Singapore is a regular stop-off point while cruising in Asia.
Ocean cruising in Asia is taking off, both for Asian nationals and Australian cruisers. According to a recent report from the Cruise Lines International Association, a record 55,399 Australians took a cruise there in 2014 – 25 per cent more than the year before.
Apart from the fact that the key Asian cruise hubs of Hong Kong and Singapore are much closer to Australia than the Mediterranean or Caribbean, there's a wealth of diverse cultures in South-east and North Asia to explore. Plus of course, there are beaches, shopping, booming modern cities and delicious food from Malaysia to China and everywhere in between.
We spoke with cruise industry expert Alastair Fernie, the general manager of Ecruising, to find out more about this growing trend. "The interest in cruising in Asia has been driven largely by the increase in ships positioned in the area," he says. "With Princess, Royal Caribbean and several other lines now offering a wide range of itineraries there is a lot of choice and subsequently, some great prices."
P&O Pacific Dawn Edge.
In May, Royal Caribbean sent its then newest ship, Quantum of the Seas, to home-port in Shanghai, China after its first season in the US and Ovation of the Seas will spend seven months there before it arrives in Australia at the end of next year. Hong Kong-based Star Cruises is the third-biggest cruise line in the world (after Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean) and it is building two 3364-passenger ships that are due to launch in 2016 and 2017.
The reasons why Australians book an Asian cruise are changing, Fernie says. "Although culture was once a driving factor the appeal of shopping, beaches and the key benefit of cruising, the ease of getting to a different destination practically every day is the big drawcard now."
He says "fly and flop" holidaymakers who have switched from a traditional resort holiday in Fiji or Vanuatu to cruising the Pacific are increasingly attracted to cruises that take in destinations such as Bali, Phuket, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.
Tina Dunn.
"There are cruise lines to suit all tastes and an interesting addition to the fold next July and August is P&O Cruises' Pacific Eden. Australians will be able to enjoy seven- and 14-night itineraries sailing from Singapore on board the familiar surroundings of an Australian ship with Australian dollars and everything else you would enjoy on this new addition to the P&O Cruises fleet."
MEET THE CREW
NAME Tina Dunn, from Britain
Quantum Royal loft suite.
POSITION P&OEdge operations manager, P&O Cruises' Pacific Dawn
MY JOB I set up the P&OEdge department across the P&O Cruises' fleet. I oversee daily operations, ensure we adhere to safety procedures, submit and review risk assessments and, my favourite part – help guests take part in the adventures.
MY TYPICAL DAY… involves delivering adventures to cruiselings (P&O passengers), interacting with guests at the P&OEdge shop and carrying out admin work.
Fun in the Happy Isles.
FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT A young girl who was in remission from cancer bought an Edge pass with us and pushed herself to the limits. She was always happy, outgoing and tried to do more than she could. A true hero.
FAVOURITE CRUISE PORT Port Vila. We visit there a lot but I always find something new to do. The people are amazing and after Cyclone Pam they are still just as welcoming.
INSIDER TIP Get involved in the treasure hunt as soon as you board. There are amazing prizes to be won from all the departments and you'll get to know where everything is in a fun way.
TIP
Foodies on the move: download Appscore's FourSquare app and you'll have a handy guide to more than 60 million short reviews of the best bars, cafes and restaurants in any city in the world. Free for iPhones, iPads and Apple watches.
NEWS
Suite Life
Royal Caribbean is introducing Royal Suite Class, a new top-drawer level of cruising on its six Quantum and Oasis class ships. Passengers booking for the Star, Sky and Sea Class treatment will enjoy an array of benefits such as butler service (a Royal Genie), free VOOM, the fastest internet at sea, free specialty dining, the line's "ultimate" beverage package and included gratuities.
Star Class includes the most comprehensive collection of amenities and services for passengers staying in the most luxurious suites, such as Quantum-class' two-deck Royal Loft Suite.
HAPPY ISLES
Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has released the 2016 and early 2017 departure dates for its Fiji seven-night 4 Cultures Discovery Cruise, seven-night Colonial Fiji Discovery Cruise and the 11-night Lau and Kadavu Discovery cruise. The 4 Cultures Discovery Cruise is the first to circumnavigate Vanua Levu, Fiji's second-largest island. Living up to its name, this cruise gives passengers the opportunity to experience four distinctive Fijian cultures; Ellice Islanders (Polynesian), Banabans (Micronesia), Fijian (Melanesia) and Indians. Highlights of all cruises include visits to villages and snorkelling and diving over spectacular coral reefs. See captaincookcruisesfiji.com.
MYANMAR FLOOD RELIEF
More than a million people in Myanmar have been affected by the worst monsoon rainfall in decades. Thousands of villagers in the Irrawaddy Delta are now homeless and have lost livestock and food supplies. River cruise operators Pandaw River Expeditions and A&K have both launched emergency appeals to fund the relief effort. Pandaw is sending food and a medical team on its ship Kalay Pandaw to help people stranded in remote areas, and A&K Philanthropy has also mobilised its locally-based organisation to deliver essential supplies. To support these initiatives, visit pandawcharity.com and akphilanthropy.org.
DEAL OF THE WEEK
Experience Royal Caribbean's new Ovation of the Seas on a 14-night voyage to the North and South Islands of New Zealand, departing January 9, 2017. Ovation's highlights include skydiving and surf simulators, the 90-metre-high Northstar viewing capsule and 18 restaurants. Cruise 1st's offer includes a $US75 credit and gratuities; prices start at $2299. Phone 1300 596 345, see cruise1st.com.au.
MORE DEALS
CREATIVE CRUISING's Baltic Capitals and Norwegian Fiords fly/cruise/stay package, departing April 30, 2016 includes a 16-night round-trip cruise from Copenhagen on Norwegian Star, return airfares and accommodation in Copenhagen. From $4999; offer valid until September 30. Phone 1300 362 599, see creativecruising.com.au.
CRUISEABOUT has two-for-one prices on a range of Europe river cruises when you book before October 10. For example, a 15-day Amsterdam to Budapest itinerary, departing November 12, starts at $3898 each and includes all tours and complimentary drinks. Phone 1300 450 133, see cruiseabout.com.au.
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