>Silversea announces its new expedition ship to be named HSH Prince Albert II

>Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has announced that its new expedition ship (originally acquired as World Discoverer II) will be renamed HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to Prince Albert of Monaco.

The name is fitting for a ship that will be dedicated to the exploration and conservation of the planet’s oceans, wildlife and indigenous cultures. The Principality of Monaco, aside from being the world’s capital of wealth and luxury – and home to Silversea’s global headquarters – has long been recognized as a leader in marine environment research. Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic science and exploration, first explored the Arctic’s Svalbard archipelago in the early part of the last century, and founded the world renowned Oceanographic Institute. In 2006, Prince Albert II plotted a similar course on part of his journey to the North Pole, in an effort to add to the scientific body of work started by his ancestor – and to draw attention to the effects of global warming on the Arctic regions. As a result, the Prince is the first incumbent head of state to have reached the northern most point on Earth.

“We are deeply honored to have our new expedition ship named after His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea’s chairman. “His passion for environmental conservation is well known and we are committed to supporting his mission by offering travelers the chance to discover and appreciate some of the world’s most remote and unspoiled regions.”

When Silversea’s adventure ship sets sail on June 12, following a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo, it will herald the beginning of a new mode in exploration cruising – where a luxurious ambiance is just as important as the eye-opening educational experiences it will deliver.

The Lloyd’s Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is currently undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. To ensure the ship will deliver an expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea’s award-winning luxury standards, the refurbishment will include exterior design modifications, state-of-the-art technological enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces.

The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of eight, latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha four-stroke engines (for lowest possible emissions) that will allow guests to enjoy up-close exploration and access to some of the world’s most remote landscapes.

“The interest in expedition cruising is definitely on the rise, among both affluent baby boomers and seasoned travelers wanting to further enrich their already wide knowledge of more traditional and established destinations. Silversea’s HSH Prince Albert II will be the perfect option for those adventure-seekers who prefer a genuine expedition ship experience enhanced with the comforts of a true luxury product,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president. “Adventure travel is also about having experiences that are intellectually enriching, so every voyage will feature a carefully selected expedition team of lecturers and leading experts who will share their insights on the natural, cultural and historical highlights of some of the most pristine and secluded regions on Earth.”

In a related development, the company has announced the appointment of Conrad Combrink as Silversea director of expeditions, with responsibility for developing the ship’s itinerary and programs. He will also oversee the recruitment of expedition staff and lecturers. Combrink’s career of over ten years in expedition cruising includes serving as expedition leader on World Discoverer I and II.

EXPLORING THE EARTH: TOP TO BOTTOM

Silversea’s expedition ship will set sail June 12 from London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 21 days focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the Northern summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica. From mid-August to November 2008, HSH Prince Albert II will journey from the east coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to Copper Canyon), Falklands and South Georgia Island. Pricing starts at US$3,867, per person, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions as well as Silversea’s signature all-inclusive amenities.

After the ship’s refit, the ice-class vesselwill carry just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private verandas. With staterooms and suites ranging from 180 to over 600 square feet, it will provide some of the largest accommodations of any expedition ship. 18 suites will each feature more than 400 square feet of luxury.

Guests will also enjoy many amenities found on larger ships, such as an elegant single-seating main dining room, library (with computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness center, full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will also feature several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line’s other ships.

The HSH Prince Albert II will also be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access, enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as public areas. Cellular phone service will also allow guests to stay in touch using their own cell phones even when the ship is miles away from land. All suites and staterooms will feature flat screen monitors offering interactive TV and video options. In the ship’s lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition video screens, will display live lectures hosted by the ship’s world-class expedition and lecture staff as well as visiting destination experts.

Guests aboard Silversea’s HSH Prince Albert II will be inspired by the varied and constantly adapted itineraries that will make the most of the natural opportunities created by the landscapes around them. There is so much to explore that they can sail for up to 48 days on back-to-back voyages without repeating a Zodiac landing site. This is not soft adventure; this is full scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.

Reservations are set to go on sale starting Friday, February 29, 2008. A colorful self-mailer will be available to travel agents in a few weeks.

Silversea announces its new expedition ship to be named HSH Prince Albert II

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has announced that its new expedition ship (originally acquired as World Discoverer II) will be renamed HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to Prince Albert of Monaco.

The name is fitting for a ship that will be dedicated to the exploration and conservation of the planet’s oceans, wildlife and indigenous cultures. The Principality of Monaco, aside from being the world’s capital of wealth and luxury – and home to Silversea’s global headquarters – has long been recognized as a leader in marine environment research. Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic science and exploration, first explored the Arctic’s Svalbard archipelago in the early part of the last century, and founded the world renowned Oceanographic Institute. In 2006, Prince Albert II plotted a similar course on part of his journey to the North Pole, in an effort to add to the scientific body of work started by his ancestor – and to draw attention to the effects of global warming on the Arctic regions. As a result, the Prince is the first incumbent head of state to have reached the northern most point on Earth.

“We are deeply honored to have our new expedition ship named after His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco,” said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea’s chairman. “His passion for environmental conservation is well known and we are committed to supporting his mission by offering travelers the chance to discover and appreciate some of the world’s most remote and unspoiled regions.”

When Silversea’s adventure ship sets sail on June 12, following a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo, it will herald the beginning of a new mode in exploration cruising – where a luxurious ambiance is just as important as the eye-opening educational experiences it will deliver.

The Lloyd’s Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is currently undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. To ensure the ship will deliver an expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea’s award-winning luxury standards, the refurbishment will include exterior design modifications, state-of-the-art technological enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces.

The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of eight, latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha four-stroke engines (for lowest possible emissions) that will allow guests to enjoy up-close exploration and access to some of the world’s most remote landscapes.

“The interest in expedition cruising is definitely on the rise, among both affluent baby boomers and seasoned travelers wanting to further enrich their already wide knowledge of more traditional and established destinations. Silversea’s HSH Prince Albert II will be the perfect option for those adventure-seekers who prefer a genuine expedition ship experience enhanced with the comforts of a true luxury product,” said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president. “Adventure travel is also about having experiences that are intellectually enriching, so every voyage will feature a carefully selected expedition team of lecturers and leading experts who will share their insights on the natural, cultural and historical highlights of some of the most pristine and secluded regions on Earth.”

In a related development, the company has announced the appointment of Conrad Combrink as Silversea director of expeditions, with responsibility for developing the ship’s itinerary and programs. He will also oversee the recruitment of expedition staff and lecturers. Combrink’s career of over ten years in expedition cruising includes serving as expedition leader on World Discoverer I and II.

EXPLORING THE EARTH: TOP TO BOTTOM

Silversea’s expedition ship will set sail June 12 from London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 21 days focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the Northern summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica. From mid-August to November 2008, HSH Prince Albert II will journey from the east coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to Copper Canyon), Falklands and South Georgia Island. Pricing starts at US$3,867, per person, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions as well as Silversea’s signature all-inclusive amenities.

After the ship’s refit, the ice-class vesselwill carry just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private verandas. With staterooms and suites ranging from 180 to over 600 square feet, it will provide some of the largest accommodations of any expedition ship. 18 suites will each feature more than 400 square feet of luxury.

Guests will also enjoy many amenities found on larger ships, such as an elegant single-seating main dining room, library (with computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness center, full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will also feature several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line’s other ships.

The HSH Prince Albert II will also be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access, enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as public areas. Cellular phone service will also allow guests to stay in touch using their own cell phones even when the ship is miles away from land. All suites and staterooms will feature flat screen monitors offering interactive TV and video options. In the ship’s lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition video screens, will display live lectures hosted by the ship’s world-class expedition and lecture staff as well as visiting destination experts.

Guests aboard Silversea’s HSH Prince Albert II will be inspired by the varied and constantly adapted itineraries that will make the most of the natural opportunities created by the landscapes around them. There is so much to explore that they can sail for up to 48 days on back-to-back voyages without repeating a Zodiac landing site. This is not soft adventure; this is full scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.

Reservations are set to go on sale starting Friday, February 29, 2008. A colorful self-mailer will be available to travel agents in a few weeks.

>Orion 2009 – 2010 Calendar of Sailings

>Orion Expedition Cruises

Orion adds plenty of spice in 2009

Building on established expedition voyages to the Antarctic, Kimberley and Papua New Guinea, Orion Expedition Cruises’ 2009 – 2010 Calendar of Sailings adds three inaugural Voyages of Discovery to the exotic islands of Asia, a visit to Norfolk Island and exciting new sub-Antarctic island wildlife expeditions.

Asia: Brand new for 2009 are Orion’s Spice Islands, Gulf of Siam and Vietnam Explorer expeditions to Asia. Depending on the chosen voyage these 9, 10 and 11
night itineraries (September and October 2009) include both popular and rarely visited Asian destinations. Visit a string of beautiful Indonesian islands including Bali plus expeditions to the exotic coasts and islands of Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam (including an optional side trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia).

Departing late October 2009 is a 10 night cruise between Bali and Cairns. This Forgotten Islands expedition will feature the island of Komodo, famous for its dragons, Maluku, Yamdena Island and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait before arriving in Cairns.

Sub-Antarctic Islands: Orion’s expeditions to the Antarctic have sold out each year with adventurers appreciating the departures from Hobart and Bluff to Commonwealth Bay and the Ross Sea regions and the chance to visit the historic explorer’s bases of Scott, Shackleton and Mawson.

The Sub-Antarctic Islands component of these voyages is so popular that in 2009 dedicated Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure expeditions are planned focussing on the extraordinary wildlife found on the wilderness islands of World Heritage Macquarie, Campbell, Auckland and Snares Islands and spectacular New Zealand fjordlands. Spectacular scenery combined with abundant bird and marine life creates island adventures in a photographer’s paradise for those not wishing to journey to Orion’s Antarctica.

The Kimberley voyages: 10 voyages between May and September 2009 feature the dramatic highlights of the iconic Kimberley coast including the ever-popular Opera Under The Stars voyage (a one-off voyage on the 21st August 2009 that includes a night at the Opera in Broome as a guest of Orion) and a Guide to the Southern Skies voyage. This 11 night voyage from Darwin to Broome will have a special astronomical focus when Professors Fred

Watson, astronomer in charge of the Anglo Australian observatory at Coonabarabran, and David Malin, astronomical photographer, writer and lecturer, reveal the ancient legends and modern science of the universe to Orion’s guests.

Arnhem Land: Orion’s expeditions in 2006 and 2007 really sparked interest in the indigenous art world and so a further 7 night Art of Arnhem Land voyage, departing Thursday Island for Darwin, will be undertaken in April 2009 exploring the isolated art communities of Arnhem Land. Hosted by pre-eminent authorities on indigenous art this is the perfect voyage for art collectors and enthusiasts alike

Norfolk Island and Melanesia: In February 2009 Orion will undertake a 19 night Norfolk and Melanesian Islands Discovery voyage through the South Pacific, between Auckland, New Zealand and Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. This meandering cruise will include the Bay of Islands before heading for a 2 day stay at historic Norfolk Island.

Other expedition highlights include the picturesque Isles of Pines, Anatom – in the middle of no where – and the cargo cult island of Tanna with its still-active Mt Yasur volcano. Capturing the romance of Melanesia, Orion will also visit Malakula, Nggella (Florida Islands) and Marovo Lagoon before arriving in the flooded volcanic caldera of Simpson Harbour, Rabaul.

Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait: For time-restricted adventurers seeking a shorter voyage near home, Orion has a tempting 5 night North Queensland Tropical Reefs and Culture voyage in April 2009 cruising from Cairns via Lizard Island, Stanley Island (with its outstanding indigenous rock art), Orion Reef (perfect snorkelling) and the Torres Strait island of Poruma (Coconut Island) before concluding at Thursday Island.

Or slip away for an early summer holiday in November 2009 and join Orion’s one-off 6 night Great Barrier Reef voyage that includes Hardy Reef, Hayman Island and Percy Island; then enjoy a few leisurely days at sea before disembarking in Newcastle.

Tasmania remains a favourite for Orion’s sell-out Food and Wine themed voyages. Cruising between Sydney and Hobart, enroute visiting picturesque Eden, Flinders Island, famous Wineglass Bay, Coles Bay and the Southwest Wilderness region of Tasmania, guests will enjoy 5 nights of food and wine tastings to balance the expeditionary activities onshore.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises 2009 – 2010 Calendar of Sailings can be obtained by visiting the website http://www.orioncruises.com.au

Orion 2009 – 2010 Calendar of Sailings

Orion Expedition Cruises

Orion adds plenty of spice in 2009

Building on established expedition voyages to the Antarctic, Kimberley and Papua New Guinea, Orion Expedition Cruises’ 2009 – 2010 Calendar of Sailings adds three inaugural Voyages of Discovery to the exotic islands of Asia, a visit to Norfolk Island and exciting new sub-Antarctic island wildlife expeditions.

Asia: Brand new for 2009 are Orion’s Spice Islands, Gulf of Siam and Vietnam Explorer expeditions to Asia. Depending on the chosen voyage these 9, 10 and 11
night itineraries (September and October 2009) include both popular and rarely visited Asian destinations. Visit a string of beautiful Indonesian islands including Bali plus expeditions to the exotic coasts and islands of Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam (including an optional side trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia).

Departing late October 2009 is a 10 night cruise between Bali and Cairns. This Forgotten Islands expedition will feature the island of Komodo, famous for its dragons, Maluku, Yamdena Island and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait before arriving in Cairns.

Sub-Antarctic Islands: Orion’s expeditions to the Antarctic have sold out each year with adventurers appreciating the departures from Hobart and Bluff to Commonwealth Bay and the Ross Sea regions and the chance to visit the historic explorer’s bases of Scott, Shackleton and Mawson.

The Sub-Antarctic Islands component of these voyages is so popular that in 2009 dedicated Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure expeditions are planned focussing on the extraordinary wildlife found on the wilderness islands of World Heritage Macquarie, Campbell, Auckland and Snares Islands and spectacular New Zealand fjordlands. Spectacular scenery combined with abundant bird and marine life creates island adventures in a photographer’s paradise for those not wishing to journey to Orion’s Antarctica.

The Kimberley voyages: 10 voyages between May and September 2009 feature the dramatic highlights of the iconic Kimberley coast including the ever-popular Opera Under The Stars voyage (a one-off voyage on the 21st August 2009 that includes a night at the Opera in Broome as a guest of Orion) and a Guide to the Southern Skies voyage. This 11 night voyage from Darwin to Broome will have a special astronomical focus when Professors Fred

Watson, astronomer in charge of the Anglo Australian observatory at Coonabarabran, and David Malin, astronomical photographer, writer and lecturer, reveal the ancient legends and modern science of the universe to Orion’s guests.

Arnhem Land: Orion’s expeditions in 2006 and 2007 really sparked interest in the indigenous art world and so a further 7 night Art of Arnhem Land voyage, departing Thursday Island for Darwin, will be undertaken in April 2009 exploring the isolated art communities of Arnhem Land. Hosted by pre-eminent authorities on indigenous art this is the perfect voyage for art collectors and enthusiasts alike

Norfolk Island and Melanesia: In February 2009 Orion will undertake a 19 night Norfolk and Melanesian Islands Discovery voyage through the South Pacific, between Auckland, New Zealand and Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. This meandering cruise will include the Bay of Islands before heading for a 2 day stay at historic Norfolk Island.

Other expedition highlights include the picturesque Isles of Pines, Anatom – in the middle of no where – and the cargo cult island of Tanna with its still-active Mt Yasur volcano. Capturing the romance of Melanesia, Orion will also visit Malakula, Nggella (Florida Islands) and Marovo Lagoon before arriving in the flooded volcanic caldera of Simpson Harbour, Rabaul.

Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait: For time-restricted adventurers seeking a shorter voyage near home, Orion has a tempting 5 night North Queensland Tropical Reefs and Culture voyage in April 2009 cruising from Cairns via Lizard Island, Stanley Island (with its outstanding indigenous rock art), Orion Reef (perfect snorkelling) and the Torres Strait island of Poruma (Coconut Island) before concluding at Thursday Island.

Or slip away for an early summer holiday in November 2009 and join Orion’s one-off 6 night Great Barrier Reef voyage that includes Hardy Reef, Hayman Island and Percy Island; then enjoy a few leisurely days at sea before disembarking in Newcastle.

Tasmania remains a favourite for Orion’s sell-out Food and Wine themed voyages. Cruising between Sydney and Hobart, enroute visiting picturesque Eden, Flinders Island, famous Wineglass Bay, Coles Bay and the Southwest Wilderness region of Tasmania, guests will enjoy 5 nights of food and wine tastings to balance the expeditionary activities onshore.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises 2009 – 2010 Calendar of Sailings can be obtained by visiting the website http://www.orioncruises.com.au

A Moonlight Drive to Uber-Luxury in Australia

Visitors to Australia can now arrive at The Great Ocean Road even faster with Moonlight Head Private Lodge’s new ‘Moonlight Drive’ package, an all inclusive luxury drive and stay experience.

Located three hours from Melbourne on the mid-point of the Great Ocean Road, the Lodge is a dream drive destination. After collecting the car at Geelong or Melbourne International Airport guests indulge in life behind the wheel of an extensive choice of luxury cars that includes a Maserati, Porsche Boxter or Mercedes SLK 350 along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. Curling past attractions including the acclaimed surf of Bells Beach, and quaint sea-side villages leading on to the 12 Apostles, one begins to see for themselves why this is one of the world’s most scenic drives.

Then upon arriving at Moonlight Head Private Lodge, the next stage of the journey begins. With privacy at the top of the agenda for five-star travellers – according to the recent International Luxury Travel Market in Cannes – the Lodge is tucked away in a semi-wilderness environment on 40 hectares. Glenn’s Murcutt’s architectural masterpiece is one of Australia’s finest accommodation experiences, and sleeps up to eight people. 

Understated European chic is key to the décor and each room is filled with a sanctuary of style: B&B Italia pieces, B&O audio system, Phillipe Starck, Antonio Citterio and art by Karl Maughan – collected by Cate Blanchett amongst others.

Mark Banning-Taylor, CEO, said: “The Great Ocean Road and its attractions are iconic in Australia and Moonlight Head is beautifully positioned right next to it. These luxurious cars are synonymous with the experience at the Lodge – they can be collected and returned to either Melbourne or Geelong’s airports providing a door to door experience – and offer a chance to explore the spectacular local scenery.”

The two day and two night ‘Moonlight Drive’ package includes car hire; accommodation; breakfast and dinner daily with your own personal chef; a selection of beverages; your own concierge; and a housekeeper. Prices start from AU$9,500 for a Mercedes SLK 350, AU$12,000 for a Maserati and AU $10,000 for a Porsche Boxter based on two people sharing for two nights.

The ‘Moonlight Drive’ package is available throughout the year. For more information and bookings visit www.moonlighthead.com or Tel: +61 (0) 2 9363 8870.

The Lodge is acclaimed internationally by the leading private jet magazine Elite Traveler as one of the world’s most decadent places to stay, and by Britain’s Tatler magazine as one of the “101 Best Hotels” in the world in the 2008 Travel Guide listing.

By night, enjoy views of the Southern night sky’s twinkling stars through glass ceilings in the saw-toothed roof. By day, an abundance of sunshine is spread throughout the Lodge, highlighting contemporary furnishings and designer artefacts. The Lodge is world-class in its eco-design and responsibility towards the environment in all aspects of its operation.

Moonlight Head is an experience as much as a destination. Set in over 40 hectares of Australian bush and farmland against a backdrop of the Southern ocean, Moonlight offers a range of special interest activities from an expert team that include:

Horse-riding from half to multiple days exploring the Great Otway National Park and coastline, a unique adventure only available to clients of Moonlight Head
A private lecture with Australia’s leading architect historian and critic Philip Drew on the work of Pritzker Prize winners Glenn Murcutt and Jorn Utzon, also available as weekends away
Access to five great links golf courses along the coastline
Ornithological tours, for an opportunity to see over 160 birds native to the region
Ecology discussions and dinner with Dr Tonia Cochran, on issues effecting native fauna and flora
A one-on-one tutorial and talk with renowned wildlife photographers including Peter Merritt, to learn his unique techniques of capturing subjects in their natural habitat
Experience the Otway fly, an elevated rainforest walk
Ramble along the Great Ocean Walk with an ecologist or historian for a day discussing the coastline
Other activities include whale and seal  watching, deep sea or fly-fishing, mountain-bike riding or wreck-diving

As a founding member of Healing Hotels of the World, Moonlight Head Private Lodge is the perfect refuge to soothe your soul, refresh the body and contemplate new beginnings. This is a place where the needs of your mind and body are closely matched with a range of treatments to secure equilibrium. 

Just you and the kangaroos….

>For Sale: Reef Endeavour

>The biggest ship to ever be built in Fiji will be put up for sale on Friday, due to its owner Captain Cook Cruises promising not to compete with new partners Coral Princess Cruises, says The Fiji Times.

Captain Cook Cruises recently entered into a marketing partnership with Cairns-based Coral Princess Cruises, and a promise was made between the two not to compete against each other said Captain Cook’s Joint-MD Jackie Haworth-Charlton.

This will see the Reef Endeavour being put up for sale and retired from Captain Cook’s Fiji itineraries.

Delivered to Australia in 1996, the 3,000 tonne ship which carries some 150 overnight passengers also has recently struggled with fuel efficiency, as well as operational efficiency as its all-Australian crew was more expensive than other crews in the region.

At the same time, the high Aussie dollar has seen the number of passengers drop from the market.

“It is a very sad time for us presently but I have to say she was very successful,” Trevor Haworth, Captain Cook Cruises Executive Chairman.

Reef Endeavour was launched to replace the Reef Escape which retired from the market in 1996.

For Sale: Reef Endeavour

The biggest ship to ever be built in Fiji will be put up for sale on Friday, due to its owner Captain Cook Cruises promising not to compete with new partners Coral Princess Cruises, says The Fiji Times.

Captain Cook Cruises recently entered into a marketing partnership with Cairns-based Coral Princess Cruises, and a promise was made between the two not to compete against each other said Captain Cook’s Joint-MD Jackie Haworth-Charlton.

This will see the Reef Endeavour being put up for sale and retired from Captain Cook’s Fiji itineraries.

Delivered to Australia in 1996, the 3,000 tonne ship which carries some 150 overnight passengers also has recently struggled with fuel efficiency, as well as operational efficiency as its all-Australian crew was more expensive than other crews in the region.

At the same time, the high Aussie dollar has seen the number of passengers drop from the market.

“It is a very sad time for us presently but I have to say she was very successful,” Trevor Haworth, Captain Cook Cruises Executive Chairman.

Reef Endeavour was launched to replace the Reef Escape which retired from the market in 1996.

>Seduced by princesses – Western Australia – Australia – Travel – smh.com.au

>Seduced by princesses – Western Australia – Australia – Travel – smh.com.au

Thousands of east-coast Australians are being lured west by ship, writes Mike Heard.

Mining companies aren’t the only ones making big money in Western Australia. The state is turning into a goldmine for cruise lines as well.

Ignoring cheap air fares and all kinds of discount offers by coach tour promoters, thousands of east-coast Australians will head to the west by ship in the next 12 months, paying up to $11,000 each for a voyage of two to three weeks

Seduced by princesses – Western Australia – Australia – Travel – smh.com.au

Seduced by princesses – Western Australia – Australia – Travel – smh.com.au

Thousands of east-coast Australians are being lured west by ship, writes Mike Heard.

Mining companies aren’t the only ones making big money in Western Australia. The state is turning into a goldmine for cruise lines as well.

Ignoring cheap air fares and all kinds of discount offers by coach tour promoters, thousands of east-coast Australians will head to the west by ship in the next 12 months, paying up to $11,000 each for a voyage of two to three weeks

>15% SAVING ON ANTARCTICA AND CHILEAN FJORDS CRUISE

>

14 February 2008

15% SAVING ON ANTARCTICA AND CHILEAN FJORDS CRUISE

Savings of up to fifteen per cent are available through Cruiseco on a nineteen day cruise-and-stay package that combines Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords in January of next year, with prices now starting from just $6795pp twin-share.

The 700-passenger luxury adventure cruiser Discovery will sail from Ushuaia and spend four full days visiting Antarctica’s Deception and King George Islands, Antarctic Sound, Hope Bay, Gerlache Strait, Paradise Harbour, the Lemaire Channel and Half Moon Island.

Other highlights will include two-nights in Buenos Aires pre-cruise, cruising the Drake Passage, Cape Horn and the Beagle Channel, Punta Arenas, Puerto Mont, the Chilean Fjords and alpine Lake District, Valparaiso, and two nights in Santiago.

The tour begins in Buenos Aires on January 11 and can be taken in the reverse direction and at the same price on January 25 (although this cruise does not visit King George Island;) air travel is extra.

For full details phone 1800 225 656 for the name of your nearest Cruiseco cruise-specialist agency Australia-wide, or visit www.cruising.com.au

ADDITIONAL SHIP INFORMATION: The 20,000 tonne Discovery has two restaurants plus on-deck alfresco dining, ten bars and lounges, a nightclub, a lecture theatre and cinema, library, casino, card room, and internet centre.

There are two pools, two Jacuzzis, a gymnasium, health centre and beauty salon.