Your cruise ship is your hotel...

We cruise-lovers love our ships - and we have to love being aboard because that's where you spend the major portion of your cruising time. But there comes a time when the cruise ends and you have to get off, and then - if it is somewhere you want to stay a while - you discover again how the costs mount up. But wait a bit! Some cruise lines are on your side in this - they arrange their itineraries to give you an overnight stay in port. And then the ship is your hotel.
I can think of several cruise lines who plan their sailings this way - and they are mostly the 4 1/2 to 5 star ships. Now I can add another: the 4-star river cruise company CroisiEurope who, today, have offered a 4-night stay in Venice, in October 2009, aboard a river boat: it's a cruise that doesn't leave. The boat stays moored - you stay and dine aboard for 4 nights and each day you are free to explore Venice on your own or with optional guided excursions, all at a quite remarkably low price. There is only one of these "cruises" that I am aware of. But we love to discover the unusual so we'll keep a watch out for - and would love to hear about - any others.

Regent - choose your bathtub...

Just come back from another Agents' Briefing... and always ready to be less than impressed - but this was informative and probably quite timely. Regent Seven Seas Cruises have just 3 vessels - the Mariner, the Navigator and the Voyager. Regular readers of this blog will know that last year I took a very enjoyable trip aboard Mariner (see slide show at side of blog) and, since then have been happy to recommend her to clients. What I didn't know was how important it is to specify what kind of bathroom you like when booking Mariner! I shall explain. Apparently, when Mariner was designed, it was thought more attractive to have a full bath in every suite. But the passengers disagree: many find it uncomfortable to shower while standing in a bathtub and they have voiced their discontent. Regent have taken note and are in a continuing process of refurbishment, removing the bathtubs and installing large shower enclosures - except where there is room for both, and then the passenger has the choice. So bathe at will, but tell your agent (hopefully us!) whether you prefer bath or shower! Mariner arrives into Sydney November 17th, staying over two nights before departing to New Zealand (14 nights) then to Los Angeles (19 nights), after which she prepares for her Circle South America voyage, Fort Lauderdale and return from January 10. What a fabulous voyage that will be! Just contact me - martin@travelchoice.com.au - for more info.

New P&O superliner

In December P&O's newest superliner the Pacific Jewel will depart from Sydney. As the Australian cruise market grows so do the number of ships concentrating on our market. This one will sail year round from Sydney to the South Pacific and New Zealand so as soon as I get the opportunity to go on board I will organise some photos for a slide show on this blog. With over 200 balcony cabins (always my choice) and a celebrity chef at sea, there are 40 cruises to choose from. Luke Mangan, well-known to Sydney's foodies for his restaurants - and to Aussies for his role on TV's 'MasterChef' will launch Pacific Jewel's signature restaurant. Salt Grill by Luke Mangan will feature a number of his signature dishes on the menu. The five-night maiden voyage departs Sydney on December 13 and takes in Melbourne and Burnie in Tasmania before returning to Sydney.
If you'd like to know more let me know and I'll get you some info.
Martin@travelchoice.com.au