FTB41: Fairest Cape

from the

bridge

Our exclusive cruises chart new territories

On the high seas Viking Ocean Cruises’ new ship Viking Star

Natural adventure Discover the wild soul of South Africa

hidden jewels

PRESENTED WITH THE COMPLIMENTS OF:

ISSUE 41 SPRING 2014

CAPEThe enchanting natural wonders of South Africa’s coastline will take your breath away.

WORDS: RODERICK EIME

FAIREST

Cape Town’s mountainous backdrop is a sight to behold Cruise Region Focus | FROM THE BRIDGE

SPRING 2014 11

^Fares are cruise only, quoted in Australian dollars, per person, double occupancy and may rise as the sailing date approaches. Terms and Conditions apply. #Qantas Frequent Flyer members receive one point for every $1.50 spent on Cruiseco holidays. Points are not awarded on port charges, government fees, on board gratuities and air taxes. Qantas Frequent Flyer complimentary membership is non-transferable and not available with any other offer. To be eligible you must have made final payment on your package arrangements. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.

SHORES OF THE ORIENTIN ALL-INCLUSIVE LUXURY

Let Silversea escort you in exquisite style on an enthralling journey to the magical continent of Asia. Discover the golden sand beaches of Thailand, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Vietnam and Malaysia or visit the secret land of Myanmar, only now starting to reveal its charms.

Select from voyages of 9 to 17 days departing from December 2014 to March 2015. Silver Privilege fares from au$4,750^ per person.

SILVERSEA’S ALL- INCLUSIVE LIFESTYLE

Intimate ships with up to 382 guests

All ocean-view suites, over 85% with private verandas

Butler service for every guest

Complimentary wine, Champagne and spirits

In-suite bar with your beverage choices

Open-seating restaurant with menu selections by Relais & Châteaux

A choice of speciality restaurants

Included gratuities

87-680 From the Bridge AUG 14v2.indd 1 21/08/2014 11:31 am

7-day Mediterranean Glamour Roundtrip Barcelonams Eurodam Fares from

19 April 2015 $1,299*pp Twin share

11-day Mediterranean Explorer Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome) ms Zuiderdam Fares from

17 May 2015 $1,999*pp Twin share

24-day Magic of the Mediterranean Venice to Barcelonams Nieuw Amsterdam Fares from

9 June 2015 $4,599*pp Twin share

Explore a world that’s uniquelyHolland America Line We take you to extraordinary places in incomparable comfort.

spacious, elegant ships ■ gracious, award-winning service ■ worldwide itineraries extensive activities and enrichment programs ■ sophisticated five-star dining

ADVENT UROUS

meet EXQUISITE

Terms & Conditions *ALL PRICES STATED ARE CRUISE ONLY. Fares listed are in Australian Dollars. Fares are per person, double occupancy and include taxes, fees & port expenses. All savings amounts are included in fares shown. New bookings only. Subject to availability. For more information about our stateroom categories and suite descriptions, to view deck plans, and to view the full terms and conditions applicable to your cruise, please refer to www.hollandamerica.com.au or the applicable Holland America brochure. Offers are capacity controlled and may be modified or withdrawn or sailing/departure dates may be substituted without prior notice. Certain restrictions apply. Carnival plc as Agent 2TA 5580. #Qantas Frequent Flyer members receive one point for every $1.50 spent on Cruiseco holidays. Points are not awarded on port charges, government fees, on board gratuities and air taxes. Qantas Frequent Flyer complimentary membership is non-transferable and not available with any other offer. To be eligible you must have made final payment on your package arrangements. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands.

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Sir Francis Drake first saw South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope in 1580 while sailing on a voyage around the world,

and was compelled to write: “This cape is a most stately thing, and the fairest cape we saw in the whole circumference of the earth.”

Certainly, Cape Town, with its mist-enshrouded mountain backdrop, is a sight none will forget. Yet this historical maritime city, which was founded in 1652 by Dutch seafarers as a refreshment stop on the arduous passage to and from the East, is not the only port of call for today’s fleet of modern, luxurious cruise ships.

On the east coast, Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal, is the entire continent’s busiest port and a gateway to the myriad attractions on the Indian Ocean coastline, while Port Elizabeth, on the famous Garden Route, is the country’s third-largest port and also attracts cruise ships. Besides these large, cosmopolitan ports, there are less visited anchorages at Richards Bay, in KwaZulu-Natal, where wildlife excursions are popular, and at the delightful beachfront Mossel Bay.

The South African segment of any round-the-world or Europe-to-Asia cruise

is a much-anticipated visit with incomparable shore excursions and shopping opportunities.

Cape Town, the so-called ‘Mother City’, captures more than its fair share of visitors, thanks to its breathtaking setting. Most day tours will cover the key points of interest, namely Table Mountain Aerial Cableway, Green Point lighthouse, historical Simon’s Town (and its resident rare African penguins), Camps Bay, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and perhaps quaint Hout Bay.

Even a stroll around the lavish, centrally located V&A Waterfront will keep anyone amused for hours. The iconic Table Mountain is a must-see, however, the summit is often shrouded in a mist that’s known colloquially as the ‘tablecloth’. An ascent on the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway gives ample time to enjoy spectacular views over the ocean before revelling in the majesty of the mountain’s peak.

Cape Town, the so-called ‘Mother City’, captures more than its fair share of visitors, thanks to its breathtaking setting.

Green Point lighthouse is only 10km from V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

Table Mountain Aerial Cableway is a thrilling way to take in the views

V&A Waterfront is home to some of Cape Town’s finest restaurants

These rare African penguins can only be seen in Simon’s Town

Cruise Region Focus | FROM THE BRIDGE

SPRING 2014 13

GRAND TOUR OF THE MEDITERRANEAN

ISTANBUL to VILLEFRANCHE26 NIGHTS | 9 MAY 2015 FLY FREE

AND ENJOY...

26-NIGHT GRAND VOYAGE

FROM $14,150* PER PERSON, TWIN SHARE

TERMS & CONDITIONS: *Offer is valid to 30 November 2014 based on category H Premium Outside cabin unless withdrawn earlier. Fares include on-board gratuities, port fees and service charges as indicated as at 21 August 2014. Fly Free offers are subject to availability & capacity controlled. Flights are ex Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane or Adelaide only, domestic connections additional. Airfare is economy class including known airfare tax at time of print and are based on specific airlines and routings. A deposit is payable to secure your cruise reservation. Airfares may require additional funds be paid to ensure air ticketing conditions are met. Surcharge may apply if increase in airfare tax occurs, introduction of fuel surcharge, or if different airline, routing or dates of travel are required. Fly free promotion is not combinable with any other offer. Cancellation penalties and conditions apply. Please check with your travel agent at time of booking for additional deposit and conditions. For full terms and conditions please refer to the Voyages to Antiquity website: www.voyagestoantiquity.com.au. #Qantas Frequent Flyer members receive one point for every $1.50 spent on Cruiseco holidays. Points are not awarded on port charges, government fees, on board gratuities and air taxes. Qantas Frequent Flyer complimentary membership is non-transferable and not available with any other offer. To be eligible you must have made final payment on your package arrangements. Offer may be withdrawn at any time.

AEGEAN ODYSSEY - IN A CLASS OF HER OWNClassically elegant, but far from stuffy & formal, offering boutique-style cruising designed for the sophisticated traveller. With tastefully understated interior. Aegean Odyssey provides gracious public rooms, a choice of restaurants and stability in inclement weather.

PReturn flights from Australia*

P2 nights premium hotel stay in Istanbul

P24 night voyage aboard the elegant Aegean Odyssey

PComplimentary choice of wine, beer or soft drinks with your evening meal on board

PA full excursions programme with included sightseeing in most ports of call

PMany evening and overnight stays in port

PLecture programme featuring expert guest speakers

POn board gratuities, air taxes and port taxes

Set off from one of the most fascinating cities in the world, Istanbul before discovering the charming island of Patmos, then

explore the wonders of classical Athens. Some of the greatest cities in Europe take centre stage with visits to Ravenna, Venice, Rome and Florence before sailing to the magical South of France:

the Provençal city of Avignon, famous for its bridge and Papal Palace, the world’s largest Gothic building.

Wine-lovers will be in heaven with a visit to the glorious Cape Winelands, in particular Franschhoek and Constantia Valley, where the oldest vineyards in the Southern Hemisphere were established in the late 17th century. The landscape, complete with eucalyptus trees, is reminiscent of the Barossa Valley in South Australia. The Cape’s shiraz certainly rivals the best reds from Down Under.

In the east, the city of Durban offers contrasts, with local attractions including the Indian Market, the Natural Science Museum and views from Currie Hill. There are also out-of-town adventures, such as PheZulu Safari Park and Tala Game Reserve, which is home to 300 bird species and big game such as buffaloes, rhinos, kudu, hippos, giraffes and rare sable antelopes.

Still in KwaZulu-Natal, north of Durban, is the large port of Richards Bay, which is used for the shipment of natural resources such as coal, wood and minerals. Its situation is ideal for nature-lovers because iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is abundant with hundreds of bird and animal species, can be experienced with just a half-day tour. The same goes for Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, where a mini safari might lead to an encounter with a rare white rhino or leopard.

Coastal river port East London also offers several game drive options but is perhaps better known for the rich cultural experience offered at Khaya la Bantu Village, where the Xhosa people welcome you with an enthralling dance and introduce you to local arts, crafts and customs.

Port Elizabeth, another of South Africa’s major commercial ports, is a safe, friendly city with a reputation for great beaches, a colourful waterfront and water sports. Again, several game drives are on offer, including the signature

excursion at Addo Elephant National Park, where hundreds of African elephants, along with black rhinos, lions, antelopes, spotted hyenas, zebras, warthogs and, amazingly, dung beetles, live protected.

Sometimes cruise lines will stop at picturesque Mossel Bay and its neighbouring resort community at Knysna, located midway on the famous Garden Route along the southernmost shore of Africa. There is a maritime museum and an aquarium, but Botlierskop Private Game Reserve and Safari Park is the key attraction for those taking a shore excursion.

Wherever you stop, these fascinating ports will immerse you in the wonders of South Africa and leave you wishing you could jump ship and see more. n

Some cruise lines visit Knysna on the famous Garden Route

Wildlife safaris are a must-do when in port in South Africa

BEST TIMES TO VISIT

The southern coast is blessed with year-round fine weather, but visit Cape Town in September/October and April/May, and Durban from June to August for ideal conditions.

VISITING CRUISE LINES

Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises.

Wine-lovers should make time to visit the Cape Winelands

14 SPRING 2014

Discover the real heart of Vietnam and Cambodia, on a journey of captivating culture along the Mighty Mekong between Siem Reap and Saigon, aboard Cruiseco’s first purpose-built 60 guest luxury river cruiser.Now is a perfect time to book this authentic Asian experience, and save over 50% on second passenger cruise fares between October 2014 and March 2015.

CRUISECO ADVENTURERSECOND PASSENGER FROM ONLY $1,999

lunch and dinner as specified in the itinerary; on board soft drinks, local beers and spirits; extensive sightseeing with expert local guides; transfers to and from ship; on board gratuities; port charges and government fees.

OFFER IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME

FARES GUIDESubject to changes due to fluctuations in

charges, taxes and currency. Prices are per person, twin share in

Australian dollars. 11 night fly, cruise and stay holidays start from $4,599 for the first passenger during October 2014 and March 2015 sailings and second passenger pays from $1,999 in a Main Deck cabin.INCLUDES return Economy Class international airfare from Australia; 2 nights pre/post deluxe accommodation at Raffles Hotel dÁngkor Siem Reap and 2 nights pre/post deluxe accommodation at Caravelle Hotel Saigon; 7 night luxury cruise aboard Cruiseco Adventurer with breakfast daily,

FARES GUIDESubject to changes due to fluctuations in

charges, taxes and currency. Prices are per person, twin share in

Australian dollars. 13 night Baltic fly, cruise and stay package including a bonus US$75 on board credit per stateroom, starts from just $4,535 per person. Includes Earlybird return Economy Class international airfare from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth, two nights pre cruise stay at the Palace Hotel Copenhagen including breakfast daily, 11 night luxury voyage aboard Regal Princess; port charges, government fees and air taxes.

MSC Cruises have a generous upgrade offer to the exclusive MSC Yacht Club Class, when you pay for an Aurea Suite, on select 2014-2015 Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises, departing between October and December this year.Imagine cruising to your chosen destination, enjoying MSC Yacht Club’s exclusive luxuries, starting with priority check-in to your own luxuriously appointed suite with Balcony or Panoramic window with king bed and marble ensuite. Not to mention out-of-hours on board shopping delivered to your suite, on board fine dining in exclusive restaurants with complimentary premium beverages throughout the cruise. Yacht club guests also have access to a private lift to the Aurea Spa; privacy of The One Bar, The One Pool featuring swimming pool, 2 whirlpool baths and sun deck, all complimented with a 24 hour personal butler service.Designed as an oasis of tranquillity, and for guests that prefer an intimate, small ship experience, MSC Yacht Club guests have exclusive access to the spacious Top Sail elegant Lounge and Bar, with 180 degree views of the sea.

Take advantage of return Earlybird airfares on two outstanding fly, cruise and stay holidays, exploring The Baltic and a Mediterranean and Aegean medley.Princess Cruise’s next generation 3,600 Regal Princess will cruise for 11 glorious nights from Copenhagen return, on 24 May 2015 visiting the culture-rich cities of The Baltic via

Oslo, Aarhus, Berlin, Tallinn, St. Petersburg for an overnight on board ship, Helsinki and Stockholm.Or cruise from Istanbul to Barcelona for 14 nights on 23 May 2015 via 11 sensational ports, and three leisurely days at sea enjoying a myriad of activities - concluding each day with a breathtaking sunset, whilst cruising to the next romantic city.

SPECIAL MSC UPGRADE OFFER

FARES GUIDESubject to changes due to fluctuations

in charges, taxes and currency. Prices are per person, twin share in

Australian dollars. Cruise aboard MSC Splendida for 7 nights from Genoa roundtrip via Naples, Messina, La Goulette, Barcelona and Marseille on 2 or 9 November 2014. Fares start from $1,963^ per person.Or take in the pleasures of the

Caribbean on a 7 night cruise from Miami roundtrip via St. Maarten, Puerto Rico and the beautiful Bahamas aboard MSC Divina on select sailings between 18 October and 13 December 2014. Fares start from $1,679^ per person.Fares include upgrade to MSC Yacht Club, port charges and government fees. On board gratuities are additional and payable on board.

FARES GUIDESubject to changes due to fluctuations

in charges, taxes and currency. Prices are per person, twin share in

Australian dollars. Fly, cruise and stay prices start from $5,187 per person, and include return Economy Class international airfare with Qantas from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, (add $220 per person ex Adelaide or Perth).Port charges, government fees, transfers as specified and air taxes are also included. Gratuities are additional and are payable on board.

Soak up the warm Bermuda sun and stunning views of the Mediterranean via New York, King’s Wharf in Bermuda, Ponta Delgada and Lisbon in Portugal Cadiz and Barcelona in Spain and Naples in Italy, aboard MSC Cruise’s newly released Fantasia-class 3,500 guest MSC Divina.Following a private car transfer from Miami airport to the 1950’s inspired Holiday Inn Miami Beach, for a relaxing two night stay with breakfast daily; guests will embark MSC Divina in Miami on 26 April 2015 for a breathtaking 20 night Grand Voyage to Civitavecchia (Rome).Cruise highlights include an overnight on board ship to explore New York’s iconic attractions, and a full day and evening in the Portuguese capital of Lisbon.Then disembark and transfer to the Hotel Romanico Palace, situated in the heart of Rome for a two night stay with breakfast included, before transferring to Rome airport, for the flight back to Australia.

MIAMI TO ROME GRAND VOYAGE INCLUDES TWO DAYS IN NEW YORK

‘EARLY BIRD’ FLY, CRUISE & STAY EUROPE AND THE BALTIC WITH PRINCESS CRUISES

^Cruise fares are valid until 30 September 2014, which may increase after this date, and are subject to availability.

18 night Mediterranean fly, cruise and stay package starts from just $5,150 per person. Includes Earlybird return Economy Class international airfare from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth, two nights pre cruise stay at the Doubletree by Hilton Istanbul Old Town including breakfast daily, 14 night luxury voyage aboard Emerald Princess, two nights post cruise stay at Hilton Barcelona including breakfast; port charges, government fees and air taxes.Gratuities are additional and payable on board.