“Godmother” Shirley Bassey christens the Adonia.
CUNARD plans to host an inaugural circumnavigation of New Zealand in 2013 by the popular Queen Mary 2. The ship, which carries 2620 guests, will return to Australia in the summer of 2012 to embark on the 12-night cruise, a round trip from Sydney departing on March 7, 2013.
Besides a Tasman crossing, the ship will visit Milford Sound, Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland and the Bay of Islands. Bookings have just opened and if you book before December 31 you can benefit from early-bird savings, with fares starting from $3329 a person, twin share. 1300 766 537, cruiseexpress.com.au.
Otter spotter
Heritage Expeditions has released its program of voyages for the 2012-13 season, with a focus on the Russian Far East. Two new voyages, on the Spirit of Enderby, will have strong appeal for animal lovers. One is an 18-day Sea Otter Survey departing on May 9 next year offering guests the chance to be part of a research project taking place around the Kuril Islands north of Japan. Fares start from $US4900 ($4575) a person, twin share.
The other is a 17-day Sea of Okhotsk cruise, which aims to unlock the secrets of an unexplored region. The cruise departs on June 7 next year, with fares from $US7500 a person, twin share. 1800 143 585, heritage-expeditions.com.
Gault-edged
New Zealand celebrity chef Simon Gault will join a Captain Cook cruise of Fiji in November. Gault will accompany a four-night Yasawa Islands cruise departing from Nadi on November 8. Guests can participate in three cooking classes, with fares starting from $1,147 a person, twin share. 1800 804 843, www.captaincook.com.au.
In other food news, Holland America’s Culinary Council is rolling out a series of signature dishes in its fleet dining rooms from a dream team of acclaimed chefs from around the world. Notable names include the three-Michelin-star Netherlands chef Jonnie Boer, US restaurateur Charlie Trotter and pastry chef Jacques Torres.
Try before you buy
Cruise lines often hold information nights where you can get a deal. On August 2, Ecruising.travel is holding a free event at the American Club in Sydney to showcase Avalon Waterways itineraries, including Prague to Budapest packages in 2012. Interested cruisers will have the opportunity to meet Avalon’s ambassador, the former television host Steve Liebmann. The 13-night package begins in Prague with a three-night stay and post-cruise, there’s a two-night stopover in Dubai. Fares start from $5869 a person, twin share, including return flights and there are various departures between May and October next year. 1300 369 848, ecruising.travel.
Profile: Adonia
LAUNCHED Originally in 2001, then by PO in May under its new name.
PASSENGERS 710. REGULAR HAUNTS The Mediterranean, northern Europe.
BEST FOR Adults only.
THE DETAILS A 14-night cruise from Athens to Salerno, departing on November 30 next year, starts from $2589 a person, twin share. 13 24 28, pocruises.com.
Five things to know
1 Adonia, whose “godmother” is Shirley Bassey, was originally one of the Renaissance fleet and — before being snapped up by PO as its smallest, adults-only ship — also cruised under the Swan Hellenic and Princess banners.
2 Styling is traditional, with wood-panelling, a grand staircase, lavish red carpeting and traditional artworks. The ship has eight bars, an Oasis Spa and Health Club, golf nets, two pools and the library holds an impressive 4000 books.
3 Accommodation ranges from small inside staterooms with no view to balcony staterooms, suites and lavish penthouses with butler service. The decor varies by category but is generally airy, with dark wood and light or royal blue accents. An unusual feature in all staterooms is facilities to make tea and coffee.
4 Pick of the dining alternatives include the fine-dining Sorrento and the outdoor Ocean Grill by Marco Pierre White.
5 The best views from inside are from the card room or the Crow’s Nest bar.
Port watch: Tortola
Need to know This small, mountainous island, famous for powdery white beaches, is part of the British Virgin Islands. The largest of the islands in the western Caribbean south of Cuba, Tortola was founded by Christopher Columbus and taken over by the British in the 17th century. Ships dock in the harbour at Road Town, the island’s main settlement, and from here it’s easy to explore on foot, take a taxi to venture further afield, or take a ferry to a neighbouring island. Do not miss If you’re a sun seeker, head for Brewer’s Bay, which is more secluded, has decent snorkelling and is less populated than the town beach, Cane Garden. Pick of the excursions includes snorkelling at the caves at Norman Island and diving the shipwrecked RMS Rhone
Deals
OFFER OF THE WEEK Royal Caribbean Book by July 24 to save 50 per cent on the brochure price of a 17-night cruise-stay-fly package from Sydney to Singapore, departing February 16. The package includes a 17-night cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas, a three-night post-cruise stay and flights home. Fares start from $1899 a person, twin share. 1800 890 331, cruise1st.com.au.
Gap Adventures
Book by Wednesday to save 20 per cent on Antarctica cruises for the season. Fares for a 19-night cruise on the National Geographic Explorer, a round trip from Ushuaia on November 8, start from $16,416 a person, twin share, a saving of $5015 a person. 1300 320 795, adventureworld.com.au.
PO Cruises
Book a nine-night south Pacific cruise on the Pacific Pearl, a round trip from Sydney departing on September 20, and benefit from a shipboard credit of $150 a stateroom. Fares start from $999 a person, twin share. 1300 769 228, cruiseabout.com.au.
A-Rosa
Get two-for-one fares on eight-day cruises on the A-Rosa Stella, on the Rhone and Saone rivers, round trips from Lyon, until October 22. Fares start at $830 a person, twin share. 1300 503 669, www.ewaterways.com.au.
