Norwegian Cruise Line announces new ship for Alaska

Norwegian Cruise Line announces new ship for Alaska

In a cruise industry first, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced it will be building a new ship for the Alaskan waters. The new Norwegian Bliss will be the first ship custom-built to sail increasingly popular waters of Alaska with amenities designed specifically for an Alaskan holiday. Alaska is one of the most popular international destinations … Read more

Silversea’s Silver Muse has eight specialty restaurants

Silversea's Silver Muse has eight specialty restaurants

Luxury Silversea Cruises new flagship ship, Silver Muse has abolished the main dining room concept and replaced it with eight bespoke restaurants.

“Eight culinary experiences is unheard of, unprecedented, at this level of ultra-luxury and for this size of ship,’’ says newly minted general manager Amber Wilson.

Already 88 bookings from Asia Pacific have been confirmed including guests from Australia, New Zealand and Asia when the 290-suite Silver Muse sets sail on her inaugural journey in Monte Carlo in April next year.

“There will be no main dining room on the Silver Muse – we have moved away from this. Instead, we will offer the widest culinary bespoke experiences at sea.’’

Of the eight restaurants, three will be outdoors. There’s the fine dining Atlantide specialising in seafood, the signature Italian La Terrazza inspired by the Slow Food movement, Indochine which will use up to 1500 spices for Asian fusion fare, Kabuki where you can watch chefs conjure up sashimi, sushi and teppanyaki dishes, the only Relais & Chateaux restaurant MaDame, an outdoor Hot Rocks where guests can grill their steaks and Madagascar prawns over hot volcanic rocks, the casual Regina Margherita for the humble pizza and the intimate Silver Note with a supper club atmosphere similar to a Manhattan jazz bar.

The 596-passenger, all-suite ship will be served by 411 crew including white-gloved butlers. Suites will have crisp Pratesi bed linen, Bvlgari toiletries and Etro bathrobes. Guests have a choice of mattress and pillows. The Silver Muse will be the ninth ship in Silversea’s luxury fleet.

More well-heeled guests from Australia, New Zealand and Asia are expected to be on board by the time she starts on her inaugural journey on 20 April. Up to 50 per cent will be repeat guests, Ms Wilson says.

Prices for a 12-day Mediterranean cruise for a Veranda suite start from A$9855 per person up to A$24,975 pp for a one-bedroom Owner’s suite.

The Silver Muse together with sister ships, Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper will head to Asia visiting the Philippines’s Palawan Island in 2018.

Singapore’s ‘State of Fun’ has something for everyone

No Singapore holiday is complete without visiting Sentosa, one of Asia’s leading resorts just off the southern coast of this bustling city state. The 500-hectare island is home to an exciting range of themed attractions, heart-thumping fun rides, sandy beaches, championship golf courses and luxury accommodation. In fact, there is so much to do it … Read more

Holland America Line last to stub out balcony smoking

Holland America Line last to stub out balcony smoking

One of the last bastions for smokers has finally stubbed out lighting up on balconies, with Holland America Line this week issuing a new tobacco policy. But the modern electronic cigarette, which allows users to inhale nicotine without burning tobaco, continues to divide some cruise lines. Balcony smoking is now banned on all American and … Read more

The battle of the butlers – Royal Caribbean versus Dream Cruises

The battle of the butlers - Royal Caribbean versus Dream Cruises

It’s the battle of the butlers with Royal Caribbean, one of the world’s largest cruise brands, and Dream Cruises, Asia’s first luxury cruise line both offering its top guests, European-style service. Both cruise lines offer butler services to its VIP passengers – guests who book accommodation in the Royal Suite Class, which is available on … Read more

Experience Macao when you next cruise to Hong Kong

Experience Macao when you next cruise to Hong Kong

Macao is one of Asia’s must see destinations and now known as being a new and exciting destination for all styles of travellers when cruising through Hong Kong. Macao is Visa FREE for most nationalities including Australian and New Zealand Passport holders and is just 60 kilometres from Hong Kong. Macao is a simple 55minute ferry … Read more

Destination: Canada

Destination: Canada

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] From coast to coast, Canada is filled with vibrant, multicultural cities and unexpected natural wonders. Canada is a huge and diverse country, the second-largest country in the world by total area. Most of this land is wilderness or countryside — with a population of about 35 million, cities are spread out far and wide … Read more

EXCLUSIVE: The first look inside the Genting Dream with celebrity chef Mark Best

EXCLUSIVE: The first look inside the Genting Dream with celebrity chef Mark Best

Luxury is written all over the new Genting Dream. And while the ship is still under construction, you can clearly see the vision for Asia’s first luxury ship – it will be a decadent experience for those who will be onboard. And the Asians have chosen one of Australia’s best chefs, award-winning Mark Best as … Read more