Cruise and Maritime Voyages Charters Astor

Astor to Sail in Australia for Cruise And Maritime Voyages.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages has announced they plan to enter the Australian cruise market in November with charter of Premicon Group's Astor.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) is pleased to announce the unveiling of plans to enter the Australian cruise market with the opening of a dedicated sales office in Sydney, the three year seasonal charter of the 600 passenger Astor to operate twice yearly ocean voyages between the UK, Australia and South Africa and the launch of a summer season of cruises from Fremantle, Perth commencing 12th December 2013.

The 20,606 gross ton Astor joins the CMV fleet in November 2013 and will operate alongside the 800 passenger flagship Marco Polo and 700 passenger Discovery, both operating sailings from eight British ports. Discovery also operates an autumn Mediterranean fly cruise program. Astor’s inaugural 10,000 capacity programme will increase CMV’s overall 2014 global capacity to almost 62,000 passengers.

Astor has a fine pedigree and excellent reputation currently operating European summer cruises on the German market. She is managed and marketed by the Munich based Premicon Group that also overlooks a fleet of 22 premium river vessels operating on the Rhine, Main, Moselle and Danube also presenting new marketing opportunities between Premicon and CMV.  

The Astor was originally launched on the British market back in 1987 as a five star luxury ‘soft adventure’ product and since her inception has undergone a number of refits including a recent $22 million upgrade in 2010.

She will be positioned as a premium four star product and has 289 cabins including 42 suites with 70% of accommodation comprising an ocean view. There are a wide range of beautifully appointed lounges, seven passenger decks, traditional wooden decks and also an extensive sports deck with a wrap around jogging track and attractive wellness centre with a heated internal pool.

In announcing the introduction of Astor to the CMV fleet and the launch of a new voyage service to Australia, Chris Coates, Commercial Director commented, “Astor is indeed a beautiful ocean going vessel with a proud heritage and we are delighted that Astor will be part of our international development plans as we establish a strong presence on the Australasian cruise market.

We believe that Astor will become a firm favourite alongside Marco Polo and Discovery and a perfect match for the mid-sized more traditional business model we have developed since CMV’s launch in 2009. Despite the continued growth of mega resort style mass market vessels, the success and growing interest in the CMV product demonstrates that this niche sector has a significant role to play not only in the UK but also in the wider international English speaking markets and global arena. This new initiative also offers the travel industry an exciting new niche premium cruise product that lends itself to packaging opportunities”.

The opening of a sales office in Sydney follows the establishment in 2011 of a dedicated North
A new brochure including CMV Astor Voyages will be released later this month featuring the full program of southbound & northbound voyages through 2015, plus a selection of sailings from Fremantle including a splendid 35 night Circumnavigation of Australia and a 24 night Far East sailing.

The Astor will continue to sail for Transocean Tour's during the prime summer month returning the CVM for the winter seasons.

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Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and Endeavour Salute Each Other Off Australia

On March 4th, Cunard Line’s flagship Queen Mary 2 was saluted by another historic vessel also currently circumnavigating Australia – the Endeavour – as the two vessels crossed paths off the coast of Victoria.

The encounter with the small ship, a replica of Captain James Cook’s HM Bark Endeavour, occurred between Cape Duquesne and Cape Nelson, just outside Portland, Victoria, as Queen Mary 2 sailed from Adelaide to Melbourne where she is making her maiden visit today. Carrying approximately 4,000 guests and crew, and rising 62 metres above the water, the 151,400-ton Queen Mary 2 dwarfed the 397-ton Endeavour, which is carrying 54 people and stretches 39 metres to the top of its mast.

While Queen Mary 2 will take 20 nights to circumnavigate Australia (Fremantle to Fremantle), the Endeavour is taking 13 months on its journey around the country.

“Queen Mary 2’s maiden voyage around Australia has been a fantastic experience for all on board and we have very much enjoyed being part of history," said Commodore Christopher Rynd, master of Cunard’s flagship ocean liner. “To sail by the Endeavour – a replica of Captain Cook’s ship – and to see her size really brought home how brave and adventurous explorers were just two centuries ago.”

Both circumnavigation voyages by Queen Mary 2 and the Endeavor take place more than 200 years after the first circumnavigation of Australia undertaken by Captain Matthew Flinders in 1801-03.

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Cunard Queen Mary 2 to Dock at Sydney Overseas Passenger Terminal

Cunard’s 151,400-ton liner Queen Mary 2 is set to make history again next week when she berths for the first time at the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) at Sydney’s Circular Quay on Wednesday March 7 for an overnight stay which will mark the end of her Royal Circumnavigation of Australia.

Bringing Queen Mary 2 alongside at Circular Quay, instead of berthing at Garden Island Naval Base, has become possible following Sydney Ports Corporation’s installation of a new anchoring point, which can cater for larger ships at the OPT.

The largest ship ever to visit Australia, Queen Mary 2 will be a spectacular sight in Circular Quay, stretching 345 metres along the foreshore and rising 62 metres above the water line – just five metres below the highest sail of the adjacent Sydney Opera House.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, which represents Cunard Line in Australia, said Queen Mary 2's use of Circular Quay confirmed that an upgraded OPT would be an important element in improving Sydney’s ability to handle cruise ship visits.

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Holland America Announces Winter 2012 and Sping 2013 Australia / New England Cruises

In winter 2012 and spring 2013 two Holland America Line ships –– ms Oosterdam and ms Volendam –– will sail a series of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific cruises, visiting more than 50 ports where guests can revel in the cosmopolitan attractions of Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland, and explore the exotic landscapes of Vanuatu and Fiji in the South Pacific.

The complete series of sailings ranges from 10- to 58-days and features for the first time one of the line’s larger Vista-class ships, ms Oosterdam. This addition represents almost a 25 percent capacity increase in the Australia/ South Pacific region for Holland America Line.

“Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands are among the top travel destinations in the world and we’ve developed our itineraries to showcase the best of what they offer from secluded ports to popular favorites,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. “Holland America Line’s cruises highlight the region’s incredible wildlife on land and sea, including the legendary Outback, world-famous Great Barrier Reef and the opportunity of a lifetime to witness a solar eclipse while at sea.”

Guests can choose from a series of multiple departures ranging from 10- to14-days sailing roundtrip from Sydney or one way to or from Auckland between October 2012 and March 2013. New Zealand itineraries give guests a chance to experience some of the most amazing scenic cruising in the world, including the beautiful and dramatic Fiordland National Park and Bay of Plenty known for its beaches. These itineraries also visit both the North and South Islands of New Zealand with calls at popular ports of Wellington, Napier and Tauranga.

Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Voyages

Volendam and Oosterdam sail a total of five 14-day Australia and New Zealand cruises from Auckland to Sydney or reverse and feature port calls at Melbourne and Burnie, Australia; Milford Sound and Akaroa (Christchurch), New Zealand, and scenic cruising at Fiordland National Park.

Four 14-day New Zealand Discovery voyages sail roundtrip from Sydney on Oosterdam Oct. 24, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19, 2012 (holiday cruise) and Jan. 12, 2013. One 14-day Solar Eclipse voyage departs Nov. 7 and includes port calls at Brisbane, Hamilton Island and Townsville, Australia; Ile des Pins and Noumea, New Caledonia, and a total of six days in the Tasman and Coral Sea. Travelers on this voyage will have an opportunity to witness the rare natural phenomenon of a solar eclipse, which occurs Nov. 14, 2012.

Four additional sailings to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific include the 10-, 11- and 13-day Pacific Treasures cruises roundtrip from Sydney and feature more exotic and lesser-known tropical ports in Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji. Cruise fares begin at $1,299 per person.

Longer Unique Itineraries

Holland America Line offers several unique longer itineraries throughout the season, including Volendam’s 34-day Australia Circumnavigation. That voyage sails roundtrip from Sydney Oct. 21, 2012 and boasts 18 ports of call and scenic cruising in the remote Ribbon Reef and Far North Regions. Ports of call include Brisbane, Hamilton Island, Perth, Melbourne and Cairns, Australia; Hobart, Tasmania; Komodo Island, Indonesia; sunrise at Lizard Island and sunset at Booby Island to name a few. The trip also visits the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world. Cruise fares begin at $5,499 per person.

The 1,380-passenger ms Amsterdam sails a 75-day Grand Asia and Australia Voyage, departing Seattle, Wash., Sept. 21, 2012. Ports of call during this extended voyage include Darwin, Brisbane and Sydney, Australia; Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Waitangi (Bay of Islands) and Auckland, New Zealand; Lautoka, Fiji, and Apia, Samoa Islands. Guests on board will experience regionally inspired cuisine, gala balls and extraordinary entertainment as well as the treasured cruising tradition of crossing the equator before disembarking at San Diego, Calif. Cruise fares begin at $10,999 per person.

South Pacific and Trans-Pacific Itineraries

One-of-a-kind itineraries are also offered at the beginning and end of the season sailing westbound or eastbound from the US into the Pacific region. Oosterdam’s 22- or 23-day trans-Pacific Crossing departs Seattle, Wash., or Vancouver, B.C., for Sydney Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, 2012. Oosterdam returns on a 22- or 23-day South Pacific Crossing from Sydney to Seattle or Vancouver departing April 13, 2013.

These South Pacific repositioning cruises provide an excellent opportunity to visit several regions with iconic ports of call and more relaxing days at sea. Cruise fares for the South Pacific and trans-Pacific sailings begin at $2,399 per person.

Collectors’ Voyages

Ranging from 25- to 58-days, Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific Collectors’ Voyages on Oosterdam and Volendam are perfect for true explorers who seek a more extensive cruise experience. These voyages combine two back-to-back itineraries and represent the best per-day value for guests. During the Australia cruise season Holland America Line sails a total of 11 Collectors’ Voyages, affording the most in-depth exploration of this diverse region with extended itineraries visiting multiple destinations and more days at sea. Cruise fares begin at $3,049 per person.

Extended Stays at Ports

Guests can maximize their cruise experience at select destinations on port calls that stay through the evening or overnight at Tauranga and Wellington, New Zealand; Darwin and Tasmania, Australia, and Suva, Fiji, where they can visit local villages and experience traditional performances of local songs and dances performed by friendly villagers, known as Meke.

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Princess Cruises Offere Extensive Australia / New Zealand Cruises in 2012/13

Featuring the largest Australia deployment of any North American line in the region, Princess Cruises’ 2012-13 season of “Down Under” cruising offers intriguing new routes, a special solar eclipse cruise, a new cruisetour to the Outback, and more sailings to New Zealand than any other line.

In total, four ships – Diamond Princess, Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess – will sail on 40 voyages of eight different itineraries in the region. Among them are a longer 14-day Australia & New Zealand itinerary that adds two ports, Wellington and Picton, compared to previous seasons; as well as an extensive 33-day Round Australia & New Zealand route, featuring the best of the lands of kangaroos and kiwis.

Additionally, a special sailing will offer the unique opportunity to view the November 14 solar eclipse in its area of totality around northern Australia. This 11-day Queensland cruise aboard Dawn Princess includes a day at sea especially for the opportunity to view the solar eclipse.

Passengers who want to see more of Australia can opt for one of four complete land and sea cruisetours, that seamlessly combine a land itinerary with an Australia/New Zealand cruise. A new seven-night tour option debuts this season, featuring a train ride into the Outback from Adelaide aboard the historic Ghan Railway.

The Princess program includes three ships based locally for Aussie-style cruising. Featuring dining and entertainment options geared to Australian tastes, plus using Australian dollars as the onboard currency, these sailings offer a true local experience to passengers from all over.

“Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s great cruise destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Whether someone wants to explore the Great Barrier Reef, sail to scenic spots in New Zealand such as the dramatic Fiordland National Park, or even circumnavigate the entire Australian continent, we offer unforgettable vacation experiences.”

Princess’ 2012-13 Australia/New Zealand cruise season includes:

Australia & New Zealand – Expanded Itinerary – This 14-day journey between Sydney and Auckland adds two ports – Picton and Wellington – to a favorite Princess route – and all departures feature Fiordland National Park. Diamond Princess will offer six sailings between December 14, 2012 and February 22, 2013 on an itinerary to Melbourne, Hobart (Tasmania), Fiordland National Park (scenic cruising), Dunedin (Port Chalmers), Christchurch (Lyttelton), Picton (or Marlborough Sounds scenic cruising on select departures), Wellington, and Tauranga.

Aussie Experience Sailings
Locally based ships Sun Princess, Dawn Princess and Sea Princess offer “Aussie-style” cruising to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.

Queensland (Solar Eclipse Cruise) – A special cruise itinerary especially for viewing the total solar eclipse on November 14, 2012. This roundtrip voyage from Sydney sails north to Brisbane, Willis Island (scenic cruising), Port Douglas, Airlie Beach and then heads off the coast for a day at sea for the opportunity to view the eclipse. Dawn Princess departs on November 6, 2012.

Round Australia & New Zealand – A 33-day grand tour sailing roundtrip from Sydney features both Australia and the North & South Islands of New Zealand. Sea Princess will call at Brisbane, Port Douglas (for the Great Barrier Reef & Cairns), Darwin, Lombok, Geraldton, Perth (Fremantle), Adelaide, Melbourne, Fiordland National Park (scenic cruising), Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, and Auckland. The sailing departs on October 18, 2012.

Round Australia – A chance to circle the continent in 28 days aboard Dawn Princess. The roundtrip voyages from Sydney sailing visits Brisbane, Airlie Beach (for the Whitsundays), Port Douglas (for the Great Barrier Reef & Cairns), Darwin, Lombok, Perth (Fremantle), Bunbury, Albany, Adelaide, Melbourne, Burnie (Tasmania), and Hobart (Tasmania overnight). The sailing departs on March 31, 2013.

Northern Australia Explorer – Sailing between Sydney and Perth (Fremantle), passengers can explore Airlie Beach (for the Whitsundays), Port Douglas (for the Great Barrier Reef & Cairns), Darwin, Kimberly Coast (scenic cruising), Broome, Lombok, and Geraldton. The 17-day sailings depart aboard Sun Princess and Dawn Princess on April 12, 29 and June 10, 2012; plus April 26 and May 13, 2013.

New Zealand – Three different itineraries sail from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane aboard Dawn Princess, Sea Princess and Sun Princess. These 13- or 14-day sailings include opportunities to explore ports such as Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, as well as scenic cruising through Fiordland National Park. Sailings depart between October 24, 2012 and March 16, 2013.

Cruisetours
Four guided land tours of Australia can be added to a cruise to create a full land and sea vacation, covering some of the continent’s undisputed wonders. All cruisetours include the 14-day Australia and New Zealand cruise seamlessly combined with a four- to seven-night land adventure.

Classic Australia and Ghan Rail **NEW** – This overnight rail adventure between Adelaide and Alice Springs offers a great way to explore the country’s extensive Outback and visit the inland landmark, Uluru, or Ayers Rock. The seven-night tour features two nights in Adelaide, one night aboard the historic Ghan Railway, one night in Alice Springs, a night at Ayers Rock and two nights in Sydney. This unique tour offers an opportunity to explore the South Australia capital of Adelaide as well as the chance to enjoy one of the great train journeys of the world, named after the Afghan cameleers who once traversed this route.

Australian Outback Adventure – This six-night tour visits the country’s renowned Great Barrier Reef and ventures into the vast Australian Outback with two nights in Sydney, one night at Ayers Rock, one night in Alice Springs and two nights in Cairns. In the Outback, travelers will visit the famed Uluru (Ayers Rock), and will experience Aboriginal cultural.

Ultimate Australia – This seven-night tour features the Great Barrier Reef and Ayers Rock plus visits to Darwin and the majestic Kakadu National Park. This land itinerary offers two nights in Sydney, one night at Ayers Rock, one night at Kakadu, one night in Darwin and two nights at Port Douglas for the Great Barrier Reef.

Tropical Highlights – Those who want to explore the extensive Great Barrier Reef will enjoy this four-night tour, featuring two nights in Sydney and two nights in Cairns. Travelers will spend a day at the Great Barrier Reef, plus nearby nature parks and cultural attractions.

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Celebrity Cruises Announces Australia Cruises

Get ready for some company, Sydney Opera House. Another thing of beauty will share Sydney Harbor when premium cruise brand Celebrity Cruises sends its award-winning Celebrity Solstice to Australia and New Zealand for the winter of 2012-13.

“Celebrity Solstice has satisfied guests around the world since we introduced her in 2008, and the obvious next step is to send her to Australia,” said Dan Hanrahan, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. “With this move, we are delivering another way for people to have the best vacation experience possible, in one of the most stunning geographic regions of the world.”

Australians will enjoy the return of the Celebrity Cruises brand to the region this coming winter with the deployment of the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century. Her subsequent replacement by the 2,850-guest Celebrity Solstice is a symbol of the premium cruise brand’s ever-expanding global presence and the popularity of the service, activities, cuisine, and stylish design exemplified on its Solstice Class ships, which are frequently rated as the best by consumer- and travel agent-focused publications around the globe. Recent accolades include the Solstice Class being named among “Best Cruise Ships” by Frommers.com and Celebrity being named “Best Premium Cruise Line” and “Best Cruise Line in Europe” by the readers of Travel Weekly.

“Travelers around the world value their vacation time, and we want to give them more opportunitiesto enjoy Celebrity’s signature attributes, including the first Lawn Club and Hot Glass show at sea, more spacious staterooms, our AquaClass staterooms geared toward the spa enthusiast lifestyle, multiple specialty restaurants, the Celebrity iLounge and state-of-the-art entertainment, in more places. The culture and way of life in Australia and New Zealand are an idealbackdrop for our Solstice Class style and the overall onboard experience.”

Celebrity Solstice will transition from a 2012 summer in the Mediterranean to Australia/New Zealand via the Suez Canal and through Southeast Asia before arriving in Sydney, Australia in early December. The repositioning sailings will include multiple overnights in ports including Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Cochin, India.

Upon arriving in Australia, Celebrity Solstice will present a series of 12- and 13-night open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Auckland, New Zealand. The season also will include a circumnavigation of Australia, consisting of two open-jaw sailings between Sydney and Perth (Fremantle). Many of the itineraries include overnight stays in Sydney.

Celebrity Solstice will continue a series of destination-immersive onboard activities that will debut during Celebrity Century’s upcoming Australia/New Zealand season; activities include local vineyard and wine shore excursions, onboard talks by local cultural entertainers and speakers, and destination-focused food and drink menus. Some activities will be complimentary.

Celebrity will continue to offer its popular Australia/New Zealand cruise tour program geared toward guests who wish to combine a land-based vacation with a cruise. Premium concierge-style service is the hallmark of Celebrity’s four- and five-night pre- and post-cruise escorted land tour packages in Australia, which will visit destinations including Port Douglas (Great Barrier Reef), Ayers Rock (Uluru) and Sydney. A six-night pre-cruise New Zealand package will visit Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Sydney. Highlights include a full-day tour over the Great Barrier Reef and a gourmet barbecue dinner under the outback sky in Ayers Rock. All of Celebrity’s cruisetours are escorted by local tour directors, and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfast and some additional meals.

Full details will be available on March 23, when bookings for Celebrity’s new 2012-13 Australia/New Zealand itineraries will open for sale. Bookings for the 1,814-guest Celebrity Century’s 2011-12 Australia/New Zealand cruises are open now.

Celebrity Cruises’ iconic “X” is the mark of the world’s top-rated premium cruise line, with spacious, stylish interiors; dining experiences elevated to an art form; personalized service, with a guest-to-staff ratio of nearly 2:1; unexpected, trendsetting onboard activities, all designed to provide an unmatchable experience for vacationers’ precious time. Celebrity sails to Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal, South America, and year-round in the Galapagos Islands. Celebrity also offers immersive cruisetour experiences in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Europe and South America. One of the fastest-growing major cruise lines, Celebrity’s fleet currently consists of nine ships, with two additional Solstice Class ships scheduled to join the fleet: Celebrity Silhouette in July 2011, and Celebrity Reflection in Fall 2012

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Holland America's Volendam Sails to Australia and New Zealand in 2010

Oct. 12, 2009 — Holland America Line’s ms Volendam is set to cruise to Australia and New Zealand in early 2011 with 14- and 18-day voyages to the lands of kangaroos, kiwis, the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and exotic Asian ports. The ship also will sail a 14-day exploration of the South Pacific to island jewels known for their powdery beaches and turquoise waters.

In the spring, Volendam will uncover the mysteries of the Far East with 17- and 18-day voyages throughout the Orient, and then take a trans-Pacific journey that will cross the International Date Line on the way back to North America .

“Exotic cruises to destinations such as Australia and the Far East remain high on the wish-list of many travelers, and we’ve developed our itineraries to showcase the best of each region,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, for Holland America Line. “We pride ourselves in offering comprehensive experiences around the world, and these itineraries are sure to impress any cruise enthusiast.”

14-Day New Zealand Discovery

Both the North and South islands of New Zealand with their beautiful natural landscapes will be explored on the 14-day round-trip Sydney , Australia , sailings departing Jan. 2 and 30, 2011. The ship will make a total of eight calls at ports in New Zealand , including Wellington , Napier, Christchurch , Tauranga and a full day at Auckland .

The itinerary also features extensive scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — as well as Milford Sound. Guests can take in the breathtaking views of the region’s extreme scenery, ranging from glaciers to mountain ranges and sandy beaches to volcanic plateaus.

14-Day Pacific Treasures

Volendam departs Jan. 16 on a 14-day round-trip Sydney cruise to the islands of the South Pacific and through some of the most pristine waters in the world. Three ports of call in New Caledonia allow guests to dive and snorkel along the region’s coral reef and in the largest lagoon in the world. The ship also calls at the island of Vanuatu with its potpourri of cultures and magnificent natural harbor, as well as two calls at the island of Fiji , known for its sun-kissed beaches and crystal-clear seas.

14-Day Australia and New Zealand

Departing Feb. 13 from Sydney and Feb. 27 from Auckland , these spectacular cruises between Auckland and Sydney were created for travelers wishing to discover the diverse scenery and rich culture Down Under.

This itinerary also features extensive scenic cruising in Fiordland National Park , as well as Milford , Dusky and Queen Charlotte sounds. Holland America Line is one of the few premium cruise lines calling at Picton, the gateway to the South Island and the hub of Marlborough Sound’s thriving wine country, a certain highlight for wine connoisseurs. Guests can experience the Maori culture when the ship calls at Tauranga and experience the novelty of less-visited ports such as Burnie , Australia . For those looking for a more in-depth experience, pre- or post-cruise land tours take guests to the Great Barrier Reef or Alice Springs .

18-Day Great Barrier Reef Explorer

Volendam’s 18-day itinerary departing March 13 from Sydney to Singapore enables guests to enjoy four days of cruising the Great Barrier Reef , including two days of daylight cruising through the world’s largest coral reef system. Scenic highlights include an overnight anchorage in the reef near Sherrard Island and calls within the Whitsunday Island group. Several interesting ports also will be visited in Indonesia , including Komodo Island , part of the Komodo National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — as well the beautiful islands of Bali and Java. An overnight call at Singapore at the end of the cruise enables guests to explore the bustling city and return to the comfort of the ship before disembarking the next morning.



18-Day Asia Explorer

Sailing from Singapore to Kobe ( Osaka ), Japan , Volendam is set to explore all corners of the Orient including Thailand , Cambodia , Vietnam , China and Japan on its April 14 departure. The 18-day itinerary is filled with plenty of time to explore the palaces and tombs that dot the ancient lands, take in the tranquility of the temples and gardens, and sample the unique flavors of Asian cuisine. Three overnight stays ensure that guests are able to explore Bangkok with it’s abundance of palaces and Buddhist wats; the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong with its tea shops and street markets, and Shanghai with its soaring skyscrapers and unforgettable Yuyuan Gardens .

17-Day Japan and Alaska

In the spring, Volendam repositions back to the waters of Alaska with a 17-day trans-Pacific journey from Kobe to Vancouver , British Columbia . Departing May 2, the ship visits the ports of Yokohama , Hakodate and Kushiro , Japan , before crossing the International Date Line over to Alaska and kicking off the season with calls at Kodiak and Sitka , and scenic cruising of the Inside Passage .

Cruise fares are per person, double occupancy, and start at $1,599 for the New Zealand Discovery voyage departing Jan. 2 and $1,699 for the Jan. 30 departure; $1,599 for the Pacific Treasures cruise departing Jan.16; $1,699 for the Australia and New Zealand voyage departing Feb 13 and $1,599 for the Feb. 27 departure; $2,099 for the Great Barrier Reef Explorer cruise departing March 13; $2,099 for the Asia Explorer voyage departing April 11, and $1,599 for the Japan and Alaska trans-Pacific cruise departing May 2.

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Rhapsody of the Seas Loads in Sydney Harbor.

The port of Sydney, Australia has grown in popularity with the cruise ships. So much so, that a recent sailing of Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas could not get a berth. The ship. which was slated to load 2,435 passengers (along with luggage), had to be loaded via tender. All this had to happen while the ship was anchored in the middle of Sydney harbor.