How ultra-luxe Silversea can be cheaper than the big ships

Silversea luxury

Is ultra-luxe ultra-unaffordable? We chat to Adam Armstrong, the new Managing Director of Silversea about how accessible prices are. It’s been a week since Adam Armstrong has been in his new role as Managing Director of ultra-luxe cruise line Silversea. And he already has mapped out big plans to encourage Aussies to sail with the … Read more

Princess’s crowning glory: The line’s new Across the Ditch program

Great Barrier Island

The arrival of Majestic Princess opens a new chapter for Australia’s favourite premium cruise line – and New Zealand is where she will excel, reports Peter Lynch. She’s big, bold and not called Majestic for nothing. Princess Cruises’ largest and newest entrant to the burgeoning Australian market will turn this wave season into a game-changer. … Read more

Cruise on the Astor for as little as $96 a night!

The Astor

She’s been an Australia favourite for many years. Now the Astor is bowing out – but not without one last hurrah! You can experience Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Astor on her final Australian Season for up to 60% off. But you’ll have to hurry – you must book before September 3. With fares starting from … Read more

The billion dollar boom in refitting ships

OceaniaNEXT refit

With shipyards filled to overflowing – they are reportedly busy with new ships until 2027 – many cruise lines are opting to refit existing vessels as a way of keeping up with demand for new and better facilities. Oceania, the small-ship line that boasts the best cuisine at sea, this week became the latest – … Read more

Council hopes heritage plan halts Port Botany’s cruise terminals

Port Botany cruise terminal

A plan to save Botany Bay from the state government building Sydney second terminal, has been put forward by a Randwick councillor. Labor councillor Danny Said will present a motion to council later this month, to place both sites on the state’s heritage list to stop the cruise terminal developments at Yarra Bay and Molineaux … Read more

The new Pacific Aria emerges from dry-dock

The new Pacific Aria emerges from dry-dock

The Pacific Aria has emerged with cool new features after she spent 12-days in dry-dock in Singapore including a new Dome space, which is onboard the Pacific Eden.

The popular top-deck space with ocean views has been refreshed to take on a contemporary nautical theme with dark blue and white hues, drapes and soft lighting.

By day, guests can play board games, trivia, dance classes and a favourite place for guests to relax on the lounges with a coffee or read a book. In the evening the Dome transforms into a fashionable dance-spot.

The Elemis Spa has also been enhanced during the dry dock and now sports a new Barber Shop. Complete with luxe curtains, gold framed mirrors and a leather swivel chair, the professional grooming service for the modern gentleman offers hot towel shaves, beard trimming and styling.

The ship’s 28 suites, 120 balcony cabins and Penthouse have been fitted with new carpets and outdoor furniture.

Pacific Aria’s finishing touch is the Southern Cross livery emblazoned on her hull – now a signature feature across all five ships in P&O’s fleet.

In total, 1,000 pieces of new furniture, 6,000 metres of fabric and more than 10,000 square metres of new carpet have been fitted on the 1,500-guest ship. A selection of modern and stylish pieces of artwork and new contemporary wallpaper adorns the ship’s public spaces.

Pacific Aria will now return to her Brisbane home-port where she will undertake a range of longer cruises to the South Pacific Islands and shorter breaks closer to home.

Pacific Aria’s upcoming cruises include a 10-night Pacific Island Hopper voyage departing Brisbane on October 9, 2018. Fares start from A$998.52* per person quad share.