More than a hundred New Zealand travel agents and over 20 media had the opportunity to experience Cunard's newest luxury cruise liner, Queen Elizabeth on February 20.  Returning to Auckland's harbour for the second time, guests were given an on board tour before being served lunch amongst Queen's graceful decor.

Ann Sherry, chief executive officer of Carnival Australia, announced at the lunch that Cunard's Queen Mary 2 will launch her first 12 day Royal Circumnavigation of New Zealand in 2013. She says New Zealand has become a hot cruise destination with a 56% increase in the number of passengers cruising to New Zealand. Next year approximately 100 ships will visit New Zealand compared to just one vessel in 1991. Sherry says Queen Elizabeth's 107 day World Voyage is expected to contribute around $3.5m to the economy. Nearly 300 New Zealanders were aboard the Queen Elizabeth when she departed Auckland on February 20 on her way to Wellington and Dunedin before crossing the Tasman to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

Cunard Queen Elizabeth's Amanda Reid, entertainment director; Nicholas Oldroyd, executive chef and Captain Chris Wells, master	From left Ann Sherry and Peter Taylor, Carnival Australia	Jocelyn Rein (left) and Brie Tawhai (right) from Star Public Relations with Raewyn Tan, Tourism New Zealand

Silversea's range of corporate packages and incentive group products to be launched at AIME in Melbourne next week are packed with perks.
Karen Christensen, general manager Australia and New Zealand says, 'We have had a very successful three to four years, with many full ship charters for corporate and incentive groups from this market. With six small luxury ships, positioned in all seven continents around the world, Silversea can offer a variety of enticing destinations.

'Silversea Cruises specialises in creating unparalleled rewards programmes for its own loyal past guests, therefore we are experts at creating unique meeting places for some of the world's best-known companies and leading brands.

'Our all-inclusive fares make Silversea perfect for incentive groups. Depending on which ship and destination clients choose, we can cater for 132 to 540 guests. We can assist corporations to control costs, without compromising quality,' she says.
'Everything onboard Silversea is included in the fares. Luxury all suite ocean view accommodation (with personal butler service), fine food and wine, outstanding service, 24 hour room service, all gratuities, entertainment and meeting facilities, plus the allure of the chosen travel  destination,' says Christensen.

'With net rates starting at US$2,566 per person for a seven day cruise itinerary, Silversea can accommodate a variety of corporate events with extraordinary flare and value. Our corporate and incentive sales experts are ready, available, and eager to assist corporate meeting planners attending AIME, with great Silversea options in Europe, Asia, Alaska or even South America and the Caribbean.

'On select voyages this year, corporate and incentive groups of 10 or more suites will enjoy the following complimentary amenities:

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Captain Cook Cruises Fiji has released its first Pamper Me Cruise. Based around Captain Cook's regular four night Yasawa Islands Cruise it has all the regular cruise inclusions with fashion and beauty workshops. Fashion gurus Karen Matich and Cheryl Polwart have been likened to 'Trinny and Susannah' and will add the entertainment factor.

Four night cruise starts from FJ$1807 per person twin share departing Port Denarau Tuesday, 12 June at 1.00pm, returning Port Denarau, Saturday, 16 June at 9.00am. Download a pdf of the flyer.

The cruise can be teamed with a special Air Pacific cruise fare available through preferred wholesalers or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , NZ sales manager for Captain Cook Cruises. Radonich will also arrange personalised flyers - send logo and contact details to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Silversea cruises has released its 115 day world cruise aboard the Silver Whisper, set to launch in early 2013.

Sailing from Los Angeles on 5 January 2013, the world cruise will follow the sun, crossing the equator four times, visiting 52 destinations in 28 countries, before arriving in Ft. Lauderdale on 1 May 2013.

With just 382 guests, Silver Whisper is small enough to sail along secluded waterways or into small harbours, where larger ships cannot venture. The world cruise offers plenty of sea days for experienced cruisers. Destinations include French Polynesia, New Zealand, Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Western Australia) Asia, India and Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar and Mozambique in the Indian Ocean.

Silver Whisper will offer extensive cruising around South African harbours and calls at some fascinating ports along the West African coast, before heading for Central America, the Caribbean and Ft. Lauderdale.

Silver Whisper features all inclusive fares, with all suite, ocean view accommodation (most with private verandas) and personal butler service for each suite. Fares start from US$48,114 per person double occupancy, in a Vista Suite for the full 115 day cruise. US$60,567 for a Veranda Suite. Generous on board spending credits of US$3500 per double suite and complimentary laundry service are included. Silversea will provide private car transfers airport/ship/airport a gala bon-voyage reception, dinner and overnight accommodation at The Peninsula Beverly Hill on the night before sailing, 4 January. World cruise guests will enjoy two exclusive events – The China Club in Singapore and Cape Winelands in Cape Town.

Complimentary wines, champagnes and spirits throughout the ship and all on board gratuities are included. Silversea has developed a choice of fine dining and casual restaurants.

Guests eat when, where and with whom they choose from the fine dining Le Champagne and The Restaurant to traditional Italian specialties in La Terrazza, to casual daytime dining by the pool or the Hot Rock Grill under the stars. 24 hour room service is complimentary. A full program of internationally renowned enrichment lecturers provide an entertaining and educational program on each sector.

For more information, contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or visit www.silversea.com

Silversea has created a Pacific cruise in a 31 day round trip from Los Angeles, aboard their flagship Silver Spirit in February next year.

Silver Spirit will sail south across the Equator to French Polynesia, to explore the mountains and waterfalls of Marquesa Islands, stopping at Nuku Hiva. Cruise the lagoons of Rangiroa, Tuamotu Archipelago and Moorea, with overnight stays in the lagoons of Papeete and Bora Bora in the Society Islands.

From Tahiti, Silver Spirit sails north through the largest atoll in the Pacific, the Line Islands to Kiribati. The next stop is Fanning Island on the way to an exploration of several lush and volcanic Hawaiian Islands. Silver Spirit will then venture to Hawaii, visiting Hilo and Kona on the Big Island, Nawiliwili on Kauai, Honolulu on Oahu and the exotic Lahaina on Maui.

Silver Spirit offers all inclusive fares that consist of all suite accommodation, a choice of casual and elegant restaurants, complimentary beverages and all gratuities. Silver Spirit has a spacious spa and health and fitness centre, extensive library, internationally renowned enrichment lecturers, talented musicians and entertainers.

Silver Savings fares for this 31 day round trip cruise from Los Angeles start from US$15,299 per person double occupancy in a Vista Suite. Silversea includes US$1500 Shipboard Spending Credits per suite for guests to spend however they wish onboard. Contact Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or visit www.silversea.com

Princess Cruises is looking for 1000 passenger-submitted cruise holiday photos to showcase permanently onboard its new Royal Princess when the ship launches in autumn 2013.

The cruise line has launched a ‘1000 Memories at Sea’ competition inviting passengers to submit their best cruise holiday shots, which will be displayed on the walls of hallways between staterooms and in other locations around the ship.

One lucky photographer will win a cruise for two on Royal Princess.

Whether they captured the perfect New Zealand fjord or the ideal lineup of Sydney Harbour icons, caught Alaska wildlife in action, found a breathtaking rainbow over Hawaii, or snapped a meaningful moment onboard, passengers can submit their favorite cruise photos on Facebook, at princess.com/royalprincesscontest or submit by post.

The winning holiday snaps will be judged by a panel which is looking for creativity, originality, style, and images that capture the spirit of what it means to 'escape completely.' The ‘1000 Memories at Sea’ contest runs until March 31, 2012. Full entry details for the contest can be found at www.princess.com/royalprincesscontest

To celebrate the Queen Mary 2’s Royal Circumnavigation of Australia this year, Cunard has announced a '30 day celebration sale' offering reduced fares and an exclusive on-board credit when booking a 2013 World Voyage or sector.

The sale, runs until March 8, for voyages in 2013 on both the Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria and offers reduced fares and up to US$575 of on-board credit.

The Queen Mary 2 will be in New Zealand in 2013 to circumnavigate the country over 12 days as part of its 104 night world voyage. She stops in stops in Auckland, Wellington and the Bay of Islands before sailing on to Milford Sound, with a special maiden visit to Christchurch on the way.

The visit is preceded this year by the arrival of Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth in Auckland for the only time this season on February 20, before sailing on to Wellington and Dunedin and then heading to Australia.

For more information on the sale and 2013 World Voyages visit www.cunardline.com.au/Cunard-Offers/Voyages-Like-Never-Before or phone 0800 543 431.

Ten of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ ships have been listed in Condé Nast Traveler‘s Readers’ Choice Survey for the top 40 “Best River Cruise Ships” in the world with the River Queen and River Beatrice landing the top two spots. The accolade comes on the back of Uniworld’s inclusion in Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List in the “World’s Top 12 Cruise Lines” category. Uniworld General Manager Scott Cleaver says ‘We will continue to spread the message to trade throughout the country in 2012 about the opportunities that await for their clients choosing one of our boutique river cruises in Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam and Cambodia.’ Uniworld has consecutively held the top two spots in the Readers’ Choice Survey for the finest river cruise ships. Using a scale of 100, River Queen earned an overall score of 96, which is the highest ranking ship in all ship categories, including small, medium and large.

The Uniworld ships named in the top 40 were River Queen (1), River Beatrice (2), River Royale (5), River Countess (6), River Duchess (10), River Tosca (14), River Princess (18), River Empress (21), River Baroness (24), and River Ambassador (26).