Cruising news: Australians clamouring for a cruise

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This was published 6 years ago

Cruising news: Australians clamouring for a cruise

By Brian Johnston
Oceania Cruises'  Oceania visits Sydney.

Oceania Cruises' Oceania visits Sydney.Credit: Graham Jepson

CRUISE HIGH

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has just released its 2016 market report, and Australians have once again hit a cruise high. Australian cruise passenger numbers grew by a whopping 21 per cent – the biggest increase ever – with 1,281,159 Australians taking a cruise in 2016. Some 42 per cent of ocean passengers cruised in the South Pacific, our most popular destination. Passenger numbers domestically and in New Zealand and Alaska increased, but fell 11.8 per cent in Europe. All up, Australians spent 12 million days at sea last year on cruises averaging 9.4 days. We account for 5.2 per cent of all cruise passengers.

See cruising.org.au

Ponant's L'Austral in dramatic Milford Sound, New Zealand.

Ponant's L'Austral in dramatic Milford Sound, New Zealand.Credit: Ponant

POLISHING THE SILVER

Silversea's luxury expedition ship Silver Explorer sailed out of Lisbon last week after a comprehensive stem-to-stern redesign that has seen a change in the ship's colour scheme, new furnishings in several lounges, updates in public areas and a spruce-up of the spa and fitness area, among other enhancements. The all-suite accommodation features new carpeting, soft furnishings, TVs and furniture, and many suites now have rainforest showers. The remodelled Silver Explorer accommodates 144 guests and sails to destinations such as the Arctic, Antarctica, Africa and the Americas, French Polynesia and the Russian Far East.

Phone 1300 306 872. See silversea.com

Silversea's Silver Explorer visits the Arctic.

Silversea's Silver Explorer visits the Arctic.Credit: Silversea

STARRY UPDATE

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Also making a fresh sortie after refurbishment is Celebrity Constellation, which has just sailed out of dry dock following significant revitalisation, just in time for its second Asian season. The ship has seen the addition of Qsine restaurant, popular on other Celebrity ships, new pool-side Top Deck Burger Bar and new Rooftop Terrace. Technology in cabins has been updated, the shopping area reorganised, and suites refreshed with new artworks and furnishings. Constellation is now sailing the Mediterranean but will be based in Asia later this year, offering cruises primarily out of Abu Dhabi and Singapore.

Phone 1800 754 500. See celebritycruises.com.au

Upgraded Celebrity Constellation will be based in Asia this year.

Upgraded Celebrity Constellation will be based in Asia this year.Credit: Celebrity Cruises

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

CruiseAlong Travel has an all-inclusive, 21-day cruise that explores New Zealand's fiords and seldom-visited Sub-Antarctic Islands before finishing with a transit of the Tasman Sea from Wellington to Sydney. The cruise is aboard Ponant's L'Austral, which will be limited to 200 passengers and have an expedition team to accompany guests on Zodiac excursions that will particularly appeal to wildlife enthusiasts and landscape photographers. Wildlife on the Sub-Antarctic Islands includes penguins, seals and sea lions, as well as abundant bird life. The Sub Antarctic World Heritage cruise departs Dunedin on January 5, 2018.

Phone 1300 662 002. See cruisealong.com.au

TROPICS AND EXOTICS

Oceania Cruises has rolled out new itineraries for its 2018-19 season that visit more than 240 ports in Asia and Africa, the South Pacific, Australia, the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America, blending a mix of popular and more off-the-beaten track destinations. Of the 75 itineraries, 53 are new and 24 are extended journeys that range from 17 to 59 days in length. Regatta's Australia and New Zealand voyages include a new Tasman Traveller itinerary round trip from Auckland, featuring an overnight in Sydney and visits to Rotorua, the Bay of Islands and Napier.

Phone 1300 355 200. See oceaniacruises.com

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