Celebrity Solstice returns Down Under

A spruced-up Celebrity Solstice returned to Australian waters all decked up with half an acre of freshly mowed lawn and six new cabanas. For US$264 a day, passengers can hire a cabana for the exclusive use of four to six people. They can drink champagne, nibble on canapés while watching an open air movie, a concert or glass blowing. They can also play lawn bowls. A private butler is at the beck and call of guests. Having a real grass lawn on board a cruise ship is a high maintenance enterprise. So the Solstice has two lawn keepers and an environmental officer to make sure the lawn has sufficient TLC to remain lush and green. After an $11million makeover in Singapore, the Solstice sailed into Sydney Harbour for a quick turnaround before leaving for a 14-night cruise to New Zealand. “We’ve added more of the things that Australian guests love,’’ Adam Armstrong, managing director of told Cruise Passenger. Some of the new features include the first Tiffany & Co store at sea and an outdoor cinema on the lawn club where guests can experience a gastronomic and cinema adventure called A Taste of Film to reflect a particular culinary destination. One of the scheduled movies is “The 100 Foot Journey’’ starring British actress Helen Mirren. There’s also a new restaurant Sushi on Five offering an a la carte menu with sushi chef Yoshikazu Okada. The Japanese eatery will replace Bistro on Five.Celebrity Solstice will be homeported in Sydney during the wave season until April next year.

Silversea announces 2018 voyage calendars

Luxury line Silversea has released its 2018 calendars with 300 maiden calls. Some of the highlights of the year will include amazing expedition adventures onboard the Silver Muse and the Silver Cloud. The itinerary will include calls in Antarctica, the Arctic Circle and the Galapagos Islands. “We are extremely excited to showcase our 2018 Voyage Collection.  As a luxury cruise line, we continue to innovate and have expanded our offering of itineraries and destinations to ensure that our passengers can explore every part of the world they desire.  Passengers can sail the Panama Canal, embrace the glaciers of Alaska, witness the incredible majesty of Uluru at sunrise, or discover the beautiful splendour of Palawan, Asia’s best kept secret, all whilst travelling in the indulgent and prestigious surrounds of Silversea,” said Amber Wilson, the General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing in the Asia Pacific region.

 

Azamara offers solos special reduced fares

Azamara Club Cruises is offering solos special deals on a number of cruises. Guests will only pay 125 per cent of the double occupancy fare on more than 42 voyages in 2016 and 2017. “Azamara has always been popular with solo travellers, as our immersive voyages suit their adventurous, independent spirit,” said Adam Armstrong, managing director for Azamara Club Cruises Australia and New Zealand. “Year-round, we offer the single supplement on select itineraries, however we’ve increased the availability to 42 voyages – including on one of our own Australian voyages during Azamara Journey’s maiden season down under – so that even more guests travelling solo can enjoy the superb food, impeccable service and immersive experiences that Azamara is famous for.”