JMAK= : ( ( . / < Tuesday 03 July 2012
Pacific Sun sets off on final cruise
One of Australia’s most significant ships has departed on its last voyage for P&O before moving on to a new life in China.
A SMALL crowd gathered in Brisbane on Sunday to bid “bon voyage” to the Pacific Sun, affectionately known for many years as Australia’s favourite cruise ship. “It was a sombre sailaway with some of her fans lining the river to wave goodbye – I’m told there were a few tears,” a spokesperson for P&O Australia told CW. “It’s fair to say that Pacific Sun introduced thousands of Australians to cruising… She was at the core of the resurgence in cruising in Australia.” In the eight years that Pacific Sun sailed under the P&O brand, Australian cruising experienced double-digit annual growth. Since 2004, the 47,000-tonne ship carried more than half a million passengers on 332 cruises, primarily around the South Pacific. Over the past two weeks P&O Australia fans on Facebook have posted comments and reminisced about memories of fun on the ‘Sun’. A group of “cruise enthusiasts” also set up a separate farewell page and are posting updates live from onboard the final sevennight Pacific Island cruise. The 26-year-old ship was sold earlier this year as part of Carnival Australia’s continuing
program of fleet renewal. Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia, said Pacific Sun had been “enormously popular”. “When Pacific Sun joined our fleet eight years ago, Carnival Australia had two ships based in Australia and now we have seven, so she has certainly played a role in that growth”. The 723-cabin vessel, built in Sweden in 1986, was first named Jubilee and sailed for US-based Carnival Cruise Lines in the Caribbean, Mexico and Alaska. Mystery surrounds the new unidentified owners, but according to unconfirmed rumours, the ship may be converted into a “floating casino” in China.
Scenic extends Alaska SCENIC Tours has expanded its Alaskan cruise/tour offerings with the addition of new destinations, Kenai Peninsula and Copper River, as part of the new 28-day Rockies, Voyage of the Glaciers, Kenai Peninsula & the Arctic Circle tour. Priced from $14,295 per person twin share, the trip includes 20 nights on land plus a 7 night Alaskan cruise, and bookings made by 19 October will also enjoy free return flights to Canada for the second person travelling. Details www.scenictours.com.au.
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TODAY’S ISSUE OF CW TODAY’S issue of CW features four pages of all the latest cruise news.
Ita talks the Tauck MEDIA personality Ita Buttrose was last Fri officially introduced as the new ambassador for Tauck in Australia. Buttrose has been enlisted by Tauck’s local representative, Travel The World, to further build the brand’s profile after five years of strong growth in the local market. Tauck has been on offer locally for 25 years and is going from strength to strength, with a new locally produced brochure customised to Australian tastes. Tours on offer include a wide range of luxury trips including river cruises - and a growing area of interest for Aussies is solo travellers. Tauck this month announced the removal of single supplements for Category 1 cabins on each of its more than 100 2013 European river cruise departures. Tauck ceo Dan Mahar said that the company aims to look after all of the smallest details, meaning everything is taken care of for those who are travelling alone. “And of course, there’s a cameraderie and connection with their fellow travellers, plus a great sense of security, that solo travellers don’t get to enjoy on their own. “Finally, because our riverboats hold just 118 guests, they offer a refined, club-like atmosphere that’s very intimate and welcoming for anyone travelling on their own”. Other recent initiatives include ‘Time on Tauck’ which offers complimentary luxury pre and post tour accommodation on all trips. As for Ita, she’s thrilled to be representing the brand, while Travel The World’s sales and marketing manager Michelle Taylor says Buttrose is a perfect fit because just like Tauck she is “sophisticated, elegant and inspiring”.
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au
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