level 10, 120 Albert Street, AucklandPhone: (64)9 969 7610Fax: (64) 9 969 7474www.macautourism.gov.mo
28 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
The MediterraneanThere’s a reason the Med is crisscrossed by hundreds of cruise
ships every summer. Quite simply, it’s the cruising region that
offers the best all-round package. Think warm, sunny days,
azure blue seas, fascinating history and a staggering variety of
cities, coastlines and islands to explore. In what other region
could you sample the chic of the French Riviera, the splendour
of Rome, the stylish energy of Barcelona, the perfection of
the Greek Islands, and still come home thinking you’d only
scratched the surface?
The other advantage of the Med is competition amongst cruise
lines. There are attractive options at all levels of luxury plus a
host of special interest cruises for those who want to dig a little
deeper. If you’ve a hankering for art history or a yen for local
cuisine there are specialist cruises with an itinerary and carefully
chosen onboard experts to bring your favourite topic to life.
Think carefully about the best time to go. August is the peak
season and you may find things uncomfortably hot and
crowded in some ports. Spring and autumn have their fans,
while many cruise veterans find June ideal as the weather is
pleasant but the hordes haven’t arrived.
Paul Gauguin’s Tere Moana in the Corinth Canal, Aegean Sea
28 29Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
It’s been just over a year since Paul Gauguin Cruises, which
pretty much invented the concept of cruising the paradise of
French Polynesia, added the tiny 88-passenger, 3,504 gross
register tonnes (grt) Tere Moana to its fleet, allowing fans of
the small luxury line to set their sights further afield with exotic
Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries.
Acquired from the French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant where
she’d sailed as Le Levant since her 1998 launch, the ship underwent
an extensive renovation before its debut as Tere Moana in December
2012. Furnishings, upholstery, art, lighting, wall and floor coverings,
carpeting, and window treatments were spruced up and balconies
added to eight of the ship’s 45 ocean-view staterooms. Like her
significantly larger sister, The Paul Gauguin, Tere Moana is an
all-inclusive experience with all beverages (including wine, beer,
spirits, bottled water, specialty coffees and soft drinks) and gratuities
included in the fare.
Story: Judi Cuervo
Paul Gauguin
30 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Despite these luxury trappings, Tere Moana
got off to a rocky start (both literally and
figuratively) when guests aboard early sailings,
the majority of them Gauguin veterans who’d
grown accustomed to the line’s extraordinarily
high standards in French Polynesia,
complained vociferously of the new vessel’s
faulty stabilisers, inferior service and
lacklustre cuisine.
What a difference a year makes. With all four
stabilisers now up and running, an increased
66-member crew (to service the 88 guests
onboard) and exciting new dining options
that emphasise local ingredients chosen by
the ship’s chef and hotel manager during port
calls, Tere Moana has positioned herself as
an outstanding and luxurious choice in small
ship cruising. One that is worthy of being a
part of Paul Gauguin Cruises, a line which has
repeatedly and deservedly walked off with
‘best of’ travel awards from both consumer
and trade publications across the globe.
My husband Michael and I kicked off our Tere
Moana adventure with a day in Rome and
opted to travel to the port city of Civitavecchia
by rail, a pleasant 90-minute ride from Rome’s
convenient Termini Station. A sun-drenched
stroll delivered us to the port entrance,
passing charming cafés, street performers
and vendors en route. Tere Moana was not
alone on our embarkation day and free buses,
one offered by each line setting sail, were
waiting to transport guests to their respective
gangways. In the distance, the vessels of
Carnival, Princess, Azamara, and P&O towered
and, nearly hidden in their shadows, we
spotted the diminutive Tere Moana, her size
and aqua blue stripe giving her a distinctive
look among the behemoths.
In an age of neon-lit cruise ship atriums,
Tere Moana’s cosy reception area is less an
adrenaline rush than a warm embrace. Our
check-in experience is devoid of crowds and
chaos and details like credit card registration
take a back seat to staff relieving us of our
hand luggage, offering a flute of Champagne
and escorting us to our stateroom. Petty
details, the experience suggested, can be
sorted later.
Our stateroom, down the hall from reception,
is a living space that is one of the best
designed I’ve seen at sea. Gone is that useless
little entrance hallway that on so many ships
separates bathroom and closet and creates
a door-clashing bottleneck as one occupant
emerges from the bathroom while the
other is rummaging through the closet. At a
minimum of 18m2 and a maximum of 28m2 for
the newly-added balcony cabins, staterooms
seem larger than the usual and certainly more
luxurious. A basket-weave leather headboard
reaches to the ceiling behind the king-sized
bed that is adorned with luxury linens. Closet
and storage space seems to be everywhere,
built into the nooks and corners that on many
ships are wasted. A mounted flat-screen TV
with complimentary in-room movie channels
overlooks the sleeping area and a docking
station sits on a dresser top, mocking me for
forgetting my iPod at home. A refrigerator
is stocked with beer, bottled water and soft
drinks, replenished daily, and little touches
like bathrobes, slippers and even an umbrella
are there for our use. It’s only the bathroom,
a capsule-like structure with sink, toilet and
shower, that reminds us space is at a premium
but the bathroom does feature a full line
of l’Occitane toiletries so its constraints are
quickly forgiven.
At 5pm, Tere Moana sets sail on an itinerary
that includes some of the loveliest cities
in Italy, Montenegro and Croatia. Guests
assemble for cocktail hour in the elegant
Salon (a relaxing room of blonde woods, ivory
metallic leathers and backlit Tahitian artwork)
and at the bar or cocktail tables sipping mixed
drinks and nibbling hors d’oeuvres. The social
heart of Tere Moana, it is The Salon that is
filled each night with lively conversation and
laughter, and where guests may find, before
dinner and after, the relaxing melodies of
a versatile and talented keyboardist, Tere
Moana’s only nod to traditional entertainment.
While Tere Moana isn’t for those seeking
round-the-clock activities, lavish production
shows and a dizzying array of dining venues, it
is a perfect choice for adult travellers (the ship
offers no activities geared toward children)
seeking an uncrowded cruise experience, a
30 31Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
destination-focused sailing, superb dining
and relaxed activities like our sailing’s poolside
sail-away cocktail party in Kotor, a delightful
event that allowed us to sample the wines and
beers of Montenegro against a backdrop of
stunning fjords, sunshine and gentle breezes.
Since her 2012 debut, Tere Moana has shaken
up its dining program, adding an alternative
restaurant and outdoor barbecue, the latter
we found to be the culinary high point of
our cruise. While breakfast and lunch follows
a steady pattern at the indoor/outdoor La
Veranda with breakfast featuring a traditional
lineup of eggs (including omelettes to
order), cereals, breads and breakfast meats,
lunch reflects an international theme, often
including popular dishes of the day’s port, like
Italian or Greek. Mealtimes tend to be quite
brief, with breakfast typically served between
7:30am and 9am and lunch between
noon and 1:30pm.
When the sun sets, guests find their way
to open seating dinner at l’Etoile, an indoor
dining room with comfortable seating and
blonde wood walls adorned with framed
Tahitian prints, for a delicious selection of
appetisers, salads, soups, main courses,
cheeses and desserts, all complimented
by the evening’s wines, or return to the
indoor/outdoor La Veranda, which they’ll
find transformed from the ship’s breakfast/
lunch spot to a premium steakhouse that
accommodates 25 (reservations required/
no surcharge). As an al fresco steakhouse, La
Veranda serves up choice cuts and delectable
seafood with selections varying each night.
On our sailing, veal chops, Atlantic salmon,
seafood brochettes, New York steak, swordfish
steaks and Cajun-spiced rib-eye each
appeared on the menu on various evenings.
Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, its walled medieval
old town or Stari Grad lured most of Tere
Moana’s guests for a day of exploring the
Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches,
monasteries, palaces and fountains of this
UNESCO World Heritage site. Having visited
Dubrovnik several times before, I opted for a
Tere Moana shore excursion that offered a visit
to Croatia’s wine-growing region, the
Peljesac Peninsula.
The luxuries of sailing on a small vessel are
many but perhaps none is greater than the
exclusivity of her shore side experiences.
Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, I and just three
other Tere Moana guests are whisked away by
Mario Bartulovic, the young, English-speaking
winemaker of his family’s estate. The drive
to the Peninsula goes quickly, with a stop for
coffee at a charming outdoor plaza breaking
up the nearly two-hour drive to wine country.
Along the route, Mario regales us with his
encyclopedic knowledge of wine as well
as tales of his country’s tumultuous history
and daily life. Upon arrival, Mario escorts us
to several boutique wineries, along with the
Croatian outpost of Napa Valley’s famous
Grgich Hills Winery, each offering tastings,
snacks and breathtaking vineyard vistas
before welcoming us into his own winery
and home where his sister has prepared a full
three-course lunch complemented, of course,
by lovely Bartulovic wines. This is less like an
organised tour and more like spending a
day with friends.
Upon our return, however, Tere Moana’s
dinner extravaganza made me regret having
indulged so heartily in the delicious lunch
served on our wine tour. Held at La Veranda,
the evening began with each guest being
served a plate piled high with delectable
assorted appetisers and loaves of crusty rustic
bread. While we indulged in this delicious
selection and listened to local musicians
performing traditional songs, staff ignited
outdoor grills for a decadent lobster and steak
bake supplemented by an extravagant pasta
station that included Alfredo and marinara
sauces, as well as a heady white wine and
garlic sauce to accompany a towering pile of
the freshest clams. Cherries Jubilee completes
the very, very memorable menu and the
evening ends with each guest presented with
a souvenir cachet of Croatian lavender.
Since her debut, many have said that Tere
Moana is not The Paul Gauguin but maybe
she should not strive to be. It’s clear that
Tere Moana, thanks to her outstanding
service-driven crew, intimate ambiance, and
outstanding cuisine, has become a small-ship
star in her own right.
For more information: www.pgcruises.com
From left: l’Etoile Restaurant; Hvar, Croatia; Sundeck; Balcony Stateroom interior
32 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
A Voyage Unlike Any Other
Iconic cities, secluded harbours and authentic experiences as only Seabourn can deliver. Discover the Seabourn difference. Spacious, all-suite accommodations with
sweeping ocean views – many with verandas Open bars throughout the ship and fine
wines poured at lunch and dinner All dining venues are complimentary – dine
where, when and with whom you wish
Complimentary welcome champagne and in-suite bar stocked with your preferences
Tipping is neither required nor expected – service simply to delight you
Gourmet dining that rivals the finest restaurants anywhere.
Seabourn Autumn Isles
Departs Athens 20 October 2014 onboard Seabourn Quest
10 Night cruise Piraeus (Athens) to Monte Carlo
Fares quoted are cruise only and are “from” fares in US dollars per person twin share based on (A) category Ocean view Suites (other grades available on request). Prices are based on special fares and subject to change or removal without notice, subject to individual availability at the time of booking, and individual amendment/cancellation fees. Government taxes and port charges are included. Deposit is required within 5 days to secure once an option is obtained. Balance due 90 days prior to departure. Travel Insurance is recommended. For full terms & conditions see the 2014 Seabourn Cruise brochure.
Cruise only from USD $4,192per person (share twin) based on A Oceanview Suite
Ultimate Antarctica & Patagonia with Seabourn Quest
Departs: 29 November & 20 December 2014, 13 January & 03 February 2015 onboard Seabourn Quest
21 Night Cruise Valparaiso (Chile) to Buenos Aires (Argentina) or vice versa
Cruise only from USD $16,546per person (share twin) based on 03 Feb 2015 sailing date and A Oceanview Suite
*20 Dec departure 24 night Christmas cruise including South Georgia
Departs 23 November onboard Seabourn Odyssey
Pacific Treasures South East Asia/Australia Cruise28 Night cruise Singapore to Sydney
Cruise Only from USD $9,359per person (share twin) based on A Oceanview Suite
For further information see your cruise agent or call Cruise World
0800 500 [email protected]
32 33Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
with Seabourn
Barcelonato Athens
My last trip to Europe involved a lot of overland travel with a good deal of packing, unpacking and carrying bags around. This time I had set my sights on a more relaxing option – cruising from Barcelona to Athens with Seabourn. I had some big expectations of what this trip needed to deliver in terms of time, value and destination highlights in order to mark it off my ‘bucket list’. I wasn’t interested in sharing it with several thousand other passengers and as I’m not adverse to a bit of pampering, the opportunity to cruise with Seabourn was too good to refuse.
Story: Helen Nixon
34 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Barcelona is a big city and there is some distance between key sightseeing areas, so I would recommend a guided tour here, particularly if you want to get into the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece. The queues for this are extreme! For independent sightseeing, the port is close by and easily accessible to Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter.
Once I’d boarded Seabourn Quest, (happily without any queuing) I came across Seabourn Square – an area that I knew I would be a regular visitor to. The Square contained numerous boutiques and also an amazing coffee bar with an array of every type of coffee you could desire alongside a delicious selection of sweet and savoury pastries. This relaxed and comfortable environment also housed the library, computer centre, concierge and destination services. I wanted to stay here for a while but our verandah suite was waiting, so I let myself be escorted by a very pleasant young man of Eastern European descent to my new abode.
All accommodations onboard are spacious suites with features like walk-in wardrobe, aromatherapy bath, complimentary mini-bar and a separate lounge area. The double vanity bathroom and separate large shower was a real pleasure, as well as practical because at no time did we have to jostle for mirror time!
Within 24 hours not just our stewardess, but the entire crew knew our names and I started to notice the attention to detail and the intuitive nature that they have become known for. As tipping is neither required or expected there was never any of those awkward moments or for that matter a bill at the end of the cruise to be concerned with.
The next couple of weeks were a fabulous mixture of iconic and enchanting ports of call with time at sea to indulge in the many diversions onboard. One thing I really loved about Seabourn was the ability to visit smaller ports, many of which are hidden gems where the larger ships are unable to go.
Unfortunately in one port I had my wallet stolen. For me, a seasoned traveller, this was mortifying. Upon our return to the ship I went straight to Seabourn Square and reported the incident to the staff. With help from Tracey we cancelled my cards and then retired to our suite somewhat low-spirited. Imagine my delight when not even five minutes later Tracey from The Square rang to say she had contacted the port agent who had in turn contacted the police who then managed to locate my wallet. A quick trip ashore and wallet and I were reunited. We were back at the ship toasting the girls at The Square with some of that very special French Champagne that flows on Seabourn.
34 35Your ultimate cruise resource.
The pool area on Deck 8 was my favourite place for days at sea and port days after we had exhausted ourselves ashore. Upon settling ourselves, a steward would be over with some suntan lotion, followed by a fruit cocktail and an iced towel. If it was after midday this would often be followed by a glass of bubbles. I didn’t have to wait until midday, but I suppose we all have to have some self restraint, as with such a huge selection of soft drinks and all types of alcohol included, temptation was never far away. It makes for a very comfortable environment for meeting new people and joining a group of fellow travellers without having to worry about who gets the next round.
The health spa on Seabourn is well-worth putting some time aside for. I also loved the way the spa would come to you with the delightful complimentary massage moments on deck, although it did mean putting the bubbles down for awhile.
Lunch didn’t mean we had to leave our favourite spot as it could be had at the Patio Grill, pool side, which served casual al fresco selections and grilled specialties. The young bar staff were never far from our table ensuring a glass of bubbles, wine or a cocktail was within reach. Seabourn Quest, like her sister ships has a main fine dining restaurant and other alternative dining options like the intimate degustation Restaurant 2, as well as casual dining options being the Patio Grill, and Colonnade. The cuisine and service in all the restaurants were a real treat and with the regional wines and speciality dishes, every meal was one to enjoy and savour as a unique part of our Mediterranean experience. With the open seating dining we could dine where, when and with whom we wanted or even have a full restaurant menu served dish by delicious dish in our suite or on our verandah.
Seabourn pride themselves on what they call ‘The Seabourn Difference’ and is evident on so many levels onboard and also on port days, which were always well-organised with lots of information, maps and local guides available to give us advice.
A magic day was spent in Santorini, best known for its donkeys and stunning white buildings against a picture perfect blue sky. The Seabourn difference was when we returned to the ship. While happily sipping on our cocktails, the Captain announced that although we were lifting anchor we were not leaving. He did a lazy figure eight at the base of the town while we listened to a beautiful duo singing modern opera as we were served with Champagne and caviar.
Another port was the city of Kusadasi in Turkey and here Seabourn put on a very special complimentary experience for us all. After an early dinner at 6.30pm, coaches waited on the dock to take us to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here we were treated to a concert by a 7-piece string ensemble from the Izmir Symphony Orchestra, as we sat in the remains of the library (completed in 135AD) and watched the sun set behind the ruins. Again, you guessed it, sipping on our favourite tipple and eating the most delicious sweet treats. A truly memorable experience, which sums up the exceptional time I had with Seabourn.
For more information: www.seabourn.com
Seabourn Quest’s Atrium
36 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Ringed by no fewer than nine countries, the Baltic Sea is a
cruising paradise. From the pristine beauty of Scandinavia to
the imperial riches of Saint Petersburg, this is a region with
plenty to offer. Distances are relatively short and the seas are
generally calm. You’ll also have the chance to discover some
charming old cities, such as Tallinn in Estonia. You could even
extend your Baltic holiday with a river cruise into the heart of
Russia or an expedition into Norway’s breathtaking fjords.
The Baltic is perfect if you want a modern ambience that’s
refreshingly different from the Anglo-American norm.
Saint Petersburg in particular offers some of the world’s most
stunning palaces and art museums. Make the most of the
opportunity by reading up on Peter the Great or his equally
famous successor, Catherine, before you go.
The best time to take a Baltic cruise? Head for the Baltic in
high summer and enjoy those endless summer days and
eerie white nights.
The Baltic Sea
36 37Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
On Board NauticaOceania CruisesThis was to be our third cruise on the Oceania Nautica. After two fabulous cruises exploring the western and central Mediterranean ports, my wife and I were keen to push north for a new adventure into the Baltic.
Story: Stuart Walker
38 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Our first taste of cruising was back in January 1998 when we did
a one week back-to-back cruise in the Caribbean on a cruise liner.
It was clearly catering for the mass American family market with
a passenger listing of 2,000 and crew of 1,200. We came to the
conclusion that we preferred a more intimate cruising option, where
we would feel less like we were being treated as a mass handling of
walk-on-walk-off commodity.
We however, had fallen in love with the concept of cruising and
subsequently went in search of a more sophisticated and elegant
cruise offer with an emphasis on fine dining that catered to a more
mature adult market and dare I say it, without children. It was then that
we discovered Oceania Cruises, thanks to a recommendation from
our travel agent.
The Nautica offer seemed perfect, carrying a maximum of 684
passengers with a crew of 400 and an excellent range of quality suites
available from Starboard or Portside Staterooms, to front facing corner
Vista Suites and rear facing corner Owner’s Suites. For our first cruise
with Oceania from Istanbul to Athens we chose a Vista Suite as the six
Owner’s Suites were obviously in keen demand and had already been
booked well in advance. For our second Mediterranean and Baltic
Cruise we planned well-ahead to secure our desired Owner’s Suite.
Stockholm, Sweden was the embarkation point for our 14-day Nordic
voyage, with our ports of call being; Helsinki, Saint Petersburg (3 days in
port including a day trip to Moscow), Tallinn (Estonia), the art nouveau
city of Riga (Latvia), Gdańsk (Poland), Warnemünde (Germany), Visby
(Gotland), Sweden and Copenhagen then exiting the Baltic via the Kiel
Canal through to the North Sea and onto Amsterdam, Bruges (Belgium)
and our final port of disembarkation being La Harve in France.
Given that our port of embarkation for this Baltic Cruise was to be
Stockholm and never having ventured this far north in Europe, we
planned our itinerary to allow for three days sightseeing here, as well
as taking the opportunity to adjust to the European time zone, having
flown nonstop from Auckland via Los Angeles and London. Mid August
is a great time of year to visit Sweden; daytime temperatures are around
20 degrees Celsius and the evenings are relatively mild with the extra
daylight lasting until at least 10pm. I would certainly recommend
staying close to the old part of the city with all the major attractions,
restaurants and bars that are in easy walking distance or accessible by
water taxi for a very reasonable hop-on-hop-off day pass. Highlights of
our stay in Stockholm were a daytime river cruise, a leisurely four hours
onboard one of the old steamers to the Winter Palace and gardens.
Another highlight was our visit to the Vasa Museum (or ‘Wasa’) a well-
preserved Swedish warship built in 1626 that sank on her maiden
voyage and was subsequently raised and salvaged in the 1960s. The
craftsmanship, detailed wood work and immense size of this vessel is
simply awe-inspiring. Take breakfast early and be at the gates at the
opening time of 8.30am before the onslaught of the tour groups and
inevitable queues.
On leaving the port of Stockholm we were treated to a spectacular
evening sunset sailing as the ship transited through the thousands of
archipelagos and channels that make up this waterborne nation on our
passage through to the Baltic Sea.
One of the main attractions of Oceania Cruises is their emphasis on fine
dining. They have two excellent topside à la carte restaurants – The Polo
Peterhof, Saint Petersburg
Owner’s Suite, Nautica
38 39Your ultimate cruise resource.
Grill and Toscana, serving fine New York, European, French and Italian
style cuisine. The main dining room also serves excellent cuisine with
an all-inclusive full four-course menu. The only additional charges
being for your beer, wines and spirits, which are all very reasonably
priced in US dollars. For the more casually minded, the tapas bar
located rear and topside has both inside and outside dining options
and allows you the freedom of a more buffet style menu to dine at
your own pace and leisure.
The dress code onboard would be regarded as ‘smart casual’ to
‘well dressed’ in the main restaurants – certainly no requirements
for formal black tie – although guests celebrating a special occasion
were often glamorously dressed in glamorous attire with the crew
being the perfect hosts and adding that finer touch of finesse to
the evening.
We made friends with a magician entertainer onboard and he
consequently joined us on a number of our shore excursions, where
we watched him using his magic at the local markets, transcending
language barriers to everyone’s amusement.
Whilst the Owner’s and Vista Suite travellers enjoyed priority
embarkation, with a maximum of only 684 guests, the whole flow of
disembarkation and embarkation for shore excursions was extremely
well-choreographed and ran smoothly.
The Owner’s Suite that we occupied was indeed very opulent with
a 24-hour butler, complimentary stocked bar fridge and pre-dinner
canapés to tempt you again, even after indulging in the sumptuous
afternoon tea.
With two of our good friends onboard, our Owner’s Suite provided
the perfect private entertainment space with its rear facing outside
deck area, the perfect viewing platform to enjoy those early
evening port departures.
The lounge area was well-appointed with generous proportions
by most cruise ship standards, although we were advised that on
Oceania’s two newer vessels, the Marina and the Riviera, the Owner’s
Suites are twice the size and even more lavishly appointed.
All our Baltic ports had their own special magic and cruising allowed
us a flexible approach to exploring foreign lands from the comfort
and luxury of our own private floating hotel.
On our final leg through the Kiel Canal out into the North Sea we
experienced some fairly rough weather so the Captain chose to
bypass Amsterdam in favour of a calm evening arrival at Bruges in
Brussels. Seizing the opportunity to explore this wonderful historic
town in all its evening charm was simply wonderful – let alone some
of those fine Belgian beers in the myriad of back street bars.
From Bruges it was onto our last port of call at La Harve, France. The
whole disembarkation process was flawless after a leisurely breakfast
and settling any final accounts. We were able to walk off to a variety
of transport options, including escorted tours to Paris or further field,
or in our case a local taxi to pick up our rental car for our drive to Orly,
Paris to take our flight back to New Zealand and home to plan our
next cruise adventure.
For more information: www.oceaniacruises.com
40 Your ultimate cruise resource.
40
toRussiawith love
Story: David Libeau
on Cunard Line
42 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Boarding the beautiful Queen Victoria in Southampton on a magnificent (for the UK!) day was full of excitement. This was about to be my first experience of the ultimate in Cunard style, the Queens Grill Suites.
After a seamless embarkation process we were escorted to our beautiful suite and introduced to our delightful Butler for the duration of our 14-night Scandinavia and Russia cruise. The suite was elegantly and tastefully decorated with a huge walk-in closet and spacious bathroom with both a bath tub and separate shower. The bottle of complimentary chilled Champagne was spotted and was begging to be consumed immediately. The Butler also asked us for our preferences in stocking the complimentary bar. This definitely already had the makings of a wonderful voyage.
Our cruise included visits to Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, Saint Petersburg, Tallinn in Estonia and finally Bruges in Belgium. All of these cities were to be new and much anticipated experiences for me.
There’s one thing I love about cruise holidays, actually there are two. Firstly, you only have to unpack once and secondly, it gives you a sampling of a wide range of places. This leaves you with the choice to return to your favourites again on another holiday.
The initial two days at sea allow you time to relax, unwind and explore the beauty and majesty of the elegant Queen Victoria. Even at full capacity this ship has so many beautiful spaces that it never feels crowded.
Queens Grill guests are pampered with an exclusive sun deck, single sitting Queens Grill Restaurant and Queens Grill Lounge with a concierge in attendance. The Lounge is delightful for the very British afternoon tea and for pre-dinner cocktails. The Queens Grill Lounge and Restaurant sit at the highest point on the ship and offer wonderful vistas.
The personalised service, quality and presentation of the meals at the Queens Grill Restaurant was so good that we chose to not eat at any of the other dining options. The daily changing menu was extensive with a mix of innovative and traditional cuisine to please all palettes and age groups.
The Queen Victoria and her sister ship Queen Elizabeth have a very similar layout. The highlights for me are the beautiful and well-stocked library and the multi-level theatre. I also love the elegant Queens Room Lounge, used daily for things as varied as fencing lessons, line dancing, formal afternoon teas, piano recitals and in the evening, balls and other social events.
Dressing up is a tradition of the Cunard ships and creates a unique ambience in the evenings. On any given cruise there are a number of formal nights where a Tuxedo or at least a dark suit and tie is required for gentlemen and of course formal wear for the ladies. The dress code is compulsory in all of the public lounges and most restaurants after 6pm, however for those wanting a more casual evening there is the Lido Restaurant and of course 24-hour in-room dining.
As well as the Queens Grill Lounge is my other favourite – the Commodore Club. This elegant bar lounge sits forward at the bow of the ship high above the bridge and offers commanding views. Nightly entertainment is provided by a pianist on the grand piano. Cocktails and other drinks are reasonably priced and complimentary canapés are served each evening. The Commodore Club is famous for their Martinis - try one, there’s one to suit every taste. This is a really convivial bar where all guests make new friends with fellow guests and bar staff alike.
Wondering what is on offer in the day time on sea days? There is plenty of choice. The extensive Royal Arcade provides some great shopping
Royal Court Theatre, Queen Victoria
Queens Grill Restaurant
Queens Grill Penthouse Suite
42 43Your ultimate cruise resource.
options and there are often market place style sales during any cruise.
The Daily News letter delivered to your suite each evening outlines
the next day’s activities and these will include feature length movies
in the theatre, craft classes, Bingo, ballroom dancing lessons, concert
recitals, guest lecturers and much more. For the exercise inclined there
is a spacious and well-equipped gym, as well as ample outdoor deck
space for walking or jogging. Compulsory really if you want to counter
the impact of the delicious meals every day! Needless to say, The Spa
onboard offers all of the usual range of indulgent treatments and the
hair dressing salon is always busy prior to the formal nights.
The real highlights of this cruise for me were the absolute beauty of the
cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Saint Petersburg. All of them are
rich in history and culture. As a fan of monarchy, I particularly enjoyed
visiting the Royal Palaces in these cities. In the Scandinavian cities it was
very easy to just start your sightseeing by walking from the ship and
there was plenty to see and do without necessarily booking a structured
tour. I thoroughly recommend a visit to Drottningholm Palace in
Stockholm. Built in 1662, this is the official residence of the Swedish
Royal family. Set on the edge of a lake with beautiful formal gardens, the
palace is well-worth a visit. You can get to Drottningholm by train or taxi
from central Stockholm and it takes only about 40-minutes.
Saint Petersburg is breathtaking and we had two full days there. You
definitely need at least that. The ship berths some way from the city
and there is a marked contrast from the very Communist era port with
cold, grey looking apartment housing to that of the Imperial Palaces and
buildings in Saint Petersburg itself. It is best to book a small private tour,
and our English speaking guide was excellent. Apart from the opulent
Summer and Winter Palaces of The Romanovs there are numerous other
wonderful sights to fill in two full days. Believe it or not, the subways
in Saint Petersburg were also amazing with interesting architecture,
wonderful marble and artworks. It is also the deepest Metro system
in the world so be prepared for the vertiginous views from the top
of the escalator.
Our next port of call was the charming city of Tallinn. This was a delightful
surprise and very much reminded me of a smaller and hillier version of
Prague. Again it is a wonderful city to explore by foot.
Our final port of call was Bruges, a beautiful small town full of hanging
flower baskets and intersected with canals. A tour of the city by canal
boat is a must. It was hard not to indulge in the delicious Belgian
chocolates. Back to the gym again!
Back onboard the ship it was time to reflect on the grandeur and
elegance of the Queen Victoria and the wonderful and varied
experiences that had been provided through the ports of call on this
cruise. While I would thoroughly recommend the indulgence of the
Queens Grill experience, Princess Grill is also very good and still provides
most of the Queens Grill amenities albeit the suites are not as large.
Of course you can still have the Cunard experience by booking the
Britannia grade staterooms although, I would recommend spending a
little more and going for a balcony. With a cruise like this there is so
much to be seen sailing into and out of ports and sometimes this is best
enjoyed with breakfast on your balcony or sipping a pre-dinner drink as
the sun sets.
For more information: www.cunard.com
Queens Grill Restaurant
Queens Grill Penthouse Suite
44 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Love nature? Inspired by the wilderness? Then Alaska is the
destination for you. A balcony cabin on an Alaskan cruise
could be the perfect perch from which to observe North
American nature in all its splendour. Imagine seeing wild
eagles soar above rocky outcrops and humpback whales rise
to greet your ship. And nothing quite compares to the sight
of a gigantic blue-white glacier, creaking and groaning as it
enters the sea in slow motion.
Most Alaskan cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver and
take you north on a round trip, or you can disembark in Alaska
and catch a connecting flight home. Alaska’s legendary inside
passage stretches 800 kilometres and contains over 1,000
islands, protecting the coastline (and you) from Pacific storms.
You can choose a large ship with all the shipboard comforts
or opt for a more adventurous tour in a boutique cruise ship.
The latter will still be comfortable but you’ll be able to slip into
narrow inlets and perhaps enjoy a closer encounter with nature.
Alaska
44 45Your ultimate cruise resource.
Story: Donal O’Sullivan
Un-Cruise AdventuresGlacier Country
Now, while being woken in the morning by a woman’s voice is not exactly
unusual, this morning it was at 6am. I was on holiday and I didn’t recognise
the voice. As the Champagne induced weariness from the sail-away party
slowly cleared, I realised the voice was coming from the cabin speakers and it
was our ship’s Captain.
46 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Apologising for the early awakening, Captain Jill was saying that for those that were interested, the ship was surrounded by Humpback whales. We were cruising the Inside Passage in Alaska in an area called Icy Strait, which is known as some of the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska. So, in various stages of undress for the next two hours we were entertained by these beautiful creatures – launching themselves into the air in a spectacular display known as ‘breeching’.
Having done a lot of cruising over the years, this was certainly a unique wake-up call but was a forerunner of the days to come when the Captain and crew, no matter the time of the day or night, were continually on the lookout for that rare encounter or that extraordinary experience that nature could deliver at any time.
Having left Juneau (Alaska’s capital), the previous evening on an Un-Cruise small ship soft adventure cruise, we would not be returning to civilisation for seven nights.
Our ship was the 86 passenger, 35 crew Safari Endeavour. A small luxury adventure expedition ship, it is extremely well set up to provide a very comfortable cruising platform to explore this amazing region complete with hot spa, sauna, self-service wine bar, gourmet cuisine, fine wine, premium spirits and micro brews, numerous excursions and experienced guides – all included in the price. Going ashore and getting out on the water to experience wildlife in its natural environment is made easy with paddle boards, kayaks, Zodiacs, hiking poles, rubber boots and wet weather gear, with
Image: Donal O’Sullivan
46 47Your ultimate cruise resource.
a fool-proof water launching platform off the stern that ensures everybody can participate and stay dry.
The first two days we spent exploring Glacier Bay National Park. After the appropriate instruction, the crew had the entire ship’s passengers, from early teens to early 80 year olds taking part in a range of activities from hikes and kayaking to Zodiac trips. Even those who had never kayaked before found themselves negotiating their way in very stable two person kayaks between icebergs to within a few hundred metres of massive glaciers. Back onboard, hot toddies and the spa pool were in demand and, as each passenger gets a complimentary massage during the cruise, some guests were already taking advantage of this.
Heading south and passing a landmark called Gloomy Knob, Captain Jill stopped us just off from the mouth of a small stream. During pre-dinner drinks and canapés with our fellow travellers, a friendly mix of Canadians, Americans, Australians, Kiwis and a few Europeans, we all sat discussing our individual highlights of the day. Most of us by now had learnt to keep our ship-supplied binoculars with us at all times. About half an hour into our drinks, the call went out that something dark had been spotted moving down towards the river mouth. Glasses came down and binoculars went up and although the big money was on a bear, as it got closer
we all realised we were fortunate enough to be observing a large and somewhat menacing looking lone wolf, which proceeded to come right down to the river mouth and wander around the small beach area, scavenging for food before disappearing up the opposite side of the river 15-minutes later.
On day three a small group of us were out in the kayaks when our guide got the call that a bear had been sighted in a river mouth close by. Excited, we paddled over to find him feeding in the rapids. For the next 40-minutes he displayed his fishing prowess, catching salmon after salmon only 15-metres away from where we sat in our kayaks. Despite the clicking of many cameras, our bear hardly glanced at us. It was fairly late in the season and the bears are so well feed that only the salmon full of roe (eggs) were of interest, others were just discarded.
We had great weather for most of the time so activities like the ‘polar bear plunge’ were hard to avoid but great fun provided you could make it back to the spa before you turned blue. One afternoon, a timely meeting with a local fishing boat meant pre-dinner drinks and fresh king crab under the sun on the top deck – a great end to the day’s activities.
Small ship cruising has a wonderful ability to create a certain synergy with your destination that can never be achieved on a larger ship. By adding the expedition aspect with small group, up-close encounters makes a cruise
like this almost life changing. Un-Cruise have
succeeded in providing a unique balance
between exploration, high quality service and
relaxation in stunning parts of the world. Every
cruise is different with experiences unique to
each, and their flexible itineraries provide a
relaxed and casual atmosphere focussed on
delivering unexpected encounters.
On our cruise we ticked off whales, sea
otters, deer, mink, sea lions, bears, two wolf
encounters, some white and woolly mountain
goats precariously perched on a cliff face and
a huge selection of bird life including bald
eagles and puffins. Each day brought new
experiences and very few moments without a
wildlife encounter.
On the last night we all received a USB stick
with photos taken during the cruise by the
crew, who are never without their cameras,
capturing special moments of interest of
not just the scenery and the wildlife but
also onboard. With such a small number of
passengers, the crew are a big part of making
each cruise unique and the enthusiasm,
knowledge and customer service provided
by every crew member would be very hard to
beat. This was again demonstrated when we
disembarked – the crew lined up on the dock
and said their goodbyes personally, many now
friends and all of us regretting that the cruise
had come to an end.
For more information: www.un-cruise.com
48 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Cartagena, Colombia
48 49Your ultimate cruise resource.
If The Mediterranean is the spiritual home of cruising,
the Caribbean runs it a close second. Both these
relatively enclosed seas offer a plethora of ravishing
islands and the chance to move sedately from one
paradise to another. And if the Med comes out on top
for antiquity and culture, then the Caribbean surely
wins hands down in the sheer idyllic beauty stakes.
The number and diversity of the islands provide an
endless array of options. You can catch the sugar train
in tiny St. Kitts, sip cocktails in the Bahamas, go dolphin
watching in Dominica, clap a cricket match in Antigua,
or shake your booty to the Latin rhythms of Cuba. Bear
in mind that any boxes of Cuban cigars will be ruthlessly
confiscated by US customs, so be weary if your onward
route takes you through the States.
This is the Tropics so the weather can vary from balmy to
wild. You might want to give the hurricane season a miss –
it lasts from June to November.
The Caribbean
50 Your ultimate cruise resource.
50 51Your ultimate cruise resource.
Imagine spending a week on a friend’s personal luxury yacht. This is the feeling you
experience onboard a ship from the Windstar fleet as you leave the crowds behind
and cruise with an exclusive group of no more than 310 privileged fellow guests.
True Romanceaboard Windstar Cruises
Story: Carol Kirkup
52 Your ultimate cruise resource.
I was about to experience an utterly modern luxury voyage that
had a touch of timeless romance from another century, thanks to
the sails that billowed above us. Boarding Wind Star in Bridgetown,
Barbados, was just the start of a cruise that would take us through
the Panama Canal, out into the blue Pacific and all the way to
Costa Rica on the central American mainland.
We would be travelling through some of the most idyllic seascapes
in the world, and our ship was perfectly designed to make the most
of the setting. The Windstar fleet includes three sailing ships and a
luxury yacht reflecting the company’s signature style of effortless,
casual elegance. Windstar vessels are large enough to pamper and
entertain yourself, yet small enough to tuck into the delightful tiny
harbours and hidden coves that others just can’t reach.
These graceful sailing ships prefer to use prevailing trade winds as
their energy source. You can experience the thrill of billowing white
sails as you relax on the polished teak deck. All ships feature a water
sports platform so you can make a splash with the complimentary
toys or simply unwind with a relaxing massage or spa treatment.
My beautiful outside stateroom was designed to impress with
plush furnishings and opulent accessories. The bathroom featured
granite counter tops and l’Occitane bath products.
From the moment you step onboard a Windstar ship you are met
by the respectful and friendly crew, who have in-depth training and
52 53Your ultimate cruise resource.
pride themselves on recognising you very soon after embarkation.
They seem to have telepathic powers to discern your needs before
you even voice them.
This friendly and communicative attitude stretches all the way to
the top. There is an open bridge policy and you are welcome to
visit and look over charts with the Captain, or just have a chat.
The casually elegant style of Windstar is reflected in everything
from the dining venues to each luxurious suite. I felt pampered
without pretense. The environment onboard is designed to foster
private relaxation and convivial friendships.
Our ports of call were enticing. Barbados was the perfect starting
point, with its white sand beaches and protective coral reefs. Just
60km from one end to the other, this pint-size paradise seduces you
with rum punch and snorkelling. Despite the beaches and palms,
it’s no desert island – nightclubs and rum shops create something of
a party ambience.
Costa Rica, at the other end of our journey, was a fascinating
contrast. Renowned for its progressive policies on the environment
and human rights, this tiny Latin American state boasts verdant
national parks and colourful wildlife. If you’ve always had a craving
to see the psychedelic plumage of a macaw or hear the high-decibel
hooting of a howler monkey, Costa Rica is the ideal destination.
Peaceful and relatively well-developed, it’s a great introduction
to Latin America.
A favourite memory is sailing through the Panama Canal. We
stayed on deck most of the day, which was very hot and humid.
The crew served orange halves filled with sorbet and sprayed us
with cool water to keep us fresh. Other magical moments included
deck barbecues followed by music and dancing under the stars.
Gliding through tropical waters, seeing incredible sights and being
looked after by a most thoughtful crew. Does it get any better
than this?
For more information: www.windstarcruises.com
Windstar Ocean View Stateroom
54 Your ultimate cruise resource. 54 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Caribbean cruisingMed-style
54 55Your ultimate cruise resource. 54 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Any cruise line that’s earned its stripes in the Mediterranean
clearly knows a lot about cruise holidays. After all, you don’t achieve
success in the sunny heartland of cruising without running a pretty
smart operation.
And then when you venture into other waters – such as the
Caribbean – you can bring a little of that European esprit to the
world’s other great nautical playground.
As a family-owned cruise line with a strong European provenance,
MSC Cruises certainly lives up to expectations. The company’s
heritage shines through in the elegant fusion of Italian and
Mediterranean fare served onboard – and it also makes its presence
felt in the onboard ambience. As they say, “the Mediterranean
cuisine is more than where we come from, it’s a spirit we take
with us wherever we sail. We believe that life should be measured
in moments, not minutes… and that every moment should be
savoured.”
Of course, an MSC Cruise isn’t just about ambience. With shopping
galleries, libraries, Internet cafes, theatre, cabaret, live music, casino,
4D cinema, mini golf, pools and Jacuzzis, there’s an abundance of
onboard facilities. If that’s not enough to keep you pampered, there’s
24-hour room service, beauty and medical treatments, a hair salon,
sports and spa and fitness centres on all MSC Cruise ships.
Families will find one feature particularly attractive. As a
family-owned cruise line, the company lets children under the age
of 18 cruise for free.
On four of the MSC vessels you can enjoy the world of MSC Yacht
Club: 71 suites in an exclusive area with butler services, your own
private pool and bar area, luxurious facilities and distinctive inclusions
that will enhance your cruise. This club-style, personalised service
includes exclusive check-in and check-out areas, and a private VIP
lounge at the forefront of the ship.
In the Caribbean, MSC offers regular departures from Miami and
Santo Domingo. Cruise itineraries take in the stunning variety of the
region, including Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cayman Islands
and Dominican Republic. Don’t forget, the Caribbean also offers
some enchanting destinations on the Central American mainland,
including the coastlines of Mexico and Honduras, where mysterious
Mayan ruins can be discovered. It’s no wonder this tropical region is
one of the world’s premier cruising destinations.
More and more people from Australia and New Zealand are
discovering the delights of Caribbean through cruising. MSC Cruises
has put together some stunning Fly/Land/Cruise packages, so all you
have to do is turn up at the airport with your passport and luggage.
For a once-in-a-life-time experience, MSC Divina will be embarking
on a Grand Voyage from Miami to Rome stopping in Bermuda, New
York, Portugal and Spain. The only problem may come when it’s time
to leave the luxurious surroundings of your MSC Cruise ship and come
home again.
For more information: www.msccruises.com
56 Your ultimate cruise resource.
The essence of Europe embodies every part of your experience onboard. MSC Cruises offers traditional local hospitality, ultra-modern facilities and both authentic Mediterranean and International cuisine. At MSC Cruises, the Mediterranean is more than where we come from, it’s a spirit we take with us wherever we sail.
56 57Your ultimate cruise resource.
TRAVEL ACCESSORIESFOR THE LUXURY TRAVELLER
Youmans The Classic Capsule
What is it? The ultimate presentation case that gives you
the confidence to seal the deal.
What makes it so special? Finely crafted in high-grade
aluminium with optional engraving and customizable inserts,
it is the perfect solution for
creatives and professionals
looking to exhibit their
artwork, plans and products
in a stunning display.
Where can you get it?
www.thekiwicollective.com
Price: NZ$940
Triumph&Disaster On The Road Travel Kit
What is it? A lightweight and compact travel kit
created in the spirit of a seasoned traveller.
What makes it so special? With a philosophy to
‘derive from nature and engineer with science’
you can ensure you’ll be clean faced, clean
shaven and well-prepared for
the path ahead, whatever it
may hold.
Where can you get it?
www.thekiwicollective.com
Price: NZ$60
Coast Vomo Messenger Bag
What is it? Inspired by the sea, this beautifully constructed bag from premium
waxed cotton and leather, with a padded interior will keep your laptop or
tablet safe, and has plenty of pockets for all your important stuff.
What makes it so special? The look is rugged and timeless with a finish that
will wear gracefully with use like a pair of your favourite shoes.
Where can you get it? www.thekiwicollective.com
Price: NZ$399
As strong supporters of up and coming New Zealand born brands, The Kiwi Collective offer an online platform that showcases exquisite, unique and innovative high quality products. All content is freshly picked to ensure that The Kiwi Collective content has one thing in common – exceptional taste.
Under the Sun Hudson Sunglasses
What is it? A modern boxed-out take on the classic Aviator
styled frame, with origins from the late 80s from famous
European brands like Marwitz and Cazal.
What makes it so special? Eco-friendly sunglasses
handcrafted from Bamboo. Due to the nature of the wood,
every pair is unique. All of Under the Sun’s sunglasses are
100% recyclable and/or biodegradable.
Where can you get it? www.thekiwicollective.com
Price: NZ$140
58 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
The world’s biggest ocean is also one of the most attractive
regions for cruising. The scope here is epic – from trans-oceanic
crossings to boutique cruises amongst the island groups
of Polynesia or the lesser-visited parts of Australia. Here’s a
selection to get your mouth watering nicely.
If you’re a first time cruiser, try a winter escape from Sydney or
Auckland up to the islands. There’s nothing quite like sighting
that first palm-fringed beach a few days after departing your
rain-swept hometown. Alternatively, you could indulge your
appetite for exploration with a cruise that weaves through the
Great Barrier Reef or takes you to the little visited wonders of
Australia’s top end.
Don’t overlook the magnificent fjords of New Zealand’s South
Island – as with their counterparts in Norway and Alaska, these
are best appreciated from the sea. At the other end of the
Pacific, a Hawai’ian or Galápagos Island cruise could be the
experience of a lifetime.
South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand
Island Escape’s helicopter over the islands of Vanuatu
58 59Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
by Island EscapeVanuatu
Story: Dr John Walker
The Island Passage is a modern and luxurious 42-metre long Catamaran operated
by Island Escape, catering for up to 24 people who want a holiday experience that
offers a sense of adventure. My wife and I have made several week-long trips with
Island Escape, which include Vanuatu, exploring the Bay of Islands and Fiordland
National Park in New Zealand. All of these we have enjoyed very much, so much so
that we have now become known as regulars.
60 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
One usually boards the boat in the early afternoon, where
we are welcomed individually by a friendly crew member,
who then takes care of our luggage and shows us to cabin
‘Motutapu’ on the promenade deck. The cabin interiors
are all wood-panelled with large windows and great views,
equipped with individual bedside reading lights and a private
en suite. An important feature of the Island Passage is that she
has a desalination plant converting seawater into an unlimited
amount of fresh water during the cruise.
It is then time for a relaxing cup of tea and a chance to
meet up with fellow passengers onboard as we cast off
and head for our first night’s anchorage. We enjoyed the
Captain’s welcome cocktail party where he introduces his
crew, explains the shipboard routines and outlines the week’s
forthcoming activities.
Island Passage has two decks. The Main Deck includes
a spacious and beautifully wood-panelled saloon with
comfortable armchairs and settees, a well-stocked bar and an
interesting library. It also features two beautiful twelve seater
dining tables where we will enjoy some of the most amazing
meals. At the stern, there is a large semi-open area known as
‘The Terrace’ with lounger chairs and a large barbecue for the
fish we hope to catch during our voyage. It’s an ideal place
to take in a sunset or enjoy a convivial pre-dinner drink. Most
days we enjoyed an alfresco lunch out in this area.
The upper Bridge Deck is where the large helipad is located
for any late arrivals or early departing passengers. During the
cruise guests can also arrange a scenic helicopter flight. One
of our favourite things about travelling on the Island Passage is
the ‘open bridge’ area at the bow, where guests are welcome
to chat to the Officer on watch and monitor the ship’s progress
on the radar.
Another special feature of Island Escape’s voyages is that
there is always a great spirit of adventure on their trips. This
is facilitated by the availability of kayaks and snorkelling gear
for the slightly more adventurous and fishing off the ship’s
stern or out in one of the ship’s three tenders. We thoroughly
enjoyed exploring ashore. The boats and landing craft are
easy to board with a drop-down, front-bow door to facilitate
beach landings.
Last but not least is the cuisine, which is always excellent and
imaginative. For us, an extra nice detail was the fresh fruit
readily available. Nibbles were served every evening with pre-
dinner drinks and on most nights followed by a slightly more
formal three-course dinner in the Anchorage Saloon area.
We have found cruising with Island Escape to be very enjoyable
and hence we’re looking forward to our next adventure later
in the year cruising Tasman Bay and d’Urville Island in the
lovely Reinga Cabin on the Bridge Deck. Bon voyage!
For more information: www.islandescapecruises.com
60 61Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
62 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Piano Bar, Royal Clipper Atrium
62 63Your ultimate cruise resource.
Story: Trish Ryder
SailWith Star Clippers
64 Your ultimate cruise resource.
The islands of Tahiti – now there’s a destination to set the
imagination racing. Are you visualising romantic atolls, cloud-
tipped peaks and impossibly beautiful seascapes?
Now imagine you’re traversing this idyllic island group in the
ultimate romantic sailing vessel – a five-masted tall ship. That was
the adventure that my family (two adults and two teenage
girls) enjoyed.
We were travelling through French Polynesia on Royal Clipper,
one of Star Clippers’ fleet of luxury sailing ships. It wouldn’t be
quite right to call them cruise ships but they are certainly a stylish
way to travel. With a fully rigged sailing design, the Star Clippers’
fleet uses the wind whenever possible. State-of-the-art modern
equipment is on hand too, but the whole experience is quite
different from the typical cruise ship.
With wind as the main power source, itineraries are focused
around ports of call with minimal distance in between. You will
often find Star Clippers’ ships based in areas like the Caribbean
and the Mediterranean. The fleet can visit ports where large ships
are unable to go, and there’s a lack of rigid scheduling that allows
you to call into secluded coves and islands away from the usual
sea lanes.
As you’d expect, there’s a more intimate atmosphere onboard.
The bridge is always open and the Captain and crew have a lot
of interaction with passengers. They also try and give you an
amazing photo opportunity on most voyages, which is the sight
of your ship under full sail. They do this using the tenders and it
really is a memorable sight. Try not to miss it.
Adding to the nautical ambience, the Captain holds an
informative daily briefing on the deck. You are encouraged to
participate in the sailing process, whether it be climbing the
rigging to the crow’s nest, peering over the Captain’s shoulder
as he plots the course, or helping crew members tying knots.
Another highlight is relaxing in the bow net with a good book.
Try doing that on a usual cruise ship.
The Star Clippers’ ships are compact and elegant but they’re by
no means cramped. The Royal Clipper boasts three pools while
the Star Clipper and Star Flyer have two pools each. As you can
imagine, a lot of time was spent up on the sun deck, either in the
pool or gathered around the indoor/outdoor tropical bar.
Step below decks and the nautical theme continues. The interiors
are traditionally nautical in décor and the cabins are a little
more compact than their equivalents on traditional cruise ships,
depending on the category. Speaking personally, I loved all the
teak decks, varnished wood and brass fittings. Everything is
immaculately maintained.
Star Clippers have taken care to fit out their fleet with some
enchanting extras to make the voyage more memorable. Royal
Clipper comes complete with a 24-hour butler service, an atrium
stretching three decks (the ceiling of which is the glass bottom of
the largest of the ship’s three swimming pools), a piano lounge,
grand spiral staircase, shops, library and a water sports platform
at the stern. There’s also the Captain Nemo Club at the bottom of
the ship, which has underwater viewing portholes, a spa health
club, hairdressing salon and lounge.
Star Clippers are what you might describe as ‘soft adventure.’
They could be the ideal choice if you wouldn’t consider a
traditional cruise ship, or perhaps if you’re a bit of a sailing
enthusiast. Our teenage daughters loved the whole experience
and so did everyone else we encountered onboard. As a novel
way to explore an exotic destination while still enjoying a touch of
luxury, it was hard to beat.
For more information: www.starclippers.com
Note: Star Clippers no longer sail in Tahiti, however you can
experience them in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Cuba, Panama
Canal and on Ocean Crossings.
64 65Your ultimate cruise resource.
100% Fijian, 1000% more funBoutique small ship exploration of Fiji’s stunning Yasawa Islands
Take a boutique cruise of exploration amongst
Fiji’s mystical Yasawa Islands. With itineraries
specifically designed to keep you active and
engaged, there’s snorkelling, diving, swimming
with sharks and manta rays, guided hiking and
visiting sacred caves, uninhabited islands and
island villages. Just 34 cabins Fiji Princess is
like your own floating boutique hotel with its
own private beach. A different day, a different
bay. Same exquisite service. Same friendly
smiles. Small enough to care, big enough to go
anywhere. By selecting our 4 or 7 night cruise,
you’ll swim in the world famous Blue Lagoon.
Your perfect cruising holiday.
Invigorate and rejuvenate / [email protected] / bluelagooncruises.com
Relax in the on-board Senikai
Spa, cocktail bar, sun lounger,
or the next beautiful beach.
Dine under the stars...
your vessel awaits, tied to the
gently swaying coconut palms.
Visit some of the most secret
places only accessible by
small ship. Untouched Fiji.
100% Fijian crew, experience
hospitality from the friendliest
people in the world.
BLC
4811
66 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Boutique hotels can be wonderful places to stay. At
their best, they offer a unique brand of personalised
service and the feeling that you’re staying with a select
group of people.
Boutique cruising has something of the same appeal –
with the added advantage that your hotel is moving to
a delightful new location every day.
We had booked ourselves a holiday in one of the
loveliest parts of the Pacific, the Yasawa Islands off the
coast of Fiji’s main islands. Instead of staying in
a busy resort we were comfortably ensconced
onboard a small cruise boat, the Fiji Princess,
operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises. It was a chance to
enjoy seclusion and visit some beautiful islands far
from the madding crowd.
The Fiji Princess specialises in taking small groups to
handpicked locations, often deserted beaches with
coconut palms. You can take the tender ashore and
live out your desert island fantasy, only returning to
the boat when it’s time to eat, rest or leave.
BlueLagoonCruises
Story: Philip Martin
66 67Your ultimate cruise resource.
With just 68 passengers onboard, the ambience
was family-friendly and relaxed, in true Fijian style,
while the two-to-one passenger to staff ratio
meant we were soon on first name terms with the
crew (and they with us).
Most days featured going ashore, snorkelling,
swimming or scuba diving. We could join in or just
stay onboard and enjoy some stunning views of the
Yasawas. Either way, we felt we were in paradise.
One excursion you won’t want to miss is a Sunday
church service at a local village. The singing is
simply incredible and the local people treat you
like a long lost friend. Giggling children want to
have their photos taken with you, and the whole
experience is a welcome reminder that Fiji offers so
much more than manicured resorts.
Traditional cruises call for a few formal outfits to
wear during evening meals and special events. As
you’d expect, this isn’t the case with a cruise ship
such as the Fiji Princess.
While the first night onboard featured a beautifully
presented à la carte dinner, the rest of the voyage
was strictly buffet and there was always plenty to
eat. Unsurprisingly, black ties and evening gowns
were not required.
Entertainment was laid on every night, or you could
simply sit on the deck and enjoy the tranquillity of a
warm, tropical evening. Good things can definitely
come in small packages.
For more information: www.bluelagooncruises.com
Note: Blue Lagoon Cruises offer a selection
of cruises that welcome children and families
onboard. See their schedule for details.
68 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Many of the world’s most enchanting cities and landscapes lie far from the ocean’s edge.
They’re strung along the world’s great rivers, like jewels on a necklace, and the way to access
these treasures is via a river cruise.
If you want to glide past the temples of the Nile, cruise to Vienna or explore the jungles of
the Amazon, you’ll need to book a stateroom on a ship. This style of cruising is becoming
increasingly popular as travellers realise they can enjoy all the advantages of cruising while
visiting destinations far inland.
Europe is the spiritual home of the river cruise with well-travelled routes up the Rhine, Seine
and Danube, as well as charming canal boating opportunities in France and the UK. Venture
into Russia and you can access the historic heart of the country via the Volga and a network of
impressive canals. River cruising is also the time-honoured way to experience the splendours
of ancient Egypt. China’s Yangtze, North America’s Mississippi and South America’s Amazon
are other waterways that offer fabulous river cruising experiences.
Riverboats tend to be lower and smaller as they need to travel under bridges and navigate
through locks. On the plus side, it’s usually a calmer experience with none of the pitching and
rolling that can affect even the most well-appointed oceangoing cruise ship. You can expect
an itinerary full of city, town and village stops, with a wide variety of excursions.
The true appeal of the river cruise is the way it can take you into the heart of a landscape
while offering you the comfort of a luxury stateroom and a well-organised itinerary. Every day
is different but you don’t have to worry about taxis, trains and airport connections. Just relax
and enjoy the ever-changing show.
River Cruises
68 69Your ultimate cruise resource.
ExploringRiversEurope’s
This was going to be my first ever river cruise. I had some preconceived ideas
about what to expect. Needless to say, these changed over the course of the
week. We boarded early in the German town of Passau after taking an easy
2-hour train ride from Munich. Even though we were almost the first to board,
a light lunch and refreshments were waiting for us. Our bags were whisked
away as expected and the next time we saw them, they were safely stowed in
our lovely staterooms.
Story: Jacqueline Unsworth
70 Your ultimate cruise resource.
On first impression, Uniworld’s River Beatrice
seemed small, but then I had been on Royal
Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, so anything
seems small after that. It did not take long
though for me to feel very much at home
and comfortable in the space of a river
cruise ship. In fact, I came to really enjoy the
intimacy of the vessel, but more on that later.
River Beatrice is by no means a minimalist’s
dream, she is opulently decorated and really
rather fancy.
Upon boarding, entry is via the reception
area, which is a bright and light lobby with
staircases leading up and down. Downwards
leads to the self-service laundry, a small gym
and a massage treatment room, which I can
highly recommend.
On the same deck as the reception are the
staterooms, decorated in a lovely shade of
blue with French balconies – very heavenly.
Forward of reception is the stunning
restaurant dining room – all decorated in
white French style chairs and tables. Delicious!
Almost all meals are served here. Breakfast
and lunch is buffet style and there is plenty
to choose from, including homemade ice
cream (I am so missing the ice cream), a pasta
chef, salads, soups and local specialty food to
enhance the experience of travelling through
Europe. Dinner is served à la carte but if there
is nothing on the menu to your liking then
just ask and they will gladly accommodate,
all with a twinkle and a smile. Wine and beer
are included with dinner and are always in
generous supply.
The alternative area for fine dining is the
Captain’s Lounge, which is open a few times
a week and a fabulous experience. There is
no additional charge for this, you just need
to book early through reception. Located on
the deck above the restaurant, the Captain’s
Lounge also serves a light early bird breakfast.
However, I don’t think I experienced that little
facility as was more of a late riser – jet lag you
see! Also located in the Captains Lounge is an
Internet station.
On the deck just above reception and the
restaurant there is the main lounge where
everything happens including entertainment,
Champagne sipping, afternoon tea, dancing
and port talks. It is a hive of activity and richly
decorated in reds and greens. You can relax
in here and watch the world float by as you
cruise. I do seem to recall spending a few
evenings there sampling the wine, all in the
name of research of course!
Then one more deck up and there is the most
fabulous sun-deck spanning one end of the
ship to the other, with the bridge two thirds
of the way forward. There are lovely sun
loungers, shaded areas, chairs and tables for
enjoying the sunshine and views. This deck
was well utilised and I have to say that on days
when you are scenic cruising, you want to be
up here to view both sides of the river.
As a special treat one day while scenic
cruising from one gorgeous spot to another,
the staff organised lunch on the sun deck. It
was burger heaven nicely finished off with a
good German beer – does it get any better?
The included sightseeing tours were excellent
and very informative. We went off in groups of
around 30 guests with your VOX (an earpiece
system that allows you to listen to the guide
up to 200-metres away). So, if you happen
70 71Your ultimate cruise resource.
to go in to that shop to buy something, you
can still hear what’s going on. Love it! Most
tours lasted around 2-3 hours and involved
gentle walking. We always had plenty of time
to explore on our own afterwards. Plus, in
some locations, you had a choice of tours. For
example in Vienna, we chose not to do the
city loop by coach but opted for a walking
and tasting tour of Vienna. This took us to
a traditional Viennese coffee house where
we ate the most incredible cakes, then ate
Viennese Sausage from a sausage stand, and
then on to a little bar for some Austrian wine.
Afterwards, we took the subway back to the
River Beatrice. Did I mention the cakes?
A river cruise is actually a lot more active
than I would have thought possible. One day
we took the bikes out for a spin and spent
1½ hours cycling along the Danube on a
pedestrian island. It was a fantastic thing to
do and we felt like locals – until we got lost ,
that is. Bless the bloke who had the presence
of mind to bring a map with us!
With all the walking and optional cycling
available, river cruising is very appealing for
those who like to be active. It is even possible
to get up and go for a run or walk first thing
in the morning – you just get off and away
you go. As for ages onboard, well that was
a surprise – what a mix! We had a couple of
family groups ranging in age from 20-60,
a few elderly mothers and daughters and
couples, mostly in their 60s.
And now for my stateroom – it was a delight.
Beautifully decorated in white and cream, with
a heavenly bed to relax in with marshmallow
-soft pillows. A good-sized bathroom with
l’Occitane products, huge wardrobe space
with plenty of hangers, drawers, shelves and
a full sized mirror to check the outfit! I could
not have asked for more. Oh and a French
balcony, which meant I often left my doors
open at night to hear the gentle lapping of
the Danube as we glided gently, gently along.
One of the things I loved most about taking
a river cruise was how we made very little
impact on wherever we went. We quietly
moored in each tiny town like Melk or
Durnstein, did our tour ashore, meandered off
to do our own thing, then gently went away
again. No thousands of people over-running
a town, no queues and minimal security.
We just walked on and off as we pleased. So
relaxed and so civilised!
Uniworld offer exceptional boutique cruises
with highly personalised service that’s well
deserving of its awards. Being one of only
146 guests, the crew get to know you pretty
quickly and really make this experience
of cruising in Europe even richer. They
remember details like your favourite choice of
French wine, that you take your coffee black
or you prefer two tea bags in your teapot
thanks. One thing that so impressed me was
on disembarkation day (we had a hideous
transfer time of 4am) and who was there to
say goodbye? None other than the Cruise
Director with a genuine hug to send us on
our way. What can I say? My preconceptions
have completely disappeared and I’m now
definitely a convert!
For more information:
www.uniworldcruises.com
72 Your ultimate cruise resource.
72 73Your ultimate cruise resource.
CruisingTheMississippi
Cruising “Old Man River” is not just a quintessential bucket list
experience; if you’re travelling on the American Queen, it is also a
glamorous way to explore the US heartland.
More than any other river in the United States, the mighty Mississippi
evokes the history and grandeur of a bygone age. It’s the fourth largest
river system, and the second longest river in the country, beginning at
Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, and flowing south through ten states
into the Gulf of Mexico.
Story: Joanna Hall
74 Your ultimate cruise resource.
The river gets its name from two Indian words, roughly translating
to ‘great water’. The Mississippi is also heralded as the most historical
cruising region of the United States, but along with the rest of the
country, it has seen hard times in recent years. It all began in 2005 with
the devastation of New Orleans at the hands of Hurricane Katrina, with
further woes to come after 2008 due to the Global Financial Crisis. You
can’t keep a good river down, however; Old Man River has recovered,
and cruising is back, thanks in part to the establishment of the Great
American Steamboat Company, and the launch of its flagship, the
glamorous American Queen.
Boarding the American Queen is akin to taking a step back in time,
when river boats were the preferred mode of transport in middle
America. Launched originally in 1995 for the now defunct Delta
Queen Steamboat Company, the ship was purpose built for cruising
the Mississippi, and is the largest paddle-wheeler in history. Stretching
just over 127-metres long, and nearly 28-metres wide, there is nothing
on the world’s waterways to compare to her.
The American Queen’s exterior styling is instantly captivating; an
elaborate Victorian styled and layered wedding cake of ornate white
filigree topped with two fluted smoke stacks, green wrap-around
decks and a bright red paddle wheel. Climb aboard and she continues
to stir up an array of the senses.
Before her re-launch in April 2012 the American Queen underwent a
major multi-million-dollar renovation, her Victorian styling continuing
throughout her interior décor. From the opulent Ladies’ Parlour,
complete with a whimsical ‘fainting couch’, to the elaborate opera-
house themed Grand Saloon, her design embraces the personality
of grand antebellum mansions; mahogany-panelled walls, ornate
chandeliers and antiques at every turn.
Yet there’s everything you’d expect onboard when it comes to
modern amenities; air-conditioning, WIFI, elevators connecting her
six decks and a chirpy, all-American crew oozing genuine Southern
hospitality. There are many inclusions in the fare, from complimentary
bottled water and soft drinks, to wines and beers at dinner, and hop-
on-hop-off tours in many ports of call. You can also leave your tuxedo
and evening gowns at home; the recommended dress code is simply
‘elegant attire’.
The American Queen carries 436 guests in 222 staterooms, ranging
from cosy interiors to spacious suites. Her accommodations also
possess plenty of old world personality, an alluring blend of the
historical and the whimsical, with polished wood, Victorian antiques
and tiled bathroom floors, and lavish touches such as Tiffany-style
lamps. Many staterooms open to common promenade decks through
French doors, while some have private balconies; single staterooms
were introduced in 2013 for solo travellers.
The celebrated Southern chef, Regina Charboneau, was hired to
oversee the American Queen’s culinary offerings, and her influence
is felt everywhere. The centrepiece venue is the opulent J.M. White
Dining Saloon. Dinner is a mouth watering menu of Charboneau
recipes; Corn and Shrimp Fritters, Pan-Seared Catfish with Black-Eyed
Pea Vinaigrette and Smoked Tomato Coulis and for dessert, Blackberry
Lemon Betty. Meanwhile the Front Porch Café has a 24-hour menu
of classic American favourites, the River Grill & Bar has views, grilled
fare and alfresco dining in the evenings, and should you be up late
and peckish, you can indulge in a light Moonlight Supper in the
Engine Room Bar.
Between ports of call, there is plenty to keep guests busy or not as they
choose on this ship. If it’s steamy outside, you can wile away the hours
reading in the Mark Twain Gallery, catch a show featuring a Glenn Miller
style band, enjoy a classic cocktail in the horseshoe shaped Calliope
Bar on the top deck, or listen to an informative lecture hosted by one
of the resident expert ‘riverlorians’. The American Queen also has a spa,
a gym and an outdoor pool for a refreshing dip.
Although travelling on the American Queen is an experience in itself,
the destinations she regularly visits are no less captivating. Besides the
enigmatic New Orleans, a highlight of the lower Mississippi is Baton
Rouge, the Louisiana capital. A seamless blend of past and present,
sights to enjoy include Louisiana’s ‘White House’ or the Old Governor’s
Mansion, St. Joseph’s Cathedral dating back to 1853, and a view of the
river from atop the State Capitol Building. There’s also Vicksburg, a
blend of Southern culture and heritage with modern-day attractions.
Meanwhile in the Upper Mississippi, St. Charles is the third-oldest city
west of the Mississippi River, with a formal Historic District of brick-
paved roads and sidewalks lined with boutiques, historic buildings
and lively restaurants and taverns. There’s also Alton, Illinois, dubbed
the most haunted city in America, where three great rivers converge;
the Mississippi, the Illinois and the Missouri. Finally there’s Dubuque in
Iowa, a charming river city, which breathes river lore.
To cruise on a paddle wheeler such as the American Queen is to enjoy
high nostalgia as well as explore the Mississippi on a grand scale. For
many travellers it’s a rite of passage capturing the very best of America’s
Deep South, and travelling on the ‘first lady’ of the Mississippi is a
wonderful way to do it comfortably and stylishly.
For more information: www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com
74 75Your ultimate cruise resource.
Verandah Suite
76 Your ultimate cruise resource.
with APTCruising
River Royal
APT’s Amareina in Durnstein
76 77Your ultimate cruise resource.
“Decadent, effortless and truly memorable”
could be the best way to describe a river
cruise experience on the waterways of Europe
offered by Australian Pacific Touring (APT).
Sumptuous accommodation is paired with
extraordinary cuisine and service along with
unravelling regal river views, making this one
of the most indulgent forms of river cruising
available. With over 20 years experience
operating a global fleet of 20 river ships, this
family-owned company has been instrumental
in changing the face of river cruising today.
Discerning travellers can choose from a
unique combination of exclusive sightseeing
options while enjoying preferential treatment
along the way. It is all about total indulgence.
You can relax knowing that the only thing
you’ll need in your pocket is your camera,
everything else is taken care of from meals
to gratuities, sightseeing to entertainment
and airport transfers. An experienced
Cruise Director is present for the entire
duration of your cruise to ensure that your
journey is seamless, hassle-free and, most
importantly, fun.
There is a certain style and elegance of a
boutique five-star hotel experience as you
drift along the waterways. From degustation
menus to casual fare, fine dining to room
service options, each river cruise presents a
variety of meal choices. APT is a member of one
of the world’s most influential gastronomic
societies, la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, so you can
expect to dine like royalty.
Each day, your ship will dock in the heart of an
iconic city or alongside tiny riverside villages.
Guests can disembark for a local guided
sightseeing experience and interact with local
people to learn more about each destination.
The popular Magnificent Europe River Cruise
unfolds over the course of 15 days from
Amsterdam to Budapest, stretching across five
countries along the Rhine, Main and Danube
rivers, stopping along the way to take in many
of the iconic attractions that Continental
Europe has to offer.
Three of the most unforgettable Signature
Experiences are available to those who
travel on select Royal Collection river cruises
in 2015: the ultimate private imperial rail
journey aboard the Majestic Imperator (APT’s
newest Signature Experience); Discover where
royalty rests its head at Namedy Castle; and
be entranced by a divine concert at the City
Palace in Vienna.
APT have also combined river cruising with
a selection of luxury land journeys through
destinations such as the UK, Turkey, Italy,
Croatia, France, Greece, Switzerland, the
Balkans and Eastern Europe. Conclude your
most unforgettable river journey with a
stopover in one of Europe’s most beautiful
cities. Award-winning river ships, exceptional
sightseeing, exquisite cuisine, attentive service
and stylish accommodation conspire to create
a simply unforgettable European experience.
For more information: www.aptouring.co.nz
78
Indulgent, relaxing and effortless, five-star
river cruising with APT offers a truly unforgettable
experience. Unpack only once and relax on board your
luxury floating hotel, as APT takes you right into the heart
of grand capital cities, quaint villages and historic towns.
ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURYP Included – APT’s exclusive Royal Invitations†:
Day trip on the opulent Majestic Imperator Train Tour and banquet at Germany’s Namedy Castle Classical concert from Mozart Boys Choir Members at Vienna’s City Palace
P Europe’s most luxurious river ships with exclusive Twin Balconies†
P Included – all sightseeing with expert local guides, with a choice of sightseeing options in selected locations
P Included – all tipping, transfers, Wi-Fi and port charges
P Included – all meals and beverages on your cruise^, with up to seven onboard dining experiences†
P Voted as the ‘Best Cruise Operator – International’ at the 2011 & 2013 National Travel Industry Awards
SPAINBarcelona
*Conditions apply. Prices are per person (PP) twin share. Prices are correct as at 28 April 2014 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers are not combinable, available on new bookings only and subject to availability. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Book by 31 October 2014, unless sold out prior. Prices based on EUMC15: 5 March 2015 (Cat. E) and EURC15: 5 November 2015 (Cat. E). Prices include port charges, gratuities and sundries. 1st non-refundable deposit of $1,000 pp is due within 7 days. 2nd deposit of $2,000 pp is due by 31 October 2014. Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. Flights are in economy class with Singapore Airlines (or an airline of APT’s choosing) Airfares are valid departing AKL/CHC/WLG. Subject to availability of airline and booking class. FLY FREE: Includes air taxes to the value of $250 pp. Fly Free offer valid on a selection of cruise/tours departing in 2015. Available all year round on selected departures in suite Category E & D. Available in all other suite categories for departures in March and October to December 2015. †Valid on selected itineraries and suites only. ^Complimentary beverages exclude French Champagne, premium spirits and selected wines. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 44 004 684 619 Lic. No. 30112 APT489
EUROPE RIVER
CRUISING
CALL 0800 525 303visit www.aptouring.co.nz/Europe2015
or see your travel agent
ORDER YOUR FREE BROCHURE AND DVD
AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST 15 DAY CRUISE FROM $8,775* PP
AMSTERDAM TO ARLES 15 DAY CRUISE FROM $10,545* PP
FLY FREE* INCLUDING TAXES
78 79Your ultimate cruise resource.
StyleFileFOR THE LUXURY TRAVELLERA new crossover style in men’s fashion has emerged called ‘Upper Casual’
that is well suited for ‘around the world’ cruising climates. The Ermenegildo
Zegna range is quintessential dress for men, using sumptuous
light weight, natural fibres such as Cashmere, Egyptian
Cotton, Merino Wool and Silk, for the ultimate
in looks and travel comfort.
‘Hard Graft’ Carry On Suitcase - Ocean. Perfect for short cruises and to take onboard flights. A soft suitcase reinforced in all the right places. Full über premium leather outer with an amazing and luxurious wool lining. It looks so cosy inside you’ll be jealous of your clothes. Available for international shipment at www.hardgraft.com
“ A cruise is a special event and men should make the effort to dress up and look their very best,” said John Mangham, Zegna Auckland Store Manager. To achieve this look, the traditional navy double-breasted blazer is replaced with a more contemporary looking single-breasted dark blue Zegna cashmere silk jacket. Contrasting camel Chino trousers look great teamed up with an Egyptian cotton blue and brown stripe, single cuff open neck shirt (no cuff links). Complete the look with a pair of lightweight loafers or Ryders in sand or blue suede, giving an elegantly casual appearance. Available at www.zegna.com
80 Your ultimate cruise resource. LAN.com LAN 09 3083352 Travel Agents 1800 558 129 CONTACT US: Like us /LAN
80 81Your ultimate cruise resource.
StyleFileFOR THE LUXURY TRAVELLER
For more information visit www.signaturestyle.co.nz
Leading Personal Stylist Jackie O’Fee from personal style consultancy,
Signature Style brings us her extensive fashion knowledge and expertise.
Surely one of the joys of cruising is unpacking only once! Still, you do
have to look stylish while arriving and departing. We showcase just what
you need to keep fit, as well as ‘glam it up’ while sailing the high seas.
A day at sea surely means a leisurely day relaxing by the pool. Add a pair of Glamdals to your bikini and kaftan combo to ensure you sail seamlessly into luxury cruising glamour. RRP NZ$49.
Give yourself a chance to break even in the onboard gym with this great workout gear from New Balance. Island Pack Trainers RRP NZ$150, Momentum Tank RRP NZ$45 and Fitted Short RRP NZ$50.
This gorgeous Normanby leather carry-all from Rodd & Gunn has just the right air of ‘World Traveller’ about it. RRP NZ$1099.
Take the hues of the ocean with you on-shore with these gorgeous turquoise pendant sets from Kagi Jewellery. Loyal Heart and Tassel Bracelet RRP NZ$273 and Drop Earrings RRP NZ$109.
For dinner at the Captains Table to daytime excursions ashore, you won’t need to take your whole makeup kit. Take everything you’ll need in one easy-peasy eyeshadow palette from Smashbox. Full Exposure Palette (includes mascara and eye-shape makeup charts) RRP NZ$129.
While the ship itself will no doubt offer many ‘hard-to-leave’ delights, the on-shore excursions are a total must. Look top-to-toe stylish while sightseeing or shopping in this gorgeous ensemble from Andrea Moore that will take you anywhere. Ruffle Diamond Top RRP NZ$198 and Kaleidoscope Skinny Pant RRP NZ$350. Mooi pony skin clutch RRP NZ$140.
82 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Once upon a time, going to sea was a true adventure. You boarded your ship, waved a teary
goodbye to your loved ones, and sailed over the horizon. The destinations varied but they all
involved a degree of adventure.
Modern technology has shrunk the world, and modern cruise ships have taken the hardship out of
oceanic voyages. But there’s still a subset of cruising that majors on discovery. Expeditions to the less
visited parts of the globe offer you the chance to encounter nature in all its awesome majesty. Taking
one of these cruises can be a life-changing experience.
Typically, these expeditions involve heading towards the polar latitudes or remote island groups.
Instead of tourist-clogged ports and historic monuments you’ll be confronted with icy fjords and
sunstruck archipelagos. There’s something uniquely touching about seeing nature go about its
business with minimal interference from humans. Whether it’s the brown bears of Alaska or the giant
tortoises of the Galápagos, your expedition cruise will provide plenty of close encounters with nature.
Closer to home, the islands of Vanuatu or the Solomons offer fantastic opportunities for diving, whale
watching and cultural discovery. The almost uninhabited Kimberley region of northwestern Australia
is another stunning destination for those who want to experience nature in the raw. Imagine seeing
an ancient Aboriginal rock art gallery one day, taking a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle ranges
the next, and hopping in a Zodiac inflatable the day after for an afternoon’s crocodile watching.
Adventure may be the prime focus but that doesn’t mean you’ll be roughing it. On an expedition
cruise you travel in purpose-built ships that marry high-tech reliability with a surprising degree of
comfort. Cabins are generally spacious, while some options come with gorgeous balcony spaces
that turn the ever-changing scenery into a nonstop panorama. To provide easy access to remote
waterways, most expedition vessels are built on nimbler lines than the standard cruise ship. What you
lose in onboard discos you more than make up for in natural scenery.
With their emphasis on discovery and activity, expedition cruises can make for an ideal family holiday.
Cruising the waters of the Antarctic or exploring the Galápagos Islands is no less of a treat than
hanging out at a resort – and considerably more educational. You may find that teenagers,
young children and extended family all return from such a cruise with a new appreciation
of the world’s wonders.
Expedition Cruises
82 83Your ultimate cruise resource.
As you’d expect from a reptile weighing up to 250kg, giant tortoises are slow movers.
Were it not for two dark beady eyes glaring at me from beneath an oversized shell, I
might just as well be watching a boulder. Bringing up the rear during a shore excursion,
I plonk myself down a few metres from this extraordinary creature the size of a washing
machine, mesmerised. Seriously endangered, less than 20,000 giant tortoises remain in
the Galápagos Islands. Centenarian Lonesome George became the environmental poster
child for the archipelago before passing away in 2012.
Lindblad Expeditions
Story: Fiona Harper
84 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Far enough away from civilisation, anticipation accumulates during
the two-hour flight from Quito, like lip-smacking layers upon a newly
iced chocolate cake. Straddling the Equator about 1000km west of
Ecuador, flying low on approach to Baltra Island, islands eventually
emerge from the Pacific Ocean. Disembarking at Seymour Airport on
the flat featureless island, I notice beyond the airstrip prickly pear cactus
and a few random trees poking above scrawny salt bush. The sky is
leaden grey while a cool wind whips tendrils of hair about my face.
Devoid of the usual suspects you’d find on an island in the tropics, the
archipelago’s charm is not immediately obvious.
I’m not the only one initially uninspired by these isolated, yet ultimately
enchanting, islands. Visiting in 1835 as a self-funded supernumerary
onboard the Beagle, 23 year old naturalist Charles Darwin was
underwhelmed, noting that ‘the black rocks heated by rays of vertical
light give the air a close sultry feeling. The plants smell unpleasantly.’
Inspiration and revelation came later. He went on to change forever our
view of the world, publishing his theory of evolution in The Origin of
the Species by Means of Natural Selection.
With so much splendid reading material available, my fellow voyagers
are a knowledgeable lot, well-read in anticipation of a ‘once in a lifetime’
adventure. The excitement in the air is palpable as we board National
Geographic Endeavour. Within hours of boarding our small expedition
ship any reservations are dispelled.
Donning a mask, snorkel and wet suit before sliding off the Zodiac and
into the Pacific Ocean, I drop into a mercurial marine ballet as a pair of
sea lions elegantly swoosh and twist their honey-hued bodies around
me. I resist the urge to stroke the pelt as they glide past close enough
that I’m drawn into their slipstream. Enormous brown unblinking
eyes melt my heart. Slivers of sunlight pierce the surface, striking the
carapace of a green turtle nearby picking at kelp swaying in the current.
Images courtesy of Fiona Harper and Lindblad
Marine Iguanas, image: Fiona Harper
84 85Your ultimate cruise resource.
Cheeky penguins buzz my mask, flitting past
swiftly in a blur of ascending bubbles left in
their wake. They return relentlessly to offer
me a lingering look at tiny pert bodies as they
dart hither and thither. Iridescent rainbow-
hued fish school in perfectly timed formation,
change course as if orchestrated by an unseen
choreographer directing from stage left. The
webbed feet of a pair of flightless cormorants
dangle in my line of view.
Further afield, Blue Footed Boobies are
dive bombing the sea for fish, their bodies
streamlined into piercing arrows, vibrant blue
feet tucked into their underbellies. With so
much going on, and despite the chill in the
water, it is the most extraordinary 30-minutes
of snorkelling I’ve ever experienced. It turns
out to be fairly typical of each deep water
snorkelling expedition.
Lindblad Expeditions partners with National
Geographic to offer guests an extraordinary
opportunity exploring a delicate ecosystem.
Two different itineraries explore different
islands, though both include a momentous
Equator crossing. The National Geographic
Endeavour carries 96 guests in expedition style
comfort with good-sized cabins serviced twice
daily. Most of the action takes place on Veranda
Deck with the Lounge doubling as a lecture
theatre, with large screens showing videos
and slides. It’s the main socialising area with
comfy sofas and a bar manned by obliging
staff. Outdoors is a swimming pool surrounded
by deck chairs. The Bridge Deck has plenty of
distractions when the ship is moving between
islands with an extensively stocked library,
gym, sauna, spa treatments and sun deck.
Meals tend to have an Ecuadorian flare, as do
the crew in fact, who are proud Ecuadorians
keen to share their country’s fine attractions
with visitors.
Shore excursions and onboard lectures keep
the 100-odd guests entertained as well as
subtly educated on the archipelago’s unique
ecology. To say the wildlife is exceptional is
an understatement in the realm of declaring
the moon to be far away. Marine iguanas for
example, are found nowhere else on the planet.
They’re also butt ugly. Darwin described them
as ‘hideous looking’. He was spot on. Proving
however that beauty is ultimately irrelevant,
they’re also rather fascinating in a reptilian way.
Congregating in large colonies known as a
mess of iguanas, they’d be right at home on
the set of a Mad Max movie. With smashed in
snouts concealing razor sharp teeth, heavily
lidded eyes, a spiky dorsal ridge atop fat bellies
covered in charcoal coloured scales, pretty
they’re not. They’re not nearly as fierce as they
look though. Unique ecological adaptations
allow them to move comfortably between
land and sea, surviving on marine algae but
spending most of their time prostrate and
unmoving in the sun.
We step over lazing iguanas, around sassy
sea lions and immobile giant tortoises, tiptoe
past regal birds of prey and linger and laugh
at foot-stomping dancing boobies each time
we venture ashore. Sea lion pups a few weeks
old romp in a tidal pool, a green turtle basks
on inky black lava flows while scarlet coloured
Sally Lightfoot crabs poke around crevices.
They hold no fear of humans, so that it’s possible
to sit in one spot amidst an endless vista of
wildlife. The entire archipelago is protected
under strict environmental control promoting
tourism while providing sustainable income
for the 30,000 or so locals. Heavily focused on
protecting and preserving while showcasing
this fragile environment, Lindblad Expeditions
founder Lars-Eric Lindblad emphasises, “we
have a duty to pass the planet along to future
generations in as unspoiled way as possible.”
So far that vision appears to be successful,
offering visitors a rare opportunity into a world
little changed through the centuries. This then
is the true charm of the Galápagos Islands.
For more information: www.expeditions.com
8686 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Cruise holidays are growing in popularity every year, so it’s hardly
surprising that the more adventurous operators are looking beyond
the well-churned waters of the Mediterranean, Caribbean and
Pacific. Steering through unfamiliar oceans and putting into new
ports can bring back a sense of adventure to the most seasoned
traveller. Here are some of the emerging destinations you might
consider exploring in 2014.
Vietnam and CambodiaImagine taking a luxury cruise through some of the most beautiful
scenery in the world. You could depart from historic Hanoi, hop down the
coastline to world-famous Ha Long Bay, experience the hustle and bustle
of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and then board a river cruiser for a journey
up the mighty Mekong. Travelling upstream you’ll arrive in tranquil,
fascinating Cambodia, with Lake Tonle Sap and the wonders of Angkor
Wat to explore. So much of life is lived close to – and even on – the water
here. Visit rural villages, floating markets, ancient temples and a Buddhist
monastery or two.
This part of the world is a mecca for food lovers, too. Make sure you
take time to savour the tastes of South East Asia, and maybe even take a
cooking class or two.
The new frontiers of cruising
Story: Ben Chandler
86 87Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 86
Clockwise from top left: Terraced houses in Porto; The town of Porto on the Douro River; Angkor Wat, Cambodia
8888 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
88 89Your ultimate cruise resource. 88
Mississippi RiverAnyone brought up on the stories of Mark Twain knows
about the vivid history of riverboat travel on the North
America’s mightiest waterway. The good news is that
paddle steamers didn’t die out in the 19th Century. You
can still cruise the Mississippi on these romantic riverboats,
without the old-time ambience of whisky, gun fights and
gambling that first made this region famous.
Imagine starting in New Orleans, with its clubs and Creole
ambience, then cruising upstream to storied destinations
such as Memphis and Nashville. Indulge your love of Jazz,
Blues and Country music in the places where it sprang
from. Unforgettable.
Arabian GulfPeople have been voyaging through these waters since
prehistoric times, and the occasional dhow sailing ship
can still be sighted. The appeal here is crystalline waters,
endless sunshine and a breathtaking mélange of tradition
and modernity. From the historic forts of Oman to the
stunning skyscrapers of Dubai, you’ll find the Gulf is
packed with new sights and experiences.
New Zealanders and Australians have become used to
travelling with airlines that use Dubai and other Gulf cities
as their hubs. Many holidaymakers have also discovered
the delights of a stopover in these glittering destinations.
Now’s the time to take the next step, and board a ship that
lets you discover the region as previous generations did –
from the sea.
Rivers of Portugal and SpainThe Rhine is fine and the Danube is dandy, but there’s a
lot more to river cruising than these two great waterways.
How about indulging your passion for food, history and
culture on one of Europe’s less frequented rivers, the
Douro in northern Portugal and Spain? Your luxury river
journey could depart from the historic town of Porto, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here you’ll meander
past terraced hills, gorgeous villages and kilometre after
kilometre of vineyards, busy ripening the grapes that go
into the world’s most famous fortified wine.
France is another appealing destination for the river
cruise devotee who fancies something a little different.
Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, check out the
cruise options on the Amazon, Mekong and Yangtze.
There are some beautifully appointed ships traversing
these waterways, so you won’t be roughing it, but you’ll
certainly be experiencing sights a world away from the
typical cruise.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai
90
Story: Bonita Burnett
Clockwise from top left: MSC Vertigo; Disney Cruises’ Aquaduck; Royal Caribbean climbing wall; Blue Man Group aboard Norwegian Cruise Line; Royal Caribbean Flow Rider; Disney Cruises’ character experience
90 91Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Thebigblue
Clockwise from top left: Celebrity Cruises’ grass lawn; Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic Plunge; Royal Caribbean’s Northstar Antenna; Carnival Cruise Line’s SportSquare; Disney Cruises’ iconic characters
92 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Often referred to as floating hotels,
cruise ships now offer everything you
could imagine plus more. And with
competition fierce to be bigger, better
and more impressive than the next ship,
once onboard you’ll undoubtedly be
spoilt for choice. Here’s a list of some
of the best offerings at the moment.
Shopping
Cunard Queen Elizabeth Royal Arcade: A cluster of several shops selling goods connected with traditional and modern-day Britain including Fortnum & Mason, Hackett and Penhaligan’s.
Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas Royal Promenade: Enjoy eight retail outlets selling everything from logo items to fine jewellery, perfume and cosmetics, and clothing brands that include Betsey Johnson, Kenneth Cole and Marc Jacobs.
Entertainment
Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Chicago: Based on the Broadway hit, this 90-minute version of the musical has been very well-received.
Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
Hairspray: Winner of eight Tony Awards,
another great Broadway hit to catch on at sea.
NCL Norwegian Epic
Cirque Dreams and Dinner: Set in a specially
designed two-level Spiegel Tent, this comedy
and specialty circus-type act is mixed in with
jaw-dropping acrobatics.
NCL Norwegian Epic
Blue Man Group: An interesting mix of
comedy, music and multimedia, this one
includes some audience participation.
Activities Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
Zipline: Suspended nine decks in the air, this
thrill you won’t find on any other cruise line.
Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas
Rock-climbing wall: At 14-metres high, these
walls are certainly not for the faint-hearted.
Carnival Cruise Line (on selected ships)
Sky Course: A vertigo-inducing rope course
that is part of Carnival’s massive outdoor
recreation area called ‘SportSquare’.
Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas The North Star: Step into the glass observation capsule and enjoy the 360° view while suspended over 90-metres above the ocean.
Royal Caribbean Quantum Class RipCord by iFly: Flying while on a ship – now that has to be tried.
P&O Pacific Jewel (other ships, 2014) Edge: The largest adventure program at sea including flying fox, bungee tramp and rope courses, among other exciting thrills.
Princess Cruises Regal Princess Sea Walk: From May 2014, guests will be able to take a walk 39-metres above the ocean along a glass-bottomed walkway that extends more than 8-metres out beyond the edge of the ship.
Princess Cruises (on most ships) Ultimate Ship Tour: A cruise industry first, get an exclusive glimpse at the behind-the-scenes action that will allow you to explore the areas typically only seen by the ship’s crew, and then finish off on the bridge of the ship to meet the Captain!
Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas
92 93Your ultimate cruise resource.
Water Fun
Disney Cruise Line Disney Dream Aqua Duck: Described by the line as cruising’s first ‘watercoaster’, its clearly visible 45-metres above the ocean and atop the ship.
Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas FlowRider: Surfers and onlookers alike will enjoy this 12-metre long surf simulator, for waves without leaving the ship.
MSC Preziosa Waterslides: At 120-metres, ‘Vertigo’ is the longest water slide at sea and includes a 9-metre long transparent stretch over the edge of the ship.
Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas 21 pools and hot tubs: And don’t forget the AquaTheatre that is over nine metres deep.
NCL Norwegian Breakaway Aqua Park and water slides: Big and small kids alike will love these five multistory waterslides, including ‘Free Fall’, the fastest drop slide.
Carnival Sunshine Speedway Splash: With its hundreds of feet
of racing action and special lighting effects, this is just the thing for the adrenalin junkies on the hunt for speed.
Stuff for Kids
Royal Caribbean (on select cruises) Barbie Dream Cruise: This is every little girl’s dream complete with fun, fashion and runway moments.
Royal Caribbean (on select cruises) Dreamworks Experience: Set sail with the gang from Madagascar and other favourite Dreamworks characters.
Crystal Cruises Cookie baking class: A special daily newsletter lets littlies know what’s happening that day and who would say no to a cookie baking class? Or a pyjama party? Or even a scavenger hunt?
Disney Cruise Line Any sailing! Not actually an activity but since all their ships are regularly voted as number one in several categories, this is a family cruise not to be missed. The kids will be blown away with everything Disney, and parents will relish
some much-needed downtime in some very
enjoyable surroundings.
For the Adults
Celebrity Solstice
Picnic on the lawn: This picnic is served on
a patch of real grass. The ship even carries
lawn mowers to keep this at-sea exclusive
up to scratch. Pop on up to putt a few golf
balls, play bocce or sprawl out for an intimate
picnic for two.
P&O (on selected ships)
Comedy Club: Featuring Australia’s funniest
stand-up comedians.
Holland America Line
Galley kitchen tour: Even wondered what
goes on behind the scenes to cater for up to
2,000 people a day? Now’s your chance.
Celebrity Cruises (on select cruises)
‘Top Chef’: Join fans and Top Chef’s
‘cheftestants’ on selected cruises for an
array of cooking experiences from chef
demonstrations, right through to dining with
the chefs themselves for one night.
Best South Pacific & Australian cruise destinationsThe South Pacific has long been an attraction for cruise lines and once you’ve
explored the region by water, it is easy to see why. Island groups can often be
inaccessible by plane so water is sometimes the only option. Smaller ships can also
access amazing tiny islands and isles and showcase the natural beauty that this
region has to offer. As a traveller, you also get to see so much more than if you
touched down and stayed in one spot for your holiday break.
Marquesas and Tahitian Islands
It would be hard not to fall in love with what these South Pacific
jewelled islands offer. The volcanic Marquesas group is one of the
most remote and untouched in the world, lying about 1371km
northeast of Tahiti. Explore ancient archeological sites, gaze at
towering cliffs and crescendoing waterfalls, learn of ancient sacred
traditions and sample exotic local cuisine.
With charming quiet ports, the Tahitian Islands offer everything
from fabulous diving, black pearls and pineapple plantations. With
more lush green landscapes than the neighbouring Marquesas, the
Tahitian Island’s coral gardens, white and black sand beaches and
emerald lagoons are simply picture-perfect.
Vanuatu
This volcanic archipelago sits 500 kilometres northeast of New
Caledonia and west of Fiji. Initially inhabited by the Melanesian
people, it was settled by Europeans in 1605. Today, the islands are
visited by cruise ships of all sizes, who bring along modern day
explorers to experience breathtaking views and the local culture.
Cruise ships can pull into the most remote of places such as
Champagne Bay and Mystery Island to enjoy its white sandy
beaches fringed with palm trees. Local villages sell precious hand-
crafted trinkets and souvenirs. The turquoise blue waters are
perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling, and game fishing for those
who like the thrill of the big fish.
MicronesiaLocated to the West of the South Pacific, Micronesia is made up of
a diverse mix of cruise destinations. The busy beaches and shopping
of Guam give way to the sport fishing in the Marshall Islands and
Palau’s and extreme diving and steaming rainforests.
Kimberley, Australia
At three times the size of the UK, the Kimberley region is an
amazing wilderness of breathtaking scenic beauty. A cruise in
this region is more about exploring than port hopping. See rare
Aboriginal rock art, distinctive red coloured cliffs, thriving wildlife,
secluded inlets and the 1200-island Buccaneer Archipelago. They
say the landscape is ever-changing, so every trip to the Kimberley
is guaranteed to be different.
Hawai’ian Islands
These islands have been popular for a long time, however
the majority of travellers tend to only visit Oahu. Cruising this
archipelago gives a taste of the real Hawai’i from active volcanoes
to whale watching. With well-organised excursions Hawai’i
offers learnings from its historic past, dramatic landscapes and
abundant sea life.
Yasawa Islands, Fiji
The Yasawas are sparsely or unpopulated islands with coconut
palms swaying in the balmy breeze, although several luxury
resorts now reside on some of the islands. Made famous by
the film Blue Lagoon starring Brooke Shields, cruising this north
western area of Fiji is a must for divers and snorkellers. If you
happen to visit one of the local villages on a Sunday you’ll be
treated to beautiful Church singing.
96 Your ultimate cruise resource.
Ship Mate
Cruising is big business and has been for a while. Gone are
the days of it being the sole domain of the ‘nana and pops’
brigade. In fact, a 2012 New Zealand industry report1 found that
22% of passengers were aged under 40, and only a third were
aged 60 years of age and over.
Another interesting fact is that although large-scale hotel
projects have slowed down over the last few years, cruise ships
have not and they are now coming out of the dry dock with
everything a meeting planner would want including:
• Complete conference centres and breakout rooms that can
be configured into different ways.
• Specialty dining venues and entertainment.
• Interesting amenities such as iFly, the first cruise ship
skydiving experience offered in a safe and controlled
environment, and the North Star glass capsule, modelled
on the London Eye, that takes guests over 90-metres over
the ocean.
Are you still looking for more reasons? Here are some fairly
compelling ones:
If the idea of organising another conference in a standard hotel meeting room doesn’t excite you,
there’s a good chance it won’t excite your delegates either. But how does a different and breathtaking
view everyday sound? Or Broadway-like entertainment that doesn’t blow your budget? And while
we’re on budgets, how do savings of between 20-30% sound? If your interest is piqued, it might well
be time to look at what the high seas can offer your next event.
Sails ConferenceStory: Bonita Burnett
This app is loaded with some awesome features that can be used before or during the cruise, such as suggestions and tips for your ship and the ports you’ll dock at. Meet and chat with fellow travellers, explore deck maps, ship venues and access helpful tools to make the most of your free time onboard and in port. Another cool feature – apart from the ship horn button – is that the app works offline while onboard. And if customisation is what you’re after, the creators are more than happy to work with meeting planners to make this happen.
More info: www.shipmateapp.com
Royal Caribbean’s conference room
96 97Your ultimate cruise resource.
All-inclusive costing with no nasty surprises
Most packages will include all accommodation, meals, transport
requirements, entertainment and conference facilities, often with
standard AV included. Some even include airfares. The cashless society
onboard is also very convenient to delegates, with the added bonus of
no large bill at the end for either the delegate or the meeting planner.
Guaranteed pricing and flexibility
As cruise companies prefer long lead in times, meeting planners have
strong negotiation capacity, with prices often guaranteed for as long
as three years in advance. Cruises also tend to be a lot less restrictive
than hotels when it comes to conditions of booking.
One stop shop
This is a biggie for planners that have large, multiple conferences on
the go. When booking a cruise, you’ll deal with one organisation for the
whole event, meaning no more juggling of several itineraries, activities
or contacts. And onboard, with all the support available to you, it’s likely
you’ll require a lot less on-site staff, which means even more savings.
Something for everyone
There are a lot of cruise options out there with something for the
budget conscious through to the full 5-star experience.
And let’s not forget the benefit of waking up somewhere new
everyday but only having to unpack once. Or being able to choose
your own meal at evening events rather than partaking in a pre-
planned banquet menu as is often required in hotels.
Cruising is also a huge plus for those that like to combine their
international work conferences with the annual family holiday. There
is something for everyone on a cruise ship and you’ll practically forget
what the kids look like as they’ll be so busy doing their own thing.
But what about some of the perceived negatives?
Seasickness is often a concern but very unlikely with today’s large,
smooth-moving ships. Another one that’s regularly raised is not being
able to get on and off at leisure. Initially, this may seem like a negative
but it often means that as delegates are contained, they tend to be
more focused so there’s no concern about losing the audience, or the
guest speaker for that matter!
Technology on ships has also come a long way with most now
having onboard Internet Cafes and bow-to-stern WIFI and phone
connectivity. That’s a big positive for both planners and delegates alike
that often need to stay connected. Just be clear on what the costs for
these services are before you get online as they vary greatly between
cruise lines. Alternatively, powering down can allow delegates to really
have those important conversations and connect with each other
rather than use email, Facebook or the latest app – and there’s no cost
for that!
Overall, the combination of savings, convenience and unlimited
options, all while travelling to some pretty amazing destinations,
should be reason enough for you to seriously consider looking into a
cruise for your next event. It’s not for no reason that on average up to
86% of cruise bookings are repeat business.
Conference Facilities at a glance
Reference 1: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, Cruise Industry Report, New Zealand, 2012.
Ship Info Special FeaturesSmaller Conferences
Larger Conferences
Carnival Cruise Line:Carnival Dream
Contemporary Giant LED screen for outdoor movies
Purpose built conference centre seats 130
Theatre seats 1,300
MSC Cruises:MSC Splendida
European elegance Flexible cruise lengths 11 meeting/function rooms
Largest theatre at sea seats 1,600+
Regent Seven Seas:Seven Seas Navigator
European sophistication All suites Card/conference room seats 40
Theatre seats 430
Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Solstice
Famed for specialty dining Half acre Lawn Club, Quasar: suspended chairs for big screen viewing
Sky conference centre seats up to 89
Theatre seats 1,113
Royal Caribbean International:Allure of the Seas
Largest and most innovative cruise ship in the world
Ice rink is often used for trade shows and large meetings!
20+ lounges and meeting venues
Floating conference centre with 4 breakout rooms
Silversea Cruises:Silver Spirit
Newest and largest of the fleet
Ideal for smaller, more luxury groups
Conference room seats 25 Main lounge seats 450
It’s all included...
2014 & 2015 SAILINGS OPEN FOR RESERVATIONS7 - 21 night cruise in a deluxe suite starting from $5,195* per guest!
For a brochure call 0800 CRUISE (278 473)Contact your travel agent or visit www.RSSC.com
*New Zealand dollars, double occupancy. Based on Seven Seas Mariner’s 8 Jun 2014 sailing, category G. Subject to availability. **Hotel package available for Concierge & above only. Terms apply. Please see brochure for full conditions.
• FREE UNLIMITED SHORE EXCURSIONS • FREE PRE-PAID GRATUITIES
• FREE BEVERAGES INCLUDING FINE • FREE 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE
WINES & PREMIUM SPIRITS • FREE SPECIALITY RESTAURANTS
• FREE IN-SUITE MINI-BAR REPLENISHED DAILY • FREE 1-NIGHT LUXURY HOTEL PACKAGE**
Enjoy the most inclusive cruise experience ever.
AFRICA ALASKA ASIA/PACIFIC CANADA/NEW ENGLAND CARIBBEAN MEDITERRANEAN NORTHERN EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA
www.dedon.de Auckland Showroom · 106 St Georges Bay Road · Parnell · Ph (09) 921 5574Mon – Fri 9 – 5.30 · Sat 9 – 5 · Sun by appointment · [email protected] · www.domo.co.nz
DEDON_SeaX_Luxury_215x297.indd 1 21.03.14 13:23
It’s all included...
2014 & 2015 SAILINGS OPEN FOR RESERVATIONS7 - 21 night cruise in a deluxe suite starting from $5,195* per guest!
For a brochure call 0800 CRUISE (278 473)Contact your travel agent or visit www.RSSC.com
*New Zealand dollars, double occupancy. Based on Seven Seas Mariner’s 8 Jun 2014 sailing, category G. Subject to availability. **Hotel package available for Concierge & above only. Terms apply. Please see brochure for full conditions.
• FREE UNLIMITED SHORE EXCURSIONS • FREE PRE-PAID GRATUITIES
• FREE BEVERAGES INCLUDING FINE • FREE 24-HOUR ROOM SERVICE
WINES & PREMIUM SPIRITS • FREE SPECIALITY RESTAURANTS
• FREE IN-SUITE MINI-BAR REPLENISHED DAILY • FREE 1-NIGHT LUXURY HOTEL PACKAGE**
Enjoy the most inclusive cruise experience ever.
AFRICA ALASKA ASIA/PACIFIC CANADA/NEW ENGLAND CARIBBEAN MEDITERRANEAN NORTHERN EUROPE SOUTH AMERICA
20 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 21Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
with Jacqui Spice from Touch of Spice
Q&A
Touch of Spice Director
Jacqui Spice
10 years working as a Chief Stewardess and Purser on superyachts around the world gave Jacqui Spice a real insight into the kind of experiences sought by high-end travellers. After realising a gap in the market she started her own company, Touch of Spice, in Queenstown to provide a luxury accommodation and concierge service.
LUXURY: What has been your favourite travel
experience to date?
I love to travel and enjoy every experience I have while
travelling as you just never quite know what’s going
to happen next. One of the my recent favourites was
checking in at the Beverly Hills Hilton in LA and living it
up like a celebrity complete with a long lunch at The Ivy
doing some star spotting.
LUXURY: For you what is the epitome of a
luxury holiday?
I have a very busy life juggling my business and my
family, so for me a ‘luxury holiday’ is one where I don’t
have to do anything or be anywhere – one without an
agenda. One with room service, beautiful food, warmth,
beautiful scenery, great wine – a place that’s peaceful
and serene.
LUXURY: What would your dream escape be if
money were no object?
I would love to fly to the British Virgin Islands and
cruise on a yacht for two months stopping in at Richard
Branson’s Necker Island for a week of celebrating with
a bunch of friends. After that, heading to St. Barths to
just chill.
LUXURY: Are you a planner or more a go-with-the-
flow type of traveller?
I am a planner by day so I am a go-with-the-flow
traveller. I want it to be as unplanned as possible unless
it’s a business trip. As soon as someone around me
starts to talk times and places, I feel myself retreating.
LUXURY: What do you never travel without?
My partner Josh and typically my laptop or iphone so I
can keep up with the many emails I receive every day.
LUXURY: What is a favourite memento or keepsake
that you have picked up on your travels?
I have some incredible masks from Venice that despite
them being in storage now I can’t bring myself to throw
away – one day I want to find them a home.
Visit: www.touchofspice.co.nz.
20 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 21Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
for families
macaumagic
Story: Philip Tetley-JonesCity of Dreams ‘Dragon’s Treasure’
102 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Macau is like Hong Kong’s entertaining,
slightly mysterious twin. Situated a short
ferry ride across the Pearl River delta from
its more famous sibling, it shares the same
semi-detached relationship with mainland
China and a history of colonial occupation
(Portuguese in this case). For many years,
Macau was overshadowed by its more
boisterous, business oriented neighbour but
things have begun to change.
The seeds of a brighter future were sown
when Macau’s government looked at its
long-established casino sector and asked
whether the city could build on its reputation
as South China’s playground. Casinos are all
very well – and Macau has some absolutely
stunning examples, enough to rival Las Vegas
– but not every visitor wants to spend his or
her holiday at the gaming tables.
And so was born Macau’s new identity as
Asia’s family fun and entertainment hub. If
you’re taking your family to Europe, Macau
could provide the perfect stopover. Take the
opportunity to de-plane the kids, catch up on
some sleep in a gorgeous hotel bed, and then
catch some shows. Here’s a selection that will
thrill, entertain and amaze family members of
all ages.
The City of Dreams resort makes an ideal
base. It is the only hotel in Macau to receive
the Forbes Five-Star rating for hotel, spa and
every restaurant on site, and it’s also the
setting for some truly mind-blowing shows.
The current star attraction is ‘The House of
Dancing Water,’ the world’s largest water
extravaganza. Staged in a purpose-built
theatre, the show includes a pool with a
volume of water equivalent to five Olympic
pools. This watery stage is the setting for
an epic love story complete with dazzling
costumes and special effects never seen
before in any theatre.
If one awe-inspiring show isn’t enough
for your family, City of Dreams ably lays on
another. ‘Dragon’s Treasure’ is a magical,
immersive multimedia performance staged in
a purpose-designed, bubble-shaped theatre.
City of Dreams hotel guests who present their
hotel room card can score four free tickets –
two for the grown-ups and two for the kids.
Less structured family fun is on offer at
Dreamworks Macau, the largest production
of its kind outside the USA. Children can
meet their favourite characters from Shrek,
Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to
Train Your Dragon. There’s the Dreamworks
All-Star Parade, a beautifully choreographed
daily parade at the Shoppes at Cotai Central
Mall. Or how about a ‘Shrekfast’ with the
Dreamworks gang, including dragon eggs
sunny side up?
Had enough of stage shows and cartoon
characters? Take the family for a dip in the
giant wave pool at Galaxy mega resort. The
world’s largest rooftop wave pool comes
complete with 150-metres of sandy beach
and a regular procession of waves. You
won’t need to bring your surfboard but it’s a
refreshing, if slightly surreal, experience.
Once you’ve all had your fill of watery fun,
it’s time to venture away from the hotel strip
and explore the city itself. The Macau Open
Top Bus is a great way to do this. Seasoned
travellers know that a hop-on, hop-off bus
tour is the best way to get one’s bearings
in a new city, and Macau’s bus tour is no
exception. It stops at 11 of the city’s major
attractions so you can make notes to return
to the most promising ones the next day.
For those budding scientists there’s Macau
Science Centre, which offers exhibitions
covering everything from space and robotics
to conservation and sports. They even have a
Clockwise from left: City of Dreams ‘Dragon’s Treasure’; Galaxy Resort; Kai Kai the Panda at the Giant Panda Pavillion; Macau Science Centre Space Exhibit; Macau Science Centre Exterior
102 103Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
planetarium to explore the wonders of outer
space in 3D.
One that will almost certainly catch your eye
is the Macau Tower. Standing proud by the
water’s edge, this iconic spike is an exact copy
of the Sky Tower in Auckland – the owners
apparently approached the architect of the
original and asked for a repeat order. The
views from the top are panoramic, as you’d
expect. If you’re feeling the need for an
adrenaline rush, the bungee jump operators
will be happy to sell you a ticket and send you
plummeting towards the ground – but don’t
worry, you’ll land safely!
Thrills of a different kind are on offer at the
Giant Panda Pavilion. A short drive from the
glitter of central Macau, nestled against a
hillside, you’ll find the real treasures of the
city. The Pavilion is home to two rare giant
pandas, Kai Kai and Xin Xin. These cuddly
black and white residents are among just
320 giant pandas living in breeding centres
and zoos around the world and are part
of an endangered species with only 1,600
individuals left living in the wild. Encountering
these two gentle giants is a true once-in-a-
lifetime event for most travellers.
If the pandas haven’t entirely satisfied your
thirst for nature, head to Flora Gardens
Mini Zoo. Set in the shadow of Guia Hill,
these gardens were once the grounds of
a Portuguese mansion that was destroyed
after a firecracker factory exploded next
door. The gardens were turned into a small-
scale zoo with peaceful tree-lined paths, an
aviary, monkeys and assorted small animals.
A visit here could be the perfect treat for your
animal-loving child, and a welcome contrast to
the brasher and flasher attractions of Macau.
One of the nicest things about Macau is that
it’s a manageable size. Smaller than Hong
Kong and more compact than most Asian
cities, it boasts an historic hub that’s very
walkable. To make the most of this, the city
has created an iOS app to complement the
four recently created walking tours that take
you off the beaten track. Search for ‘Step Out
Macau’ on the iTunes app store, download it
for free and set off on your walking tour.
The app serves up maps and videos, as well as
information on noteworthy sights, transport
links and stop-off points to savour the local
cuisine. Designed for leisurely strolls, the walks
can vary from 90-minutes to approximately
130-minutes.
With musical theatre, cartoon characters,
rooftop pools, bungee jumps, zoo animals
and walking tours, Macau has plenty to keep
the entire family entertained for days. There
are also hectares of upmarket shopping in
the city’s many malls to keep the shopaholics
purring. But as your Macau holiday approaches
its end, perhaps you’d like one more out-of-
the-box experience. We suggest you check
out one of the city’s quirkier attractions, the
MJ Gallery at Sofitel’s Ponte 16 Resort.
MJ stands for the self-styled King of Pop – the
late Michael Jackson. The MJ gallery displays
over 40 iconic items from the entertainer’s
career, including the fedora hat worn during
his first Moonwalk performance and a series
of autographed photos and figures.
It may seem slightly crazy to find a shrine to
one of America’s most famous entertainers in
a Chinese city, but the MJ shrine is true to the
essence of Macau. This city exists for fun. It’s
a crossroads of entertainment culture, created
to entertain travellers.
And as you can see, families who take the
time to explore this fascinating city will be
very well looked after.
24 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Liquid EleganceAs rich as a fine wine and intense as the headiest spirits,
Cognac is a uniquely rewarding pleasure, the ultimate in liquid
elegance. The delights of Cognac have seen it re-emerge in
fine dining and popular culture. No hip-hop video is complete
without a shot of the featured ‘artist’ brandishing a bottle and
the finest restaurants take great pride in their range for aperitif
or digestif. The finest of which command handsome prices to
match their pedigree.
A record breaking and eye-watering 1 million Yuan
(US$156,740) was spent in 2011 at a Shanghai auction
securing a prized bottle of 1858 Croizet Cuvee Leonie
Cognac. Making it instantly the world’s most expensive
bottle of Cognac, complete with Guinness Book of World
Records’ accreditation.
The 1858 was famed as the vintage shared by Winston
Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower as they planned the
Normandy D-Day landings. A taste of history that fortunately,
you haven’t missed out on as there are a limited number of
bottles still available. These sought after bottles are only found
at a few high net worth destinations such as the MGM Macau,
which has a unique stock of Croizet 1858s. Proudly displayed
in their wine cellars, this is among, if not the most unique and
expensive collection in the world.
Croizet is a small and top-class Cognac producer, famed for
its balance of power and delicacy. In part, this comes from
an uninterrupted history of quality. The lauded 1858 is of
particular relevance because the wine precedes the arrival
of the Phylloxera mite, a pest that devastated France’s wine
industry, killing almost all the nation’s vines. Since its base is
wine, this all but wiped out Cognac too. However, Croizet
survived the blight of Phylloxera thanks to Benjamin Croizet
who led the way, working tirelessly to preserve the family
vineyards, ensuring the survival of their vines and giving
Croizet a unique heritage of ancient blends and
uninterrupted production.
Croizet is one of nearly two hundred Cognac producers
who compete and collaborate. Joint marketing initiatives
carry the region’s reputation worldwide and every producer
subscribes to common standards in every aspect of production
from vineyard management to labelling regulation and
categorisation of tiers of Cognac.
This collaborative approach is made possible in part by the
distinctive nature of Cognac, each producer blends across
vintages and characteristics of each growing area or terroir to
create their own unique house style and to express this in each
tier from VS to XO and even single vintage releases.
Winston Churchill once said, “good Cognac is like a woman.
Do not assault it. Coddle and warm it in your hands before
you sip it.” The range of flavour, fragrance and texture
is a revelation to the new drinker. Familiarity with the
Cognac aroma wheel is a valuable prompt for enjoying and
appreciating the many varied characters in this beverage. From
the bold to the very subtle, ranging from earthy, musty notes
to leather and wood characters into the subtle floral, fruit and
berry tones, with many variations along the way like honey,
lemon balm, herbs, nuts, spices and more.
24 25Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Story: Timothy Giles
Then there is the matter of weight; Cognac has remarkable
and fascinating texture. The weight in the mouth varies, from
gossamer like delicacy, to fiery heft. Some are slippery, with a
satin like sheen that ripples over the tongue, while others settle
longer, filling the mouth like rich velvet.
To appreciate Cognac, allow time and contemplation. Cognac
is complex and evolves in the glass. Sip it on first pouring
(preferably into a tulip shaped Cognac glass rather than a big
brandy balloon). In five minutes (after aerating) it will evolve
and change. Describe it and then discover a new experience five
minutes later and then half an hour after that, and so on. The
key is to take your time.
Also worthwhile, is to attend a tasting, where the different tiers
are opened at once and compared against each other. Croizet’s
New Zealand agent, Jason Dellaca, hosts memorable events
including a Croizet Cognac degustation dinner. Each course is
matched to a unique Croizet Cognac. Until I had experienced it
for myself I had no idea of the depth, breadth and wonder of the
flavours and enjoyment to be found in Croizet Cognacs.
“Just like wine, food or art, enjoying Cognac,” Dellaca says, “is
about experimenting. Matching a specific Cognac to a moment,
a mood and at my Cognac degustation dinners, to a dish.”
Dellaca doesn’t push purely to the top-end, seeing a place for
every tier of Croizet and Cognac generally.
“Start with a VS as an aperitif, on ice perhaps, it’s refreshing and
rewarding.” He has history on his side here, in the 19th Century,
bordelais drank Cognac with a little water, the dilution releasing
its myriad of flavours.
“As your meal or an evening progresses a VSOP next and then
slowly savour something older in a snifter, to capture it, like an
XO, or perhaps on a special night, one of our special blends or
vintage releases.”
Having followed his advice and savoured every tier at every
step during the degustation dinner, it occurred to me that with
Cognac there is only one problem. Having started to appreciate
its charm and reward, it is very hard to go back to drinking
anything else.
26 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 27Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 27Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource.
Cognac Facts• Only double-distilled wine brandy from the
region of Cognac, just north of Bordeaux in
west France may bear the name Cognac.
• Cognac is produced from wine made
primarily of Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano), a
grape prized for high yield, hardiness and
natural acidity. It is France’s most-planted
white grape.
• Cognac is categorized by the age of its
youngest component of eau-de-vie (French
for ‘water of life’).
• Cognac makers use the term eau-de-vie for
Cognacs in their ageing process in the barrel,
prior to bottling. Pre-blending, it’s referred
to as eau-de-vie. Once blended and ready for
bottling, it’s called Cognac.
Tiers of CognacBy law, Cognac must be aged in French Oak for
at least 21/2 years, but most age for far longer.
VS Very Special Minimum age of 2 ½ years
VSOPVery Superior
Old PaleMinimum age of 4 ½ years
XO Extra Old Minimum age of 6 ½ years
26 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 27Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 27Your ultimate luxury and corporate travel resource.
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28 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji
revisiting heaven
28 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 109Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Story: Phil Harrison
There’s a pop song from the 1980s – ooh, heaven is a place on earth. Readers
of a certain age will be humming it now. You can dismiss this sentiment as
meaningless fluff. But ask yourself – what would you say about a tiny tropical
island that boasts some of the world’s best beaches? A place just 30-minutes
from the Fijian mainland, with an atmosphere of pure tranquillity. Somewhere
far from the stresses of the modern world but with all the amenities of a
luxury resort.
You might just say this island truly qualifies as paradise on earth. And you’d
be right. Yasawa Island Resort & Spa really is that special.
We had visited some years ago and made a note to return. In the meantime,
tragedy had touched this corner of Fiji. A devastating fire gutted the main
complex in 2011, leaving charred ruins in its wake. Undeterred, the owners
embarked on a major rebuilding programme, encompassing the main
restaurant, bar and recreation area.
The world’s travel experts certainly seem to be impressed by the results. The
resort achieved a coveted Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor in 2012
as well as being nominated for the World’s Best Award by Travel & Leisure
magazine that year. But enough of other people’s opinions. What impression
did Yasawa Island Resort & Spa make on us?
First up, you can’t ignore the exclusive, private nature of this resort. With just
18 bures, the atmosphere is very intimate – a true boutique luxury experience.
The icing on the cake is that all 18 bures are on the beachfront. You’re literally
a few steps from the warm waters of the South Pacific.
The infinity edge pool caught our eyes, with a better-than-ever bar located
beachside. A mental note was made: grab a seat here at sundown and enjoy
a tropical sunset with colourful cocktail in hand.
We were booked into a split-level Deluxe Beachfront Bure, with the lower
level housing a large lounge with two day beds, which doubled as single
beds for our two children. The upper level of the bure is the master bedroom
complete with king-sized bed. Cathedral ceilings enhanced the feeling of
spacious luxury and the recent refurbishment, with its light-toned colour
scheme, bestowed a sense of space.
You will have noticed the reference to children, so let me expand on that.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is one the few boutique island resorts in Fiji that
caters for children at certain times of the year. It makes for a surprisingly
cost-effective family holiday without compromising on quality. Our luxury
bure was easily large enough to comfortably house the entire family without
forking out for an extra room or additional bure.
Space is important but what about the facilities? I’m pleased to report that
the bathroom was decorated in a sophisticated yet rustic island style, with an
indoor oversized shower and a very useful outdoor shower that proved ideal
for wash-downs after a swim at the beach. Twin vanities and ample storage
space completed the picture.
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The food on offer reached the same impressive standards.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa makes full use of its gorgeous
setting, with incredible views from the restaurant and bar.
The cuisine matches the view, with a constantly changing à la
carte menu from the two resident chefs. Celebrity chef Simon
Gault has worked his magic here, with the resort’s two chefs
benefiting from intensive mentoring in his flagship Auckland
restaurant, Euro.
Here’s a tip: don’t miss the private dining and beach picnic
options. Choose a location you’ll never forget – beneath the
stars on a balmy Fijian night or among the palms beside your
beachside bure. The Yasawa Island Resort & Spa team will
conjure up a table for two and leave you to feast in private
splendour. You can even request a lobster lunch and a bottle of
Champagne to be enjoyed on a romantic deserted beach.
Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in splendid isolation,
then call for your pick-up via a two-way radio, when you’re
ready to return.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa also offers a plethora of more
strenuous outdoor activities. Its absolute beachfront location is a
constant reminder to slip into the warm waters of the Pacific and
enjoy a close, snorkelling encounter with the local reef fish. The
world-famous Blue Lagoon Caves are nearby, hidden between a
dramatic volcanic peak at the southern end of the island. Indulge
in a 1980s vibe, and imagine you’re swimming alongside Brooke
Shields in the film that made her famous. Or if that’s too much
of a stretch, just relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and
underwater scenery on its own considerable merits.
No resort worth its salt can afford to skimp on spa luxury, and
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is no exception. Choose from a
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Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fijiat a glance
Category: Boutique Island Resort.
Room reviewed: Deluxe Beachfront Bure.
What’s great? Unbelievable location, a truly
pristine island with one of the world’s best
beaches just steps from your bure.
What’s not so great? We went during kids
week and it would have been nice to have
had a few more structured activities to keep
them occupied – easily fixed.
Editor’s tip: Make sure you book a private
picnic… lobster, Champagne and a deserted
beach for two. Doesn’t get any better!
Website: www.yasawa.com
Rate: NZ$850 per couple per night (based
on a 7-night stay) including all meals, non-
alcoholic beverages and all activities, trips
and tours (excluding diving and fishing).
Location
Room size
Room interior
Overall service level
Food & beverage
Hotel pool
Business needs
Recreational facilities
Spa facilities
Value for money
82.5% An idyllic escape only
dreams are made of.
Deluxe Beach Front Bure
menu that includes body polishes, body packs, facials, manicures,
pedicures and waxing. The skilled hands of the spa staff smooth away
aches and leave you feeling restored and revitalised.
Along with skilled hands, there are the warm smiles and friendly
attitudes you experience every day from the on-site staff. You are
looked after by local people, who are proud to share their piece of
paradise and want you to enjoy your time there. The small size of the
resort means that staff get to know you by name. We were pleasantly
surprised that many remembered us from our visit a few years back.
This is the kind of hospitality that money just can’t buy.
Yasawa Island Resort & Spa really is a special place. Just a few hours
from home, and a short flight from the Fijian mainland, it offers the sort
of romantic escape we all dream of, but seldom find. Call it heaven on
earth, or call it a wonderful holiday. Both descriptions are correct.
32 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 33Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
32 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 33Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
Does being wrapped in silk and then whisked away on a timeless journey to
the heart of the Orient sound intriguing? LUXURY magazine explains why
Thalgo’s Indocéane Spa Ritual is the ultimate in modern day spa treatments.
The journey begins at Chuan Spa at The Langham Auckland.
‘Chuan’ means flowing water. As the source of life, water represents the
re-birth and re-balancing of our whole being. As you enter Chuan Spa, the
sound of trickling water instantly calms you and a warm welcome helps you
retreat from your busy world and take you on your very own journey to
the heart of the Orient.
luxury spa finder
Story: Janice Burmaz
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We are here to experience the Indocéane Spa Ritual, using high
performance marine based products from Thalgo, enriched with
algae and essential nutrients from the sea. Founded in France
over fifty years ago, Thalgo have developed and refined exclusive
active marine ingredients within their comprehensive range of
skincare products.
We chose the couples treatment package, allowing ourselves
some catch-up time poolside after a busy workday. The spa,
located on the second floor of the hotel, is in a secluded setting
with individual and dual treatment services, a salt water heated
outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, saunas, herbal steam rooms, an ice
experience and ‘snail’ showers in each changing room.
Thalgo has created a multi-sensory relaxation therapy, using a
sacred Ayurvedic style of massage. The Indocéane Spa Ritual
offers deep relaxation, blending together the secrets of the
Mediterranean, Egypt, India and China and the serenity of
the Orient.
This exquisite ritual consists of four steps and takes around two
hours to complete. Our spa journey began with the warm touch
of an Oshibori towel to our feet as we lay face down on heated
massage beds. Our first destination was the Mediterranean with
a delicious smelling sweet and savoury Indocéane Body Scrub,
rich in essential oils. The scrub is applied from head-to-toe in firm
vertical movements, then in circular motions to exfoliate every
inch of the body. A little warm water is added to melt away the
scrub, leaving the skin relaxed, purified and polished, with an
iridescent glow.
Egypt is next. As we relax further to the tune of soft oriental
music and the soothing scents of glimmering Indocéane candles,
we take a leisurely soak in a prepared bath at 38 degrees Celsius,
enriched with Indocéane Precious Milk Bath Pebbles containing
sugar and Chorella algae. I felt like Cleopatra, who according to
legend believed in a daily milk bath ritual to keep her skin
looking beautiful.
After thirty minutes we dry off and return to our warm beds
where our therapists, Lydia and Jasmin begin a two-step massage
in flowing unison. Using Indocéane Qi-Balm, the initial vitalisation
massage to key points of the body (lower back, palms of the
hands and arches of the feet) is preparation for a traditional style
Indian massage with Indocéane Voluptuous Massage Oil, used
for its stimulating and regenerating properties. This smoothing
massage releases warm woody scents of patchouli and cedar
as the oils soak completely into the skin. Lastly, Chinese-style
kneading and a Japanese percussion technique expels any
remaining body tensions.
For the final part of our sensory journey, we are covered
in Indocéane’s nourishing Silky Smooth Body Cream then
immediately cocooned in a silk body wrap and a warm towel.
In a state of total splendor, I drift off to sleep. That is the last
thing I remember, before Jasmin woke me with a soft whisper
to say that she was about to massage my head. Reaching this
level of deep relaxation is true testament to a dream ritual. We
move to the lounge for a refreshing juice, herbal tea and snack
on nuts and dried berries, taking time to soak up the ambiance
and unashamedly apologise to Jasmin about my slumberous
state. This was a no rush journey that will leave your skin feeling
silky smooth and totally restored, just how I imagined Cleopatra
would have felt centuries ago.
The products used throughout the Indocéane Spa
Ritual that are available to purchase for further
enjoyment at home include:
Indocéane Candles
Indocéane Sweet and Savoury Body Scrub
Indocéane Precious Milk Bath Pebble
Indocéane Silky Smooth Cream
Indocéane Room Spray
Indocéane Spa Ritual treatment price
Single from NZ$280
Couple from NZ$520
For more info:
www.chuanspa.co.nz
34 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 35Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.
C lose your eyes and drift away in blissful dreams on a Thalgo Far Eastern spa journey. At each stopover, divine scents and colours mingle with the riches of the sea. Sacred Lotus Flower and Qi-Marine, combined to further enhance this powerful
feeling of serenity. Pampered in luscious, enveloping textures, you will drift away amidst heavenly fragrances - take the time to escape to one of our enchanting destinations. Mediterranean stopover - A prelude with Citrus flavours, Egyptian stopover - Relax on the Nile, Indian stopover - Tranquility on the river Ganges, Chinese stopover - The temple of Beauty... A journey suspended in time, a moment of pure bliss and absolute serenity for the body and mind... Book your 2 hour Thalgo Indoceane spa journey or give a gift of relaxation to someone you love.
Indoceane Luxury at Chuan Spa, The Langham | 83 Symonds Street, Auckland | www.chuanspa.co.nz | ( 09 300 2960
36 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.