Cruising
Fort de France, Martinique. Photo: Getty Images
I'm back on dry land after an indulgent jaunt through Queensland and Indonesia on Seabourn Odyssey. It was the ultimate in rock-star pampering: from elegant accommodation and white-gloved silver service to French champagne on demand and caviar.
While we were at sea, more details emerged about Titanic II, Clive Palmer's aim to build a modern replica of the famous ocean liner. At a press conference in New York, it was announced that the ship's maiden voyage would be in 2016 and that 40,000 people had signed up for the 2400 passenger spots, 16 even prepared to pay up to $1 million each.
Besides a three-class system with no mingling allowed, Titanic II guests will be provided with 1912-style outfits, and won't have telephones or television.
An artist's impression of the proposed cruise ship Titanic II.
Palmer's vision is in stark contrast to developments elsewhere in the cruising world, with three ships set to debut. Earlier this month MSC's Preziosa was christened in Genoa. Forget any ideas of a nostalgic cruising experience; this 1739-stateroom liner has features including the first two Eataly restaurants at sea, an infinity-style garden pool, and a 1700-square-metre spa with a healing Himalayan salt bed.
If you like to spin to get fit, when Norwegian Breakaway launches in April it will have exclusive exercise bikes from New York's trendy Flywheel Sports studio, with fully choreographed classes.
Royal Princess, which debuts in June, has enhanced offerings for junior cruisers, including movie nights and mini air hockey for ages three to seven, kids-only dinners for ages eight to 12, and a new lounge area for older teens.
One of the joys of a high-seas holiday is the variety of experiences it offers. Whether Titanic II reignites our interest in a bygone era, or proves to be a short-lived fascination, only time will tell.
Package of the week
Spend Christmas and New Year exploring the sub-Antarctic aboard the luxury expedition ship Orion.
This 15-night fly-cruise package begins with a flight to Auckland on December 19 and a one-night pre-cruise stay. Then you board Orion for a 14-night cruise visiting remote southern islands packed with wildlife, including the Chatham Islands, Campbell Island, the Bounty Islands, and the World-Heritage listed Macquarie Island, famous for its elephant seal colony.
The cruise ends in Dunedin on January 3 with a flight home. Priced from $9700 a person, twin share. 1300 766 537, cruiseexpress.com.au.
In brief
Crystal Cruises has exclusive shore excursions in the Mediterranean. Boutique Adventures accommodate up to 15 guests, with experiences including visits to private estates, lessons in Italian jewellery-making, and tours with local experts.
Another Royal Caribbean ship has emerged from dry dock. Legend of the Seas has had a $US50 million makeover, with new dining options including a Chef's Table, Chops Grille and Izumi Asian restaurant, a 1960s-inspired R Bar, and staterooms with flat-screen TVs and wi-fi.
Scenic Tours has a new cruise itinerary next year venturing to Danube Mile Zero, where the Danube River empties into the Black Sea. The 14-day cruise explores the World Heritage-listed Danube Delta, home to many species of birds, and is combined with stays in Munich and Bucharest.
Shipshape: Carnival Glory
LAUNCHED 2003 PASSENGERS 2984 REGULAR HAUNTS The Bahamas, The Caribbean, Canada and New England BEST FOR Families THE DETAILS A seven-night western Caribbean cruise, a round trip from Miami departing on December 8, starts from $699 a person, twin share. 1300 804 522, traveltheworld.com.au.
Need to know
1 Entering its 10th year of service, Glory is one of Carnival's Conquest class ships. It's the embodiment of liveliness and fun, with every public room decorated in a different colour, and entertainment options suiting all ages.
2 In 2012 the ship underwent a multimillion-dollar stint in dry dock, part of Carnival's fleet-wide Fun Ship 2.0 enhancement program. Glory emerged with new features including an EA Sports Bar, BlueIguana Cantina tequila bar and The Punchliner Comedy Club.
3 About two-thirds of the ship's accommodations have ocean views, 60 per cent with balconies, and there are 18 family staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Standard amenities include pay-per-view movies, bathrobes and hairdryers.
4 Besides formal Japanese-inspired dining rooms and a casual buffet, Glory has an Emerald Room Steakhouse (for a fee). New to the line-up from the refurbishment, however, are a poolside Guy's Burger Joint and the light bites Taste Bar.
5 Pick of the facilities include four pools, seven whirlpools, an outdoor big screen, a Twister water slide, dedicated kids' clubs, live entertainment, 22 bars and lounges, and a Cherry On Top boutique selling candy, gifts and novelties.
Port watch: Fort-de-France, Martinique
Need to know Fort-de-France is the capital of Martinique, an overseas territory of France. The island is dominated by, and famous for, Mount Pelee, a volcano that erupted dramatically in 1902. Visiting ships either dock in the bay and use tender boats, or anchor at the passenger terminal, two kilometres from Fort-de-France, or the new pier at Pointe Simon in the heart of town.
Do not miss The capital is easy to explore on foot and has excellent duty-free shopping. There are plenty of water sports on offer, including snorkelling, diving and sailing. Touring options include a visit to Batala Gardens, about 11 kilometres away, with views of Fort-de-France's bay, or a trip to St Pierre, which was destroyed in the volcanic eruption. Another option is taking the ferry to Pointe du Bout, home to lovely beaches and the island's major resorts.
Q&A
I'm taking a river cruise in Myanmar. Should I bring Australian dollars, buy local currency or take a credit card?
- A. Lamar, Gold Coast, Qld.
You can pay for on-board buys using your shipboard account. However, things are a bit more complex on land. Myanmar is a mostly cash-based society, but there are no ATMs, and credit cards and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted. Bring US dollars for anything off-ship. I have also read that you should take only notes that are clean and in good condition; that is, not torn or marked, because some vendors won't accept them.
Deals
Offer of the week
Royal Caribbean The Royal Class sale is extended to March 31 on a range of cruises. Examples include a seven-night Tasmania cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas, priced from $995 a person, twin share, and an 18-night Australia and NZ cruise on Voyager of the Seas. 1800 754 500, www.royalcaribbean.com.au.
Plus
Cruiseabout Book by March 31 to save $1500 on a 12-night Italian river cruise package. Priced from $5195 a person, twin share, it includes a week-long cruise from Venice on River Countess, departing on July 28, two nights in Florence, and three nights in Rome. 1300 450 133, cruiseabout.com.au.
Cruise Guru Save 55 per cent, and receive bonuses, on a cruise on Holland America's Oosterdam. A 14-night cruise, a round trip from Sydney departing on November 24, is priced from $1598 a person, twin share, including a free $US25 beverage card, a Pinnacle Grill lunch and sparkling wine on arrival. 13 13 03, cruiseguru.com.au.
APT Receive air credits of $2000 a couple when booking one of nine cruises on Island Sky or Variety Voyager. A 14-day Norwegian Fjords cruise from Tromso to Amsterdam on Island Sky, departing on August 5, is priced from $8795 a person, twin share. 1300 229 804, aptouring.com.au.
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