John Pond updates us on Norwegian Jewel’s plans for its Australian stay and looks at Cathay Pacific’s new A350 in his weekly cruise report.
Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel calls Australia home
A whole new world of cruising will open up to Australian travellers when the Norwegian Jewel Calls Australia home from October 2017.
Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH), made the announcement this week that the Norwegian Jewel, part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s 14-strong fleet, will be based year-round in the Asia Pacific.
Departures to and from Australia will commence in October 2017, kick-starting with an initial schedule of 15 sensational sailings through to March 2018. Bookings for Norwegian Jewel’s inaugural Australasian itineraries will open on 29 June 2016.
Executive Vice President of International Business Development for NCLH, Harry Sommer, said the exciting move will open up a range of destinations for Australian travellers.
“We are incredibly excited to announce Norwegian Jewel will be calling Australia home, giving local travellers the opportunity to cruise to or from Sydney on a range of amazing itineraries along the Australian and New Zealand coastlines, together with enticing island destinations such as Tahiti, Fiji and New Caledonia, before she begins a series of south-east Asian journeys early in 2018.”
Guests will be treated to the finest local Australian produce including regional beef, lamb, seafood, fine wines and ales on her voyages from Sydney. Additionally, guests will enjoy award-winning entertainment straight from our shores – with the home-grown ballroom spectacular Burn the Floor being confirmed as part of Jewel’s on-board entertainment.
“Norwegian Cruise Line offers freedom and flexibility never before seen in Australia, and we’re delighted that Australians will now be able to experience premium-contemporary freestyle cruising much closer to home, with some additional local flair,” said Mr Sommer.
Accommodation ranges from inside and ocean view staterooms to family suites and expansive, luxurious suites with 24-hour butler service in The Haven. There are 16 dining options ranging from Teppanyaki to Brazilian Churrascaria, with no set dining times or pre-assigned seating.
From Airlie Beach to Auckland, Port Lincoln to Papeete, Burnie to Bali and Kangaroo Island to Komodo, Norwegian Jewel will be visiting some of the region’s most incredible ports across 15 specially-crafted itineraries, commencing on October 3, 2017 with a 39-night combination cruise from Vancouver to Sydney taking in Hawaii and the South Pacific which can be undertaken in three segments are on offer.
Following her Australian season, Norwegian Jewel will undertake a range of Asian itineraries visiting Vietnam, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Korea and more, offering Australian travellers the opportunity to explore some of the best Asia has to offer on a 40-night combination voyage from Sydney through to Yokohama – Gateway to Tokyo.
Get more information on Norwegian Jewel and 2017-18 Australasian itineraries.
Cathay Pacific’s New A350
The cabin of Cathay Pacific’s new A350-900 has been carefully designed to give passengers the best sleeping experience, the best entertainment, and to offer them greater control over how they want to use the space, whether for working or to relax.
Some new highlights of the aircraft include inflight Wi-Fi so passengers can stream shows as well as connect with others. For a fee, passengers can browse the internet, send and receive emails and connect on social media. Access to the Cathay Pacific website, a number of partner websites and three live TV news channels is available free of charge.
New Business Class features include extra stowage space within easy reach, personal service offered by ‘Do Not Disturb’ and ‘Wake Up Call’ functions in the entertainment system and new linen-like bedding.
Premium Economy Class seat features a fully integrated leg rest which, together with the ergonomically designed seat, allows more flexibility to adjust for optimal comfort. Passengers in Economy Class will appreciate a new six-way headrest that provides better support and enhances sleeping comfort.
Both Premium Economy and Economy Class has more cleverly designed storage features, as well as power outlets and USB ports for the convenience of the modern traveller. The quiet cabin, lower cabin pressure and noise levels, panoramic windows, LED mood lighting and huge overhead lockers all contribute to a more comfortable and relaxing journey in all cabin classes. The A350 is the quietest among the aircraft types in its class and also 25% more fuel efficient.
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ABOUT
John Pond is a seasoned Australian cruiser based in Sydney. He writes regularly for a host of cruising publications including The Retiree.
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