JMAK= : ( ( . / < Tuesday 07 August 2012
Cruising comeback on the Mississippi The launch of the Queen of the Mississippi marks the return of traditional paddlewheeler cruises in America. AFTER several years without any holiday cruises on the Mississippi River, two ships are bringing back the good old days. On the weekend, American Cruise Lines debuted the first new, authentic paddlewheeler built for the famous waterway in almost 20 years. The 150-passenger Queen of the Mississippi set sail on Saturday on a sold-out, eight-day, roundtrip voyage from New Orleans. According to the operators, the vessel offers a new way to see the longest river system in North America, boasting large staterooms with private balconies, free internet, room service and satellite TV. “The launch of Queen of the Mississippi represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Mississippi river-boating, where 21st century amenities are offered aboard an authentic paddlewheeler that is historic in appearance,” said Charles Robertson, President and CEO, American Cruise Lines. Destinations in 2012/13, extending to the Ohio River, include New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, St Louis, Cincinnati, Minneapolis-St.
Paul and Pittsburgh. It follows the April 2012 return of the newly renamed American Steamboat Company’s 436passenger American Queen. Next year the refurbished American Queen, featuring new single rooms for solo travellers, will offer 30 departures between Memphis and New Orleans, with themed cruises including Elvis, cooking and Civil War history. For details, see www.americancruiselines.com or www.americanqueensteamboat.com.
OCEANIA Cruises’ Culinary Centre offers guests the only cooking school at sea with hands on instruction, as well as the expertise of Master Chefs who provide instruction in a professional kitchen atmosphere, and shore side events and market tours which are designed to expand guests’ cooking prowess. The Culinary Centre is produced in conjunction with Bon Appetit, America’s premier food publication, see p 5 for details.
Century old adventurer EMILY Guidice is living proof that age is no barrier to adventure, with the centenarian becoming one of P&O Cruises’ oldest ever passengers. When the iconic shipping line began cruising from Australia 80 years ago with the mail steamer Strathaird, Emily was already a 20-yearold, and this week at a healthy 100 years of age Emily (who is pictured below with her birthday message from the Queen) boarded the cruise line’s Pacific Jewel for the first time. “I have an adventurous spirit” she said, adding “I am looking forward to everything, especially the music, I just like it all”.
Cruise the Med for $1 CRUISERS who book MSC’s seven-night Mediterranean cruise departing on 02 September 2012 will be able to take a friend for only $1, plus port charges of $175. The Cruise of the Week deal is available to book from 3pm today, until 10am on 09 August. Barcelona and Marseille before returning to Genoa. The voyage departs roundtrip from Genoa onboard MSC Fantasia and visits Naples, Palermo, Tunisia, Barcelona and Marseille, and is priced from is priced from $1,225pp.
Oceania Cruises cooking at sea
HAVE YOU SECURED THE BEST AIR OFFER IN THE MARKET? Book any 2013 Viking river cruise today and you can: 9 Fly to Europe or Russia for just $995 per person* return Economy-class 9 Book any stateroom 9 Fly to and from any major European gateway 9 Fly any date you desire 9 Enjoy Viking’s choice of seven reputable airways: Qantas/British Airways, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Scandinavian Airlines or Finnair.* 9 Plus, you can include an Asian stopover without any additional costs. Call us
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TODAY’S ISSUE OF CW Today’s issue of CW features four pages of the latest cruise news, plus see p5for details on Oceania Cruises onboard culinary offerings.
*Viking $995 Air offer is strictly limited, conditions apply, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Guests booked on a Viking 2013 cruise / tour itinerary can receive return economy class airfare from Australia (from ADL/BNE/MEL/PER/SYD) to Europe return for $995.00, with a reputable carrier chosen by Viking. Full air fare payment ($995 per person) is due at the time of booking. Non-refundable full airfare payment ($995 per person) is due at the time of booking. Guests may choose date for travel and major European gateway destination, for full list visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au or request at the time of booking. Offer is non-changeable, not redeemable for cash, non-transferrable and non-redeemable for cruise credits. Price is in Australian dollars, per person and includes seasonal surcharges, all government fees and taxes and air fuel surcharges. Full airline terms and conditions will apply. Additional conditions apply, visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au.
2013 Europe & Russia Boutique River Cruising Out Now. WIN A RIVER CRUISE FOR TWO
SAVE up to $3,800 per couple available.
Website: www.cruiseweekly.com.au | Phone: 1300 799 220 | Fax: 1300 799 221 | Email: info@cruiseweekly.com.au
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