Jetsettersblog

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

Savings of up to 50-per cent on cruise prices, free upgrades from Inside Cabins to Outside with Ocean Views, deposits from as little as $99pp, and up to $100 per cabin in Onboard Spending Credits, are amongst highlights of super-enticements from ecruising.travel aboard P&O’s Australian-based Pacific Sun in 2011.

Destinations range through the South Pacific Islands, New Zealand and Queensland’s tropical north, with bargains such as 8-nights from Sydney on January 10 2011 to Poum, Noumea and the Isle of Pines in New Caledonia – and including four fun-filled days at sea – from as little as $999pp quad-share, making for an ideal budget-saving family cruise holiday.

The same cruise for couples in a twin-share cabin begins from just $1499pp compared with an originally-advertised $2999pp, with the opportunity to upgrade to an Oceanview Cabin from just $100pp extra.

These and other Pacific Sun packages in 2011 through ecruising.travel – if booked and deposited by 31 March this year – include all meals in Pacific Sun’s main restaurants, nightly music, comedy and cabaret performances, use of two pools and two whirlpools, a gym, sporting and jogging track facilities, dedicated children’s clubs, and even an adult’s child-free spa retreat.

Pacific Sun also has a choice of “alternative” low-cost dining venues, a health spa, and duty-free onboard shopping; for full details, including packages with up to $100 in onboard spending credits in select cabin categories, phone 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel

ADDITIONAL SHIPBOARD INFORMATION: Pacific Sun also has daily late-release movie screenings, a casino and nightclub, onboard art auctions, and an internet centre.

And for those looking for a snack between main meals, there’s an ice-cream bar and a coffee lounge (at which additional small charges apply.)

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

Cruise West announced its second edition of the “Voyages of the Great Explorers” in 2011-12 which will comprise 25 itineraries to Asia, the Mediterranean, Europe, the Americas and the South Pacific.

Those who book and pay in full by April 30, 2010, save up to $4,600 per person and receive free international air of up to $1,500.

While several ports are repeats from the original 2010 voyages, there are new ports in countries such as Israel, Greece, Morocco, Scotland, Iceland, Greenland, Nicaragua, Peru, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Vietnam, China and more.

Shore excursions are included at every port and each voyage will be enhanced by an “Ultimate Explorers Experience” such as a noviciation ceremony and food offering to the monks in Rangoon. The cruise also offers guest speakers sharing knowledge of the people, cultures and sights from each journey. On average there will be seven to 10 lectures on a 14-night itinerary.

Each voyage, ranging from nine to 18 nights, will visit places that the larger ships can’t access, such as Ile Rousse, Corsica, the birthplace of Christopher Columbus; the beaches of Belle-Île-en-Mer, France, also known for its dramatic coastline; the coral reefs of Corn Island, Nicaragua, once frequented by Caribbean pirates; and Kumai, Kalimantan, Borneo, to experience dawn in the jungle and observe orangutans.

The 2011-12 “Voyages of the Great Explorers” will circumnavigate the world in 335 days, commencing in Singapore on Feb. 22, 2011, and ending in Hong Kong on Jan. 24, 2012.

The 25 voyages will visit six continents, 254 ports of call in 61 countries while crossing 14 seas and oceans, and transiting four canals — Port Suez/Port Said (Suez Canal transit); Corinth Canal/Corinth (Mycenae/Nafplion); Kiel Canal; and the Panama Canal.
Prices start at $6,545 for the 13-night Panama City-to-Lima voyage.

For more information, call 800-689-1783 or visit www.cruisewest.com

Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced that Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold and Silver Card members will now be able to receive additional benefits when flying on V Australia and Virgin Blue.

The airlines’ frequent flyer programs first joined forces in July last year when they launched an agreement which allowed Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club Members and V Australia’s Velocity Members to earn Velocity Points or Flying Club Miles on both V Australia and Virgin Atlantic flights.

In addition to earning miles and tier points, this new agreement will allow Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Card members to receive various benefits including priority check-in, priority baggage and lounge access for Gold Card members when traveling with V Australia and Virgin Blue.

Cruise West is offering five new South Pacific voyages this winter.

Starting in November, the five voyages explore Easter Island to Tahiti, the Tahitian Islands to Fiji, the Fijian Islands to New Zealand, the Maori Coast and a New Year’s Eve discovery of Australia. Shore excursions are included at every port and each voyage will be enhanced by an “Ultimate Explorers Experience” (UEE), designed to bring guests into direct contact with people, cultures and natural wonders.

The South Pacific voyages will be operated by the 120-guest, all-suite Spirit of Oceanus. Guests will save up to $2,900 per cabin when booking and paying in full by March 26.

Voyage 19 sails from Easter Island to Papeete, visiting Henderson and Ducie Islands and Fakarava, a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

A highlight is a visit to Pitcairn Island, where Fletcher Christian brought the HMS Bounty following a mutiny against Captain Bligh. Accompanying the cruise will be anthropology expert Dr. Charlie Urbanowicz, a Life Member of the Polynesian Society, and the Association for Social Anthropology of Oceania.

The 17-night voyage departs Nov. 1 and is priced from $11,895 per person before savings.

Voyage 20 sails from Papeete to Lautoka, Fiji, and visits Maupiti, Atiu, Palmerston and Vava’u.

Joining Urbanowicz on this voyage as co-lecturer is Dr. Aldona Jonaitis, an expert on arts and culture of aboriginal people.

This 15-night voyage departs Nov. 17 and is priced from $7,895 per person before savings.

Voyage 21 sails from Lautoka to Auckland, New Zealand, visiting Waitangi and Kerikeri. Highlighting this voyage is ascending the slopes of Mt. Yasur on Tanna Island, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. With Jonaitis continuing as guest lecturer, this 14-night voyage departs Dec. 2; prices start at $7,195 before savings.

Voyage 22 sails from Auckland to Sydney, Australia, visiting Rotorua, Napier, Christchurch, Stewart Island for Christmas, Rakiura National Park, Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound, and Sydney Harbor for the firecracker spectacle on New Year’s Eve.

Accompanied by guest speaker Dr. Kirt Kempter, an expert in plate tectonics and related volcanism, this 17-night voyage departs Dec. 15; prices start at $14,395 before savings.

Voyage 23 sails from Sydney to Darwin, Australia, cruising up the Brisbane River, visiting a koala sanctuary, exploring the Kuranda rainforest, and delving into Aboriginal culture through art, music, and dance.

Also on the itinerary are heritage sites Hamilton and Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef via a glass-hulled, semi-submersible coral viewer or by snorkeling.

Guest speaker is Clyde Roper, a senior emeritus zoologist in the Smithsonian’s Department of invertebrate zoology.

This 19-night voyage departs Dec. 31; prices start at $10,695 before savings.

The five voyages mark the fifth chapter of the Voyages of the Great Explorers — a series of 24 cruises that combine to form a 335-day circumnavigation of the world along the major routes inspired by history’s great ocean explorers.

Beginning March 5, the world voyage will sail ever westward, returning to Singapore on Feb. 3, 2011. Price per voyage includes a pre-cruise hotel night, all excursions and transfers and a tour of the embarkation city.

Guests who book more than one voyage will save an additional 5 percent. For more information, call 800-689-1783 or visit www.cruisewest.com

Virgin Blue Airlines Group’s new boutique international long-haul airline, V Australia, and the world’s largest airline, US-based, Delta Air Lines, are pleased to announce that from today members of each carrier’s frequent flyer programmes will enjoy reciprocal points accrual for travel with both airlines and reciprocal lounge access within Australia and the US.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group’s Velocity Members can now begin earning points to even more global destinations with the addition today of the Delta Air Lines route network.

Having the ability to earn points for travel across the US with the addition of Delta, means Velocity Members can now enjoy the benefits of a truly global loyalty programme with airline partners covering the world.

Delta Air Lines is the only U.S. global airline that flies to six continents and offers customers the world’s largest network of destinations and the world’s largest frequent flier program with more than 70 million members.

Velocity Rewards is the award-winning loyalty program of the Virgin Blue Airlines Group.

In 2009, at the annual Freddie Awards in Florida, Velocity was named Program of The Year among all airlines in the Asia/Pacific Airline category.

The program also won five of the other eight awards this year including Best Award, Best Award Redemption, Best Web Site, Best Member Communications and Best Affinity Credit Card.

Complementing the reciprocal points accrual agreement for Velocity and SkyMiles Members, the two carriers have also implemented a reciprocal airport lounge sharing agreement, allowing Velocity Gold Members and VA Business Class Guests access to more than 50 Delta Air Lines Sky Club locations. Delta’s BusinessELite travelers as well as Delta Sky Club members also will benefit from access to Virgin Blue’s domestic lounge network within Australia.

As part of the ongoing strengthening of the co-operation agreement between Virgin Blue Airlines Group and Delta Air Lines, the carriers have also announced the first phase of their expanded code-share agreement, signaling V Australia’s commitment to expanding its reach beyond Los Angeles and confirming Delta Air Lines as V Australia’s latest code-share partner.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Brett Godfrey, said these new agreements are a huge step forward in the airline group’s commitment to making travel between Australia and the United States easier.

“Our aim is to make trans-Pacific travel as affordable and hassle free as possible; delivering seamless domestic and international connections between V Australia and Delta Air Lines.

“Our Guests can now seamlessly book their V Australia and Delta Air Lines flights at the same time through their travel agent, or via one of our Guest Contact Centres, from their origin port in either the USA or Australia all on one ticket.

“These agreements are also incredibly significant for our Velocity Members, because until now the USA has been the glaring missing piece to our global frequent flyer programme.

” Our Guests can now earn and redeem their Velocity Points when flying with us and our partner airlines right around the globe,” Mr Godfrey said.

V Australia will code on Delta-operated flights between Los Angeles and New York (JFK); Salt Lake City (SLC); Orlando (MCO) and Cincinnati (CVG), placing a VA flight number on Delta Air Lines operated domestic flights, to connect with V Australia flights to/from Los Angeles and to/from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. These flights are available for sale now, for travel effective from 18 January 2010.

“Delta and Virgin Blue make exciting partners for travel between the United States and Australia and we look forward to welcoming Virgin Blue customers onboard our flights to and from L.A.,” said Glen Hauenstein, Delta’s executive vice president – Network and Revenue Management. “The launch of codesharing between our two airlines is the first step in our collective efforts to make it easier for Delta customers to travel throughout Australia and the South Pacific.”

Delta, in this first phase of the joint code-share agreement, will code on Virgin Blue operated flights between Sydney and Melbourne (MEL) and Brisbane (BNE) placing a DL* flight number on Virgin Blue (DJ) operated domestic flights to connect with Delta flights to/from Sydney. These flights are available for sale now, for travel effective from 15 February 2010.

Delta Air Lines, headquartered in Atlanta, operates more than 60 flights a day into Los Angeles International Airport connecting this West Coast gateway to 25 destinations across the America, Australia and Asia. Delta is the biggest US airline and the largest trans-Atlantic carrier, serving 368 destinations in 66 countries. Delta continues to expand its presence in Los Angeles and will provide a good interline feed for V Australia flights in Los Angeles.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group, headquartered in Brisbane, Australia, includes the nation’s second largest carrier, multi-award winning Virgin Blue; international subsidiary airline Pacific Blue; Polynesian Blue, a joint venture airline with the Government of Samoa; V Australia, Australia’s newest international airline; plus its holiday operation, Blue Holidays, and loyalty programme, Velocity.

Together, Virgin Blue, V Australia, Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue provide Australian domestic and international services to 45 destinations across New Zealand, the Pacific and also to and from North America, South East Asia and South Africa.

If you have been blown away by the breathtaking views of Papua New Guinea’s landscapes shown on BBC’s Lost Land of the Volcano, World Expeditions offers you the opportunity to experience one of the least explored countries in the world.

Either cruising or trekking, the trips may not go all the way down inside the extinct Mount Bosavi volcano – but still allow plenty of opportunities to experience the remote and unexpected corners of this fascinating region.

With very little influence from the outside world, the rugged and remote islands of this wild archipelago boast an amazing biodiversity, while with more than 850 different tribes, 800 languages and 1,000 distinct cultures to be found, Papua New Guinea is by far the most culturally diverse country in the world.

NEW: Cruise Papua New Guinea 11 days

Seen by many as one of the wildest frontiers in adventure travel, few have had the privilege of experiencing Papua New Guinea’s magnificent blend of unspoilt nature and rich cultural heritage.

This unique cruise in comfort circumnavigates the main tropical islands of Papua and Irian Jaya and explores the palm-fringed coasts of this vibrant and naturally diverse archipelago.

From the comfort and safety of World Expeditions’ ship, you will discover hidden bays, snorkel to gaze at striking coral reefs, uncover the diverse flora and fauna, and gain a genuine insight into a traditional lifestyle that has changed little in centuries.

PRICE: from USD$4,590 (£2,805) per person

DEPARTS: 9 April, 19 April 2010

Kokoda Track 14 days

Escorted by an expert guide, this is Papua New Guinea’s most famous track, which follows the historic route to Kokoda, location of the World War II battle between Japanese and Australian forces.

Here, you will traverse the geographical heart of Papua New Guinea following trails from tropical rainforests to the rarified climes of the ranges; whilst at night, you will stay in secluded jungle camps and share experiences with the local villagers in some of the most remote regions.

PRICE: £1,850 per person
DEPARTS: 12 June, 29 June, 18 July, 1 August, 21 August, 14 September 2010

World Expeditions’ all-inclusive policy ensures that there are no local payments.

Prices quoted above do not include international flights, however these can be arranged on request.

For bookings please call 0800 0744 135 or visit www.worldexpeditions.co.uk

It’s on our doorstep, yet it’s one of the last great frontiers on earth: Papua New Guinea has the largest area of intact rainforest outside the Amazon; over 1000 distinct cultural groups and a staggering diversity of plant and animal species.

Coral Princess’s Oceanic Discoverer ventures deeper into the wilds of PNG than any other cruise ship, on 10 and 12-night expedition-style cruises in 2010-2011.

The 72-passenger, luxury expedition ship Oceanic Discoverer is the only expedition cruise ship that ventures up one of the world’s great rivers, the Sepik, to the remote and seldom-visited villages of Bien and Angoram.

The local people live a traditional lifestyle and are renowned for producing some of PNG’s – and the world’s – most outstanding ‘primitive’ artworks. Spending time among the local people is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Flowing for over 1000km from the Central Highlands to the sea, the Sepik River is one of the country’s least-developed regions, and is the lifeblood of the 430,000 people who live and trade on the river.

While other cruise ships are too large to enter the mouth of the river, the Oceanic Discoverer – purpose-built for expedition cruising in remote regions – is the only expedition ship that safely penetrates up to 100km upstream, through landscapes framed by sharp-edged mountains, past settlements that few outsiders have seen, spending two full days up the river.

The voyage visits the Trobriand Islands – the famous ‘Islands of Love’ – to witness harvest dances performed in elaborate costumes; retraces the journeys of explorers such as Bougainville and Cook and the World War II history of Madang and Alotau, where Australian forces fought off the Japanese offensive.

Throughout the voyage, Oceanic Discoverer’s on-board historians and naturalists help guests identify and understand the overwhelming plethora of wildlife (which includes 700 species of birds) and plant life (including 3000 varieties of orchids). PNG is also known as one of the world’s most outstanding snorkelling and SCUBA diving destinations, with pristine coral reefs and hundreds of species of fish.

Oceanic Discoverer’s purpose-built excursion vessel, Xplorer; glass bottom coral viewer and fleet of inflatable Zodiacs allow passengers to intimately explore the reefs and remote islands.

On-board facilities include a large sundeck and spa pool, reference library, lecture lounge, two cocktail bars, boutique and dive shop.

There are 10-night cruises between Rabaul and Alotau, departing March 21, November 5 and 15, 2010, and March 18, November 4 and 14, 2011, costing from $8250 per person, twin share in a Main Deck stateroom, including all meals, excursions and port taxes.

Each of the departures can be extended by two days, beginning or ending in Cairns. The 12-night itinerary costs from $8650 per person, twin share.

For further information and reservations contact Coral Princess Cruises on 1800 079 545 or visit www.coralprincess.com.au

Australia Pacific Touring is offering reductions of $400 per couple on its 22-day Royal Escorted and 23-day Southern Explorer vacations if booked by Dec. 5. The Royal Escorted package is available Dec. 14, Jan. 4, Feb. 8, 15, March 8 and 15 and April 12.

The Southern Explorer is available Feb. 8 and March 15. APT is cutting $300 per couple from the price of its 15-day South Pacific Highlights, which is available Dec. 19, Feb. 6 and March 6.

For more information, call 800-290-8687 or visit www.aptouring.com