P&O Cruises is pulling out all the stops for its five-ship rendezvous on Sydney Harbour on November 25 – there will be concerts, parties and fireworks from dawn until dusk. The spectacular show marks the arrival of the line's two latest ships, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, which will be officially named as they sail by Sydney's Fort Denison together after arriving in the harbour early in the morning.
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The five ships will be positioned at different points for the afternoon of entertainment: Pacific Jewel will be at Athol Bay, Pacific Dawn off Garden Island, Pacific Pearl at Point Piper, Pacific Aria at the Overseas Passenger Terminal and Pacific Eden set to be anchored at Neutral Bay after spending the day at White Bay.
Some of Australia's best-known performers will lead the musical extravaganza – Jessica Mauboy, The Veronicas, Samantha Jade, Justice Crew and Stan Walker – and they will be joined by 20 more top acts as well as 10 DJs across the ships. After the show, each ship will host a Bianco party on the top deck – everyone dressing in their best white outfits – and the celebrations will be accompanied by a massive fireworks display. To book your spot on one of the five ships, see pocruises.com.au/5ships.
The five-ship rendezvous is a highlight of several great events on Sydney Harbour and around Australia this season that you can experience on a cruise. Four ships are heading to Melbourne for the Melbourne Cup; Carnival Spirit departs Sydney for eight nights on October 30, Pacific Dawn's seven-night cruise departs Brisbane on October 31, and Pacific Jewel and Pacific Pearl both leave Sydney on October 31 for six nights. Tickets and transfers to Flemington Racecourse are included in the fares.
Then there's the Australian Open in Melbourne; Pacific Pearl's five-night Australian Open cruise, leaving Sydney on January 19, 2016 includes a general admission ticket that covers access to the Hisense Arena (ticket upgrades to the Rod Laver Arena or Margaret Court Arena available for an extra charge), and transfers to the grounds.
On Australia Day next year, P&O Cruises will have four ships on Sydney Harbour, offering the best views of all the day's entertainment and events. Pacific Aria's five-night round-trip from Brisbane leaves on January 24, while Pacific Jewel will head north from Melbourne for a four-night round-trip on January 24. Pacific Pearl and Pacific Eden will operate three-night Sydney round-trip cruises, departing from the White Bay Cruise Terminal on January 24 and 25.
Meet the crew
NAME: Shane Michaels, cruise director, from the US
POSITION: Cruise director, Holland America Line's MS Oosterdam
MY JOB: I collaborate with our onboard team to organise and host shipboard events and activities. I also produce, film and edit the daily TV show Good Morning Oosterdam, oversee performances of live musicians and activity staff, and introduce featured entertainers nightly.
MY TYPICAL DAY Each morning, I'm on Good Morning Oosterdam, giving passengers tips of the day. Recently, I introduced a professional Alaskan lumberjack and we co-hosted an axe-throwing competition on stage, which was a build-up to our first Alaskan port of call – Ketchikan. That was followed by leading a line dance class, liaising with our event manager to finalise printing of our daily events program, hosting a team trivia challenge and the 'Dancing with the Stars: At Sea' competition, and in the evening presenting three performances of our dancing show.
FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT: On select Mediterranean itineraries, we sail past the volcano Stromboli, in the Aeolian Islands (Italy); if the timing is right we see spectacular volcanic activity.
FAVOURITE CRUISE PORT/S: It is really even between Kralendijk, Bonaire and Nawiliwili (island of Kuai), Hawaii. I also love hiking in Skagway, Alaska.
INSIDER CRUISE TIP Dine in one of the two specialty restaurants at least once and consider having breakfast and lunch in the main dining room; many guests think the buffet is the only option.
Tip
Before you book your next cruise, check out the ship's deck plans on the line's website or brochure to make sure you don't end up with a noisy cabin. These are generally located under restaurants, the galley, sports decks and entertainment venues – or be prepared to pack earplugs.
News
World of Whisky
Whether you're a connoisseur of whisky or just keen to learn more about the many specialist varieties coming on to the market, the bartenders in Dawn Princess' new Magnums bar will be able to guide you through a mind-boggling 63 whiskies on the menu. Whiskies are available by the wee dram (nip) and as part of a tasting flight of three from different regions. You'll find whisky such as Talisker from its traditional home of Scotland as well as varieties from up-and-coming boutique distilleries in Tasmania, Victoria and New Zealand; bourbons from America; and popular Japanese blends.
Frequent cruiser points
MSC Cruises' is replacing its loyalty program, MSC Club, with the new, improved Voyagers Club. It will have five tiers of membership, starting with a Welcome Level that just requires a confirmed booking. Working up through Classic, Silver, Gold and Black, passengers will earn points according to the experience booked (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea, or MSC Yacht Club) as well as the length of stay. Points will also be awarded for spending money on board, as well as shore excursions, spa treatments and drinks packages. Perks include discounts on future cruises, onboard credits, cocktail parties and priority boarding. See msccruises.com.au.
Norwegian Star
Norwegian Cruise Line is returning to Asia and Australia for the first time since 2002, sending Norwegian Star to the region as part of its 2016-17 season. The ship will sail a range of itineraries from Istanbul, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney and Auckland. Built in 2001, the 2244-passenger Norwegian Star is one of the line's older ships but it offers an array of contemporary family-friendly facilities, three swimming pools, 10 restaurants and eateries (including French, Japanese and Italian) and several bars, including an English-style pub and a wine bar. There are 500-plus balcony cabins and suites, 415 ocean view cabins, 363 inside cabins and 20 wheelchair-accessible cabins. See norwegiancruiseline.com.au.
Deal of the week
Worldwide Cruise Centres' 32-night Australian Sun to Alaskan Snow package starts with a 23-night trans-Pacific cruise aboard HAL's MS Noordam from Sydney to Vancouver, leads on to a seven-night Alaska cruise, and ends with two nights in Vancouver and a flight back to Australia. Fares from Sydney are from $5999 (check the website for other city departures) and are valid until September 30. See worldwidecruisecentres.com.au.
MORE DEALS
CRUISEABOUT is offering free shore excursions, unlimited internet and $250 onboard credit on a range of Oceania's Mediterranean cruises in October 2016 when you book by September 30, 2015. The seven-night Barcelona to Rome cruise starts at $3649 and includes free specialty restaurant dining and gratuities. Phone 1300 450 133, see cruiseabout.com.au.
APT Take a small-ship cruise around the British Isles and Ireland on MS Hebridean Sky and your companion will fly free to the UK. The offer is available on the 12-day Britain and Ireland Explorer, which departs August 23, 2016. Fares start at $10,995 and include airfares, transfers, sightseeing and drinks on board; offer valid to October 31. Phone 1300 196 420, see aptouring.com.au.
