Jetsettersblog

Dawn and the Sun South Pacific Princess Cruise

Princess Cruises has released the latest cruise program for its superliners, Dawn Princess and Sun Princess, with both ships offering stylish sojourns in the South Pacific.

Passengers can relax and enjoy the superb features of the 77,000-tonne sister ships as they visit a string of tropical destinations renowned for their white beaches, exotic cultures and friendly people.

The new 2009-10 program will see Sun Princess set sail on two cruises taking in some of the South Pacific’s most idyllic ports – Wala and Champagne Bay in Vanuatu, Isle of Pines in New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands’ Lifou - as well as the bustling towns of Port Vila and Noumea.

The 12-night cruises depart Sydney December 17, 2009 and January 11, 2010, providing the perfect summer holiday getaway, and are priced from $2946* per person twin share.

Travellers can also enjoy a 35-night roundtrip voyage to Hawaii from Sydney on Dawn Princess. Departing April 3, 2010, the cruise will visit the tranquil islands of Tonga, before sailing to Papeete for an overnight stay, followed by visits to the beautiful Tahitian islands of Moorea and Bora, Bora. From Tahiti, Dawn Princess will cruise by Christmas Island before visiting four Hawaiian ports – Honolulu, Lahaina, Hilo and Kona – and sailing to Samoa, American Samoa and Fiji. Fares on this cruise start from $8994 per person* twin share.

For those keen to explore Asia, Sun Princess will offer a memorable 42-night cruise to China and Japan to coincide with the Cherry Blossom season. Departing Sydney on March 3, 2010 the cruise features visits to 15 different ports from Shanghai in China to Osaka and Yokohama in Japan and Rabaul in Papua New Guinea, with fares from $10378 per person* twin share.

Meanwhile the superliners will sail on three popular round-Australia cruises, visiting 13 ports from Broome in Western Australia to Burnie in Tasmania. Priced from $7383 per person* twin share, the 28-night voyages depart Sydney on October 17, 2009 and March 6, 2010, and Melbourne on November 18, 2009.
Sun Princess and Dawn Princess both carry 1950 passengers, with almost half their staterooms offering private balconies and feature eight restaurants and cafes, seven lounges and bars, a spa and fitness centre, state-of-the-art theatre and four pools.

For more information see a travel agent, call 0800 951 200 or visit www.dawnsunprincess.co.nz

* Fares are in New Zealand dollars. Conditions apply, subject to availability.

Laugh It Up at Sea With P&O Cruises

P&O Cruises aims to have its passengers rolling in the aisles – with laughter – thanks to an exclusive partnership with the Sit Down Comedy Club, which will bring some of Australia’s most talented comedians onboard to join its entertainment line-up in 2008.

The move represents the first time the cruise line has partnered with an outside comedy company to bring the intimate experience of true comedy club-style entertainment onboard.

P&O Cruises launched the late night comedy program on Pacific Dawn this month, transforming The Dome nightclub into an intimate comedy club-style venue to allow passengers to interact with well-known funny man Mark McConville.

Held on select cruises on Pacific Dawn throughout 2008, the comedy club nights will also launch on Pacific Sun from September this year.

As an added bonus, once they return to dry land passengers will receive free entry to any Sit Down Comedy Club in Queensland and northern New South Wales and the Laugh Garage in Parramatta on presentation of their P&O Cruises Australia cruise card.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia which operates P&O Cruises in Australia, said the Sit Down Comedy Club program would add another dimension to passenger onboard entertainment.

“Holidays are all about relaxing – and having a good laugh is a great way to unwind so we think the shows will be a big hit,” Ms Sherry said.

The new comedy program joins a stellar entertainment line-up onboard Pacific Dawn and Pacific Sun, including regular cabaret, musical and ‘Circus at Sea’ shows.

Sydney-based superliner Pacific Dawn was designed by famous Italian architect Renzo Piano and features 11 decks with two swimming pools, a choice of five evening dining areas, nine bars and lounges, a three-storey atrium lobby, “The Dome” entertainment area, a two-storey show lounge, fitness centre and dedicated children’s facilities.

Meanwhile Australia’s favourite ship, Pacific Sun, provides endless fun with a huge 35-metre waterslide and three kids’ clubs. To keep adults entertained there are five restaurants and cafes, multiple bars and lounges and two pools.

For more information and bookings contact a licensed travel agent or P&O Cruises on 13 24 69 or visit www.pocruises.com.au

Tasman and Pacific Island Fares to Increase

Air New Zealand’s trans-Tasman and Pacific Island airfares are to rise by an average three percent as a result of ever increasing fuel prices.

The increase applies from 26 May for trans-Tasman airfares sold in Australia and New Zealand, and Pacific Island airfares sold in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

Air New Zealand signalled on 30 April when it increased domestic prices that trans-Tasman airfares were under review. Singapore jet fuel per barrel has increased by a further 12.5% since then from US$144 to today’s price of US$162.

Air New Zealand regretted having to lift fares but could not continue to absorb the significantly higher cost of fuel, which this fare increase will only partially recover. The airline remains committed to driving costs within its control down in order to provide customers with everyday low airfares.

Springboard Vacations Offers South Pacific Romance

Springboard Vacations is offering romantic vacations in the South Pacific, including

Fiji just for 2, a 10-day package priced from $4,169 per person double, including two nights at the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa; three nights in a Hillside Villa at Vomo Island Resort &

Spa including all meals in the main restaurant with non alcoholic beverages; one-way launch transfer to Vomo Island & helicopter return; return air transfers to Yasawa Island; four nights in a Bure Suite at Yasawa Island Resort including all meals and non alcoholic beverages, all activities except game fishing, scuba, spa treatments; three-hour excursion to Blue Lagoon Caves;

On Yasawa, a private beach picnic - your choice of 11 secluded beaches; half hour massage for two; all airport & marina transfers; meet and assistance on arrival in Fiji; local GST taxes; 24/7 emergency contact & support. Special offer: extend your stay on Yasawa by two nights for only $1,000 ($500 per person) Price is per person based on twin share.

Springboard also offers luxury best of Australia package that includes the countryside, an island and the rainforest, priced from $5,245 per person, including three nights at The Lake House in Daylesford including breakfast daily;

return private transfers from Melbourne Airport to Daylesford; return air transfers from Cairns to Lizard Island; four nights in an Anchor Bay Room at Voyages Lizard Island Resort, including all meals and beverages; three nights in a Treehouse at Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa including breakfast daily; full-day guided eco tour to Cape Tribulation; return transfers from Cairns Airport to Silky Oaks Lodge & Healing Waters Spa. Price is per person based on twin share.

For information call 866-447-7746, or visit www.springboardvacations.com

Laird Hamilton clothing line Wonderwall

The world’s greatest big wave surfer and epic waterman Laird Hamilton is teaming up with Steve & Barry’s® to launch Wonderwall(TM), a surf and skate collection for men that will debut in Spring 2008. Wonderwall represents Hamilton’s first clothing collection, inspired by his sense of style, attitude and overall approach to life.

Hamilton partnered with a team of Steve & Barry’s designers to create a cool and comfortable collection of high quality graphic t-shirts, board shorts, woven shirts, cargo shorts, accessories and much more. Wonderwall will be sold exclusively at all Steve & Barry’s mall locations, with every item priced at $14.98 or less.

At a young age, Hamilton was raised in a single parent household by his mother. They moved to Hawaii when he was a few months old, and he struggled to fit it in. Things settled down when a young Laird met legendary surfer Bill Hamilton and introduced him to his mother. Bill Hamilton soon became Laird’s adopted father and his mom’s husband.

Laird will never forget that transition and is eager to help families across the country in any way he can, including helping to create a high quality, affordably priced collection. The 200-item Wonderwall collection takes its design inspiration from Hamilton’s passion - tackling water sports and skating challenges in some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes.

The line plays on the themes and colors of natural environments such as Maui, where Hamilton grew up and still resides with his wife, professional volleyball player and model Gabrielle Reece, and their daughter. Over 30 original graphic t-shirts in the collection play off Hamilton’s approach to life, such as his personal tagline, “Every man is equal before the wave.” Board shorts featuring edgy and artistic details are also at the core of the collection.

Hamilton said, “Wonderwall represents everything I’m about - not only what I wear in and out of the water every day, but also those aspects of life that I’m most passionate about. I’m excited to work with Steve & Barry’s to create clothes that look great and are comfortable, but also affordable.

Guys that live the surf and skate lifestyle want to spend their time tracking the next big swell or finding a new skatepark, not worrying about having enough money for t-shirts and shorts.” Wonderwall marks Steve & Barry’s entry into the surf and skate category, building on a strategy of creating proprietary lifestyle brands that appeal to younger shoppers while remaining accessible to all shoppers.

Other recently introduced collections include women’s clothing and footwear lines with Sarah Jessica Parker, Venus Williams and Amanda Bynes, and men’s urban and basketball gear and sneakers with NBA® superstars Ben Wallace and Stephon Marbury.

“Surf and skate is a natural extension of our lifestyle brand mix, and Laird Hamilton is the perfect partner to create a line that looks great and embodies his passion for life,” said Steve & Barry’s co-CEO Barry Prevor. “Laird is an icon for the millions of young men who live the extreme lifestyle today, and we’re very excited to enter the category in a huge way together with such a legend.”

About Steve & Barry’s

New York-based Steve & Barry’s® is a leading casual apparel retailer that offers high-quality merchandise at astonishing low prices for men, women and children. Founded in 1985, the company operates over 230 anchor and junior anchor shopping center and mall-based locations throughout the U.S.

At Steve & Barry’s, shoppers will find brands they can’t find anywhere else, including BITTEN(TM), the first-ever apparel line created by actress and global fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker, and the Starbury(TM) Collection of athletic and lifestyle apparel and sneakers created with NBA® star Stephon Marbury. Steve & Barry’s is also the exclusive home of dear(TM) BY Amanda Bynes, the Big Ben Wallace(TM) Collection, and EleVen(TM) by Venus Williams.

www.steveandbarrys.com

Ewaterways saves on barging, cruises, sailing or yachting

There is a certain echelon of traveler that only travel deluxe, but that doesn’t mean that they pay exorbitant prices for the good life.

These types of luxury travelers know that consulting with specialized tour operators – or at least their luxury concierge who is in the know –will get a great bargain on some of the hottest deals for private cruises, canal barges, river cruises, and private yachts worldwide.

Why not make www.Ewaterways.com your private and personal and experienced travel concierge to save you money?

Even though Ewaterways.com offers great deals on barging and cruising throughout Europe, their experienced and well-traveled staff can also get you on a luxury small cruise liner on the Nile River in Egypt. What’s more, the company also offers great deals on sailing schooners, barkentines, and sloops to such exotic places as the French Polynesia, Thailand, Australia, and The Philippines and Fiji. Many of these luxury deals are on adventure expedition ships that often offer dive options, such as in Palau, Greece, the Galapagos Islands, or the Great Barrier Reef. Many private boat owners also lease out their yachts through Ewaterways.com

Ewaterways’ website at www.ewaterways.com  is simple, clean and dynamically functional. What this means is the information is all current. There is nothing worse than to research a trip or cruise to find out that the info is out of date. The description of each cruise, be it river or coastal or open ocean, is superb, backed up with a Toll Free phone number at 800/833-8620 if you need added assistance. And, they even have a call back link.

Their website at www.ewaterways.com  includes photos and you can search by month by month availability for the ship or cruise liner you are seeking. You won’t find many larger cruise lines, but mostly specialized cruise lines and adventure cruise operators. I know I am using the Ewaterways website on a regular basis for my summer sailing sensation in Greece. The company’s site is a great resource center for sailors and swabbies alike. Ewaterways.com is well known by travel agents, and the company has a great reputation.

Reviewed by Kriss Hammond, Editor, Jetsetters Magazine.

Pearl Manava Suite Resort on Tahiti

South Pacific Management, which manages Pearl Resorts and Spa, Taha’a Island Resort and Spa and the Manea Spa, will open the Manava Suite Resort Tahiti in Papeete in January.

The property will offer 114 rooms, ranging from superior to multi-bedroom duplex suites and apartments. All rooms will feature a mixture of traditional and authentic Polynesian décor and contemporary amenities. The resort will also have three bars, a fitness center, the island’s largest infinity swimming pool facing the lagoon and nearby island of Moorea. The resort will also have an over-water restaurant with terrace.

The Manava Suite Resort Tahiti is located in the island’s northwestern region, in the community of Punaauia, about five minutes away from Fa’a International Airport and 10 minutes from the city center.

For more information, visit www.pearlresorts.com

Tahitian Catamaran Haumana upgraded

The Polynesian-owned catamaran, the Haumana, will continue her voyage to Rangiroa after six weeks in dry dock in the port of Papeete. The vessel had been in dry dock since March 1 for refurbishing and a complete upgrade of the engine and air-conditioning systems. The Haumana renovated its cabins, updated the menus and refreshed the decor. The Haumana operates three-, four-, and seven-night cruises in the Rangiroa lagoon.

Visit www.tahiti-haumana-cruises.com

Princess Cruises 7 Ships to See 7 Continents

Princess Cruises has unveiled a series of exciting new ways to see the seven continents with the release of its 2009-2010 ‘Exotics’ program.

Featuring seven ships – from grand megaliners to more intimate vessels – the program offers 30 spectacular itineraries visiting more than 130 ports worldwide, from exotic Asian cities to the stunning islands of the South Pacific.

Travellers can enjoy the delights of small ship cruising through Asia with the introduction of new itineraries for the 680-passenger Tahitian Princess (to be renamed Ocean Princess in December 2009). Eight voyages are available, departing Singapore, Shanghai, Bangkok or Tokyo and visiting an array of ports including Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong and Taipei. Fares start from $3239* per person twin share for a 14-night cruise.

Alternatively, passengers can hop onboard the 2760-passenger megaliner Diamond Princess for a voyage between Bangkok and Sydney offering a thrilling mix of cities, beaches and rich cultures. Fares for an 18-night cruise departing Bangkok and visiting Cambodia, Vietnam, Singapore and Australia are available from $3119* per person twin share.

Diamond Princess will also offer six unforgettable 16-night Southeast Asia & China cruises sailing between Beijing and Bangkok in spring 2009 and autumn 2010. The voyages will visit eight ports in China, Taipei, Vietnam, Singapore, and Thailand, with fares starting from $3159* per person twin share.

Meanwhile, Australian favourite Pacific Princess returns to the South Pacific offering a spring season of 10-night cruises in the idyllic islands of French Polynesia from September to December 2009. Seven round-trip voyages from Papeete in Tahiti are available from $2119* per person twin share with departures between October and December, 2009.

Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia which represents Princess Cruises in Australia, said the latest Exotics program offered fantastic new opportunities for Australians to explore the world from the comfort of a cruise ship.

“As the leader in destination cruising, Princess Cruises has made some incredible cities even more accessible, with a range of new itineraries and new ports on offer in its latest Exotics program,” Ms Sherry said.

For more information on Princess Cruises’ new Exotics program see your local travel agent, call 13 24 88 or visit www.princess.com

* Fares are in Australian dollars and are cruise only. Conditions apply, subject to availability.

P&O Cruises Circus at Sea on Pacific Dawn

P&O Cruises is introducing juggling classes and acrobatic stage shows as part of its new Circus at Sea program.Launched on Pacific Dawn this month, Circus at Sea will run on selected cruises throughout the fleet in 2008.

Circus at Sea features a West Australian acrobatic family act known as Cameo Rascale. Cameo Rascale acrobat Steve Capener has been performing internationally with his wife Gayle for 18 years, while their two children Nicole,10, and James, 12, joined the act six years ago.

The Capener family performs acts of balancing, juggling, roller boarding and adagio-the art of circus acrobalance- in their evening shows.

Free juggling classes will be open to adults and children. The most skilled juggler of the Capener family, James, will also host a separate class during select school holiday cruises for children aged 7-12 years in P&O Cruises’ kids club, the Shark Shack.

The kids’ club will also offer face painting and airbrush tattooing to keep youngsters entertained.

For more information, visit www.pocruises.com.au