Jetsettersblog

Sanctuary Retreats unveils the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer January 2010 –

The Sanctuary M.S. Nile Adventurer, long regarded as one of Egypt’s finest luxury cruise ships, has been re-launched following a multi-million dollar renovation.

With just 32 beautifully appointed cabins, the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer provides the perfect boutique experience from which to explore the Nile while enjoying stunning design, incredible food, private dock facilities and the highest levels of service.

Design Influence Drawing inspiration from the aeon of the pharaohs, the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer’s new design combines modern Egyptian culture with five thousand years of heritage.

Experience the luxury and opulence of the past, while still being able to enjoy the technological developments of today.

Throughout the ship, clean lines and a neutral color scheme are offset with splashes of gold, turquoise and terracotta – inspired by Tutankhamun’s mask and designed by local designer Shahira H. Fahmy.

Egyptian master craftsmen have used the finest local marble, alabaster, wood, papyrus and copper to seamlessly blend contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship.

The extensive sun deck areas have been enhanced with the addition of private cabanas around the pool area.

Chilled fruit and drinks are served each afternoon while overlooking the ancient sites between Luxor and Aswan.

The dining room is a blend of rich colors and graceful design, with carefully arranged seating that allows for a feeling of privacy when dining.

The bar, an ancient Egyptian-inspired centrepiece, stands directly in front of a window offering a panoramic view of the deck outside.

Comfortable cushions, contrasting colors and eclectic modern furniture complete the relaxed mood.

In the cabins, splashes of brighter hues are used sparingly to complement the calm natural tones.

New furniture, the latest LCD screens, and of course fresh new Egyptian cotton sheets, have been added to all cabins. Family Friendly The Sanctuary Nile Adventurer successfully combines elegance with a warm atmosphere that envelopes guests of all ages.

Unlike some other luxury vessels on the Nile, children of all ages are welcome on the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer.

This combined with the ship’s Germanische-Lloyd safety specification – the highest standards of safety for river cruisers worldwide – ensures parents have peace of mind as well as comfort.

Departure Dates

The Sanctuary Nile Adventure offers multiple three night and four night departures every month except for July.

A complete listing of available dates may be found at www.sanctuaryretreats.com/cruises/egypt

About Sanctuary Nile Adventurer

The Sanctuary Nile Adventurer is regarded as one of the leading luxury boats on the Nile.

Originally launched in 1990, the ship’s exterior styling is reminiscent of an elegant private yacht, and is renowned for providing the highest levels of service and dining experience on the Nile in an exclusive yet extremely comfortable setting.

All 32 rooms (including two presidential suites and two deluxe cabins) enjoy stunning river views, are luxuriously appointed and have the latest LCD televisions.

For added comfort, a no-mobile-phone policy operates throughout all the internal public areas of the boat to ensure a relaxed ambiance.

For more information please visit: www.sanctuaryretreats.com/cruises/egypt

To book please call + 20 (0)22 393 5450, email egypt@sanctuaryretreats.com  or contact one of our key travel partners:

Abercrombie & Kent – 800-554-7016 or www.abercrombiekent.com 

Kensington Tours – 888-903-2001 or www.kensingtontours.com

eWaterways – 877-359-7458 or www.ewaterways.com

Cape to Cairo – 800-356-4433 or www.capecairo.com

Sanctuary Retreats’ collection of twelve luxury safari lodges and three explorer ships bring the boutique experience to guests with the added promise of authenticity. Located in some of the most stunning locations in the world, each property is completely individual in its design and operated around the philosophy of “Luxury, naturally”. This provides guests with an authentic experience of the best local guides, delicious food, chic surrounds and amazing service.

Each Sanctuary property has the same aim: to allow guests to have a “real” experience and enjoy a more natural kind of luxury in properties that have a strong commitment to conservation and responsible tourism.

These properties include safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia as well as expedition ships on the Nile, Yangzi and Galapagos.

For more information about the Sanctuary Difference visit

www.sanctuaryretreats.com

Cape Villas secure prime accommodation in the most exclusive areas in Cape Town, South Africa.

If you need superior rental accommodation of a 6 star status, Cape Villas will help you to find a private and discreet mansion or luxury villa.

The Cape Villas procure luxury accommodation in South Africa due to demand and now even more so with the exiting Fifa 2010 World Cup to be hosted here in a few weeks. With a feast of gorgeous attractions, beautiful beaches, sublime surroundings, recreation destinations, and choice wine estates to entice you, why would another destination ever match South Africa? Cape Villas have sourced a multitude of stunning apartments, villas and mansions for you to choose from online.

If you enjoy select, exclusive lifestyle living, then the superb settings and locations, breathtaking Atlantic seaboard views, and a world of shops at the renowned Waterfront, Cape Town South Africa will suit your needs.

Cape Villas in South Africa take pride in their role as host beyond the everyday, as a guest, you matter; they don’t hand over house keys and walk away. The concierge team will see to your every whim and make the most of your experience in South Africa.

Luxury holiday rentals in South Africa as offered by Cape Villas are popular and beautiful, the company was recently recommended by Conde Nast Traveller UK publication,” for the best houses to rent near the sea” in the November 2009 edition.

This serves to confirm the global attention and popularity the Cape Town Atlantic seaboard attracts.

Cape Villas are also currently offering 25% discount on exclusive villas in Cape Town, booked directly by the public.

Unfortunately this discount does not include the period over the World Cup but you can still benefit from the long days and summer nights if you want to indulge in a brilliant holiday.

The exclusive beach suburb, Clifton is extremely popular with international and local guests, so why not secure this two bed roomed apartment for the World Cup now.

This well priced Clifton apartment is spacious and stylish. With the apartment nestled on First Beach Clifton you will be mesmerised by spectacular 180 degrees vistas from sunrise to sunset.

The apartment accommodates four guests, one parking bay and direct access to beach. Satellite televisions can be found in the lounge, kitchen and both bedrooms, king size extra length beds have been placed in both bedrooms. The kitchen is fitted with gas hob, and all other amenities.

Cape Town holiday villas are specifically selected for the ultimate in opulence and decadence, if you love sun and sea, then a Bantry Bay apartment may be more your style.

This fifth floor villa is set above the Atlantic seaboard, with 360 degree wrap around balcony views. The main living area in an open lounge with sound proofed glass casing, a second formal lounge, and dining area with sea views allowing for maximum entertainment and comfort.

A superb outdoor balcony with external dining area runs the length of the entire apartment.

An Italian crafted open plan kitchen lends itself to the freedom of space throughout the apartment; all the necessary amenities are included. Each room has a sea view, and 3 three bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms. The most sublime feature of this apartment is the direct access to beach, private beach towels, beach chairs and beach umbrellas.

You also have access to three underground parking bays in a secure garage.

With the imminent approach of the Fifa World cup, accommodation for locals, film and TV crews and international guests will be in demand, if you want to feel the magic of a perfect destination in Bantry Bay, Clifton, Llandudno, Bakoven, Fresnaye and Camps Bay. Do not delay; book your luxury accommodation in South Africa today.

Cape Villas have sourced the very best accommodation on offer in Cape Town, from Clifton to Constantia, spectacular properties are available for your holiday pleasure or business affairs. Only the most sought after suburbs have been chosen for guests who desire the ultimate in opulent living and extravagance.

Website: http://www.capevillas.com

Orion Expedition Cruises, an Australian expedition cruise line, will increase the size of its fleet with the addition of the Orion II, which will join the 106-passenger Orion in May 2011.

Orion is chartering the Clelia II, a 100-passenger, all-suite luxury expedition cruise ship, which will be renamed Orion II.

Orion II will be based in Southeast Asia, offering expeditions to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Indonesian archipelago, Japan and Borneo.

Details of destinations and itineraries will be released in 2010. The ship recently underwent a $19 million refurbishment with emphasis on technical enhancements and upgraded environmental systems, but it will undergo additional cosmetic enhancements before joining Orion.

Until April 2011, Clelia II will continue to be marketed and operated by Travel Dynamics International, New York, a U.S. expedition cruise company serving the American educational and cultural non-profit groups.

The ship was originally launched in late 1990 as Renaissance 4. It accommodates 100 guests in 50 ocean-view suites that measure 215 to 285 square feet. Accommodations include a sitting area or separate living room, twin or queen-size beds, closets, and air conditioning.

For more information, call 877-ORION-US or visit www.orionexpeditions.com

and Explore New Zealand’s ‘Wild Side’ in 2010

Terra Incognita Ecotours, an adventure travel company that specializes in wildlife-focused ecotours that give travelers the chance to “make a difference” while vacationing is offering a new ecotour of New Zealand for 2010.

This unique adventure takes visitors to both the North and South Islands of New Zealand for an up-close and personal exploration of the incredible wildlife, scenery, and culture of the region.

Travelers will experience things like newly-hatched penguins, the flightless kiwi, keas and kakapo, spectacular marine life, Maori culture, high altitude sheep farming, majestic fjords, seals, dolphins, rainforest, glaciers, and so much more.

Travelers also have the opportunity to have a positive impact on the local community as Terra Incognita Ecotours donates part of the booking fee to the Tiritiri Matangi Conservation Project, a program that involves protecting indigenous plants and animals on a small island off the coast of New Zealand.

Dates: November 28th-December 11th, 2010.

$8,600 per person, Single Supplement is $1,299.

www.ecotours.com

HeadWater’s Europe 2010 Guides

E-Book Systems, creator of the patented Digital Flip(R) e-publishing technology, announces that Breakaway Adventures has adopted its 3-D page-flipping FlipViewer(R) Xpress viewer format for its online brochures.

Breakaway Adventures specializes in self-guided walking and cycling tours in Europe.

“We chose FlipViewer(R) Xpress Creator software because it’s very user-friendly and cost effective. The customer service was excellent and we can get the project up and running quickly.” said Carol Keskitalo, Operations Manager of Breakaway Adventures.

With E-Book Systems’ FlipViewer(R) Xpress solution, readers can go to www.breakaway-adventures.com and browse through the digital editions of the HeadWater’s Europe 2010 Guides. In a matter of moments, readers can view the digital brochures just as they would appear in print — with real “flipping” pages and more.

“We have received many positive comments regarding the created FlipBook from our clients.” said Carol. ‘Our previous system was cumbersome with long download times – so far, we have received no complaints about the ease of download (a frequent problem in the past!)”

In addition to the ease of use advantages offered by the technology, Breakaway Adventures’ digital brochures allow for the ability to reach more international readers.

Due to the higher postage costs for international readers to receive the printed version, the digital edition provides them with a low-cost alternative for receiving the brochures.

“Some of our vendors have asked for your name – as they would like to offer a similar service to their readers.” added Carol.

E-Book Systems’ FlipViewer(R) Xpress Creator software enables publishers and corporations to create and publish realistic page-flipping digital publications (“FlipBooks”) easily with just a few mouse clicks. The created FlipBook can then be hosted on any web server for online viewing or distributed through any media (e.g. CD, thumb drive, etc.) for offline viewing. The software accepts any PDF, image and Flash documents as inputs.

In addition, multimedia elements like audio and video files can be incorporated into the FlipBook to enhance readers’ experience. E-Book Systems’ Digital Rights Management (DRM) solution safeguards content providers’ intellectual properties.

Breakaway Adventures joins a growing roster of E-Book Systems’ customers listed in http://www.flipviewer.com/flipbooks

For more information, contact E-Book Systems by phone at (65) 6258-6100, via email at info@ebooksys.com  or visit www.flipviewer.com

For more information about Breakaway Adventures or to request for brochures, visit www.breakaway-adventures.com  or call 1-800-567-6286.

About E-Book Systems

E-Book Systems (www.ebooksys.com ) was founded in 1998 with a mission to bring the natural look and feel of the paper-based book into the domain of computers and the Internet. E-Book Systems specializes in providing software tools and services for the e-Publishing market. E-Book System’s products make use of its proprietary patented Digital Flip(R) user interface technology to deliver multimedia content and information such as PDF, video, audio, digital image, text, etc. via an impressive 3D Page-Flipping interface, which appears as a virtual FlipBook. These content could be streamed or delivered both online and offline through E-Book’s OpenFlip(TM) format.

E-Book Systems, a private on-going corporation, has offices in California (Santa Clara), China (Beijing), Japan (Tokyo), Berlin (Germany) and Singapore. Investors include Creative Technology Ltd. and SOFTBANK Creative, a subsidiary of SOFTBANK Corp. E-Book Systems’ products are distributed worldwide, including the U.S., Europe, China, Japan and Asia Pacific Region.

About Breakaway Adventures

Breakaway Adventures is a tour company that offers relaxed overseas getaways where guests can walk, cycle, trek or barge through the back roads of 30 countries, including Italy, France, Greece and Great Britain.

Specializing in self-guided and fully-supported independent tours, the company provides the highest level of service to its customers, managing all the details so they can focus on the adventure at hand.

For more information, visit www.breakaway-adventures.com

Collectively known as Central Park NZ, seven regional tourism offices have combined forces to promote one of New Zealand’s most diverse and beautiful regions.

Prompted by Air New Zealand’s addition of affordable flights direct from Sydney to Rotorua, the regions of the central North Island are keen to promote this very special area to the Australian market.

Central Park NZ is a collaborative effort that brings together Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty, Ruapehu, Waitomo and Coromandel. “Within a short driving distance there is so much to explore.

“Each area is unique, possessing amazing natural resources, exciting activities and rich cultural heritage. We have positioned Central Park NZ as Connecting Land, Legends and Life”, says Scott Pearson, General Manager of Destination Lake Taupo. Go from a rugged coast to boiling mud pools and underground caves, through sparkling lakes, snow capped mountains, art deco buildings, authentic Maori culture, fine wine and quite literally, everything in between.

Regions of Central Park NZ

Rotorua is the gateway to Central Park where there are direct flights that will whisk you from Sydney into the heart of Central Park NZ in just two hours!

Here you’ll find award-winning luxury lodges, spectacular geysers and mud pools in their geothermal wonderland, heart-stopping action and adventure thrills, from jet boat rides, to kayaking, bungy jumping to sky diving, Maori music and cultural shows and rejuvenating spa therapies.

Lake Taupo Created from one of the worlds largest volcanic eruption, Lake Taupo is New Zealand’s largest lake. The size of Singapore, the lake is famous for year round trout fishing and other exciting water sports.

Swimming and boating in pristine waters, relaxing in thermal hot pools, snow skiing on a volcano or trekking the Dual Heritage Tongariro Crossing are just a few things the area has to offer. And if thrills are on the menu, the region has a huge selection of adventure activities such as jet boating to the Huka Falls, river rafting, mountain biking in the forest, bungy, sky diving and more.

The Bay of Plenty has long been one of New Zealand’s top holiday destinations offering a great mix of activities, scenic attractions, culture and top dining experiences.

Whether you’re after adventure, beachside walks or a bit of indulgence, the Bay of Plenty has it covered.

Renowned surf beaches attract surfers year round and the sea and harbour provide an abundance of fresh delicious seafood and water activities such as sea kayaking and dolphin encounters. Local rivers are truly where the action is with jet-boating, kayaking and white-water rafting.

Hawke’s Bay wine country is New Zealand’s premier food and wine destination.

Here you will find an abundance of fresh seasonal produce, a lively arts scene, a rich cultural heritage and a Mediterranean climate all set amongst a spectacular unspoiled interior landscape and sun-kissed beaches.

Sit back and enjoy the panoramic views with a glass of local wine and pamper your taste buds with some of their gourmet delicacies.

Waitomo is another region brimming with action and adventure, culture and heritage all in a stunning North Island setting.

Visit Waitomo’s 30 million year old underground sculptures lit by glow-worms. To get your adrenalin pumping with abseiling, caving and exhilarating black water rafting experiences. Hike amongst their magnificent native flora and fauna is also a favourite activity in the region.

Ruapehu is steeped in Maori and European history and includes some of New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes – deserts, mountains, lakes, rivers, active volcanoes and native flora and fauna.

Ski an active volcano at New Zealand’s largest skiing region. With this diversity comes an extensive range of both day and multi-day wilderness walks, horse-riding, mountain biking, the largest skiing and snowboarding region in New Zealand, Marae visits, golf, movie location tours, trophy hunting, fishing, canoeing, jet-boating, scenic flights and much more!

Coromandel is traditionally where Kiwis holiday, but its hidden treasures are waiting to be discovered.

A truly special region of exquisite beauty with misty rainforests, bush clad valleys, mountain hiking trails and pristine untouched golden beaches, the Coromandel will surprise you with hundreds of natural hideaways and local attractions, making it an ideal place to relax and unwind.

The Australian Market can visit a new destination that is easy to get to and provides a diverse New Zealand experience.

Air New Zealand offers direct flights from Sydney to Rotorua with weekly service on Saturday and Monday until the end of January, after which it will operate on Saturday and Tuesday.

Learn more about this amazing area and sign up for a chance to WIN a trip for two to Lake Taupo by visiting www.CentralParkNZ.com

Join the Central Park e-newsletter to stay up-to-date with latest activities, contests and exclusive offers.

Life Resort Management said that the 187-room Life Resort Danang on Bac My An Beach will officially open April 4.

The opening marks a resurgence of development momentum on this stretch of coast between Danang and Hoi An.

While many of the major chains have put plans on hold during the recession, one major 18-hole golf course has opened in the past year. A second is on the verge of play, as well.

“Although we’re opening a resort on the beach, this region’s appeal extends far beyond the strand to the new golf courses, to the Marble Mountains just a few kilometers up the road, to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Hoi An, Hue and My Son,” said Chris Duffy, general director of the Life Resorts.

Life Resort Danang’s 187 rooms will include nine categories of accommodation, from 67 superior rooms and 91 deluxe rooms to suites and villas and one grand presidential suite.

The resort will also feature the 1,400 square-meter Nang Spa, with 10 treatment rooms, a fitness center, tennis courts, a resort pool, conference facilities, and several food and beverage outlets, including the 300-seat Senses.

As a pre-opening offer, Life Resorts is accepting reservations at $135 per night for stays scheduled between April 1 and May 31.

For more information, visit www.life-resorts.com

Warm climes may be the “traditional” wedding choice but one Australian couple has bucked the trend, opting for a special winter wonderland wedding at New Zealand’s Aoraki Mount Cook this week.

Melinda Gaughwin and Gary Cook, from Bridgewater, South Australia, chose snow over beach for their special day and braved near zero temperatures to tie the knot on the Tasman Glacier.

And if being at 6,900ft surrounded by the spectacular snowcapped Southern Alps and New Zealand’s highest mountain, Aoraki Mount Cook, wasn’t memorable enough, 34-year-old Melinda sprang a carefully planned surprise on her groom by singing her own wedding vows.

Wedding celebrant Denis Callesen, who is also the General Manager of Tourism at Aoraki Mount Cook, says he’s officiated at more than 200 weddings and hearing a bride singing her vows is a first for him.

“Melinda has a lovely voice and her vows, which were lyrics from Songbird, were heartfelt and very moving. The absolute silence and beauty of the location made the moment even more intimate and powerful,” he says.

After the ceremony and photos, the newly weds went on an afternoon hike up the Hooker Valley before retiring to the iconic Hermitage Hotel, one of New Zealand’s most romantic retreats, to enjoy a candlelit dinner at its award-winning Panorama Room.

Melinda and Gary say it was a far cry from what they would have been doing if they had a traditional wedding at home.

“We were just blown away by everything today – it was beyond our wildest dreams,” says Melinda. “I can’t imagine a more perfect setting to celebrate one of the most special days of our lives.”

The Hermitage wedding planner Nyree Schaar (pronounced Ngaire Shaar) says a trend towards ‘destination’ weddings was emerging with more couples moving away from the idea of a traditional wedding in their local church or at home to weddings in very special places.

“This wedding season is our busiest ever. We’re seeing more and more couples, particularly those from Britain, America and Australia, choosing to wed in the incredibly special surrounds of Aoraki Mount Cook. Last year we hosted 24 weddings in total but by the end of March this year we will have already hosted 28,” she says.

Ms Schaar believes the increase could be attributed to several factors.

“More people seem to be waiting until later in life to get married which often means better financial security and the ability to pay for their own wedding rather than rely on their parents. This gives them more control over the cost, location and who they choose to invite.”

Mr Callesen says the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park and World Heritage Area is the perfect choice for those after a ‘destination’ wedding.

“The natural beauty, isolation and versatility of locations we have here give weddings the real wow factor, whether they’re casual, formal, traditional or adventurous.

“Panoramic views of lakes, rivers, glaciers, icebergs, Mount Cook and the Southern Alps mean couples can choose their dream summer or winter wedding backdrop to help make their day truly unique and memorable.

“Flights and landing locations for helicopter-assisted weddings are obviously weather dependent but if there are delays couples seem happy to stay, soak up their surroundings and enjoy a bit more romance,” he says.

Some of the most popular ceremony locations at Aoraki Mount Cook are:

• Helicopter up to Liebig Dome (pronounced Lee big) (7600ft) at the edge of Aoraki Mount Cook National Park looking back to Aoraki Mount Cook. Rated 17th best wedding location in the world according to UK newspaper The Independent

• Fly by ski-plane to marry in the snow or on the Tasman Glacier

• On the shores of Lake Pukaki with its beautiful turquoise waters and Aoraki Mount Cook towering in the background

• Blue Lakes Shelter, a quaint stone building nestled in the Tasman Valley

• Braemar Dome (6,600ft overlooking Lakes Pukaki and Tekapo)

• On the lawn in front of the historic Hermitage hotel with Aoraki Mount Cook as a backdrop

• The Hermitage Snowline Bar with its roaring open fire and comfy leather chairs

Couples can find out more about weddings at The Hermitage or within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park by visiting www.hermitage.co.nz

Andara Resort & Villa Phuket, a new luxury property, is Phuket’s newest address on Millionaires Mile. Andara Phuket has 26 pool villas and 37 Residential Suites, most with a private pool or rooftop Jacuzzi.

The resort’s spa offers a range of treatments and therapies.

Treatments include traditional Thai massage, Ayurveda, Swiss, Javanese and Swedish massage, as well as a variety of scrubs, detox and body treatments.

The spa includes six single treatment rooms with private showers and bathrooms facilities and two couples’s rooms with Jacuzzi bathtubs, and a private steam room.

Andara also has two Italian-designed private motor yachts.

Popular excursions include sunset cruises to Phi Phi Island and overnight trips to the Similan Islands. The yachts can be chartered for full or half day cruises, or to explore the coastline and visit nearby islands.

For more information, visit www.andarayachts.com

When she debuts in late 2010, Oceania Cruises’ new Marina will be the first ship to offer luxury suites completely appointed from furniture and fabrics to lighting and bedding using the acclaimed Ralph Lauren Home collection.

To accomplish this industry first, the cruise line tapped New York-based Tocar Interior Design because of the award-winning partners’ keen familiarity with the Polo Ralph Lauren esthetic. Susan Bednar Long, co-founder and president, previously oversaw the decoration of flagship retail stores for Polo across North America. Christina Sullivan, co-founder and vice president, began her career at Polo in the store design department, where she launched Double RL Collection Shops across the U.S.

“To appeal to discerning travellers we wanted the best suites on Marina to feel like a luxurious estate home. We thought out-of-the box, insisted on the finest craftsmanship and sought out the most talented residential designers,” stated Bob Binder, Oceania Cruises’ president. “Tocar has designed the first suites at sea exclusively using furnishings from Ralph Lauren Home.”

A Grand Entrance

The three Owner’s Suites on board Marina are unlike any luxury suites at sea. Upon entering the foyer guests will be struck with a sense of awe, as though they have entered an opulent estate home. Walls of inset Georgian wood paneling are finished in an ivory gloss. Art niches on either side are framed with polished stone and mirrored to reflect the statuary.

An ivory marble entryway with a David Hicks inspired black and camel mosaic tile inset is surrounded by plush black carpeting trimmed with a polished nickel metal edge.

The foyer also contains a mahogany gloss bar with three ivory leather and chrome stools, stately burnished silver armchairs covered in faux crocodile and brown and white faux zebra skins and an oversized ivory brocade and black satin chaise in front of floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping ocean vistas. An ebony baby grand piano serves as the room’s focal point while a brilliant alabaster and polished nickel chandelier hangs overhead.

Luxurious Living & Dining

Guests will spend most of their time in the spacious living and dining room, which exudes the rich, clubby and refined elegance of a world-class yacht. Macassar ebony-veneered chests with silver hardware topped by faux Zebra-framed mirrors flank the entrance. Walnut herringbone wood flooring rings a field of camel carpeting with an inset chocolate border. A full wall of windows affords uninterrupted aft views.

A camel-colored, suede L-shaped Modern penthouse sectional is prominently positioned in the corner.

To its side is a mahogany Anglesey end table and oversized, Mayfair tufted armchair upholstered in coffee-brown velvet; the Planar brushed stainless steel and acrylic coffee table centers the seating area. A 42” flat-screen TV mounted atop a striking nickel and mahogany entertainment center is anchored by a black teak and nickel Aldgate étagère.

An elegant mahogany Mayfair dining table with smooth caramel leather Clivedon dining chairs affords seating for six topped with a classic candelabra chandelier finished in nickel complete the dramatic dining area.

Wraparound teak-covered verandas feature stylish pieces custom-crafted from Ralph Lauren in white marine lacquer suitable for outdoor living.

Sumptuous Sleeping Quarters

For restful nights at sea the Tocar designers used ivory wainscoting and plush silvery grey carpeting to set the stage for the high-style and luxurious bedrooms of the Owner’s Suites. The walls above the wainscoting are covered in Austyn cashmere and all windows and balcony doors are dressed with ivory wool sheers and silver drapery panels in a shimmering, silk/cotton blend.

The bedroom’s centerpiece is the distinctive, Bel Air bed in a deep, library mahogany – its headboard, footboard and side rails upholstered in steel-blue mohair with polished nickel nail-head accents. To its left and right are City Modern bedside chests with stainless trim and hardware, finished in rosewood mahogany. Night-stands are topped with Faceted Crystal Prism lamps with white silk shades.

A custom ceiling fixture in polished nickel with teardrop glass balls provides overhead boudoir lighting.

A Mayfair mirror with a burnished silver-leaf frame and beveled glass adorns one wall, framed by polished nickel sconces with white-pleated silk shades. Across the room is the Ralph Lauren Highbridge desk featuring stainless steel sawhorse base with glass top and Noble Estate side chair upholstered in camel wool seat base with contrasting ivory ribbed seat back and polished nickel nail heads. A Noble Estate settee upholstered in taupe leather with polished nickel sabos and two Hasley slipper-chairs upholstered in a light gray cashmere wool blend provide additional seating.

Throw pillows upholstered in both silver textured fabric with contrasting ivory cord and ivory brocade pattern with contrasting blue double-fringe trim add to the elegance.

The finishing touch on this grand boudoir is a marble, six-fixture master bathroom with both a separate shower and large soaking tub. The whimsical mahogany double vanity is topped with double portholes and accented with nickel ceiling-mounted round pivoting mirrors and Ralph Lauren’s classic small sconces with silk fabric shades.

Casual Elegance Meets High Style

Oceania Cruises’ new Marina has been purposefully designed to carry 1,258 guests to the world’s most alluring ports in elegance and style. Rich woods, marble and granite, fine wool carpets and lustrous leathers adorn public rooms. Facilities include 10 dining venues – six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants, an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness center, swimming pool and hot tubs.

Information about Marina itineraries will be revealed in the coming weeks. Reservations can be made now.

For more information or to order a brochure, contact a travel agent, visit www.OceaniaCruises.com.au or call Oceania Cruises on +61 2 9959 1370