Avatar of Peter LynchPeter Lynch

Peter Lynch has cruised more than 50 times on some of the most iconic ships. He has 30 years experience writing, editing and publishing in Asia, Europe, and Australia in media organisations like The Times of London, Straits Times, Singapore, The South China Morning Post and The Sydney Morning Herald. He is also a marketer, who has created campaigns in social affairs, finance and travel. He is a prolific podcaster, and now owns leading magazines, websites and other channels in Australia and Asia.

Viking Ocean Cruises adds another six ships to its fleet

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Viking Ocean Cruises adds another six ships to its fleet

The line that conquered Europe’s rivers by sheer weight of numbers, launching so many ship it made the Guinness Book of Records, has now announced a record six new ocean ships. Viking Cruises ordered the extension to its successful luxury fleet from Italian shipyard Fincantieri in a deal that raises the company’s total ocean order … Read more

Millennial line scraps age limit

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Millennial line scraps age limit

U by Uniworld, the line that boasted it was for millennials only, has…well…performed a bit of a U turn. Launching next month, Uniworld is set to abandon its original age limits of 21 to 45, and opening all of its sailings to all adult cruisers. U by Uniworld is an offshoot of the luxury line … Read more

Norovirus – is the crew to blame?

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Norovirus – is the crew to blame?

It’s one of the enduring mysteries of cruise – how do sanatised ships still become contaminated by norovirus? A new US study, published in Royal Society Open Science, underscored what we already know: not much can be done, once the disease takes hold. But a computer-based model of a norovirus outbreak on a cruise ship designed to … Read more

The first-timers who bought a $200,000 round-the-world-cruise

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The first-timers who bought a $200,000 round-the-world-cruise

Barry and Marcia Southern have never cruised before.  So they popped into their local Cruiseabout at Turramurra looking for a short trip to try it out.

What they came out with was a 102-night round-the-world Bridge-to-Bridge journey from Sydney to London, calling at 60 ports and 29 countries.

That’s some cruise test!

The Southerns are among some 200 Australians who set out on this week with 494 other passengers for Azamara Journey’s first ever world cruise.

“I’m so looking forward to it,” said Marcia, over a celebration breakfast with Captain Johannes Tysse.

Australians have fallen in love with world cruises. Almost every international line is now offering them with great success.

But Azamara’s will be special, given the line’s bold promise of lingering longer in ports and producing “Azamazing” evenings for its guests.

The cruise is divided into eight segments, but 46 passengers like the Southerns are staying the course until London on June 16.

The Southerns paid some $160,000 for cabin 8040 all the way, and booked a year out. Barry maintains that, with shore excursions and a side trip to the Taj Mahal, the venture will cost them $200,000.

The cruise takes in Singapore, Dubai, the Suez Canal, Rome, Barcelona , Lisbon and London with lots in between.

The ship was recently refitted and has new Broadway shows and menus for the trip.

Captain Tysse took time out to explain the Azamara difference.

He said in the Tasman Sea he discovered a lady who was having a birthday in the famous Prime C steakhouse.  But her seat meant she had her back to a gorgeous sunset.

The gallant captain turned the ship around so she could see the disappearing rays – and earned a round of applause as she dissolved in tears of joy.

“We’re smaller and we do things differently,” he said.

So what do you pack for a world cruise?

Marcia and Barry have six bags between them.  But Azamara have provided a handy graphic on how to pack with lots of useful information.

See below – and find out more at AzamaraClubCruises.com

 

Oprah gets a thumbs down from Holland America sailors

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Holland America and Oprah join forces for 'Share The Adventure' cruise

Holland America Line is rolling out celebrity talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey’s O’s Reading Room across its fleet of 14 ships around the world. Passengers will now have the chance to read the latest books selected by O’s Reading Room and participate in book forums and discussions while cruising on a HAL ship. The first … Read more

Strewth! Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth goes strine

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Strewth! Cunard's Queen Elizabeth goes strine

Just a week after announcing an extended cruising season for Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, the line has now announced partnerships with some of Australia’s best-loved brands. The famous red-and-black Cunard bellboys will be dressed in a uniform being designed by R.M.Williams. Akubra hats will form part of their new look. Award-winning Melbourne-based boutique whisky distillery STARWARD … Read more

Keep calm and carry on cruising

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The Best Cruise Lines for First Time Cruisers

Turn on the news any weekend, and you’ll hear a recitation of the daily crime round. There will be fights, stabbings, muggings and more. It’s a ritual we’re used to hearing – the unfortunate background noise of life in a modern urban environment. So perhaps the remarkable thing about the two events that occurred this … Read more

Viking Sun

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Viking Sun

FACT FILE:

Line: Viking Cruises

Launched: 2017

Size: 47,800 tonnes

Passengers: 930

Crew: 545

Crew to passenger ratio: 1 to 1.7

Cabin sizes: 21 to 123 sq m

 

ADULTS ONLY AREA: The whole ship. Viking’s boast: “No casinos, no kids”

FOOD: Ten dining venues, open seating, and unfussy international dining with a Nordic bent. The aptly named Dining Room is the main place to eat. But there are plenty of smaller venues. Manfredi’s Italian is the specialty restaurant. It’s Italian – and ironically named after the founder of Silversea, a friend of Viking’s owner. We lunched on a seafood plate with salmon, crab claws. Mains were lamb (an acknowledgement of the region) or salmon, and Italian deserts. It was delicious and healthy, and we left the table feeling virtuous.

ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT: Viking focuses on cultural immersion. The 250-seat Sun Theatre is reserved for Ted lectures and local entertainers. There is a good library and plenty of places for quiet contemplation. Along with no kids and no casinos, Viking is also proud to say it doesn’t have any waters slides – but it does have a nice pool and a beautiful infinity pool on the back. As you would expect, the spa is brilliant with a Snow Grotto, based on the holistic wellbeing philosophy of Nordic culture, which features extremes of hot and cold (in this case: very cold!). There is a “fireplace” – amazingly authentic and a great place to settle back with an akvavit

BEST FOR: Adventure seekers who are not too concerned about ultra luxe offerings but like the comforts of life. The destination is the point, here, and the ship is a very nice means of getting there.

OUR VERDICT: Sydney will be getting the Viking Orion – but not to worry, Viking’s fleet are all the same. The line’s philosophy is that the destination is the focus, and identical ships mean guests feel right at home. The ships are beautifully designed, with art works, light woods and a very contemporary vibe. We felt the basic cabin was a tight squeeze, so if you like travelling with lots of luggage definitely upgrade. Good value.