Issue 24 for Highlife Asia readers by Luxury Magazine

N E W

Z E A L A N D ’ S

O N L Y

D E D I C A T E D

L U X U R Y

T R A V E L

M A G A Z I N E

LUXURY RRP NZ$19.95

/ AU$16.95 incl gst

Issue 24 Autumn/Winter 2014

HOLIDAYS & CORPOR ATE TR AVEL

best of the

best

Cruise

CRUISING...

The Mediterranean, Continental Europe, Baltic Sea, Alaska, Caribbean, South Pacific & Expedition Cruises

SPA FINDER

CRUISING INTO THE FUTURE

Chuan Spa at The Langham

The Latest Trends

YASAWAS

NEW CRUISE DESTINATIONS Cambodia, Vietnam, Arabian Gulf, Mississippi River & Beyond

WINDS OF CHANGE Aboard one of the World’s Most Luxurious Sailing Ships

Fiji’s Best Kept Secret

LIQUID ELEGANCE The art of Cognac, We sample France’s finest

GOING WITH THE FLOW Luxury on the Waterways

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Be inspired by spectacular moments and dramatic landscapes aboard Canada’s award winning Rocky Mountaineer. This world renowned, luxurious train travels by daylight through the wild beauty of Canada’s west coast. Choose from one of three journeys to the majestic Canadian Rockies now departing from Seattle or Vancouver and enjoy the ultimate rail experience. Relax in unparalleled comfort in your bi-level glass domed coach as you pass the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Spiral Tunnels and the glaciers and snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Allow Rocky Mountaineer to welcome you on board with a morning toast, enjoy delicious meals and be kept entertained with interpretative story telling as you travel through some of the world’s most remarkable scenery. The luxury and comfort is simply beyond compare.

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Editor’s Letter Everything cruising. There has been an increasing trend in the travel world toward cruise holidays, so we decided it was time to dedicate an issue to cruising. Now becoming a competitive market place with everything from romantic and river to themed and expedition, there is a cruise holiday for everyone. Even Richard Branson is getting onboard and eyeing up the cruise sector and looking to launch some oceangoing liners into the mix. LUXURY Holidays & Corporate Travel

We provide advice on how to get your bearings and choose the right cruise for you, the differences between oceangoing liners and

Cover image: Paul Gauguin’s Tere Moana in the Corinth Canal, Aegean Sea

boutique luxury ships, plus how to get the best out of your cruise holiday from the planning stages to onboard tips, including the latest in cruise ship fashion. We showcase key cruising areas from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, Alaska and beyond. In each region, read first-hand stories of experiences aboard vastly different cruise lines from traditional sailing ships and large floating hotels to boutique cruising vessels.

“...read first-hand stories of experiences aboard vastly different cruise lines...” Next we explore the rise of river cruising along Europe’s mighty waterways and newer destinations like the Mississippi. We touch on adventure expedition cruising, which gives enthusiasts the chance to get up and personal with Mother Nature. Covering off future trends in cruising, we also highlight the amazing ‘wow’ facilities that ships are incorporating into their designs above the water-line to seduce holidaymakers of all ages. Back on land, we re-visit Fiji’s stunning Yasawa Island Resort & Spa and see the multitude of family fun and things to do in Macau. Then finally with the ocean theme in mind, we visit Chuan Spa in Auckland to indulge in Thalgo’s Indocéane’s exotic Spa Ritual. So, get ready to have your interest in cruising piqued and for those already converted, be inspired to book your next cruise holiday. Once you catch the cruise bug there will be no turning back. Enjoy the read and I invite you to email me about your favourite cruise experiences to mel@travelpublications.co.nz. I really look forward to hearing from you. Keep relishing in what the wonderful world of travel has to offer.

Publisher: Travel Publications Limited Editorial Director: Philip Harrison Phone: +64 21 477 514 Email: phil@travelpublications.co.nz Editor: Melanie Hawkins Phone: +64 21 557 579 Email: mel@travelpublications.co.nz Features & Advertising Enquiries: Janice Burmaz Phone: +64 21 630 257 Email: janice@travelpublications.co.nz Contributors: Philip Tetley-Jones Ben Chandler Jackie O’Fee Judi Cuervo Fiona Harper Donal O’Sullivan Helen Nixon Bonita Burnett Philip Martin Timothy Giles

Peter Thornley David Libeau Jacqueline Unsworth Trish Ryder Carol Kirkup Stuart Walker Janice Burmaz Dr. John Walker Joanna Hall

Creative Director: James Rangihika Designer: Kendal Baker, Natalie Barlow Contact Details: PO Box 559, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140, New Zealand Phone: 0800 758 759 Fax: +64 9 300 7511 Website: www.luxurymagazine.co.nz ISSN: 1178-2382 Our preferred retail travel partner is United Travel. www.unitedtravel.co.nz

Melanie Hawkins Editor, LUXURY Holidays & Corporate Travel

PS: Invest in one of Fodor’s Cruise Travel Guides. With detailed reviews of cruise lines and valuable recommendations, it will be a good starting point before visiting your cruise travel agent.

Although we endeavour to provide the highest level of quality in our content, the views and opinions contained within this magazine have been obtained from independent sources, and Travel Publications Limited explicitly disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, content or availability of the information. Digital version available from www.zinio.co.nz

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Features 18 Choosing a cruise 20 Get the best out of your

cruise holiday

24 Boutique cruise or luxury liner? 86 New frontiers of cruising 90 The big blue – cruise facilities

104

94 Best South Pacific cruise destinations 96 Conferences at sea 101 Macau magic for families

In Every Issue

101

10 Review 12 Luxury Preview 57 Travel Accessories 79 Style File – Men 81 Style File – Women 100 Q&A – Jacqui Spice

Cruise Destinations 28 Mediterranean – Paul Gauguin 33 Mediterranean – Seabourn 36 Baltic – Nautica 40 Baltic – Cunard 44 Alaska – Un-Cruise 50 Caribbean – Windstar

54 Caribbean – MSC 58 South Pacific – Island Escape 62 South Pacific – Star Clippers 66 South Pacific – Blue Lagoon

Cruise Experiences

108

68 River – Uniworld 72 River – American Queen

Steamboat Company

76 River – APT 82 Expedition – Lindblad

National Geographic

Hotel Reviews 108 Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji

Lifestyle 104 Liquid Elegance – Croizet Cognac 112 Spa finder

Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.

Review: Autumn/Winter 2014

Check out these great events happening over the next few months. Ranging from football and opera to some of the biggest international events of the year, you’re sure to find something here of interest.

American Express Winter Festival, Queenstown, New Zealand New Zealand’s biggest winter party for all ages, this icy event features everything from ice skating to all-star snowboarding, dog derbies and a Mardi Gras party. Get amongst the buzz as they celebrate their 40-year anniversary in style. 20 - 29 June 2014 www.winterfestival.co.nz

Rally des Princesses, Paris

Opera in Paradise, Samoa

This elegant and original vintage car

The Opera in Paradise festival will

rally is designed for all women who

celebrate its 10th Anniversary on the

possess an automobile passion. A truly

tropical South Pacific island of Samoa.

unforgettable experience, gather your

The event showcases both opera

like-minded girlfriends for a 6-day

singers and instrumentalists. Enjoy

journey winding through France’s

magnificent local colour, rich history

most adorable country roads. 31 May 2014 www.zaniroli.com

and traditions, while experiencing a

FIFA World Cup™, Brazil Occurring every four years, the FIFA World Cup™ is the biggest single-event sporting competition in the world.

series of unique musical concerts. 9 - 19 October 2014 www.operatif.com.au

The preliminary action starts with 204 teams from six continents competing for 31 available spots. You can count on extreme action, fun and festivities in beautiful Rio de Janeiro as the team vie for the ultimate title. 12 June - 13 July 2014 Image: Richard Bord

www.fifa.com

Mezzo Soprano Elisha Fa’i-Hulton

Festivals, Italy July is a great month for Italian festivals. Il Palio di Siena, a famous horse race around Siena’s central square has a dramatic medieval procession that precedes the race. Festa della Madonna Bruna is celebrated in Matera, an interesting town with cave dwellings in southern Italy. The Madonna Bruna is paraded on a chariot with the finale being a spectacular fireworks display. Il Palio di Siena: 2 July, 16 August 2014, www.discovertuscany.com Festa della Madonna Bruna: 2 July 2014, www.festadellabruna.it Image: Mike Heydon

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Luxury Preview Haute cuisine from Air France

Southern Comfort

We’re seeing more and more airlines

Aro Hā Wellness Retreat in Glenorchy on Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand, opened less than a

compete at the top end of the market

year ago and it’s already won a coveted Gold List Award.

by accepting the challenge to redefine what’s possible with that lowly rated category, airline food. As one might expect, Air France is leading the move towards haute cuisine. Its latest initiative involves a champion of locally sourced produce.

“It is such an honour for a property such as ours to be recognised in our early days,” says co-founder Damian Chapparo. “We aim to combine luxury, adventure, nature and wellness Since April and for a period of six months,

in one stunning setting.”

five exceptional new dishes crafted by

Aro Hā Wellness Retreat offers four night/five day and six night/seven day retreats in the

Régis Marcon will be served successively on long-haul flights in the Business Class cabin.

heart of the South Island’s lake country with a focus on nutrient-dense organic nutrition, yoga, massage, hiking, and exposure to the beauties of Mother Nature. Relax in Zeninspired luxury accommodation in neutral hues and drink in the healing alpine views of

From stewed green lentils with shrimp to

mountain peaks thrusting skyward over an azure lake.

free-range chicken with black morels, the

This purpose-built sustainable property keeps guest numbers low and also offers a series of

triple Michelin-starred chef passionately prepares natural, locally sourced products to serve up deliciously authentic cuisine.

retreats starring guest experts throughout the year. An experience to add to the bucket list. www.aro-ha.com

If you find yourself flying long haul on Air France Business Class within the next six months, then you’re in for a treat.

Turn your smartphone into a hotel room key

www.airfrance.com

Once upon a time, there were clunky hotel keys attached to hunks of wood or metal so you wouldn’t inadvertently walk out the hotel carrying the keys. Then there were pre-programmed plastic cards, designed to be inserted into a slot to electronically release the lock. The latest development in hotel room access is a virtual key that’s encrypted in a smartphone app. Check into the hotel and your virtual key unlocks the chosen door with a Bluetooth-enabled tap from an iPhone. The virtual key is being tested in a pilot programme in two properties owned by Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Starwood officials are betting that the technology will become routine for hotels in the future, replacing traditional check-in methods. “We believe this will become the new standard for how people will want to enter a hotel,” says Frits van Paasschen, Starwood’s CEO. “It may be a novelty at first, but we think it will become table stakes for managing a hotel.”

Luxury Preview Take a journey of self-discovery South Korea is known as a place of mystique and cultural beauty and is an important

Platinum Card not exclusive enough? Try this!

hub to East Asia. Travellers can now also consider this as a destination for self-discovery.

Westpac has recently introduced the

Passengers flying Korean Air Prestige Class can factor in a short stay check-up in Seoul to

new Westpac World MasterCard –

improve their health and wellbeing at INHA International Medical Centre (IIMC).

MasterCard’s most exclusive premium

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” once quoted by Benjamin Franklin

card – into New Zealand. They describe

is fitting in today’s world, where we’re all so very busy with our day-to-day lives and

it as a “super premium credit card that’s

workloads. Often, finding the perfect balance in life can sometimes even add to our stress

exclusively designed for high net-worth

levels. Prevention is the path to good health and should be our main priority, yet usually this

travellers and offers unrivalled travel and

gets pushed to the back seat. The idea of taking time out to make a doctor’s appointment

lifestyle customer benefits.”

for a basic health check is usually out of the question. However, combining your next long haul business trip or holiday with a convenient health check may be the answer.

So what sort of benefits do you get? Three hotpoints per dollar spent, Priority Pass airport lounge access to over 600 airport lounges in 300 cities, regardless of the class of travel or airline they are flying. They also enjoy an On-Call Concierge Service. www.westpac.co.nz

New luxury in New Caledonia Sheraton has announced the imminent arrival of a major new development – the Just a short distance away from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport is INHA International Medical Centre (IIMC), which offers a professional range of health check services. Travellers can make a reservation at IIMC before leaving home for a compact medical check during transit, choosing from a number of simple services including a blood and urine test, an

Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort & Spa. Opening in July 2014, this property looks set to add even more glamour to our neighbour in the South Pacific.

eye examination, an oral examination and other radiology examinations like CT, MRI and Ultrasound. If time allows, the patient can also receive other comprehensive medical checks during their stay. Using state-of-the-art medical equipment, these medical checks are designed to assist in preserving health, saving time and money, early detection and peace of mind. IIMC provides other treatments from Korean medicine to dermatology and plastic surgery. For the convenience of its patients, IIMC will also arrange airport pick-ups and transfers, plus overnight hotel accommodation if required. www.inhaim.com

The design theme certainly reflects the resort’s tropical location. With unique and interesting architecture influenced by the Melanesian culture, the property’s bungalows offer a true New Caledonian luxury experience. A canopy bed, a luminous flat-pebble-tiled bathroom with a walk-in shower and freestanding bathtub, and a large terrace with an Korean Air Prestige Class is a relaxing and affordable option when flying to Seoul,

oversized lounge will allow you to be

connecting travellers to 125 cities and over 45 countries with a fleet of 155 aircraft

rejuvenated by the surrounding forest

including eight A380s. Korean Air offers passengers safety, convenience and comfort, as

vegetation or oceanic paradise.

well as providing them with a memorable in flight experience. www.koreanair.com

www.starwoodhotels.com

Luxury Preview Fabulous new gateway to India

Reward yourself with One&Only luxury

Home to 20 million people, Mumbai is

recently descended onto Australia’s Hayman Island. From July 2014, you can enjoy premium

one of India’s premier cities and a major

elegance against the backdrop of the stunning Coral Sea.

The exclusive brand that offers unique resorts in select locations around the world has

portal to the subcontinent. For many years, travel to Mumbai was constrained by bottlenecks at the city’s Chhrapati Shrivaji International Airport. But no more. The brand new Terminal Two combines international and domestic services under one roof, optimising terminal operations and minimising passengers’ walking distances. But functionality is only half the story. The new building is India’s largest and most complex infrastructural project ever accomplished and as such the building has been designated as a major cultural statement. www.csia.in With accommodation located in three separate sections of the resort, each with its own unique style, you’ll feel instant relaxation. Whether you’re overlooking the beach, the pool

Announcing the departure of the Orient Express brand

or perched higher up to take advantage of the sweeping views, privacy is the ultimate objective. www.oneandonlyresorts.com

that runs it is changing its name from

Experience another side of Bali in the Chedi Sakala

Orient-Express Hotels to Belmond.

The Chedi Sakala has now opened its gates on two and a half hectares of lushly

Don’t panic – the fabled train service isn’t departing. However, the company

They say that the new brand is a more appropriate fit for the group, which encompasses 45 hotel, rail and river cruise experiences.

landscaped oceanfront property at Tanjung Benoa Beach in Nusa Dua. Managed by luxury hotel management group GHM, the resort promises culinary sophistication, sublime wellness opportunities and a room-by-room spaciousness that is otherwise a rarity on the Island of the Gods. The destination itself is one of Bali’s most enticing new lures. Long the province of fishing boats and downscale accommodation, the charms of this peninsula, from its unrivalled access to water sports activities to its proximity to the island’s oldest Chinese temple, are set to seduce guests of The Chedi Sakala. www.ghmhotels.com

The experiences may be diverse, but they all have a few key things in common. Combining luxury with an absolute taste for the exotic, Belmond will be a name to remember when seeking out upscale expeditions. www.belmond.com

Luxury Preview Luxury for all the family at Sofitel Fiji There’s more to a family holiday in Fiji than kids’ clubs and splashing about in the pool.

Four Seasons Soars to new heights

That’s why the popular Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa has launched a new Luxury Family Room

The luxury hotel group is taking their

category for families looking to stay in style.

impeccable service to the skies with the

The room is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor living and offers extra space, freedom and entertainment options. The 16 new rooms are located on the ground floor with direct access to the beach, lawn and the world-famous lagoon pool.

introduction of their own fully branded private jet from February 2015. Inside the retrofitted Boeing 757, guests will rest on individually handcrafted leather

For added lifestyle indulgence, each Luxury Family Room features floor-to-ceiling sliding

flatbed seats, enjoy globally inspired

glass doors that open out to a personal outdoor entertainment area, complete with

cuisine and signature Four Seasons

spacious timber decking and furniture to encourage time outside in the tropics.

service onboard.

By popular demand, the family room children’s area comes with beanbags, Playstation3, separate dedicated LCD TV and individual reading lights to minimise disruption by late night bookworms. www.sofitel.com

Global in-flight WIFI keeps discerning guests and staff connected, so that spa treatments, golf tee times and more can be arranged to ensure a seamless and personalised itinerary. Reservations for selected trips are now available. www.fourseasons.com/jet

Qantas unveils new Hong Kong Lounge Hong Kong’s strategic position on the

Magnifique Events in Fiji

travel map has been underlined by the

Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is also the ultimate conference and incentive destination boasting

airline claims this 300-seat lounge offers

296 luxurious rooms and a beautiful beachfront location. Flexible enough to cater up to

a new level of luxury to visitors travelling

794 guests, Sofitel’s meeting options are endless ranging from boardrooms and ballrooms,

to and from the city.

opening of a new Qantas Lounge. The

through to private gardens and a romantic on site wedding chapel. Renowned for its creative events and themed dinners, the resort specialises in water, culture and unique adventure options. Sofitel have a special conference offer: •O ne complimentary day delegate package for every 20 delegates. •A one-hour complimentary welcome cocktail party, which includes beer, wine, soft drinks and the Chef’s selection of canapés. •C omplimentary WIFI for all delegates.

Customers can enjoy a range of dining

Book before: 31 December 2014. Travel: 1 November 2014 - 31 March 2015.

experiences from the Spice Temple BBQ

Block out dates: 23 December 2014 - 6 January 2015. Terms and conditions apply.

Bar to yum cha trolleys, an extensive

For all new bookings call +679 675 7884 or email events@sofitelfiji.com.fj

the day. www.qantas.com.au

buffet or the locally influenced plate of

Luxury Preview A new five-star boutique hotel for Christchurch

Escape the winter at Fiji’s newest resort

Christchurch continues its phoenix-like resurrection with the announcement of a new boutique opening on the site of the old Chateau Blanc apartment hotel.

tropics. Just a short plane flight from New Zealand lie the islands of Fiji – and the brand

Hotel Montreal will open in July on Cranmer Square, complete with 27 rooms and a tapas bar. It will be only the second five-star hotel in the city – alongside The George – after the damaged Millennium closed following the earthquakes.

you’re keen to avoid a small plane connection to an offshore island, Nanuku offers you the

Property developer and investor Lilly Cooper has bought the old Chateau Blanc site and will give it a “massive makeover” to create Hotel Montreal. “It will be an exquisite fit-out. It’ll be as good as anything international, with a wow factor,” Cooper exclaims.

As the days grow shorter and winter rainstorms batter the windows, thoughts turn to the new attractions of Nanuku Resort & Spa. The resort is located on the beach at Pacific Harbour. It takes just over two-hours by chauffeured vehicle along the scenic Coral Coast of Viti Levu to reach Nanuku by road. So if beauty of Fiji without the complication of an additional flight over water.

Nanuku Resort & Spa is highlighting its Pacific Harbour location as the adventure capital of Fiji. Experience shark dives in the Beqa Lagoon, surf the legendary Frigates Pass, zipline KILMORE, MONTREAL AND PETERBOROUGH STREETS CHRISTCHURCH

through a lush rainforest canopy, experience whitewater rafting or join an off-road cave safari where you wade by lantern light through Fiji Island’s largest cave system. With creative fusion cuisine, a first-rate children’s club and a host of adventurous activities on your doorstep, Nanuku Resort & Spa is a very welcome addition to the Fijian holiday

There is something for every discerning taste. An old classroom at one end of the building has been converted into a restaurant called The Birch Tree and the other, Coopers & Co Deli. There’s the superb Polo Bar, with Argentine tapas – the perfect place to sit and unwind with a glass of award-winning wine, before experiencing fresh New Zealand cuisine served at the charming bistro a few steps along the laneway, or perhaps an art-house film at the open urban theatre? www.hotelmontreal.co.nz

DATE: 25/02/2014 SCALE: 1:2.2637 @ A3

An authentic taste of Italy in Auckland’s Federal Street 3D IMAGE

The Federal Street precinct alongside Auckland’s Sky Tower has just gained another superb dining destination. Sean Connolly is extending his philosophy of simple, uncomplicated T H E

Every room of the hotel has its own private balcony, iPad and is between 50 and 70m2 in space. All the furniture, art, decorative objects and sculptures in the elegant suites are for sale exclusively to guests. If you love it, you can take it home with you.

M O N T R E A L

landscape. www.nanukufiji.com

food with the opening of authentic Italian restaurant Gusto at the Grand. THOM CRAIG ARCHITECTS LTD

94 Coleridge Street, Sydenham PO Box 7520 Sydenham 8014 Christchurch, New Zealand

TEL FAX WEB

64 3 943 9980 64 3 943 9981 thomcraig.com

“Historically, Italian food is made to be shared, and I am respecting this tradition at Gusto,” says Connolly. The devotion to quality and authenticity doesn’t end with the menu. Gusto’s interior, designed by Gordon Moller, is classic Italian. White arabescato marble and gold onyx, timber floors and stained American ash tables with Thonet chairs enhance the European look and feel. www.skycityauckland.co.nz

Luxury Preview Two South American airlines raise their game Football fans craving a taste of the action in Rio this year will be thrilled at the news that two major South American airlines have laid on more flights this June and July.

Eurostar kicks things up a notch with Business Premier class As much as we love the romance of air travel, it can be nice to glide along at ground level. Eurostar, the operator of train services through the Channel Tunnel, now offers an extra layer of luxury with Business Premier class. Travellers in Business Premier enjoy a host of bonuses, including check-in 10-minutes before departure, complimentary lounge access, extra spacious seats, taxi booking service, and a full at-seat dining experience.

LAN Airlines and TAM Airlines, part of South America’s largest airline group, have announced the addition of new flights to provide the best service to passengers during one of the biggest sporting events in the world that will take place in Brazil mid year. While both companies will add more than 300 international flights, TAM Airlines has altered 31 per cent of its domestic flight network from 10 June 2014 to 15 July 2014 by adding more than 750 new flights within Brazil. With hundreds of thousands of visitors, and the eyes of the world on Brazil, the local travel industry is taking things very seriously. In June and July 2014, TAM’s passenger capacity all around Brazil will be seven million, minimising the risk of hold-ups.

As you’d expect, it’s not just any old dining experience. Eurostar brings its Business Premier class customers cuisine by renowned chef Raymond Blanc. As Chef Patron of the two Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons and founder of the Brasserie Blanc restaurants, Raymond brings 30 years of creativity LAN and TAM have complemented their investment in extra flights with a spruce-up of

and experience to the table.

cabin design. Moving forward, all new Airbus A320 and A321 short-haul aircraft will

If stretching out in a comfortable seat

feature new cabin interiors and seats, giving passengers more space and comfort. For the

while the countryside races silently past

new long-haul cabins, the fabric incorporates more cloth elements to create maximum

your window and a waiter pours a glass

comfort for longer flights.

of the finest French wine is your idea of

South America is increasingly on the radar for travellers from this part of the world, and it’s

luxury, make sure you book in Business

great to see major airlines making the extra effort to offer visitors a great experience.

Premier when travelling between the

www.lan.com

Continent and London. www.eurostar.com

Choosing a cruise You’ve decided to cruise for your next holiday, now comes the hard part For the novice passenger embarking on their maiden voyage, selecting a cruise can be a daunting experience. It’s easy to feel all at sea when you’re faced with dozens of operators and an armada of ships, each catering to a different taste and budget. But by doing your homework and with a little expert advice, you can set your course for an unforgettable adventure. So where to start? The first and most obvious question to ask is just what kind of passenger are you? Are you travelling on your own or with a partner or family? Are you the social type who loves to party or is time to yourself top priority? Then there’s your choice of destination. Do you prefer to island hop or catch a rare glimpse of some of the world’s most spectacular and inaccessible places? As the trend toward niche cruising continues to gather momentum, there is literally a cruise for everyone, featuring everything from celebrity chefs, rock concerts and singles cruises to eco adventures. Cruise ships range in size from small luxury liners with less than a hundred passengers to 6,000 passenger behemoths. Smaller ships can provide a quieter, more intimate cruising experience, while the mega liners of Carnival Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International are brilliant for families. With multiple pools, kid’s clubs, climbing walls and even full scale water parks, there’s enough to keep the kids busy all day but you’ll need to be prepared for queues, frequent public announcements in multiple languages and staggered dinner sittings. Even similar sized ships have their individual quirks, particularly in the passenger to staff ratio, amenities, entertainment, dining options and

An ocean of choices Today’s cruise market literally offers something for everyone. Here are a few of our top picks:

onboard activities. Onshore excursions may or may not be included in your package so it’s a good idea to check before you decide. Cabin sizes can also vary. Family-oriented cruises, such as Disney and Carnival Cruise Lines usually have larger standard staterooms designed to accommodate children, while some newer ships also offer family suites. Luxury brands like Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn feature suites exclusively. If the sky’s the limit, there’s always Norwegian Cruise Line’s 460m2 , three-bedroom Garden Villa Suite, complete with a sauna and hot tub, as well as your own butler and private elevator. The position of your cabin on the ship can also make a difference. Generally, the lower and more central you are in a ship, the less roll and sway you will feel, so it might be worth trading a better view for a more comfortable journey. If you don’t plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, you may be perfectly happy with a standard berth without a balcony. Those who like their own space will prefer their own verandah. For novice and seasoned cruise shoppers alike, Fodor’s Cruising Guide is an indispensable resource, giving you side-by-side comparisons of the many cruise lines, along with the pros and cons of each. The golden rule for planning a successful cruise is to do the research and work with an experienced travel agent. Jacqueline Unsworth, Cruise Marketing Manager for United Travel says, “matching someone up with a cruise is a bit like arranging a marriage.” She continues, “it’s the little things that make all the difference and there’s nothing like first hand experience.” United Travel have a dedicated team of cruise specialists who have sailed with virtually every cruise line.

Explorers For active adventurers, Lindblad Expeditions or Silversea Explorer offer a range of off the beaten track destinations.

Romantic Getaways

Groups and special interest

With smaller ships, impeccable service and luxurious appointments,

For groups and those wanting a themed ‘foodie’ or ‘music-themed’

Paul Gauguin Cruises and Windstar Cruises provide an intimate

cruise then check Seabourn and Celebrity Cruises’ schedules.

cruising experience, where children are not usually onboard.

Seniors Family Holidays

Mid-sized ships from Oceania, Cunard and Holland America Line

For an almost endless range of activities, Disney Cruise Line,

offer a balance of space, service and plenty of on and off ship activities.

Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean

Experienced ocean cruisers may prefer river cruising with Uniworld

International have large ships that cater for children of all ages.

Boutique River Cruises, Viking River Cruises or APT River Cruising.

Your ultimate cruise resource.

Get the best out of your

Cruise holiday

Your ultimate cruise resource.

So you’re considering a cruise. The idea of touring exotic ports in a floating wonderland of luxury has finally become too hard to resist. Or perhaps you’ve had friends return from a cruise raving about the experience. It’s time to dip your toes in the water. Before you get out your credit card and spend a four or fivefigure sum, make sure you know what you’re getting into. Here’s our inside guide to making the most of the cruise experience.

Use a specialist cruise travel agent Our first tip is to spend some time with a travel agent – and not just any travel agent, but one who specialises in cruise holidays. A cruise specialist won’t just grab the nearest brochure and push you to make a booking. He or she will listen to your ideas, suggest options you may not be aware of and share insights gained from experience. Weighing up the merits of different cruise lines, destinations and packages can be quite a saga, so make sure you get expert guidance.

Understand cabin types You should definitely get the travel agent’s advice on the various cabin types. Do you yearn to sit on a balcony or luxuriate in a suite? Options abound at a range of price levels. And make sure you see the ship’s deck plan so you can check the location of the engine room and restaurants – and ensure you are near them if mobility is an issue.

Onboard expectations Your travel agent can also help you understand the level of service you’ll receive on the different cruise lines. Some luxury cruises offer a very high staff-to-passenger ratio, so you’ll have the sensation of being waited on hand and foot. Other cruise lines provide an experience that’s still glamorous but with less of the grand hotel feeling. Another area to be aware of is the policy on gratuities. Knowing what to expect is the key to avoiding disappointment. If your cruise is for a special occasion, please don’t hesitate to let the staff know. Birthdays and anniversaries can be celebrated onboard and you can often pre-purchase special ‘celebration packages’ for your loved ones such as a cake, flowers, spa treatment or dining at a specialty restaurant.

Your ultimate cruise resource. Story: Philip Tetley-Jones

Book in advance

Bring your own beverages

Made your choice? It’s smart to book well in advance as cruise

Do you like the idea of relaxing with a quiet drink on your private

lines frequently offer earlybird specials. The most popular cruises

balcony or in your own stateroom, away from the crowd? Most

sell out first so don’t hold back in expectation of last-minute deals

cruise lines allow your own non-alcoholic drinks onboard, so

– there may not be any.

long as it’s within your luggage allowance at embarkation and

Suites and cabins with balconies also sell-out fast so book early to

consumed in your cabin.

secure your position or you’ll have less choice. Because river cruise

Some cruises allow you to bring your own alcohol on board. Make

ships are smaller they can often sell out up to one year in advance.

sure you check the cruise line’s policy before you leave. Drinks packages are also offered on some ships and these offer excellent

Pack appropriate clothing As the embarkation date looms you’ll need to start packing. This can be a little different from preparing for an ordinary holiday. For a

value for money.

Excursion planning

start, you’ll need to include a few smart outfits for formal nights (or

One of the best parts of a cruising holiday is going ashore.

choose a cruise line with alternative dining options). Make sure you

Your itinerary will include a succession of ports, and these may

pack appropriate clothing for every port and climate zone you’re

come with a choice of shore excursions. Some cruise lines offer

travelling through.

extensive options while others let you take the initiative on the

One of the great things about cruising is that you have the same

new destinations on their own. Perhaps you have a special interest

room for your entire holiday. Without the need to constantly haul

in cuisine, sightseeing, culture or adventure. Ask your travel agent

baggage from airport to hotel to taxi and back again, you can

what’s on offer, and don’t forget to factor in the extra cost of any

bring some large suitcases with everything you need, unpack them

shore trips.

once and get on with enjoying your holiday.

basis that their customers enjoy the independence of exploring

While we’re talking about excursions, make sure you book at least

If you’re cruising within a tropical destination, you may want to

one day trip with a ‘wow’ factor. Imagine diving with tropical fish

consider taking your own snorkelling gear as it can sometimes cost

in the waters of a little-visited atoll, or walking through history as

to hire, or you may just prefer to use your own.

an expert guide brings to life the story behind a 3,000 year-old

Princess Cruises

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Silversea Expeditions’ Prince Albert II

Greek temple. These are the sorts of experiences you never forget.

your cabin and return to the comforts of home. One tip to make

Yes, cruising on a luxury ship is a holiday in itself, and a true escape

the end-of-cruise experience a little less jarring is to check and

from the everyday. But the true value of a cruise holiday is the way your floating luxury hotel takes you to a succession of destinations that are outstanding in their own right. Seeing Venice loom out of the Adriatic, then docking and spending

pay your bill the night before disembarking. You’ll avoid the lastminute queues and be able to smoothly move onto your next destination without delay.

a day exploring the magnificent sights of the city, is an experience that will live forever in your memory. Money spent on a shore excursion like this is money well spent. Another word of advice is to attend the port talks as they are a huge source of local information and insights.

Keep an open mind Our last piece of advice applies to all holidays, not just cruising ones. It’s to keep an open mind and embrace the attitude that each new experience is one to be savoured. Cruising offers you a seductive

Onboard spa treatments As ship spas become increasingly popular, it is advised to prebook your treatments on-line (where possible) before your cruise commences or otherwise do it as soon as you get onboard. Of note,

combination of comfort and adventure on a well-appointed ship that exists to make life fun. Entertainment, excellent food and a range of pleasant diversions are all part of the package. At times you’ll be challenged by the unexpected but you’ll have helpful staff

is that on port days, treatments are often discounted – good for

on hand to help you navigate it. Enjoy the experience to the full

those who might want a day off from sightseeing.

and then come home and reflect on the memories you’ve created.

Disembarkation

Chances are, you’ll be hooked on cruising. Before too long you’ll be

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. As your ship

scanning the brochures, surfing the Web and talking to your travel

approaches the final port it’s time to start getting ready to vacate

agent about the next exotic cruise that you just can’t wait to take.

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Boutique cruise or luxury liner ? Choosing the right one for you With hundreds of cruise lines crisscrossing the seven seas – not to mention the world’s lakes and rivers – there’s no shortage of choice for the aspiring holidaymaker.

Your ultimate cruise resource.

Story: Philip Tetley-Jones

Your ultimate cruise resource.

Top: Cunard’s Queen Victoria; Bottom: Uniworld’s River Royale

But there’s a world of difference between

If this doesn’t sound like your cup of lapsang

stopping at fascinating towns and watching

traversing the Pacific on the Queen Mary

souchong, consider the merits of the

the landscape unfold day after day. Think

and gliding down the Volga in a Russian river

boutique cruise.

the Rhine, Danube, Volga, Nile, Mississippi,

cruiser. Which type of vessel is right for you? It depends on what you seek from a holiday.

With small ships you’ll enjoy a more intimate atmosphere, and even the aura

and even the Murray River closer to home. Riverboats tend to be narrower and smaller than their oceangoing cousins, but what you

First, let’s look at what most people mean

of an expedition or adventure. You won’t

when they talk about a cruise holiday – the

be queuing for the nightclub but you may

large cruise ship. These oceangoing giants

strike up new friendships over coffee in the

can carry thousands of passengers and

dining room. You’ll probably become better

Luxury barge or houseboat holidays offer

acquainted with the crew and you’ll feel

something similar but on an even more

like you’re really at sea, rather than staying

intimate scale. Imagine gliding along the

in a luxury hotel that has occasional

waterways of provincial France, stopping at

rocking motions.

idyllic villages for baguettes and travelling

almost as many staff. The sheer size of these floating hotels means they can offer an amazing variety of onboard entertainment. Think shopping malls, ice rinks, water parks

lose in onboard facilities you gain in daily stops and excursions.

through the landscapes that inspired

and rock climbing walls. There’s even a

Smaller ships are also more navigable, so they

simulated skydiving experience and a

can take you to a wider range of ports and

windowed capsule that extends off the ship

reach more out-of-the-way destinations. If

via a mechanical arm, available on Royal

you’re hungry to explore the Alaskan inlets or

Another possibility is to get a group

Caribbean’s soon-to-be-launched Quantum

visit tiny islands in the Med, a boutique cruise

together and charter your own boat. This

of the Seas.

may be the smart choice.

is a fantastic option for groups. It will take a

The other advantage of a big ship is people.

The downside is predictable – less onboard

You’ll have the chance to meet and befriend

variety. You won’t have the same array of

a diverse group of fellow travellers, or lose

dining options and the entertainment will

yourself in the anonymity of a crowd if that’s

come with less Vegas-style razzle dazzle.

what you desire.

But you may have more attentive staff,

Of course, sharing your holiday with 5,000 other people has its downsides too. Queues can be tedious and the experience of getting ashore can be a bit of a scrum. You might also

personalised service and cuisine. But the options don’t end there. River cruises, luxury barges, houseboats and cruise charters all have their devotees.

Cézanne and Monet. For some people, this is their idea of heaven.

bit of organising but you’ll be able to craft the perfect itinerary and enjoy a tailor-made experience, with an expert crew 100% dedicated to your happiness. How expensive is chartering? That depends on your budget, but there are some very luxurious choices out there. The options are endless and the possibilities are intriguing. The logical next step is to pick the brains of a travel agent who really knows

get weary of traipsing long distances to get

Many people love the experience of

cruising. Then book your tickets, pack your

around an oceangoing behemoth.

journeying down the world’s great rivers,

bags and get ready for embarkation.

Your ultimate luxury cruise resource. and corporate travel resource.

Uniworld Cruises

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The Mediterranean There’s a reason the Med is crisscrossed by hundreds of cruise ships every summer. Quite simply, it’s the cruising region that offers the best all-round package. Think warm, sunny days, azure blue seas, fascinating history and a staggering variety of cities, coastlines and islands to explore. In what other region could you sample the chic of the French Riviera, the splendour of Rome, the stylish energy of Barcelona, the perfection of the Greek Islands, and still come home thinking you’d only scratched the surface? The other advantage of the Med is competition amongst cruise lines. There are attractive options at all levels of luxury plus a host of special interest cruises for those who want to dig a little deeper. If you’ve a hankering for art history or a yen for local cuisine there are specialist cruises with an itinerary and carefully chosen onboard experts to bring your favourite topic to life. Think carefully about the best time to go. August is the peak season and you may find things uncomfortably hot and crowded in some ports. Spring and autumn have their fans, while many cruise veterans find June ideal as the weather is pleasant but the hordes haven’t arrived.

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Paul Gauguin’s Tere Moana in the Corinth Canal, Aegean Sea

Paul

Gauguin It’s been just over a year since Paul Gauguin Cruises, which pretty much invented the concept of cruising the paradise of French Polynesia, added the tiny 88-passenger, 3,504 gross register tonnes (grt) Tere Moana to its fleet, allowing fans of the small luxury line to set their sights further afield with exotic Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries. Acquired from the French cruise line Compagnie du Ponant where she’d sailed as Le Levant since her 1998 launch, the ship underwent an extensive renovation before its debut as Tere Moana in December 2012. Furnishings, upholstery, art, lighting, wall and floor coverings, carpeting, and window treatments were spruced up and balconies added to eight of the ship’s 45 ocean-view staterooms. Like her significantly larger sister, The Paul Gauguin, Tere Moana is an all-inclusive experience with all beverages (including wine, beer, spirits, bottled water, specialty coffees and soft drinks) and gratuities included in the fare.

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Story: Judi Cuervo

Despite these luxury trappings, Tere Moana

gangways. In the distance, the vessels of

with complimentary in-room movie channels

got off to a rocky start (both literally and

Carnival, Princess, Azamara, and P&O towered

overlooks the sleeping area and a docking

figuratively) when guests aboard early sailings,

and, nearly hidden in their shadows, we

station sits on a dresser top, mocking me for

the majority of them Gauguin veterans who’d

spotted the diminutive Tere Moana, her size

forgetting my iPod at home. A refrigerator

grown accustomed to the line’s extraordinarily

and aqua blue stripe giving her a distinctive

is stocked with beer, bottled water and soft

high standards in French Polynesia,

look among the behemoths.

drinks, replenished daily, and little touches

complained vociferously of the new vessel’s faulty stabilisers, inferior service and lacklustre cuisine.

In an age of neon-lit cruise ship atriums, Tere Moana’s cosy reception area is less an adrenaline rush than a warm embrace. Our

like bathrobes, slippers and even an umbrella are there for our use. It’s only the bathroom, a capsule-like structure with sink, toilet and shower, that reminds us space is at a premium

What a difference a year makes. With all four

check-in experience is devoid of crowds and

stabilisers now up and running, an increased

chaos and details like credit card registration

66-member crew (to service the 88 guests

take a back seat to staff relieving us of our

onboard) and exciting new dining options

hand luggage, offering a flute of Champagne

that emphasise local ingredients chosen by

and escorting us to our stateroom. Petty

At 5pm, Tere Moana sets sail on an itinerary

the ship’s chef and hotel manager during port

details, the experience suggested, can be

that includes some of the loveliest cities

calls, Tere Moana has positioned herself as

sorted later.

in Italy, Montenegro and Croatia. Guests

an outstanding and luxurious choice in small ship cruising. One that is worthy of being a part of Paul Gauguin Cruises, a line which has repeatedly and deservedly walked off with ‘best of’ travel awards from both consumer and trade publications across the globe.

Our stateroom, down the hall from reception, is a living space that is one of the best designed I’ve seen at sea. Gone is that useless little entrance hallway that on so many ships separates bathroom and closet and creates a door-clashing bottleneck as one occupant

but the bathroom does feature a full line of l’Occitane toiletries so its constraints are quickly forgiven.

assemble for cocktail hour in the elegant Salon (a relaxing room of blonde woods, ivory metallic leathers and backlit Tahitian artwork) and at the bar or cocktail tables sipping mixed drinks and nibbling hors d’oeuvres. The social heart of Tere Moana, it is The Salon that is filled each night with lively conversation and

My husband Michael and I kicked off our Tere

emerges from the bathroom while the

Moana adventure with a day in Rome and

other is rummaging through the closet. At a

opted to travel to the port city of Civitavecchia

minimum of 18m2 and a maximum of 28m2 for

by rail, a pleasant 90-minute ride from Rome’s

the newly-added balcony cabins, staterooms

convenient Termini Station. A sun-drenched

seem larger than the usual and certainly more

stroll delivered us to the port entrance,

luxurious. A basket-weave leather headboard

While Tere Moana isn’t for those seeking

passing charming cafés, street performers

reaches to the ceiling behind the king-sized

round-the-clock activities, lavish production

and vendors en route. Tere Moana was not

bed that is adorned with luxury linens. Closet

shows and a dizzying array of dining venues, it

alone on our embarkation day and free buses,

and storage space seems to be everywhere,

is a perfect choice for adult travellers (the ship

one offered by each line setting sail, were

built into the nooks and corners that on many

offers no activities geared toward children)

waiting to transport guests to their respective

ships are wasted. A mounted flat-screen TV

seeking an uncrowded cruise experience, a

Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.

laughter, and where guests may find, before dinner and after, the relaxing melodies of a versatile and talented keyboardist, Tere Moana’s only nod to traditional entertainment.

destination-focused sailing, superb dining and relaxed activities like our sailing’s poolside sail-away cocktail party in Kotor, a delightful event that allowed us to sample the wines and beers of Montenegro against a backdrop of stunning fjords, sunshine and gentle breezes.

Veranda serves up choice cuts and delectable seafood with selections varying each night. On our sailing, veal chops, Atlantic salmon, seafood brochettes, New York steak, swordfish steaks and Cajun-spiced rib-eye each appeared on the menu on various evenings.

Since her 2012 debut, Tere Moana has shaken up its dining program, adding an alternative restaurant and outdoor barbecue, the latter we found to be the culinary high point of our cruise. While breakfast and lunch follows a steady pattern at the indoor/outdoor La Veranda with breakfast featuring a traditional lineup of eggs (including omelettes to order), cereals, breads and breakfast meats, lunch reflects an international theme, often including popular dishes of the day’s port, like Italian or Greek. Mealtimes tend to be quite brief, with breakfast typically served between 7:30am and 9am and lunch between noon and 1:30pm.

Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, its walled medieval old town or Stari Grad lured most of Tere Moana’s guests for a day of exploring the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces and fountains of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Having visited Dubrovnik several times before, I opted for a Tere Moana shore excursion that offered a visit to Croatia’s wine-growing region, the Peljesac Peninsula.

When the sun sets, guests find their way to open seating dinner at l’Etoile, an indoor dining room with comfortable seating and blonde wood walls adorned with framed Tahitian prints, for a delicious selection of appetisers, salads, soups, main courses, cheeses and desserts, all complimented by the evening’s wines, or return to the indoor/outdoor La Veranda, which they’ll find transformed from the ship’s breakfast/ lunch spot to a premium steakhouse that accommodates 25 (reservations required/ no surcharge). As an al fresco steakhouse, La

The luxuries of sailing on a small vessel are many but perhaps none is greater than the exclusivity of her shore side experiences. Upon arrival in Dubrovnik, I and just three other Tere Moana guests are whisked away by Mario Bartulovic, the young, English-speaking winemaker of his family’s estate. The drive to the Peninsula goes quickly, with a stop for coffee at a charming outdoor plaza breaking up the nearly two-hour drive to wine country. Along the route, Mario regales us with his encyclopedic knowledge of wine as well as tales of his country’s tumultuous history and daily life. Upon arrival, Mario escorts us to several boutique wineries, along with the Croatian outpost of Napa Valley’s famous Grgich Hills Winery, each offering tastings, snacks and breathtaking vineyard vistas

before welcoming us into his own winery and home where his sister has prepared a full three-course lunch complemented, of course, by lovely Bartulovic wines. This is less like an organised tour and more like spending a day with friends. Upon our return, however, Tere Moana’s dinner extravaganza made me regret having indulged so heartily in the delicious lunch served on our wine tour. Held at La Veranda, the evening began with each guest being served a plate piled high with delectable assorted appetisers and loaves of crusty rustic bread. While we indulged in this delicious selection and listened to local musicians performing traditional songs, staff ignited outdoor grills for a decadent lobster and steak bake supplemented by an extravagant pasta station that included Alfredo and marinara sauces, as well as a heady white wine and garlic sauce to accompany a towering pile of the freshest clams. Cherries Jubilee completes the very, very memorable menu and the evening ends with each guest presented with a souvenir cachet of Croatian lavender. Since her debut, many have said that Tere Moana is not The Paul Gauguin but maybe she should not strive to be. It’s clear that Tere Moana, thanks to her outstanding service-driven crew, intimate ambiance, and outstanding cuisine, has become a small-ship star in her own right. For more information: www.pgcruises.com

Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. From left: l’Etoile Restaurant; Hvar, Croatia; Sundeck; Balcony Stateroom interior

A Voyage Unlike Any Other Iconic cities, secluded harbours and authentic experiences as only Seabourn can deliver. Discover the Seabourn difference.  Spacious, all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean views – many with verandas  Open bars throughout the ship and fine wines poured at lunch and dinner  All dining venues are complimentary – dine where, when and with whom you wish

 Complimentary welcome champagne and in-suite bar stocked with your preferences  Tipping is neither required nor expected – service simply to delight you  Gourmet dining that rivals the finest restaurants anywhere.

Seabourn Autumn Isles

10 Night cruise Piraeus (Athens) to Monte Carlo

Departs Athens 20 October 2014 onboard Seabourn Quest

4,192

Cruise only from USD $

per person (share twin) based on A Oceanview Suite

Pacific Treasures South East Asia/Australia Cruise 28 Night cruise Singapore to Sydney

Departs 23 November onboard Seabourn Odyssey

9,359

Cruise Only from USD $

per person (share twin) based on A Oceanview Suite

Ultimate Antarctica & Patagonia with Seabourn Quest 21 Night Cruise Valparaiso (Chile) to Buenos Aires (Argentina) or vice versa

Departs: 29 November & 20 December 2014, 13 January & 03 February 2015 onboard Seabourn Quest

16,546

Cruise only from USD $

per person (share twin) based on 03 Feb 2015 sailing date and A Oceanview Suite *20 Dec departure 24 night Christmas cruise including South Georgia

Fares quoted are cruise only and are “from” fares in US dollars per person twin share based on (A) category Ocean view Suites (other grades available on request). Prices are based on special fares and subject to change or removal without notice, subject to individual availability at the time of booking, and individual amendment/cancellation fees. Government taxes and port charges are included. Deposit is required within 5 days to secure once an option is obtained. Balance due 90 days prior to departure. Travel Insurance is recommended. For full terms & conditions see the 2014 Seabourn Cruise brochure.

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For further information see your cruise agent or call Cruise World

0800 500 732 www.cruiseworld.co.nz info@cruiseworld.co.nz

B arc elona to A t h e n s

with Seabourn My last trip to Europe involved a lot of overland travel with a good deal of packing, unpacking and carrying bags around. This time I had set my sights on a more relaxing option – cruising from Barcelona to Athens with Seabourn. I had some big expectations of what this trip needed to deliver in terms of time, value and destination highlights in order to mark it off my ‘bucket list’. I wasn’t interested in sharing it with several thousand other passengers and as I’m not adverse to a bit of pampering, the opportunity to cruise with Seabourn was too good to refuse.

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Story: Helen Nixon

Barcelona is a big city and there is some distance between key sightseeing areas, so I would recommend a guided tour here, particularly if you want to get into the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece. The queues for this are extreme! For independent sightseeing, the port is close by and easily accessible to Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter.

Within 24 hours not just our stewardess, but the entire crew knew our names and I started to notice the attention to detail and the intuitive nature that they have become known for. As tipping is neither required or expected there was never any of those awkward moments or for that matter a bill at the end of the cruise to be concerned with.

Once I’d boarded Seabourn Quest, (happily without any queuing) I came across Seabourn Square – an area that I knew I would be a regular visitor to. The Square contained numerous boutiques and also an amazing coffee bar with an array of every type of coffee you could desire alongside a delicious selection of sweet and savoury pastries. This relaxed and comfortable environment also housed the library, computer centre, concierge and destination services. I wanted to stay here for a while but our verandah suite was waiting, so I let myself be escorted by a very pleasant young man of Eastern European descent to my new abode.

The next couple of weeks were a fabulous mixture of iconic and enchanting ports of call with time at sea to indulge in the many diversions onboard. One thing I really loved about Seabourn was the ability to visit smaller ports, many of which are hidden gems where the larger ships are unable to go.

All accommodations onboard are spacious suites with features like walk-in wardrobe, aromatherapy bath, complimentary mini-bar and a separate lounge area. The double vanity bathroom and separate large shower was a real pleasure, as well as practical because at no time did we have to jostle for mirror time!

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Unfortunately in one port I had my wallet stolen. For me, a seasoned traveller, this was mortifying. Upon our return to the ship I went straight to Seabourn Square and reported the incident to the staff. With help from Tracey we cancelled my cards and then retired to our suite somewhat low-spirited. Imagine my delight when not even five minutes later Tracey from The Square rang to say she had contacted the port agent who had in turn contacted the police who then managed to locate my wallet. A quick trip ashore and wallet and I were reunited. We were back at the ship toasting the girls at The Square with some of that very special French Champagne that flows on Seabourn.

The pool area on Deck 8 was my favourite place for days at sea and port days after we had exhausted ourselves ashore. Upon settling ourselves, a steward would be over with some suntan lotion, followed by a fruit cocktail and an iced towel. If it was after midday this would often be followed by a glass of bubbles. I didn’t have to wait until midday, but I suppose we all have to have some self restraint, as with such a huge selection of soft drinks and all types of alcohol included, temptation was never far away. It makes for a very comfortable environment for meeting new people and joining a group of fellow travellers without having to worry about who gets the next round. The health spa on Seabourn is well-worth putting some time aside for. I also loved the way the spa would come to you with the delightful complimentary massage moments on deck, although it did mean putting the bubbles down for awhile. Lunch didn’t mean we had to leave our favourite spot as it could be had at the Patio Grill, pool side, which served casual al fresco selections and grilled specialties. The young bar staff were never far from our table ensuring a glass of bubbles, wine or a cocktail was within reach. Seabourn Quest, like her sister ships has a main fine dining restaurant and other alternative dining options like the intimate degustation Restaurant 2, as well as casual dining options being the Patio Grill, and Colonnade. The cuisine and service in all the restaurants were a real treat and with the regional wines and speciality dishes, every meal was one to enjoy and savour as a unique part of our Mediterranean experience. With the open seating dining we could dine where, when and with whom we wanted or even have a full restaurant menu served dish by delicious dish in our suite or on our verandah. Seabourn pride themselves on what they call ‘The Seabourn Difference’ and is evident on so many levels onboard and also on port days, which were always well-organised with lots of information, maps and local guides available to give us advice. A magic day was spent in Santorini, best known for its donkeys and stunning white buildings against a picture perfect blue sky. The Seabourn difference was when we returned to the ship. While happily sipping on our cocktails, the Captain announced that although we were lifting anchor we were not leaving. He did a lazy figure eight at the base of the town while we listened to a beautiful duo singing modern opera as we were served with Champagne and caviar. Another port was the city of Kusadasi in Turkey and here Seabourn put on a very special complimentary experience for us all. After an early dinner at 6.30pm, coaches waited on the dock to take us to the ancient city of Ephesus. Here we were treated to a concert by a 7-piece string ensemble from the Izmir Symphony Orchestra, as we sat in the remains of the library (completed in 135AD) and watched the sun set behind the ruins. Again, you guessed it, sipping on our favourite tipple and eating the most delicious sweet treats. A truly memorable experience, which sums up the exceptional time I had with Seabourn. For more information: www.seabourn.com

Your ultimate cruise resource. Seabourn Quest’s Atrium

The Baltic Sea Ringed by no fewer than nine countries, the Baltic Sea is a cruising paradise. From the pristine beauty of Scandinavia to the imperial riches of Saint Petersburg, this is a region with plenty to offer. Distances are relatively short and the seas are generally calm. You’ll also have the chance to discover some charming old cities, such as Tallinn in Estonia. You could even extend your Baltic holiday with a river cruise into the heart of Russia or an expedition into Norway’s breathtaking fjords. The Baltic is perfect if you want a modern ambience that’s refreshingly different from the Anglo-American norm. Saint Petersburg in particular offers some of the world’s most stunning palaces and art museums. Make the most of the opportunity by reading up on Peter the Great or his equally famous successor, Catherine, before you go. The best time to take a Baltic cruise? Head for the Baltic in high summer and enjoy those endless summer days and eerie white nights.

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On Board Nautica Oceania Cruises

This was to be our third cruise on the Oceania Nautica. After two fabulous cruises exploring the western and central Mediterranean ports, my wife and I were keen to push north for a new adventure into the Baltic.

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Story: Stuart Walker

Our first taste of cruising was back in January 1998 when we did a one week back-to-back cruise in the Caribbean on a cruise liner. It was clearly catering for the mass American family market with a passenger listing of 2,000 and crew of 1,200. We came to the conclusion that we preferred a more intimate cruising option, where we would feel less like we were being treated as a mass handling of walk-on-walk-off commodity. We however, had fallen in love with the concept of cruising and subsequently went in search of a more sophisticated and elegant cruise offer with an emphasis on fine dining that catered to a more mature adult market and dare I say it, without children. It was then that we discovered Oceania Cruises, thanks to a recommendation from our travel agent. The Nautica offer seemed perfect, carrying a maximum of 684 passengers with a crew of 400 and an excellent range of quality suites available from Starboard or Portside Staterooms, to front facing corner Vista Suites and rear facing corner Owner’s Suites. For our first cruise with Oceania from Istanbul to Athens we chose a Vista Suite as the six Owner’s Suites were obviously in keen demand and had already been booked well in advance. For our second Mediterranean and Baltic Cruise we planned well-ahead to secure our desired Owner’s Suite. Stockholm, Sweden was the embarkation point for our 14-day Nordic voyage, with our ports of call being; Helsinki, Saint Petersburg (3 days in port including a day trip to Moscow), Tallinn (Estonia), the art nouveau city of Riga (Latvia), Gdańsk (Poland), Warnemünde (Germany), Visby (Gotland), Sweden and Copenhagen then exiting the Baltic via the Kiel Canal through to the North Sea and onto Amsterdam, Bruges (Belgium) and our final port of disembarkation being La Harve in France.

Peterhof, Saint Petersburg

Given that our port of embarkation for this Baltic Cruise was to be Stockholm and never having ventured this far north in Europe, we planned our itinerary to allow for three days sightseeing here, as well as taking the opportunity to adjust to the European time zone, having flown nonstop from Auckland via Los Angeles and London. Mid August is a great time of year to visit Sweden; daytime temperatures are around 20 degrees Celsius and the evenings are relatively mild with the extra daylight lasting until at least 10pm. I would certainly recommend staying close to the old part of the city with all the major attractions, restaurants and bars that are in easy walking distance or accessible by water taxi for a very reasonable hop-on-hop-off day pass. Highlights of our stay in Stockholm were a daytime river cruise, a leisurely four hours onboard one of the old steamers to the Winter Palace and gardens. Another highlight was our visit to the Vasa Museum (or ‘Wasa’) a wellpreserved Swedish warship built in 1626 that sank on her maiden voyage and was subsequently raised and salvaged in the 1960s. The craftsmanship, detailed wood work and immense size of this vessel is simply awe-inspiring. Take breakfast early and be at the gates at the opening time of 8.30am before the onslaught of the tour groups and inevitable queues. On leaving the port of Stockholm we were treated to a spectacular evening sunset sailing as the ship transited through the thousands of archipelagos and channels that make up this waterborne nation on our passage through to the Baltic Sea. One of the main attractions of Oceania Cruises is their emphasis on fine dining. They have two excellent topside à la carte restaurants – The Polo

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Grill and Toscana, serving fine New York, European, French and Italian style cuisine. The main dining room also serves excellent cuisine with an all-inclusive full four-course menu. The only additional charges being for your beer, wines and spirits, which are all very reasonably priced in US dollars. For the more casually minded, the tapas bar located rear and topside has both inside and outside dining options and allows you the freedom of a more buffet style menu to dine at your own pace and leisure. The dress code onboard would be regarded as ‘smart casual’ to ‘well dressed’ in the main restaurants – certainly no requirements for formal black tie – although guests celebrating a special occasion were often glamorously dressed in glamorous attire with the crew being the perfect hosts and adding that finer touch of finesse to the evening. We made friends with a magician entertainer onboard and he consequently joined us on a number of our shore excursions, where we watched him using his magic at the local markets, transcending language barriers to everyone’s amusement. Whilst the Owner’s and Vista Suite travellers enjoyed priority embarkation, with a maximum of only 684 guests, the whole flow of disembarkation and embarkation for shore excursions was extremely well-choreographed and ran smoothly. The Owner’s Suite that we occupied was indeed very opulent with a 24-hour butler, complimentary stocked bar fridge and pre-dinner canapés to tempt you again, even after indulging in the sumptuous afternoon tea. With two of our good friends onboard, our Owner’s Suite provided the perfect private entertainment space with its rear facing outside deck area, the perfect viewing platform to enjoy those early evening port departures. The lounge area was well-appointed with generous proportions by most cruise ship standards, although we were advised that on Oceania’s two newer vessels, the Marina and the Riviera, the Owner’s Suites are twice the size and even more lavishly appointed. All our Baltic ports had their own special magic and cruising allowed us a flexible approach to exploring foreign lands from the comfort and luxury of our own private floating hotel. On our final leg through the Kiel Canal out into the North Sea we experienced some fairly rough weather so the Captain chose to bypass Amsterdam in favour of a calm evening arrival at Bruges in Brussels. Seizing the opportunity to explore this wonderful historic town in all its evening charm was simply wonderful – let alone some of those fine Belgian beers in the myriad of back street bars. From Bruges it was onto our last port of call at La Harve, France. The whole disembarkation process was flawless after a leisurely breakfast and settling any final accounts. We were able to walk off to a variety of transport options, including escorted tours to Paris or further field, or in our case a local taxi to pick up our rental car for our drive to Orly, Paris to take our flight back to New Zealand and home to plan our next cruise adventure. For more information: www.oceaniacruises.com

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Russia

with love

on Cunard Line

Story: David Libeau

Boarding the beautiful Queen Victoria in Southampton on a magnificent (for the UK!) day was full of excitement. This was about to be my first experience of the ultimate in Cunard style, the Queens Grill Suites. After a seamless embarkation process we were escorted to our beautiful suite and introduced to our delightful Butler for the duration of our 14-night Scandinavia and Russia cruise. The suite was elegantly and tastefully decorated with a huge walk-in closet and spacious bathroom with both a bath tub and separate shower. The bottle of complimentary chilled Champagne was spotted and was begging to be consumed immediately. The Butler also asked us for our preferences in stocking the complimentary bar. This definitely already had the makings of a wonderful voyage.

Queens Grill Restaurant

Our cruise included visits to Copenhagen, Stockholm, Oslo, Helsinki, Saint Petersburg, Tallinn in Estonia and finally Bruges in Belgium. All of these cities were to be new and much anticipated experiences for me. There’s one thing I love about cruise holidays, actually there are two. Firstly, you only have to unpack once and secondly, it gives you a sampling of a wide range of places. This leaves you with the choice to return to your favourites again on another holiday. The initial two days at sea allow you time to relax, unwind and explore the beauty and majesty of the elegant Queen Victoria. Even at full capacity this ship has so many beautiful spaces that it never feels crowded. Queens Grill guests are pampered with an exclusive sun deck, single sitting Queens Grill Restaurant and Queens Grill Lounge with a concierge in attendance. The Lounge is delightful for the very British afternoon tea and for pre-dinner cocktails. The Queens Grill Lounge and Restaurant sit at the highest point on the ship and offer wonderful vistas. The personalised service, quality and presentation of the meals at the Queens Grill Restaurant was so good that we chose to not eat at any of the other dining options. The daily changing menu was extensive with a mix of innovative and traditional cuisine to please all palettes and age groups. The Queen Victoria and her sister ship Queen Elizabeth have a very similar layout. The highlights for me are the beautiful and well-stocked library and the multi-level theatre. I also love the elegant Queens Room Lounge, used daily for things as varied as fencing lessons, line dancing, formal afternoon teas, piano recitals and in the evening, balls and other social events. Dressing up is a tradition of the Cunard ships and creates a unique ambience in the evenings. On any given cruise there are a number of formal nights where a Tuxedo or at least a dark suit and tie is required for gentlemen and of course formal wear for the ladies. The dress code is compulsory in all of the public lounges and most restaurants after 6pm, however for those wanting a more casual evening there is the Lido Restaurant and of course 24-hour in-room dining.

Royal Court Theatre, Queen Victoria

As well as the Queens Grill Lounge is my other favourite – the Commodore Club. This elegant bar lounge sits forward at the bow of the ship high above the bridge and offers commanding views. Nightly entertainment is provided by a pianist on the grand piano. Cocktails and other drinks are reasonably priced and complimentary canapés are served each evening. The Commodore Club is famous for their Martinis - try one, there’s one to suit every taste. This is a really convivial bar where all guests make new friends with fellow guests and bar staff alike. Wondering what is on offer in the day time on sea days? There is plenty of choice. The extensive Royal Arcade provides some great shopping

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Queens Grill Penthouse Suite

options and there are often market place style sales during any cruise. The Daily News letter delivered to your suite each evening outlines the next dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities and these will include feature length movies in the theatre, craft classes, Bingo, ballroom dancing lessons, concert recitals, guest lecturers and much more. For the exercise inclined there is a spacious and well-equipped gym, as well as ample outdoor deck space for walking or jogging. Compulsory really if you want to counter the impact of the delicious meals every day! Needless to say, The Spa onboard offers all of the usual range of indulgent treatments and the hair dressing salon is always busy prior to the formal nights. The real highlights of this cruise for me were the absolute beauty of the cities of Copenhagen, Stockholm and Saint Petersburg. All of them are rich in history and culture. As a fan of monarchy, I particularly enjoyed visiting the Royal Palaces in these cities. In the Scandinavian cities it was very easy to just start your sightseeing by walking from the ship and there was plenty to see and do without necessarily booking a structured tour. I thoroughly recommend a visit to Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm. Built in 1662, this is the official residence of the Swedish Royal family. Set on the edge of a lake with beautiful formal gardens, the palace is well-worth a visit. You can get to Drottningholm by train or taxi from central Stockholm and it takes only about 40-minutes. Saint Petersburg is breathtaking and we had two full days there. You definitely need at least that. The ship berths some way from the city and there is a marked contrast from the very Communist era port with cold, grey looking apartment housing to that of the Imperial Palaces and buildings in Saint Petersburg itself. It is best to book a small private tour, and our English speaking guide was excellent. Apart from the opulent Summer and Winter Palaces of The Romanovs there are numerous other wonderful sights to fill in two full days. Believe it or not, the subways in Saint Petersburg were also amazing with interesting architecture, wonderful marble and artworks. It is also the deepest Metro system in the world so be prepared for the vertiginous views from the top of the escalator. Our next port of call was the charming city of Tallinn. This was a delightful surprise and very much reminded me of a smaller and hillier version of Prague. Again it is a wonderful city to explore by foot. Our final port of call was Bruges, a beautiful small town full of hanging flower baskets and intersected with canals. A tour of the city by canal boat is a must. It was hard not to indulge in the delicious Belgian chocolates. Back to the gym again! Back onboard the ship it was time to reflect on the grandeur and elegance of the Queen Victoria and the wonderful and varied experiences that had been provided through the ports of call on this cruise. While I would thoroughly recommend the indulgence of the Queens Grill experience, Princess Grill is also very good and still provides most of the Queens Grill amenities albeit the suites are not as large. Of course you can still have the Cunard experience by booking the Britannia grade staterooms although, I would recommend spending a little more and going for a balcony. With a cruise like this there is so much to be seen sailing into and out of ports and sometimes this is best enjoyed with breakfast on your balcony or sipping a pre-dinner drink as the sun sets. For more information: www.cunard.com

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Alaska Love nature? Inspired by the wilderness? Then Alaska is the destination for you. A balcony cabin on an Alaskan cruise could be the perfect perch from which to observe North American nature in all its splendour. Imagine seeing wild eagles soar above rocky outcrops and humpback whales rise to greet your ship. And nothing quite compares to the sight of a gigantic blue-white glacier, creaking and groaning as it enters the sea in slow motion. Most Alaskan cruises depart from Seattle or Vancouver and take you north on a round trip, or you can disembark in Alaska and catch a connecting flight home. Alaskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legendary inside passage stretches 800 kilometres and contains over 1,000 islands, protecting the coastline (and you) from Pacific storms. You can choose a large ship with all the shipboard comforts or opt for a more adventurous tour in a boutique cruise ship. The latter will still be comfortable but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to slip into narrow inlets and perhaps enjoy a closer encounter with nature.

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Un-Cruise Adventures

Glacier Country Now, while being woken in the morning by a woman’s voice is not exactly unusual, this morning it was at 6am. I was on holiday and I didn’t recognise the voice. As the Champagne induced weariness from the sail-away party slowly cleared, I realised the voice was coming from the cabin speakers and it was our ship’s Captain.

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Story: Donal O’Sullivan

Apologising for the early awakening, Captain Jill was saying that for those that were interested, the ship was surrounded by Humpback whales. We were cruising the Inside Passage in Alaska in an area called Icy Strait, which is known as some of the richest whale waters in Southeast Alaska. So, in various stages of undress for the next two hours we were entertained by these beautiful creatures – launching themselves into the air in a spectacular display known as ‘breeching’. Having done a lot of cruising over the years, this was certainly a unique wake-up call but was a forerunner of the days to come when the Captain and crew, no matter the time of the day or night, were continually on the lookout for that rare encounter or that extraordinary experience that nature could deliver at any time. Having left Juneau (Alaska’s capital), the previous evening on an Un-Cruise small ship soft adventure cruise, we would not be returning to civilisation for seven nights. Our ship was the 86 passenger, 35 crew Safari Endeavour. A small luxury adventure expedition ship, it is extremely well set up to provide a very comfortable cruising platform to explore this amazing region complete with hot spa, sauna, self-service wine bar, gourmet cuisine, fine wine, premium spirits and micro brews, numerous excursions and experienced guides – all included in the price. Going ashore and getting out on the water to experience wildlife in its natural environment is made easy with paddle boards, kayaks, Zodiacs, hiking poles, rubber boots and wet weather gear, with

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Image: Donal O’Sullivan

a fool-proof water launching platform off the stern that ensures everybody can participate and stay dry. The first two days we spent exploring Glacier Bay National Park. After the appropriate instruction, the crew had the entire ship’s passengers, from early teens to early 80 year olds taking part in a range of activities from hikes and kayaking to Zodiac trips. Even those who had never kayaked before found themselves negotiating their way in very stable two person kayaks between icebergs to within a few hundred metres of massive glaciers. Back onboard, hot toddies and the spa pool were in demand and, as each passenger gets a complimentary massage during the cruise, some guests were already taking advantage of this. Heading south and passing a landmark called Gloomy Knob, Captain Jill stopped us just off from the mouth of a small stream. During pre-dinner drinks and canapés with our fellow travellers, a friendly mix of Canadians, Americans, Australians, Kiwis and a few Europeans, we all sat discussing our individual highlights of the day. Most of us by now had learnt to keep our ship-supplied binoculars with us at all times. About half an hour into our drinks, the call went out that something dark had been spotted moving down towards the river mouth. Glasses came down and binoculars went up and although the big money was on a bear, as it got closer

we all realised we were fortunate enough to be observing a large and somewhat menacing looking lone wolf, which proceeded to come right down to the river mouth and wander around the small beach area, scavenging for food before disappearing up the opposite side of the river 15-minutes later. On day three a small group of us were out in the kayaks when our guide got the call that a bear had been sighted in a river mouth close by. Excited, we paddled over to find him feeding in the rapids. For the next 40-minutes he displayed his fishing prowess, catching salmon after salmon only 15-metres away from where we sat in our kayaks. Despite the clicking of many cameras, our bear hardly glanced at us. It was fairly late in the season and the bears are so well feed that only the salmon full of roe (eggs) were of interest, others were just discarded. We had great weather for most of the time so activities like the ‘polar bear plunge’ were hard to avoid but great fun provided you could make it back to the spa before you turned blue. One afternoon, a timely meeting with a local fishing boat meant pre-dinner drinks and fresh king crab under the sun on the top deck – a great end to the day’s activities. Small ship cruising has a wonderful ability to create a certain synergy with your destination that can never be achieved on a larger ship. By adding the expedition aspect with small group, up-close encounters makes a cruise

like this almost life changing. Un-Cruise have succeeded in providing a unique balance between exploration, high quality service and relaxation in stunning parts of the world. Every cruise is different with experiences unique to each, and their flexible itineraries provide a relaxed and casual atmosphere focussed on delivering unexpected encounters. On our cruise we ticked off whales, sea otters, deer, mink, sea lions, bears, two wolf encounters, some white and woolly mountain goats precariously perched on a cliff face and a huge selection of bird life including bald eagles and puffins. Each day brought new experiences and very few moments without a wildlife encounter. On the last night we all received a USB stick with photos taken during the cruise by the crew, who are never without their cameras, capturing special moments of interest of not just the scenery and the wildlife but also onboard. With such a small number of passengers, the crew are a big part of making each cruise unique and the enthusiasm, knowledge and customer service provided by every crew member would be very hard to beat. This was again demonstrated when we disembarked – the crew lined up on the dock and said their goodbyes personally, many now friends and all of us regretting that the cruise had come to an end. For more information: www.un-cruise.com

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Cartagena, Colombia

The Caribbean If The Mediterranean is the spiritual home of cruising, the Caribbean runs it a close second. Both these relatively enclosed seas offer a plethora of ravishing islands and the chance to move sedately from one paradise to another. And if the Med comes out on top for antiquity and culture, then the Caribbean surely wins hands down in the sheer idyllic beauty stakes. The number and diversity of the islands provide an endless array of options. You can catch the sugar train in tiny St. Kitts, sip cocktails in the Bahamas, go dolphin watching in Dominica, clap a cricket match in Antigua, or shake your booty to the Latin rhythms of Cuba. Bear in mind that any boxes of Cuban cigars will be ruthlessly confiscated by US customs, so be weary if your onward route takes you through the States. This is the Tropics so the weather can vary from balmy to wild. You might want to give the hurricane season a miss â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it lasts from June to November.

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True Romance aboard Windstar Cruises

Imagine spending a week on a friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personal luxury yacht. This is the feeling you experience onboard a ship from the Windstar fleet as you leave the crowds behind and cruise with an exclusive group of no more than 310 privileged fellow guests.

Your ultimate cruise resource. 51 Story: Carol Kirkup

I was about to experience an utterly modern luxury voyage that had a touch of timeless romance from another century, thanks to the sails that billowed above us. Boarding Wind Star in Bridgetown, Barbados, was just the start of a cruise that would take us through the Panama Canal, out into the blue Pacific and all the way to Costa Rica on the central American mainland. We would be travelling through some of the most idyllic seascapes in the world, and our ship was perfectly designed to make the most of the setting. The Windstar fleet includes three sailing ships and a luxury yacht reflecting the company’s signature style of effortless, casual elegance. Windstar vessels are large enough to pamper and entertain yourself, yet small enough to tuck into the delightful tiny harbours and hidden coves that others just can’t reach. These graceful sailing ships prefer to use prevailing trade winds as their energy source. You can experience the thrill of billowing white sails as you relax on the polished teak deck. All ships feature a water sports platform so you can make a splash with the complimentary toys or simply unwind with a relaxing massage or spa treatment. My beautiful outside stateroom was designed to impress with plush furnishings and opulent accessories. The bathroom featured granite counter tops and l’Occitane bath products. From the moment you step onboard a Windstar ship you are met by the respectful and friendly crew, who have in-depth training and

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pride themselves on recognising you very soon after embarkation. They seem to have telepathic powers to discern your needs before you even voice them. This friendly and communicative attitude stretches all the way to the top. There is an open bridge policy and you are welcome to visit and look over charts with the Captain, or just have a chat. The casually elegant style of Windstar is reflected in everything from the dining venues to each luxurious suite. I felt pampered without pretense. The environment onboard is designed to foster private relaxation and convivial friendships. Our ports of call were enticing. Barbados was the perfect starting point, with its white sand beaches and protective coral reefs. Just 60km from one end to the other, this pint-size paradise seduces you with rum punch and snorkelling. Despite the beaches and palms, it’s no desert island – nightclubs and rum shops create something of a party ambience. Costa Rica, at the other end of our journey, was a fascinating contrast. Renowned for its progressive policies on the environment and human rights, this tiny Latin American state boasts verdant national parks and colourful wildlife. If you’ve always had a craving to see the psychedelic plumage of a macaw or hear the high-decibel hooting of a howler monkey, Costa Rica is the ideal destination. Peaceful and relatively well-developed, it’s a great introduction to Latin America. Windstar Ocean View Stateroom

A favourite memory is sailing through the Panama Canal. We stayed on deck most of the day, which was very hot and humid. The crew served orange halves filled with sorbet and sprayed us with cool water to keep us fresh. Other magical moments included deck barbecues followed by music and dancing under the stars. Gliding through tropical waters, seeing incredible sights and being looked after by a most thoughtful crew. Does it get any better than this? For more information: www.windstarcruises.com

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Caribbean cruising

Med-style

54 54

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Any cruise line that’s earned its stripes in the Mediterranean clearly knows a lot about cruise holidays. After all, you don’t achieve success in the sunny heartland of cruising without running a pretty smart operation. And then when you venture into other waters – such as the Caribbean – you can bring a little of that European esprit to the world’s other great nautical playground. As a family-owned cruise line with a strong European provenance, MSC Cruises certainly lives up to expectations. The company’s heritage shines through in the elegant fusion of Italian and Mediterranean fare served onboard – and it also makes its presence felt in the onboard ambience. As they say, “the Mediterranean cuisine is more than where we come from, it’s a spirit we take with us wherever we sail. We believe that life should be measured in moments, not minutes… and that every moment should be savoured.” Of course, an MSC Cruise isn’t just about ambience. With shopping galleries, libraries, Internet cafes, theatre, cabaret, live music, casino, 4D cinema, mini golf, pools and Jacuzzis, there’s an abundance of onboard facilities. If that’s not enough to keep you pampered, there’s 24-hour room service, beauty and medical treatments, a hair salon, sports and spa and fitness centres on all MSC Cruise ships. Families will find one feature particularly attractive. As a family-owned cruise line, the company lets children under the age of 18 cruise for free. On four of the MSC vessels you can enjoy the world of MSC Yacht Club: 71 suites in an exclusive area with butler services, your own private pool and bar area, luxurious facilities and distinctive inclusions that will enhance your cruise. This club-style, personalised service includes exclusive check-in and check-out areas, and a private VIP lounge at the forefront of the ship. In the Caribbean, MSC offers regular departures from Miami and Santo Domingo. Cruise itineraries take in the stunning variety of the region, including Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cayman Islands and Dominican Republic. Don’t forget, the Caribbean also offers some enchanting destinations on the Central American mainland, including the coastlines of Mexico and Honduras, where mysterious Mayan ruins can be discovered. It’s no wonder this tropical region is one of the world’s premier cruising destinations. More and more people from Australia and New Zealand are discovering the delights of Caribbean through cruising. MSC Cruises has put together some stunning Fly/Land/Cruise packages, so all you have to do is turn up at the airport with your passport and luggage. For a once-in-a-life-time experience, MSC Divina will be embarking on a Grand Voyage from Miami to Rome stopping in Bermuda, New York, Portugal and Spain. The only problem may come when it’s time to leave the luxurious surroundings of your MSC Cruise ship and come home again. For more information: www.msccruises.com

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The essence of Europe embodies every part of your experience onboard. MSC Cruises offers traditional local hospitality, ultra-modern facilities and both authentic Mediterranean and International cuisine. At MSC Cruises, the Mediterranean is more than where we come from, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a spirit we take with us wherever we sail. 56

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TRAVEL ACCESSORIES FOR THE LUXURY TRAVELLER Coast Vomo Messenger Bag What is it? Inspired by the sea, this beautifully constructed bag from premium waxed cotton and leather, with a padded interior will keep your laptop or tablet safe, and has plenty of pockets for all your important stuff. What makes it so special? The look is rugged and timeless with a finish that will wear gracefully with use like a pair of your favourite shoes. Where can you get it? www.thekiwicollective.com Price: NZ$399

Under the Sun Hudson Sunglasses What is it? A modern boxed-out take on the classic Aviator styled frame, with origins from the late 80s from famous European brands like Marwitz and Cazal.

Triumph&Disaster On The Road Travel Kit

What makes it so special? Eco-friendly sunglasses

What is it? A lightweight and compact travel kit

handcrafted from Bamboo. Due to the nature of the wood,

created in the spirit of a seasoned traveller.

every pair is unique. All of Under the Sun’s sunglasses are

What makes it so special? With a philosophy to

100% recyclable and/or biodegradable.

‘derive from nature and engineer with science’

Where can you get it? www.thekiwicollective.com

you can ensure you’ll be clean faced, clean shaven and well-prepared for

Price: NZ$140

the path ahead, whatever it may hold. Where can you get it? www.thekiwicollective.com Price: NZ$60

Youmans The Classic Capsule What is it? The ultimate presentation case that gives you the confidence to seal the deal. What makes it so special? Finely crafted in high-grade aluminium with optional engraving and customizable inserts, it is the perfect solution for creatives and professionals looking to exhibit their artwork, plans and products in a stunning display. Where can you get it? www.thekiwicollective.com As strong supporters of up and coming New Zealand born brands, The Kiwi Collective offer an online platform that showcases exquisite, unique and innovative high quality products. All content is freshly picked to ensure that The Kiwi Collective content has one thing in common – exceptional taste.

Price: NZ$940

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South Pacific, Australia & New Zealand The world’s biggest ocean is also one of the most attractive regions for cruising. The scope here is epic – from trans-oceanic crossings to boutique cruises amongst the island groups of Polynesia or the lesser-visited parts of Australia. Here’s a selection to get your mouth watering nicely. If you’re a first time cruiser, try a winter escape from Sydney or Auckland up to the islands. There’s nothing quite like sighting that first palm-fringed beach a few days after departing your rain-swept hometown. Alternatively, you could indulge your appetite for exploration with a cruise that weaves through the Great Barrier Reef or takes you to the little visited wonders of Australia’s top end. Don’t overlook the magnificent fjords of New Zealand’s South Island – as with their counterparts in Norway and Alaska, these are best appreciated from the sea. At the other end of the Pacific, a Hawai’ian or Galápagos Island cruise could be the experience of a lifetime.

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Island Escape’s helicopter over the islands of Vanuatu

Vanuatu

by Island Escape

The Island Passage is a modern and luxurious 42-metre long Catamaran operated by Island Escape, catering for up to 24 people who want a holiday experience that offers a sense of adventure. My wife and I have made several week-long trips with Island Escape, which include Vanuatu, exploring the Bay of Islands and Fiordland National Park in New Zealand. All of these we have enjoyed very much, so much so that we have now become known as regulars.

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Story: Dr John Walker

One usually boards the boat in the early afternoon, where we are welcomed individually by a friendly crew member, who then takes care of our luggage and shows us to cabin ‘Motutapu’ on the promenade deck. The cabin interiors are all wood-panelled with large windows and great views, equipped with individual bedside reading lights and a private en suite. An important feature of the Island Passage is that she has a desalination plant converting seawater into an unlimited amount of fresh water during the cruise. It is then time for a relaxing cup of tea and a chance to meet up with fellow passengers onboard as we cast off and head for our first night’s anchorage. We enjoyed the Captain’s welcome cocktail party where he introduces his crew, explains the shipboard routines and outlines the week’s forthcoming activities. Island Passage has two decks. The Main Deck includes a spacious and beautifully wood-panelled saloon with comfortable armchairs and settees, a well-stocked bar and an interesting library. It also features two beautiful twelve seater dining tables where we will enjoy some of the most amazing meals. At the stern, there is a large semi-open area known as ‘The Terrace’ with lounger chairs and a large barbecue for the fish we hope to catch during our voyage. It’s an ideal place to take in a sunset or enjoy a convivial pre-dinner drink. Most days we enjoyed an alfresco lunch out in this area.

The upper Bridge Deck is where the large helipad is located for any late arrivals or early departing passengers. During the cruise guests can also arrange a scenic helicopter flight. One of our favourite things about travelling on the Island Passage is the ‘open bridge’ area at the bow, where guests are welcome to chat to the Officer on watch and monitor the ship’s progress on the radar. Another special feature of Island Escape’s voyages is that there is always a great spirit of adventure on their trips. This is facilitated by the availability of kayaks and snorkelling gear for the slightly more adventurous and fishing off the ship’s stern or out in one of the ship’s three tenders. We thoroughly enjoyed exploring ashore. The boats and landing craft are easy to board with a drop-down, front-bow door to facilitate beach landings. Last but not least is the cuisine, which is always excellent and imaginative. For us, an extra nice detail was the fresh fruit readily available. Nibbles were served every evening with predinner drinks and on most nights followed by a slightly more formal three-course dinner in the Anchorage Saloon area. We have found cruising with Island Escape to be very enjoyable and hence we’re looking forward to our next adventure later in the year cruising Tasman Bay and d’Urville Island in the lovely Reinga Cabin on the Bridge Deck. Bon voyage! For more information: www.islandescapecruises.com

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Your ultimate cruise resource. Piano Bar, Royal Clipper Atrium

Sail

With Star Clippers

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Story: Trish Ryder

The islands of Tahiti – now there’s a destination to set the imagination racing. Are you visualising romantic atolls, cloudtipped peaks and impossibly beautiful seascapes?

The Star Clippers’ ships are compact and elegant but they’re by no means cramped. The Royal Clipper boasts three pools while the Star Clipper and Star Flyer have two pools each. As you can

Now imagine you’re traversing this idyllic island group in the ultimate romantic sailing vessel – a five-masted tall ship. That was the adventure that my family (two adults and two teenage girls) enjoyed.

imagine, a lot of time was spent up on the sun deck, either in the

We were travelling through French Polynesia on Royal Clipper, one of Star Clippers’ fleet of luxury sailing ships. It wouldn’t be quite right to call them cruise ships but they are certainly a stylish way to travel. With a fully rigged sailing design, the Star Clippers’ fleet uses the wind whenever possible. State-of-the-art modern equipment is on hand too, but the whole experience is quite different from the typical cruise ship.

more compact than their equivalents on traditional cruise ships,

With wind as the main power source, itineraries are focused around ports of call with minimal distance in between. You will often find Star Clippers’ ships based in areas like the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. The fleet can visit ports where large ships are unable to go, and there’s a lack of rigid scheduling that allows you to call into secluded coves and islands away from the usual sea lanes. As you’d expect, there’s a more intimate atmosphere onboard. The bridge is always open and the Captain and crew have a lot of interaction with passengers. They also try and give you an amazing photo opportunity on most voyages, which is the sight of your ship under full sail. They do this using the tenders and it really is a memorable sight. Try not to miss it. Adding to the nautical ambience, the Captain holds an informative daily briefing on the deck. You are encouraged to participate in the sailing process, whether it be climbing the rigging to the crow’s nest, peering over the Captain’s shoulder as he plots the course, or helping crew members tying knots. Another highlight is relaxing in the bow net with a good book. Try doing that on a usual cruise ship.

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pool or gathered around the indoor/outdoor tropical bar. Step below decks and the nautical theme continues. The interiors are traditionally nautical in décor and the cabins are a little depending on the category. Speaking personally, I loved all the teak decks, varnished wood and brass fittings. Everything is immaculately maintained. Star Clippers have taken care to fit out their fleet with some enchanting extras to make the voyage more memorable. Royal Clipper comes complete with a 24-hour butler service, an atrium stretching three decks (the ceiling of which is the glass bottom of the largest of the ship’s three swimming pools), a piano lounge, grand spiral staircase, shops, library and a water sports platform at the stern. There’s also the Captain Nemo Club at the bottom of the ship, which has underwater viewing portholes, a spa health club, hairdressing salon and lounge. Star Clippers are what you might describe as ‘soft adventure.’ They could be the ideal choice if you wouldn’t consider a traditional cruise ship, or perhaps if you’re a bit of a sailing enthusiast. Our teenage daughters loved the whole experience and so did everyone else we encountered onboard. As a novel way to explore an exotic destination while still enjoying a touch of luxury, it was hard to beat. For more information: www.starclippers.com Note: Star Clippers no longer sail in Tahiti, however you can experience them in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Cuba, Panama Canal and on Ocean Crossings.

100% Fijian, 1000% more fun Boutique small ship exploration of Fiji’s stunning Yasawa Islands Take a boutique cruise of exploration amongst Fiji’s mystical Yasawa Islands. With itineraries specifically designed to keep you active and engaged, there’s snorkelling, diving, swimming with sharks and manta rays, guided hiking and visiting sacred caves, uninhabited islands and island villages. Just 34 cabins Fiji Princess is like your own floating boutique hotel with its own private beach. A different day, a different bay. Same exquisite service. Same friendly smiles. Small enough to care, big enough to go anywhere. By selecting our 4 or 7 night cruise, you’ll swim in the world famous Blue Lagoon. Your perfect cruising holiday.

BLC4811

Relax in the on-board Senikai Spa, cocktail bar, sun lounger, or the next beautiful beach.

Dine under the stars... your vessel awaits, tied to the gently swaying coconut palms.

100% Fijian crew, experience hospitality from the friendliest people in the world.

Visit some of the most secret places only accessible by small ship. Untouched Fiji.

Invigorate and rejuvenate / info@bluelagooncruises.com / bluelagooncruises.com Your ultimate cruise resource.

Blue

Lagoon

Cruises

Boutique hotels can be wonderful places to stay. At their best, they offer a unique brand of personalised service and the feeling that you’re staying with a select group of people. Boutique cruising has something of the same appeal – with the added advantage that your hotel is moving to a delightful new location every day. We had booked ourselves a holiday in one of the loveliest parts of the Pacific, the Yasawa Islands off the coast of Fiji’s main islands. Instead of staying in a busy resort we were comfortably ensconced onboard a small cruise boat, the Fiji Princess, operated by Blue Lagoon Cruises. It was a chance to enjoy seclusion and visit some beautiful islands far from the madding crowd. The Fiji Princess specialises in taking small groups to handpicked locations, often deserted beaches with coconut palms. You can take the tender ashore and live out your desert island fantasy, only returning to the boat when it’s time to eat, rest or leave.

66 Your ultimate cruise resource. Story: Philip Martin

With just 68 passengers onboard, the ambience

you’d expect, this isn’t the case with a cruise ship

was family-friendly and relaxed, in true Fijian style,

such as the Fiji Princess.

while the two-to-one passenger to staff ratio meant we were soon on first name terms with the

While the first night onboard featured a beautifully

crew (and they with us).

presented à la carte dinner, the rest of the voyage

Most days featured going ashore, snorkelling,

was strictly buffet and there was always plenty to

swimming or scuba diving. We could join in or just

eat. Unsurprisingly, black ties and evening gowns

stay onboard and enjoy some stunning views of the

were not required.

Yasawas. Either way, we felt we were in paradise.

Entertainment was laid on every night, or you could

One excursion you won’t want to miss is a Sunday

simply sit on the deck and enjoy the tranquillity of a

church service at a local village. The singing is

warm, tropical evening. Good things can definitely

simply incredible and the local people treat you like a long lost friend. Giggling children want to have their photos taken with you, and the whole experience is a welcome reminder that Fiji offers so

come in small packages. For more information: www.bluelagooncruises.com

much more than manicured resorts.

Note: Blue Lagoon Cruises offer a selection

Traditional cruises call for a few formal outfits to

of cruises that welcome children and families

wear during evening meals and special events. As

onboard. See their schedule for details.

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River Cruises Many of the world’s most enchanting cities and landscapes lie far from the ocean’s edge. They’re strung along the world’s great rivers, like jewels on a necklace, and the way to access these treasures is via a river cruise. If you want to glide past the temples of the Nile, cruise to Vienna or explore the jungles of the Amazon, you’ll need to book a stateroom on a ship. This style of cruising is becoming increasingly popular as travellers realise they can enjoy all the advantages of cruising while visiting destinations far inland. Europe is the spiritual home of the river cruise with well-travelled routes up the Rhine, Seine and Danube, as well as charming canal boating opportunities in France and the UK. Venture into Russia and you can access the historic heart of the country via the Volga and a network of impressive canals. River cruising is also the time-honoured way to experience the splendours of ancient Egypt. China’s Yangtze, North America’s Mississippi and South America’s Amazon are other waterways that offer fabulous river cruising experiences. Riverboats tend to be lower and smaller as they need to travel under bridges and navigate through locks. On the plus side, it’s usually a calmer experience with none of the pitching and rolling that can affect even the most well-appointed oceangoing cruise ship. You can expect an itinerary full of city, town and village stops, with a wide variety of excursions. The true appeal of the river cruise is the way it can take you into the heart of a landscape while offering you the comfort of a luxury stateroom and a well-organised itinerary. Every day is different but you don’t have to worry about taxis, trains and airport connections. Just relax and enjoy the ever-changing show.

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Exploring

Europeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rivers

This was going to be my first ever river cruise. I had some preconceived ideas about what to expect. Needless to say, these changed over the course of the week. We boarded early in the German town of Passau after taking an easy 2-hour train ride from Munich. Even though we were almost the first to board, a light lunch and refreshments were waiting for us. Our bags were whisked away as expected and the next time we saw them, they were safely stowed in our lovely staterooms.

Your ultimate cruise resource. Story: Jacqueline Unsworth

On first impression, Uniworld’s River Beatrice

to choose from, including homemade ice

and port talks. It is a hive of activity and richly

seemed small, but then I had been on Royal

cream (I am so missing the ice cream), a pasta

decorated in reds and greens. You can relax

Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, so anything

chef, salads, soups and local specialty food to

in here and watch the world float by as you

seems small after that. It did not take long

enhance the experience of travelling through

cruise. I do seem to recall spending a few

though for me to feel very much at home

Europe. Dinner is served à la carte but if there

evenings there sampling the wine, all in the

and comfortable in the space of a river

is nothing on the menu to your liking then

name of research of course!

cruise ship. In fact, I came to really enjoy the

just ask and they will gladly accommodate,

intimacy of the vessel, but more on that later.

all with a twinkle and a smile. Wine and beer

River Beatrice is by no means a minimalist’s

are included with dinner and are always in

dream, she is opulently decorated and really

generous supply.

rather fancy.

Then one more deck up and there is the most fabulous sun-deck spanning one end of the ship to the other, with the bridge two thirds of the way forward. There are lovely sun

The alternative area for fine dining is the

loungers, shaded areas, chairs and tables for

Upon boarding, entry is via the reception

Captain’s Lounge, which is open a few times

enjoying the sunshine and views. This deck

area, which is a bright and light lobby with

a week and a fabulous experience. There is

was well utilised and I have to say that on days

staircases leading up and down. Downwards

no additional charge for this, you just need

leads to the self-service laundry, a small gym

to book early through reception. Located on

up here to view both sides of the river.

and a massage treatment room, which I can

the deck above the restaurant, the Captain’s

As a special treat one day while scenic

highly recommend.

Lounge also serves a light early bird breakfast.

cruising from one gorgeous spot to another,

However, I don’t think I experienced that little

the staff organised lunch on the sun deck. It

facility as was more of a late riser – jet lag you

was burger heaven nicely finished off with a

see! Also located in the Captains Lounge is an

good German beer – does it get any better?

On the same deck as the reception are the staterooms, decorated in a lovely shade of blue with French balconies – very heavenly. Forward of reception is the stunning

Internet station.

when you are scenic cruising, you want to be

The included sightseeing tours were excellent

restaurant dining room – all decorated in

On the deck just above reception and the

and very informative. We went off in groups of

white French style chairs and tables. Delicious!

restaurant there is the main lounge where

around 30 guests with your VOX (an earpiece

Almost all meals are served here. Breakfast

everything happens including entertainment,

system that allows you to listen to the guide

and lunch is buffet style and there is plenty

Champagne sipping, afternoon tea, dancing

up to 200-metres away). So, if you happen

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to go in to that shop to buy something, you

those who like to be active. It is even possible

again. No thousands of people over-running

can still hear what’s going on. Love it! Most

to get up and go for a run or walk first thing

a town, no queues and minimal security.

tours lasted around 2-3 hours and involved

in the morning – you just get off and away

We just walked on and off as we pleased. So

gentle walking. We always had plenty of time

you go. As for ages onboard, well that was

to explore on our own afterwards. Plus, in

a surprise – what a mix! We had a couple of

relaxed and so civilised!

some locations, you had a choice of tours. For

family groups ranging in age from 20-60,

Uniworld offer exceptional boutique cruises

example in Vienna, we chose not to do the

a few elderly mothers and daughters and

with highly personalised service that’s well

city loop by coach but opted for a walking

couples, mostly in their 60s.

deserving of its awards. Being one of only

and tasting tour of Vienna. This took us to a traditional Viennese coffee house where

And now for my stateroom – it was a delight.

146 guests, the crew get to know you pretty

Beautifully decorated in white and cream, with

quickly and really make this experience

a heavenly bed to relax in with marshmallow

of cruising in Europe even richer. They

-soft pillows. A good-sized bathroom with

remember details like your favourite choice of

l’Occitane products, huge wardrobe space

French wine, that you take your coffee black

with plenty of hangers, drawers, shelves and

or you prefer two tea bags in your teapot

a full sized mirror to check the outfit! I could

thanks. One thing that so impressed me was

A river cruise is actually a lot more active

not have asked for more. Oh and a French

than I would have thought possible. One day

balcony, which meant I often left my doors

on disembarkation day (we had a hideous

we took the bikes out for a spin and spent

open at night to hear the gentle lapping of

1½ hours cycling along the Danube on a

the Danube as we glided gently, gently along.

we ate the most incredible cakes, then ate Viennese Sausage from a sausage stand, and then on to a little bar for some Austrian wine. Afterwards, we took the subway back to the River Beatrice. Did I mention the cakes?

pedestrian island. It was a fantastic thing to do and we felt like locals – until we got lost , that is. Bless the bloke who had the presence of mind to bring a map with us!

transfer time of 4am) and who was there to say goodbye? None other than the Cruise Director with a genuine hug to send us on

One of the things I loved most about taking

our way. What can I say? My preconceptions

a river cruise was how we made very little

have completely disappeared and I’m now

impact on wherever we went. We quietly moored in each tiny town like Melk or

definitely a convert!

With all the walking and optional cycling

Durnstein, did our tour ashore, meandered off

For more information:

available, river cruising is very appealing for

to do our own thing, then gently went away

www.uniworldcruises.com

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Cruising

Mississippi

The

Cruising “Old Man River” is not just a quintessential bucket list experience; if you’re travelling on the American Queen, it is also a glamorous way to explore the US heartland. More than any other river in the United States, the mighty Mississippi evokes the history and grandeur of a bygone age. It’s the fourth largest river system, and the second longest river in the country, beginning at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, and flowing south through ten states into the Gulf of Mexico.

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Story: Joanna Hall

The river gets its name from two Indian words, roughly translating

French doors, while some have private balconies; single staterooms

to ‘great water’. The Mississippi is also heralded as the most historical

were introduced in 2013 for solo travellers.

cruising region of the United States, but along with the rest of the country, it has seen hard times in recent years. It all began in 2005 with the devastation of New Orleans at the hands of Hurricane Katrina, with further woes to come after 2008 due to the Global Financial Crisis. You can’t keep a good river down, however; Old Man River has recovered, and cruising is back, thanks in part to the establishment of the Great American Steamboat Company, and the launch of its flagship, the glamorous American Queen. Boarding the American Queen is akin to taking a step back in time, when river boats were the preferred mode of transport in middle America. Launched originally in 1995 for the now defunct Delta Queen Steamboat Company, the ship was purpose built for cruising

The celebrated Southern chef, Regina Charboneau, was hired to oversee the American Queen’s culinary offerings, and her influence is felt everywhere. The centrepiece venue is the opulent J.M. White Dining Saloon. Dinner is a mouth watering menu of Charboneau recipes; Corn and Shrimp Fritters, Pan-Seared Catfish with Black-Eyed Pea Vinaigrette and Smoked Tomato Coulis and for dessert, Blackberry Lemon Betty. Meanwhile the Front Porch Café has a 24-hour menu of classic American favourites, the River Grill & Bar has views, grilled fare and alfresco dining in the evenings, and should you be up late and peckish, you can indulge in a light Moonlight Supper in the Engine Room Bar.

the Mississippi, and is the largest paddle-wheeler in history. Stretching

Between ports of call, there is plenty to keep guests busy or not as they

just over 127-metres long, and nearly 28-metres wide, there is nothing

choose on this ship. If it’s steamy outside, you can wile away the hours

on the world’s waterways to compare to her.

reading in the Mark Twain Gallery, catch a show featuring a Glenn Miller

The American Queen’s exterior styling is instantly captivating; an elaborate Victorian styled and layered wedding cake of ornate white filigree topped with two fluted smoke stacks, green wrap-around

style band, enjoy a classic cocktail in the horseshoe shaped Calliope Bar on the top deck, or listen to an informative lecture hosted by one of the resident expert ‘riverlorians’. The American Queen also has a spa,

decks and a bright red paddle wheel. Climb aboard and she continues

a gym and an outdoor pool for a refreshing dip.

to stir up an array of the senses.

Although travelling on the American Queen is an experience in itself,

Before her re-launch in April 2012 the American Queen underwent a

the destinations she regularly visits are no less captivating. Besides the

major multi-million-dollar renovation, her Victorian styling continuing

enigmatic New Orleans, a highlight of the lower Mississippi is Baton

throughout her interior décor. From the opulent Ladies’ Parlour,

Rouge, the Louisiana capital. A seamless blend of past and present,

complete with a whimsical ‘fainting couch’, to the elaborate opera-

sights to enjoy include Louisiana’s ‘White House’ or the Old Governor’s

house themed Grand Saloon, her design embraces the personality

Mansion, St. Joseph’s Cathedral dating back to 1853, and a view of the

of grand antebellum mansions; mahogany-panelled walls, ornate

river from atop the State Capitol Building. There’s also Vicksburg, a

chandeliers and antiques at every turn.

blend of Southern culture and heritage with modern-day attractions.

Yet there’s everything you’d expect onboard when it comes to

Meanwhile in the Upper Mississippi, St. Charles is the third-oldest city

modern amenities; air-conditioning, WIFI, elevators connecting her

west of the Mississippi River, with a formal Historic District of brick-

six decks and a chirpy, all-American crew oozing genuine Southern

paved roads and sidewalks lined with boutiques, historic buildings

hospitality. There are many inclusions in the fare, from complimentary

and lively restaurants and taverns. There’s also Alton, Illinois, dubbed

bottled water and soft drinks, to wines and beers at dinner, and hop-

the most haunted city in America, where three great rivers converge;

on-hop-off tours in many ports of call. You can also leave your tuxedo and evening gowns at home; the recommended dress code is simply ‘elegant attire’. The American Queen carries 436 guests in 222 staterooms, ranging from cosy interiors to spacious suites. Her accommodations also possess plenty of old world personality, an alluring blend of the historical and the whimsical, with polished wood, Victorian antiques and tiled bathroom floors, and lavish touches such as Tiffany-style lamps. Many staterooms open to common promenade decks through

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the Mississippi, the Illinois and the Missouri. Finally there’s Dubuque in Iowa, a charming river city, which breathes river lore. To cruise on a paddle wheeler such as the American Queen is to enjoy high nostalgia as well as explore the Mississippi on a grand scale. For many travellers it’s a rite of passage capturing the very best of America’s Deep South, and travelling on the ‘first lady’ of the Mississippi is a wonderful way to do it comfortably and stylishly. For more information: www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com

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Verandah Suite

Royal River Cruising

with APT

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APTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Amareina in Durnstein

“Decadent, effortless and truly memorable”

Each day, your ship will dock in the heart of an

could be the best way to describe a river

iconic city or alongside tiny riverside villages.

cruise experience on the waterways of Europe

Guests can disembark for a local guided

offered by Australian Pacific Touring (APT).

sightseeing experience and interact with local

Sumptuous accommodation is paired with

people to learn more about each destination.

extraordinary cuisine and service along with unravelling regal river views, making this one of the most indulgent forms of river cruising available. With over 20 years experience operating a global fleet of 20 river ships, this family-owned company has been instrumental in changing the face of river cruising today. Discerning travellers can choose from a unique combination of exclusive sightseeing options while enjoying preferential treatment along the way. It is all about total indulgence. You can relax knowing that the only thing you’ll need in your pocket is your camera, everything else is taken care of from meals to gratuities, sightseeing to entertainment and

airport

transfers.

experienced

Cruise Director is present for the entire

The popular Magnificent Europe River Cruise unfolds over the course of 15 days from Amsterdam to Budapest, stretching across five countries along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, stopping along the way to take in many of the iconic attractions that Continental Europe has to offer. Three of the most unforgettable Signature Experiences are available to those who travel on select Royal Collection river cruises in 2015: the ultimate private imperial rail journey aboard the Majestic Imperator (APT’s newest Signature Experience); Discover where royalty rests its head at Namedy Castle; and be entranced by a divine concert at the City Palace in Vienna.

duration of your cruise to ensure that your

APT have also combined river cruising with

journey is seamless, hassle-free and, most

a selection of luxury land journeys through

importantly, fun.

destinations such as the UK, Turkey, Italy,

There is a certain style and elegance of a boutique five-star hotel experience as you drift along the waterways. From degustation menus to casual fare, fine dining to room service options, each river cruise presents a variety of meal choices. APT is a member of one of the world’s most influential gastronomic societies, la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, so you can expect to dine like royalty.

Croatia, France, Greece, Switzerland, the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Conclude your most unforgettable river journey with a stopover in one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Award-winning river ships, exceptional sightseeing, exquisite cuisine, attentive service and stylish accommodation conspire to create a simply unforgettable European experience. For more information: www.aptouring.co.nz

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EUROPE RIVER CRUISING

Indulgent, relaxing and effortless, five-star river cruising with APT offers a truly unforgettable experience. Unpack only once and relax on board your luxury floating hotel, as APT takes you right into the heart of grand capital cities, quaint villages and historic towns.

ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY P Included – APT’s exclusive Royal Invitations†:

Day trip on the opulent Majestic Imperator Train Tour and banquet at Germany’s Namedy Castle Classical concert from Mozart Boys Choir Members at Vienna’s City Palace

P Europe’s most luxurious river ships with exclusive Twin Balconies†

P Included – all sightseeing with expert local guides,

with a choice of sightseeing options in selected locations

P Included – all tipping, transfers, Wi-Fi and port charges P Included – all meals and beverages on your cruise^, with up to seven onboard dining experiences†

P Voted as the ‘Best Cruise Operator – International’

SPAIN Barcelona

at the 2011 & 2013 National Travel Industry Awards ORDER YOUR FREE BROCHURE AND DVD

CALL 0800 525 303 visit www.aptouring.co.nz/Europe2015 or see your travel agent

FLY FREE* INCLUDING TAXES AMSTERDAM TO BUDAPEST 15 DAY CRUISE FROM $8,775* PP

AMSTERDAM TO ARLES 15 DAY CRUISE FROM $10,545* PP

*Conditions apply. Prices are per person (PP) twin share. Prices are correct as at 28 April 2014 but may fluctuate if surcharges, fees, taxes or currency change. Offers are not combinable, available on new bookings only and subject to availability. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Book by 31 October 2014, unless sold out prior. Prices based on EUMC15: 5 March 2015 (Cat. E) and EURC15: 5 November 2015 (Cat. E). Prices include port charges, gratuities and sundries. 1st non-refundable deposit of $1,000 pp is due within 7 days. 2nd deposit of $2,000 pp is due by 31 October 2014. Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure. Flights are in economy class with Singapore Airlines (or an airline of APT’s choosing) Airfares are valid departing AKL/CHC/WLG. Subject to availability of airline and booking class. FLY FREE: Includes air taxes to the value of $250 pp. Fly Free offer valid on a selection of cruise/tours departing in 2015. Available all year round on selected departures in suite Category E & D. Available in all other suite categories for departures in March and October to December 2015. †Valid on selected itineraries and suites only. ^Complimentary beverages exclude French Champagne, premium spirits and selected wines. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd ABN 78 44 004 684 619 Lic. No. 30112 APT489

Style File FOR THE LUXURY TRAVELLER A new crossover style in men’s fashion has emerged called ‘Upper Casual’ that is well suited for ‘around the world’ cruising climates. The Ermenegildo Zegna range is quintessential dress for men, using sumptuous light weight, natural fibres such as Cashmere, Egyptian Cotton, Merino Wool and Silk, for the ultimate in looks and travel comfort.

“ A cruise is a special event and men should make the effort to dress up and look their very best,” said John Mangham, Zegna Auckland Store Manager. To achieve this look, the traditional navy double-breasted blazer is replaced with a more contemporary looking single-breasted dark blue Zegna cashmere silk jacket. Contrasting camel Chino trousers look great teamed up with an Egyptian cotton blue and brown stripe, single cuff open neck shirt (no cuff links). Complete the look with a pair of lightweight loafers or Ryders in sand or blue suede, giving an elegantly casual appearance. Available at www.zegna.com

‘Hard Graft’ Carry On Suitcase Ocean. Perfect for short cruises and to take onboard flights. A soft suitcase reinforced in all the right places. Full über premium leather outer with an amazing and luxurious wool lining. It looks so cosy inside you’ll be jealous of your clothes. Available for international shipment at www.hardgraft.com Your ultimate cruise resource. 79

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1800 558 129

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Leading Personal Stylist Jackie O’Fee from personal style consultancy, Signature Style brings us her extensive fashion knowledge and expertise.

Style File FOR THE LUXURY TRAVELLER Surely one of the joys of cruising is unpacking only once! Still, you do have to look stylish while arriving and departing. We showcase just what you need to keep fit, as well as ‘glam it up’ while sailing the high seas.

A day at sea surely means a leisurely day relaxing by the pool. Add a pair of Glamdals to your bikini and kaftan combo to ensure you sail seamlessly into luxury cruising glamour. RRP NZ$49.

Take the hues of the ocean with you on-shore with these gorgeous turquoise pendant sets from Kagi Jewellery. Loyal Heart and Tassel Bracelet RRP NZ$273 and Drop Earrings RRP NZ$109.

This gorgeous Normanby leather carry-all from Rodd & Gunn has just the right air of ‘World Traveller’ about it. RRP NZ$1099. While the ship itself will no doubt offer many ‘hard-to-leave’ delights, the on-shore excursions are a total must. Look top-to-toe stylish while sightseeing or shopping in this gorgeous ensemble from Andrea Moore that will take you anywhere. Ruffle Diamond Top RRP NZ$198 and Kaleidoscope Skinny Pant RRP NZ$350. Mooi pony skin clutch RRP NZ$140.

For dinner at the Captains Table to daytime excursions ashore, you won’t need to take your whole makeup kit. Take everything you’ll need in one easy-peasy eyeshadow palette from Smashbox. Full Exposure Palette (includes mascara and eye-shape makeup charts) RRP NZ$129.

Give yourself a chance to break even in the onboard gym with this great workout gear from New Balance. Island Pack Trainers RRP NZ$150, Momentum Tank RRP NZ$45 and Fitted Short RRP NZ$50.

Your ultimate cruise resource. For more information visit www.signaturestyle.co.nz

Expedition Cruises Once upon a time, going to sea was a true adventure. You boarded your ship, waved a teary goodbye to your loved ones, and sailed over the horizon. The destinations varied but they all involved a degree of adventure. Modern technology has shrunk the world, and modern cruise ships have taken the hardship out of oceanic voyages. But there’s still a subset of cruising that majors on discovery. Expeditions to the less visited parts of the globe offer you the chance to encounter nature in all its awesome majesty. Taking one of these cruises can be a life-changing experience. Typically, these expeditions involve heading towards the polar latitudes or remote island groups. Instead of tourist-clogged ports and historic monuments you’ll be confronted with icy fjords and sunstruck archipelagos. There’s something uniquely touching about seeing nature go about its business with minimal interference from humans. Whether it’s the brown bears of Alaska or the giant tortoises of the Galápagos, your expedition cruise will provide plenty of close encounters with nature. Closer to home, the islands of Vanuatu or the Solomons offer fantastic opportunities for diving, whale watching and cultural discovery. The almost uninhabited Kimberley region of northwestern Australia is another stunning destination for those who want to experience nature in the raw. Imagine seeing an ancient Aboriginal rock art gallery one day, taking a scenic flight over the Bungle Bungle ranges the next, and hopping in a Zodiac inflatable the day after for an afternoon’s crocodile watching. Adventure may be the prime focus but that doesn’t mean you’ll be roughing it. On an expedition cruise you travel in purpose-built ships that marry high-tech reliability with a surprising degree of comfort. Cabins are generally spacious, while some options come with gorgeous balcony spaces that turn the ever-changing scenery into a nonstop panorama. To provide easy access to remote waterways, most expedition vessels are built on nimbler lines than the standard cruise ship. What you lose in onboard discos you more than make up for in natural scenery. With their emphasis on discovery and activity, expedition cruises can make for an ideal family holiday. Cruising the waters of the Antarctic or exploring the Galápagos Islands is no less of a treat than hanging out at a resort – and considerably more educational. You may find that teenagers, young children and extended family all return from such a cruise with a new appreciation of the world’s wonders.

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Lindblad Expeditions As youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect from a reptile weighing up to 250kg, giant tortoises are slow movers. Were it not for two dark beady eyes glaring at me from beneath an oversized shell, I might just as well be watching a boulder. Bringing up the rear during a shore excursion, I plonk myself down a few metres from this extraordinary creature the size of a washing machine, mesmerised. Seriously endangered, less than 20,000 giant tortoises remain in the GalĂĄpagos Islands. Centenarian Lonesome George became the environmental poster child for the archipelago before passing away in 2012.

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Story: Fiona Harper

Far enough away from civilisation, anticipation accumulates during the two-hour flight from Quito, like lip-smacking layers upon a newly iced chocolate cake. Straddling the Equator about 1000km west of Ecuador, flying low on approach to Baltra Island, islands eventually emerge from the Pacific Ocean. Disembarking at Seymour Airport on the flat featureless island, I notice beyond the airstrip prickly pear cactus and a few random trees poking above scrawny salt bush. The sky is leaden grey while a cool wind whips tendrils of hair about my face. Devoid of the usual suspects you’d find on an island in the tropics, the archipelago’s charm is not immediately obvious. I’m not the only one initially uninspired by these isolated, yet ultimately enchanting, islands. Visiting in 1835 as a self-funded supernumerary onboard the Beagle, 23 year old naturalist Charles Darwin was underwhelmed, noting that ‘the black rocks heated by rays of vertical light give the air a close sultry feeling. The plants smell unpleasantly.’ Inspiration and revelation came later. He went on to change forever our view of the world, publishing his theory of evolution in The Origin of the Species by Means of Natural Selection. With so much splendid reading material available, my fellow voyagers are a knowledgeable lot, well-read in anticipation of a ‘once in a lifetime’ adventure. The excitement in the air is palpable as we board National Geographic Endeavour. Within hours of boarding our small expedition ship any reservations are dispelled. Donning a mask, snorkel and wet suit before sliding off the Zodiac and into the Pacific Ocean, I drop into a mercurial marine ballet as a pair of sea lions elegantly swoosh and twist their honey-hued bodies around me. I resist the urge to stroke the pelt as they glide past close enough that I’m drawn into their slipstream. Enormous brown unblinking eyes melt my heart. Slivers of sunlight pierce the surface, striking the carapace of a green turtle nearby picking at kelp swaying in the current.

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Images courtesy of Fiona Harper and Lindblad

Marine Iguanas, image: Fiona Harper

Cheeky penguins buzz my mask, flitting past

and slides. It’s the main socialising area with

allow them to move comfortably between

swiftly in a blur of ascending bubbles left in

comfy sofas and a bar manned by obliging

land and sea, surviving on marine algae but

their wake. They return relentlessly to offer

staff. Outdoors is a swimming pool surrounded

spending most of their time prostrate and

me a lingering look at tiny pert bodies as they

by deck chairs. The Bridge Deck has plenty of

unmoving in the sun.

dart hither and thither. Iridescent rainbow-

distractions when the ship is moving between

hued fish school in perfectly timed formation,

islands with an extensively stocked library,

change course as if orchestrated by an unseen

gym, sauna, spa treatments and sun deck.

sea lions and immobile giant tortoises, tiptoe

choreographer directing from stage left. The

Meals tend to have an Ecuadorian flare, as do

past regal birds of prey and linger and laugh

webbed feet of a pair of flightless cormorants

the crew in fact, who are proud Ecuadorians

at foot-stomping dancing boobies each time

dangle in my line of view.

keen to share their country’s fine attractions

we venture ashore. Sea lion pups a few weeks

with visitors.

old romp in a tidal pool, a green turtle basks

Further afield, Blue Footed Boobies are dive bombing the sea for fish, their bodies

Shore excursions and onboard lectures keep

streamlined into piercing arrows, vibrant blue

the 100-odd guests entertained as well as

feet tucked into their underbellies. With so

subtly educated on the archipelago’s unique

We step over lazing iguanas, around sassy

on inky black lava flows while scarlet coloured Sally Lightfoot crabs poke around crevices. They hold no fear of humans, so that it’s possible

much going on, and despite the chill in the

ecology. To say the wildlife is exceptional is

to sit in one spot amidst an endless vista of

water, it is the most extraordinary 30-minutes

an understatement in the realm of declaring

wildlife. The entire archipelago is protected

of snorkelling I’ve ever experienced. It turns

the moon to be far away. Marine iguanas for

under strict environmental control promoting

out to be fairly typical of each deep water

example, are found nowhere else on the planet.

tourism while providing sustainable income

snorkelling expedition.

They’re also butt ugly. Darwin described them

for the 30,000 or so locals. Heavily focused on

as ‘hideous looking’. He was spot on. Proving

protecting and preserving while showcasing

however that beauty is ultimately irrelevant,

this fragile environment, Lindblad Expeditions

they’re also rather fascinating in a reptilian way.

founder Lars-Eric Lindblad emphasises, “we

Two different itineraries explore different

Congregating in large colonies known as a

have a duty to pass the planet along to future

islands, though both include a momentous

mess of iguanas, they’d be right at home on

generations in as unspoiled way as possible.”

Equator crossing. The National Geographic

the set of a Mad Max movie. With smashed in

Endeavour carries 96 guests in expedition style

snouts concealing razor sharp teeth, heavily

comfort with good-sized cabins serviced twice

lidded eyes, a spiky dorsal ridge atop fat bellies

daily. Most of the action takes place on Veranda

covered in charcoal coloured scales, pretty

Deck with the Lounge doubling as a lecture

they’re not. They’re not nearly as fierce as they

theatre, with large screens showing videos

look though. Unique ecological adaptations

Lindblad Expeditions partners with National Geographic to offer guests an extraordinary opportunity exploring a delicate ecosystem.

So far that vision appears to be successful, offering visitors a rare opportunity into a world little changed through the centuries. This then is the true charm of the Galápagos Islands. For more information: www.expeditions.com

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The new frontiers of cruising Cruise holidays are growing in popularity every year, so it’s hardly surprising that the more adventurous operators are looking beyond the well-churned waters of the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Pacific. Steering through unfamiliar oceans and putting into new ports can bring back a sense of adventure to the most seasoned traveller. Here are some of the emerging destinations you might consider exploring in 2014.

Vietnam and Cambodia Imagine taking a luxury cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. You could depart from historic Hanoi, hop down the coastline to world-famous Ha Long Bay, experience the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and then board a river cruiser for a journey up the mighty Mekong. Travelling upstream you’ll arrive in tranquil, fascinating Cambodia, with Lake Tonle Sap and the wonders of Angkor Wat to explore. So much of life is lived close to – and even on – the water here. Visit rural villages, floating markets, ancient temples and a Buddhist monastery or two. This part of the world is a mecca for food lovers, too. Make sure you take time to savour the tastes of South East Asia, and maybe even take a cooking class or two.

Your ultimate cruise resource. Story: Ben Chandler

Clockwise from top left: Terraced houses in Porto; The town of Porto on the Douro River; Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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Mississippi River Anyone brought up on the stories of Mark Twain knows about the vivid history of riverboat travel on the North America’s mightiest waterway. The good news is that paddle steamers didn’t die out in the 19th Century. You can still cruise the Mississippi on these romantic riverboats, without the old-time ambience of whisky, gun fights and gambling that first made this region famous. Imagine starting in New Orleans, with its clubs and Creole ambience, then cruising upstream to storied destinations such as Memphis and Nashville. Indulge your love of Jazz, Blues and Country music in the places where it sprang from. Unforgettable.

Arabian Gulf People have been voyaging through these waters since prehistoric times, and the occasional dhow sailing ship can still be sighted. The appeal here is crystalline waters, endless sunshine and a breathtaking mélange of tradition and modernity. From the historic forts of Oman to the stunning skyscrapers of Dubai, you’ll find the Gulf is packed with new sights and experiences. New Zealanders and Australians have become used to travelling with airlines that use Dubai and other Gulf cities as their hubs. Many holidaymakers have also discovered the delights of a stopover in these glittering destinations. Now’s the time to take the next step, and board a ship that lets you discover the region as previous generations did – from the sea.

Rivers of Portugal and Spain The Rhine is fine and the Danube is dandy, but there’s a lot more to river cruising than these two great waterways. How about indulging your passion for food, history and culture on one of Europe’s less frequented rivers, the Douro in northern Portugal and Spain? Your luxury river journey could depart from the historic town of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From here you’ll meander past terraced hills, gorgeous villages and kilometre after kilometre of vineyards, busy ripening the grapes that go into the world’s most famous fortified wine. France is another appealing destination for the river cruise devotee who fancies something a little different. Or if you’re feeling more adventurous, check out the cruise options on the Amazon, Mekong and Yangtze. There are some beautifully appointed ships traversing these waterways, so you won’t be roughing it, but you’ll certainly be experiencing sights a world away from the typical cruise.

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Clockwise from top left: MSC Vertigo; Disney Cruises’ Aquaduck; Royal Caribbean climbing wall; Blue Man Group aboard Norwegian Cruise Line; Royal Caribbean Flow Rider; Disney Cruises’ character experience

90 Story: Bonita Burnett

Clockwise from top left: Celebrity Cruises’ grass lawn; Norwegian Cruise Line’s Epic Plunge; Royal Caribbean’s Northstar Antenna; Carnival Cruise Line’s SportSquare; Disney Cruises’ iconic characters

big blue The

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Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas

Often referred to as floating hotels, cruise ships now offer everything you could imagine plus more. And with competition fierce to be bigger, better and more impressive than the next ship, once onboard you’ll undoubtedly be spoilt for choice. Here’s a list of some of the best offerings at the moment.

Shopping Cunard Queen Elizabeth Royal Arcade: A cluster of several shops selling goods connected with traditional and modern-day Britain including Fortnum & Mason, Hackett and Penhaligan’s.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas Hairspray: Winner of eight Tony Awards, another great Broadway hit to catch on at sea. NCL Norwegian Epic Cirque Dreams and Dinner: Set in a specially designed two-level Spiegel Tent, this comedy and specialty circus-type act is mixed in with jaw-dropping acrobatics. NCL Norwegian Epic Blue Man Group: An interesting mix of comedy, music and multimedia, this one includes some audience participation.

Activities

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas Royal Promenade: Enjoy eight retail outlets selling everything from logo items to fine jewellery, perfume and cosmetics, and clothing brands that include Betsey Johnson, Kenneth Cole and Marc Jacobs.

Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas

Entertainment

walls are certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas Chicago: Based on the Broadway hit, this 90-minute version of the musical has been very well-received.

Carnival Cruise Line (on selected ships)

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Zipline: Suspended nine decks in the air, this thrill you won’t find on any other cruise line. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas Rock-climbing wall: At 14-metres high, these

Sky Course: A vertigo-inducing rope course that is part of Carnival’s massive outdoor recreation area called ‘SportSquare’.

Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas The North Star: Step into the glass observation capsule and enjoy the 360° view while suspended over 90-metres above the ocean. Royal Caribbean Quantum Class RipCord by iFly: Flying while on a ship – now that has to be tried. P&O Pacific Jewel (other ships, 2014) Edge: The largest adventure program at sea including flying fox, bungee tramp and rope courses, among other exciting thrills. Princess Cruises Regal Princess Sea Walk: From May 2014, guests will be able to take a walk 39-metres above the ocean along a glass-bottomed walkway that extends more than 8-metres out beyond the edge of the ship. Princess Cruises (on most ships) Ultimate Ship Tour: A cruise industry first, get an exclusive glimpse at the behind-the-scenes action that will allow you to explore the areas typically only seen by the ship’s crew, and then finish off on the bridge of the ship to meet the Captain!

Water Fun Disney Cruise Line Disney Dream Aqua Duck: Described by the line as cruising’s first ‘watercoaster’, its clearly visible 45-metres above the ocean and atop the ship. Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas FlowRider: Surfers and onlookers alike will enjoy this 12-metre long surf simulator, for waves without leaving the ship. MSC Preziosa Waterslides: At 120-metres, ‘Vertigo’ is the longest water slide at sea and includes a 9-metre long transparent stretch over the edge of the ship. Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas 21 pools and hot tubs: And don’t forget the AquaTheatre that is over nine metres deep. NCL Norwegian Breakaway Aqua Park and water slides: Big and small kids alike will love these five multistory waterslides, including ‘Free Fall’, the fastest drop slide. Carnival Sunshine Speedway Splash: With its hundreds of feet

of racing action and special lighting effects, this is just the thing for the adrenalin junkies on the hunt for speed.

Stuff for Kids Royal Caribbean (on select cruises) Barbie Dream Cruise: This is every little girl’s dream complete with fun, fashion and runway moments. Royal Caribbean (on select cruises) Dreamworks Experience: Set sail with the gang from Madagascar and other favourite Dreamworks characters.

some much-needed downtime in some very enjoyable surroundings.

For the Adults Celebrity Solstice Picnic on the lawn: This picnic is served on a patch of real grass. The ship even carries lawn mowers to keep this at-sea exclusive up to scratch. Pop on up to putt a few golf balls, play bocce or sprawl out for an intimate picnic for two. P&O (on selected ships) Comedy Club: Featuring Australia’s funniest

Crystal Cruises Cookie baking class: A special daily newsletter lets littlies know what’s happening that day and who would say no to a cookie baking class? Or a pyjama party? Or even a scavenger hunt?

stand-up comedians.

Disney Cruise Line Any sailing! Not actually an activity but since all their ships are regularly voted as number one in several categories, this is a family cruise not to be missed. The kids will be blown away with everything Disney, and parents will relish

Celebrity Cruises (on select cruises)

Holland America Line Galley kitchen tour: Even wondered what goes on behind the scenes to cater for up to 2,000 people a day? Now’s your chance.

‘Top Chef’: Join fans and Top Chef’s ‘cheftestants’ on selected cruises for an array of cooking experiences from chef demonstrations, right through to dining with the chefs themselves for one night.

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Best South Pacific & Australian cruise destinations The South Pacific has long been an attraction for cruise lines and once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve explored the region by water, it is easy to see why. Island groups can often be inaccessible by plane so water is sometimes the only option. Smaller ships can also access amazing tiny islands and isles and showcase the natural beauty that this region has to offer. As a traveller, you also get to see so much more than if you touched down and stayed in one spot for your holiday break.

Marquesas and Tahitian Islands It would be hard not to fall in love with what these South Pacific jewelled islands offer. The volcanic Marquesas group is one of the most remote and untouched in the world, lying about 1371km northeast of Tahiti. Explore ancient archeological sites, gaze at towering cliffs and crescendoing waterfalls, learn of ancient sacred

Kimberley, Australia At three times the size of the UK, the Kimberley region is an amazing wilderness of breathtaking scenic beauty. A cruise in this region is more about exploring than port hopping. See rare Aboriginal rock art, distinctive red coloured cliffs, thriving wildlife, secluded inlets and the 1200-island Buccaneer Archipelago. They say the landscape is ever-changing, so every trip to the Kimberley is guaranteed to be different.

Hawai’ian Islands These islands have been popular for a long time, however the majority of travellers tend to only visit Oahu. Cruising this archipelago gives a taste of the real Hawai’i from active volcanoes

traditions and sample exotic local cuisine. With charming quiet ports, the Tahitian Islands offer everything from fabulous diving, black pearls and pineapple plantations. With more lush green landscapes than the neighbouring Marquesas, the Tahitian Island’s coral gardens, white and black sand beaches and emerald lagoons are simply picture-perfect.

Vanuatu This volcanic archipelago sits 500 kilometres northeast of New Caledonia and west of Fiji. Initially inhabited by the Melanesian people, it was settled by Europeans in 1605. Today, the islands are visited by cruise ships of all sizes, who bring along modern day explorers to experience breathtaking views and the local culture.

to whale watching. With well-organised excursions Hawai’i

Cruise ships can pull into the most remote of places such as

offers learnings from its historic past, dramatic landscapes and

Champagne Bay and Mystery Island to enjoy its white sandy

abundant sea life.

beaches fringed with palm trees. Local villages sell precious hand-

Yasawa Islands, Fiji The Yasawas are sparsely or unpopulated islands with coconut

crafted trinkets and souvenirs. The turquoise blue waters are perfect for scuba diving, snorkelling, and game fishing for those who like the thrill of the big fish.

palms swaying in the balmy breeze, although several luxury resorts now reside on some of the islands. Made famous by

Micronesia

the film Blue Lagoon starring Brooke Shields, cruising this north happen to visit one of the local villages on a Sunday you’ll be

Located to the West of the South Pacific, Micronesia is made up of a diverse mix of cruise destinations. The busy beaches and shopping of Guam give way to the sport fishing in the Marshall Islands and

treated to beautiful Church singing.

Palau’s and extreme diving and steaming rainforests.

western area of Fiji is a must for divers and snorkellers. If you

Royal Caribbean’s conference room

Sails Conference If the idea of organising another conference in a standard hotel meeting room doesn’t excite you, there’s a good chance it won’t excite your delegates either. But how does a different and breathtaking view everyday sound? Or Broadway-like entertainment that doesn’t blow your budget? And while we’re on budgets, how do savings of between 20-30% sound? If your interest is piqued, it might well be time to look at what the high seas can offer your next event.

Cruising is big business and has been for a while. Gone are the days of it being the sole domain of the ‘nana and pops’ brigade. In fact, a 2012 New Zealand industry report1 found that 22% of passengers were aged under 40, and only a third were aged 60 years of age and over. Another interesting fact is that although large-scale hotel projects have slowed down over the last few years, cruise ships have not and they are now coming out of the dry dock with everything a meeting planner would want including: •

Complete conference centres and breakout rooms that can be configured into different ways.

•

Specialty dining venues and entertainment.

•

Interesting amenities such as iFly, the first cruise ship skydiving experience offered in a safe and controlled environment, and the North Star glass capsule, modelled on the London Eye, that takes guests over 90-metres over the ocean.

Are you still looking for more reasons? Here are some fairly compelling ones:

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Ship Mate This app is loaded with some awesome features that can be used before or during the cruise, such as suggestions and tips for your ship and the ports you’ll dock at. Meet and chat with fellow travellers, explore deck maps, ship venues and access helpful tools to make the most of your free time onboard and in port. Another cool feature – apart from the ship horn button – is that the app works offline while onboard. And if customisation is what you’re after, the creators are more than happy to work with meeting planners to make this happen. More info: www.shipmateapp.com

Story: Bonita Burnett

All-inclusive costing with no nasty surprises Most packages will include all accommodation, meals, transport requirements, entertainment and conference facilities, often with standard AV included. Some even include airfares. The cashless society

Cruising is also a huge plus for those that like to combine their international work conferences with the annual family holiday. There is something for everyone on a cruise ship and you’ll practically forget what the kids look like as they’ll be so busy doing their own thing.

onboard is also very convenient to delegates, with the added bonus of no large bill at the end for either the delegate or the meeting planner.

But what about some of the perceived negatives?

Guaranteed pricing and flexibility

Seasickness is often a concern but very unlikely with today’s large,

As cruise companies prefer long lead in times, meeting planners have strong negotiation capacity, with prices often guaranteed for as long as three years in advance. Cruises also tend to be a lot less restrictive than hotels when it comes to conditions of booking.

smooth-moving ships. Another one that’s regularly raised is not being able to get on and off at leisure. Initially, this may seem like a negative but it often means that as delegates are contained, they tend to be more focused so there’s no concern about losing the audience, or the guest speaker for that matter!

One stop shop

Technology on ships has also come a long way with most now

This is a biggie for planners that have large, multiple conferences on

having onboard Internet Cafes and bow-to-stern WIFI and phone

the go. When booking a cruise, you’ll deal with one organisation for the

connectivity. That’s a big positive for both planners and delegates alike

whole event, meaning no more juggling of several itineraries, activities

that often need to stay connected. Just be clear on what the costs for

or contacts. And onboard, with all the support available to you, it’s likely

these services are before you get online as they vary greatly between

you’ll require a lot less on-site staff, which means even more savings.

cruise lines. Alternatively, powering down can allow delegates to really have those important conversations and connect with each other rather than use email, Facebook or the latest app – and there’s no cost

Something for everyone There are a lot of cruise options out there with something for the

for that!

budget conscious through to the full 5-star experience.

Overall, the combination of savings, convenience and unlimited

And let’s not forget the benefit of waking up somewhere new

options, all while travelling to some pretty amazing destinations,

everyday but only having to unpack once. Or being able to choose

should be reason enough for you to seriously consider looking into a

your own meal at evening events rather than partaking in a pre-

cruise for your next event. It’s not for no reason that on average up to

planned banquet menu as is often required in hotels.

86% of cruise bookings are repeat business.

Conference Facilities at a glance Ship Info

Special Features

Smaller Conferences

Larger Conferences

Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Dream

Contemporary

Giant LED screen for outdoor movies

Purpose built conference centre seats 130

Theatre seats 1,300

MSC Cruises: MSC Splendida

European elegance

Flexible cruise lengths

11 meeting/function rooms

Largest theatre at sea seats 1,600+

Regent Seven Seas: Seven Seas Navigator

European sophistication

All suites

Card/conference room seats 40

Theatre seats 430

Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Solstice

Famed for specialty dining

Half acre Lawn Club, Quasar: suspended chairs for big screen viewing

Sky conference centre seats up to 89

Theatre seats 1,113

Royal Caribbean International: Allure of the Seas

Largest and most innovative cruise ship in the world

Ice rink is often used for trade shows and large meetings!

20+ lounges and meeting venues

Floating conference centre with 4 breakout rooms

Silversea Cruises: Silver Spirit

Newest and largest of the fleet

Ideal for smaller, more luxury groups

Conference room seats 25

Main lounge seats 450

Your ultimate cruise resource. Reference 1: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, Cruise Industry Report, New Zealand, 2012.

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*New Zealand dollars, double occupancy. Based on Seven Seas Mariner’s 8 Jun 2014 sailing, category G. Subject to availability. **Hotel package available for Concierge & above only. Terms apply. Please see brochure for full conditions.

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Touch of Spice Director Jacqui Spice

Q&A with Jacqui Spice from Touch of Spice 10 years working as a Chief Stewardess and Purser on superyachts around the world gave Jacqui Spice a real insight into the kind of experiences sought by high-end travellers. After realising a gap in the market she started her own company, Touch of Spice, in Queenstown to provide a luxury accommodation and concierge service. LUXURY: What has been your favourite travel experience to date? I love to travel and enjoy every experience I have while travelling as you just never quite know what’s going to happen next. One of the my recent favourites was checking in at the Beverly Hills Hilton in LA and living it up like a celebrity complete with a long lunch at The Ivy doing some star spotting. LUXURY: For you what is the epitome of a luxury holiday? I have a very busy life juggling my business and my family, so for me a ‘luxury holiday’ is one where I don’t have to do anything or be anywhere – one without an agenda. One with room service, beautiful food, warmth, beautiful scenery, great wine – a place that’s peaceful and serene. LUXURY: What would your dream escape be if money were no object? I would love to fly to the British Virgin Islands and cruise on a yacht for two months stopping in at Richard Branson’s Necker Island for a week of celebrating with a bunch of friends. After that, heading to St. Barths to just chill. LUXURY: Are you a planner or more a go-with-theflow type of traveller? I am a planner by day so I am a go-with-the-flow traveller. I want it to be as unplanned as possible unless it’s a business trip. As soon as someone around me starts to talk times and places, I feel myself retreating. LUXURY: What do you never travel without? My partner Josh and typically my laptop or iphone so I can keep up with the many emails I receive every day. LUXURY: What is a favourite memento or keepsake that you have picked up on your travels? I have some incredible masks from Venice that despite them being in storage now I can’t bring myself to throw away – one day I want to find them a home. Visit: www.touchofspice.co.nz.

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macau

magic for

City of Dreams ‘Dragon’s Treasure’

families

Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 21 Story: Philip Tetley-Jones

Clockwise from left: City of Dreams ‘Dragon’s Treasure’; Galaxy Resort; Kai Kai the Panda at the Giant Panda Pavillion; Macau Science Centre Space Exhibit; Macau Science Centre Exterior

Macau is like Hong Kong’s entertaining,

The City of Dreams resort makes an ideal

All-Star Parade, a beautifully choreographed

slightly mysterious twin. Situated a short

base. It is the only hotel in Macau to receive

daily parade at the Shoppes at Cotai Central

ferry ride across the Pearl River delta from

the Forbes Five-Star rating for hotel, spa and

Mall. Or how about a ‘Shrekfast’ with the

its more famous sibling, it shares the same

every restaurant on site, and it’s also the

Dreamworks gang, including dragon eggs

semi-detached relationship with mainland

setting for some truly mind-blowing shows.

sunny side up?

China and a history of colonial occupation

The current star attraction is ‘The House of

(Portuguese in this case). For many years,

Dancing Water,’ the world’s largest water

Macau was overshadowed by its more

extravaganza. Staged in a purpose-built

boisterous, business oriented neighbour but

theatre, the show includes a pool with a

things have begun to change.

volume of water equivalent to five Olympic

The seeds of a brighter future were sown when Macau’s government looked at its long-established casino sector and asked

pools. This watery stage is the setting for an epic love story complete with dazzling costumes and special effects never seen

Had enough of stage shows and cartoon characters? Take the family for a dip in the giant wave pool at Galaxy mega resort. The world’s largest rooftop wave pool comes complete with 150-metres of sandy beach and a regular procession of waves. You won’t need to bring your surfboard but it’s a

before in any theatre.

refreshing, if slightly surreal, experience.

as South China’s playground. Casinos are all

If one awe-inspiring show isn’t enough

Once you’ve all had your fill of watery fun,

very well – and Macau has some absolutely

for your family, City of Dreams ably lays on

it’s time to venture away from the hotel strip

stunning examples, enough to rival Las Vegas

another. ‘Dragon’s Treasure’ is a magical,

and explore the city itself. The Macau Open

– but not every visitor wants to spend his or

immersive multimedia performance staged in

Top Bus is a great way to do this. Seasoned

her holiday at the gaming tables.

a purpose-designed, bubble-shaped theatre.

travellers know that a hop-on, hop-off bus

City of Dreams hotel guests who present their

tour is the best way to get one’s bearings

hotel room card can score four free tickets –

in a new city, and Macau’s bus tour is no

two for the grown-ups and two for the kids.

exception. It stops at 11 of the city’s major

whether the city could build on its reputation

And so was born Macau’s new identity as Asia’s family fun and entertainment hub. If you’re taking your family to Europe, Macau

attractions so you can make notes to return

could provide the perfect stopover. Take the

Less structured family fun is on offer at

opportunity to de-plane the kids, catch up on

Dreamworks Macau, the largest production

some sleep in a gorgeous hotel bed, and then

of its kind outside the USA. Children can

For those budding scientists there’s Macau

catch some shows. Here’s a selection that will

meet their favourite characters from Shrek,

Science Centre, which offers exhibitions

thrill, entertain and amaze family members of

Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How to

covering everything from space and robotics

all ages.

Train Your Dragon. There’s the Dreamworks

to conservation and sports. They even have a

102 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.

to the most promising ones the next day.

planetarium to explore the wonders of outer

If the pandas haven’t entirely satisfied your

With musical theatre, cartoon characters,

space in 3D.

thirst for nature, head to Flora Gardens

rooftop pools, bungee jumps, zoo animals

Mini Zoo. Set in the shadow of Guia Hill,

and walking tours, Macau has plenty to keep

these gardens were once the grounds of

the entire family entertained for days. There

a Portuguese mansion that was destroyed

are also hectares of upmarket shopping in

after a firecracker factory exploded next

the city’s many malls to keep the shopaholics

One that will almost certainly catch your eye is the Macau Tower. Standing proud by the water’s edge, this iconic spike is an exact copy of the Sky Tower in Auckland – the owners apparently approached the architect of the original and asked for a repeat order. The

door. The gardens were turned into a smallscale zoo with peaceful tree-lined paths, an aviary, monkeys and assorted small animals.

views from the top are panoramic, as you’d

A visit here could be the perfect treat for your

expect. If you’re feeling the need for an

animal-loving child, and a welcome contrast to

adrenaline rush, the bungee jump operators

the brasher and flasher attractions of Macau.

will be happy to sell you a ticket and send you

purring. But as your Macau holiday approaches its end, perhaps you’d like one more out-ofthe-box experience. We suggest you check out one of the city’s quirkier attractions, the MJ Gallery at Sofitel’s Ponte 16 Resort.

One of the nicest things about Macau is that

MJ stands for the self-styled King of Pop – the

it’s a manageable size. Smaller than Hong

late Michael Jackson. The MJ gallery displays

Kong and more compact than most Asian

over 40 iconic items from the entertainer’s

Thrills of a different kind are on offer at the

cities, it boasts an historic hub that’s very

career, including the fedora hat worn during

Giant Panda Pavilion. A short drive from the

walkable. To make the most of this, the city

his first Moonwalk performance and a series

glitter of central Macau, nestled against a

has created an iOS app to complement the

of autographed photos and figures.

hillside, you’ll find the real treasures of the

four recently created walking tours that take

city. The Pavilion is home to two rare giant

you off the beaten track. Search for ‘Step Out

pandas, Kai Kai and Xin Xin. These cuddly

Macau’ on the iTunes app store, download it

black and white residents are among just

for free and set off on your walking tour.

320 giant pandas living in breeding centres

The app serves up maps and videos, as well as

and zoos around the world and are part

information on noteworthy sights, transport

of an endangered species with only 1,600

links and stop-off points to savour the local

individuals left living in the wild. Encountering

cuisine. Designed for leisurely strolls, the walks

And as you can see, families who take the

these two gentle giants is a true once-in-a-

can vary from 90-minutes to approximately

time to explore this fascinating city will be

lifetime event for most travellers.

130-minutes.

very well looked after.

plummeting towards the ground – but don’t worry, you’ll land safely!

It may seem slightly crazy to find a shrine to one of America’s most famous entertainers in a Chinese city, but the MJ shrine is true to the essence of Macau. This city exists for fun. It’s a crossroads of entertainment culture, created to entertain travellers.

Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 103

Liquid Elegance As rich as a fine wine and intense as the headiest spirits,

industry, killing almost all the nation’s vines. Since its base is

Cognac is a uniquely rewarding pleasure, the ultimate in liquid

wine, this all but wiped out Cognac too. However, Croizet

elegance. The delights of Cognac have seen it re-emerge in

survived the blight of Phylloxera thanks to Benjamin Croizet

fine dining and popular culture. No hip-hop video is complete

who led the way, working tirelessly to preserve the family

without a shot of the featured ‘artist’ brandishing a bottle and

vineyards, ensuring the survival of their vines and giving

the finest restaurants take great pride in their range for aperitif

Croizet a unique heritage of ancient blends and

or digestif. The finest of which command handsome prices to

uninterrupted production.

match their pedigree.

Croizet is one of nearly two hundred Cognac producers

A record breaking and eye-watering 1 million Yuan

who compete and collaborate. Joint marketing initiatives

(US$156,740) was spent in 2011 at a Shanghai auction

carry the region’s reputation worldwide and every producer

securing a prized bottle of 1858 Croizet Cuvee Leonie

subscribes to common standards in every aspect of production

Cognac. Making it instantly the world’s most expensive

from vineyard management to labelling regulation and

bottle of Cognac, complete with Guinness Book of World

categorisation of tiers of Cognac.

Records’ accreditation.

This collaborative approach is made possible in part by the

The 1858 was famed as the vintage shared by Winston

distinctive nature of Cognac, each producer blends across

Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower as they planned the

vintages and characteristics of each growing area or terroir to

Normandy D-Day landings. A taste of history that fortunately,

create their own unique house style and to express this in each

you haven’t missed out on as there are a limited number of

tier from VS to XO and even single vintage releases.

bottles still available. These sought after bottles are only found at a few high net worth destinations such as the MGM Macau, which has a unique stock of Croizet 1858s. Proudly displayed in their wine cellars, this is among, if not the most unique and expensive collection in the world.

Winston Churchill once said, “good Cognac is like a woman. Do not assault it. Coddle and warm it in your hands before you sip it.” The range of flavour, fragrance and texture is a revelation to the new drinker. Familiarity with the Cognac aroma wheel is a valuable prompt for enjoying and

Croizet is a small and top-class Cognac producer, famed for

appreciating the many varied characters in this beverage. From

its balance of power and delicacy. In part, this comes from

the bold to the very subtle, ranging from earthy, musty notes

an uninterrupted history of quality. The lauded 1858 is of

to leather and wood characters into the subtle floral, fruit and

particular relevance because the wine precedes the arrival

berry tones, with many variations along the way like honey,

of the Phylloxera mite, a pest that devastated France’s wine

lemon balm, herbs, nuts, spices and more.

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Then there is the matter of weight; Cognac has remarkable

matched to a unique Croizet Cognac. Until I had experienced it

and fascinating texture. The weight in the mouth varies, from

for myself I had no idea of the depth, breadth and wonder of the

gossamer like delicacy, to fiery heft. Some are slippery, with a

flavours and enjoyment to be found in Croizet Cognacs.

satin like sheen that ripples over the tongue, while others settle longer, filling the mouth like rich velvet.

“Just like wine, food or art, enjoying Cognac,” Dellaca says, “is about experimenting. Matching a specific Cognac to a moment,

To appreciate Cognac, allow time and contemplation. Cognac

a mood and at my Cognac degustation dinners, to a dish.”

is complex and evolves in the glass. Sip it on first pouring

Dellaca doesn’t push purely to the top-end, seeing a place for

(preferably into a tulip shaped Cognac glass rather than a big

every tier of Croizet and Cognac generally.

brandy balloon). In five minutes (after aerating) it will evolve and change. Describe it and then discover a new experience five minutes later and then half an hour after that, and so on. The key is to take your time. Also worthwhile, is to attend a tasting, where the different tiers are opened at once and compared against each other. Croizet’s New Zealand agent, Jason Dellaca, hosts memorable events including a Croizet Cognac degustation dinner. Each course is

“Start with a VS as an aperitif, on ice perhaps, it’s refreshing and rewarding.” He has history on his side here, in the 19th Century, bordelais drank Cognac with a little water, the dilution releasing its myriad of flavours. “As your meal or an evening progresses a VSOP next and then slowly savour something older in a snifter, to capture it, like an XO, or perhaps on a special night, one of our special blends or vintage releases.” Having followed his advice and savoured every tier at every step during the degustation dinner, it occurred to me that with Cognac there is only one problem. Having started to appreciate its charm and reward, it is very hard to go back to drinking anything else.

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Story: Timothy Giles

Cognac Facts •

Only double-distilled wine brandy from the region of Cognac, just north of Bordeaux in west France may bear the name Cognac.

•

Cognac is produced from wine made primarily of Ugni Blanc (Trebbiano), a grape prized for high yield, hardiness and natural acidity. It is France’s most-planted white grape.

•

Cognac is categorized by the age of its youngest component of eau-de-vie (French for ‘water of life’).

•

Cognac makers use the term eau-de-vie for Cognacs in their ageing process in the barrel, prior to bottling. Pre-blending, it’s referred to as eau-de-vie. Once blended and ready for bottling, it’s called Cognac.

Tiers of Cognac By law, Cognac must be aged in French Oak for at least 21/2 years, but most age for far longer.

Very Special

Minimum age of 2 ½ years

VSOP

Very Superior Old Pale

Minimum age of 4 ½ years

Extra Old

Minimum age of 6 ½ years

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LUXURY HOL IDAYS & CORP OR ATE T R AVEL

and WIN 1 of 3 bottles of DQ Vodka This Swedish super premium vodka is truly one of a kind. Made with the finest Swedish winter wheat and then combined with pure spring water from the Malmköping Springs. They call the result `liquid silk’. This premium beverage is then encased in a distinctively modern bottle, produced by Italy’s finest glass makers. The cooling rod, located inside the bottle, is made alongside Bentley’s coolers and keeps the vodka cool from the fridge. The world’s first truly modern premium vodka brand for the ultimate connoisseur. RRP NZ$109.99 per bottle. Available at all good liquor stores.

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For more information on subscriptions to LUXURY, call: 0800 444 556. Post completed form to: LUXURY, PO Box 559, Shortland Street, Auckland 1140, New Zealand Competition only open to New Zealand subscribers. Competition closes Septemberluxury 2014. and corporate cruise resource. Your24ultimate The winner will be notified by email on 26 September 2014. Prize is not Your transferable or redeemable cash. ultimate luxury for and corporate travel resource.

27 27

revisiting heaven Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji

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There’s a pop song from the 1980s – ooh, heaven is a place on earth. Readers of a certain age will be humming it now. You can dismiss this sentiment as meaningless fluff. But ask yourself – what would you say about a tiny tropical island that boasts some of the world’s best beaches? A place just 30-minutes from the Fijian mainland, with an atmosphere of pure tranquillity. Somewhere far from the stresses of the modern world but with all the amenities of a luxury resort. You might just say this island truly qualifies as paradise on earth. And you’d be right. Yasawa Island Resort & Spa really is that special. We had visited some years ago and made a note to return. In the meantime, tragedy had touched this corner of Fiji. A devastating fire gutted the main complex in 2011, leaving charred ruins in its wake. Undeterred, the owners embarked on a major rebuilding programme, encompassing the main restaurant, bar and recreation area. The world’s travel experts certainly seem to be impressed by the results. The resort achieved a coveted Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor in 2012 as well as being nominated for the World’s Best Award by Travel & Leisure magazine that year. But enough of other people’s opinions. What impression did Yasawa Island Resort & Spa make on us? First up, you can’t ignore the exclusive, private nature of this resort. With just 18 bures, the atmosphere is very intimate – a true boutique luxury experience. The icing on the cake is that all 18 bures are on the beachfront. You’re literally a few steps from the warm waters of the South Pacific. The infinity edge pool caught our eyes, with a better-than-ever bar located beachside. A mental note was made: grab a seat here at sundown and enjoy a tropical sunset with colourful cocktail in hand. We were booked into a split-level Deluxe Beachfront Bure, with the lower level housing a large lounge with two day beds, which doubled as single beds for our two children. The upper level of the bure is the master bedroom complete with king-sized bed. Cathedral ceilings enhanced the feeling of spacious luxury and the recent refurbishment, with its light-toned colour scheme, bestowed a sense of space. You will have noticed the reference to children, so let me expand on that. Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is one the few boutique island resorts in Fiji that caters for children at certain times of the year. It makes for a surprisingly cost-effective family holiday without compromising on quality. Our luxury bure was easily large enough to comfortably house the entire family without forking out for an extra room or additional bure. Space is important but what about the facilities? I’m pleased to report that the bathroom was decorated in a sophisticated yet rustic island style, with an indoor oversized shower and a very useful outdoor shower that proved ideal for wash-downs after a swim at the beach. Twin vanities and ample storage space completed the picture.

Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource. 109 Story: Phil Harrison

The food on offer reached the same impressive standards.

Champagne to be enjoyed on a romantic deserted beach.

Yasawa Island Resort & Spa makes full use of its gorgeous

Enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in splendid isolation,

setting, with incredible views from the restaurant and bar.

then call for your pick-up via a two-way radio, when you’re

The cuisine matches the view, with a constantly changing à la

ready to return.

carte menu from the two resident chefs. Celebrity chef Simon Gault has worked his magic here, with the resort’s two chefs benefiting from intensive mentoring in his flagship Auckland restaurant, Euro.

Yasawa Island Resort & Spa also offers a plethora of more strenuous outdoor activities. Its absolute beachfront location is a constant reminder to slip into the warm waters of the Pacific and enjoy a close, snorkelling encounter with the local reef fish. The

Here’s a tip: don’t miss the private dining and beach picnic

world-famous Blue Lagoon Caves are nearby, hidden between a

options. Choose a location you’ll never forget – beneath the

dramatic volcanic peak at the southern end of the island. Indulge

stars on a balmy Fijian night or among the palms beside your

in a 1980s vibe, and imagine you’re swimming alongside Brooke

beachside bure. The Yasawa Island Resort & Spa team will

Shields in the film that made her famous. Or if that’s too much

conjure up a table for two and leave you to feast in private

of a stretch, just relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and

splendour. You can even request a lobster lunch and a bottle of

underwater scenery on its own considerable merits. No resort worth its salt can afford to skimp on spa luxury, and Yasawa Island Resort & Spa is no exception. Choose from a

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Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji at a glance Category: Boutique Island Resort. Room reviewed: Deluxe Beachfront Bure. What’s great? Unbelievable location, a truly pristine island with one of the world’s best beaches just steps from your bure. What’s not so great? We went during kids week and it would have been nice to have had a few more structured activities to keep them occupied – easily fixed. Editor’s tip: Make sure you book a private picnic… lobster, Champagne and a deserted beach for two. Doesn’t get any better! Website: www.yasawa.com Rate: US$733 per couple per night (based on a 7-night stay) including all meals, nonalcoholic beverages and all activities, trips and tours (excluding diving and fishing).

menu that includes body polishes, body packs, facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing. The skilled hands of the spa staff smooth away aches and leave you feeling restored and revitalised. Along with skilled hands, there are the warm smiles and friendly attitudes you experience every day from the on-site staff. You are looked after by local people, who are proud to share their piece of paradise and want you to enjoy your time there. The small size of the resort means that staff get to know you by name. We were pleasantly surprised that many remembered us from our visit a few years back. This is the kind of hospitality that money just can’t buy.

Deluxe Beach Front Bure

Yasawa Island Resort & Spa really is a special place. Just a few hours from home, and a short flight from the Fijian mainland, it offers the sort of romantic escape we all dream of, but seldom find. Call it heaven on earth, or call it a wonderful holiday. Both descriptions are correct.

Location Room size Room interior Overall service level Food & beverage Hotel pool Business needs Recreational facilities Spa facilities Value for money

82.5%

An idyllic escape only dreams are made of.

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luxury spa finder Does being wrapped in silk and then whisked away on a timeless journey to the heart of the Orient sound intriguing? LUXURY magazine explains why Thalgo’s Indocéane Spa Ritual is the ultimate in modern day spa treatments. The journey begins at Chuan Spa at The Langham Auckland. ‘Chuan’ means flowing water. As the source of life, water represents the re-birth and re-balancing of our whole being. As you enter Chuan Spa, the sound of trickling water instantly calms you and a warm welcome helps you retreat from your busy world and take you on your very own journey to the heart of the Orient.

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Story: Janice Burmaz

We are here to experience the Indocéane Spa Ritual, using high

vertical movements, then in circular motions to exfoliate every

performance marine based products from Thalgo, enriched with

inch of the body. A little warm water is added to melt away the

algae and essential nutrients from the sea. Founded in France

scrub, leaving the skin relaxed, purified and polished, with an

over fifty years ago, Thalgo have developed and refined exclusive

iridescent glow.

active marine ingredients within their comprehensive range of skincare products.

Egypt is next. As we relax further to the tune of soft oriental music and the soothing scents of glimmering Indocéane candles,

We chose the couples treatment package, allowing ourselves

we take a leisurely soak in a prepared bath at 38 degrees Celsius,

some catch-up time poolside after a busy workday. The spa,

enriched with Indocéane Precious Milk Bath Pebbles containing

located on the second floor of the hotel, is in a secluded setting

sugar and Chorella algae. I felt like Cleopatra, who according to

with individual and dual treatment services, a salt water heated

legend believed in a daily milk bath ritual to keep her skin

outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, saunas, herbal steam rooms, an ice

looking beautiful.

experience and ‘snail’ showers in each changing room.

After thirty minutes we dry off and return to our warm beds

Thalgo has created a multi-sensory relaxation therapy, using a

where our therapists, Lydia and Jasmin begin a two-step massage

sacred Ayurvedic style of massage. The Indocéane Spa Ritual

in flowing unison. Using Indocéane Qi-Balm, the initial vitalisation

offers deep relaxation, blending together the secrets of the

massage to key points of the body (lower back, palms of the

Mediterranean, Egypt, India and China and the serenity of

hands and arches of the feet) is preparation for a traditional style

the Orient.

Indian massage with Indocéane Voluptuous Massage Oil, used

This exquisite ritual consists of four steps and takes around two hours to complete. Our spa journey began with the warm touch of an Oshibori towel to our feet as we lay face down on heated massage beds. Our first destination was the Mediterranean with a delicious smelling sweet and savoury Indocéane Body Scrub, rich in essential oils. The scrub is applied from head-to-toe in firm

for its stimulating and regenerating properties. This smoothing massage releases warm woody scents of patchouli and cedar as the oils soak completely into the skin. Lastly, Chinese-style kneading and a Japanese percussion technique expels any remaining body tensions. For the final part of our sensory journey, we are covered in Indocéane’s nourishing Silky Smooth Body Cream then immediately cocooned in a silk body wrap and a warm towel. In a state of total splendor, I drift off to sleep. That is the last thing I remember, before Jasmin woke me with a soft whisper to say that she was about to massage my head. Reaching this level of deep relaxation is true testament to a dream ritual. We move to the lounge for a refreshing juice, herbal tea and snack on nuts and dried berries, taking time to soak up the ambiance and unashamedly apologise to Jasmin about my slumberous state. This was a no rush journey that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and totally restored, just how I imagined Cleopatra would have felt centuries ago.

The products used throughout the Indocéane Spa Ritual that are available to purchase for further enjoyment at home include: Indocéane Candles Indocéane Sweet and Savoury Body Scrub Indocéane Precious Milk Bath Pebble Indocéane Silky Smooth Cream Indocéane Room Spray Indocéane Spa Ritual treatment price Single from NZ$280 Couple from NZ$520

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For more info: www.chuanspa.co.nz

lose your eyes and drift away in blissful dreams on a Thalgo Far Eastern spa journey. At each stopover, divine scents and colours mingle with the riches of the sea. Sacred Lotus Flower and Qi-Marine, combined to further enhance this powerful feeling of serenity. Pampered in luscious, enveloping textures, you will drift away amidst heavenly fragrances - take the time to escape to one of our enchanting destinations. Mediterranean stopover - A prelude with Citrus flavours, Egyptian stopover - Relax on the Nile, Indian stopover - Tranquility on the river Ganges, Chinese stopover - The temple of Beauty... A journey suspended in time, a moment of pure bliss and absolute serenity for the body and mind... Book your 2 hour Thalgo Indoceane spa journey or give a gift of relaxation to someone you love. Indoceane Luxury at Chuan Spa, The Langham | 83 Symonds Street, Auckland | www.chuanspa.co.nz | ( 09 300 2960 Your ultimate luxury and corporate cruise resource.

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