Quantum of the Seas Cruise Ship Arrives in Southampton!

Arrived last night from Germany!

Next generation ship will do 2 short cruises before heading over to New York.
10th November is christening day...... from May 2015 she will be based full time in Shanghai

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Part 5 Australia best bits.... Hobart, Tasmania

Hobart, Tasmania

Voted one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world….. and Hobart is the cheapest of all Australian Cities

Interesting fact: From Hobart’s port the next stop is Antarctica

Hobart is Tasmania’s capital and the 2^nd oldest capital in Australia, after Sydney. This compact city is nestled amongst the foothills of Mount Wellington and oozes with both modern and historic charm.

Walking is the best way to explore Hobart. Starting with Salamanca Place, a picturesque row of four-storey sandstone warehouses that date back to the 1830s whaling era. It now houses an array of bars, restaurants, cafes, shops and art centers. From here climb the 175 year old Kelly Steps to Battery Point and walk round Hobart’s oldest suburbs.  Find your way to Arthur Circus, where Hobart's oldest Georgian-era cottages. On Hobart's historic Hunter Street, imaginative architecture and interior design has transformed a waterfront jam factory into art hotel.


Mona (Museum of old and new art) This is a private collection up for public viewing. You are there to visit one mans idea of what art is. Take the 30 minute ferry ride from Hobart.  Stunning building and events vary throughout the year. It’s voted one of Australia’s best museums….. a must see

For a much wider panoramic view of the city, river and estuary, drive to



Mount Wellington - on a clear day the view extends from Ben Lomond in north-east Tasmania to the ranges of the Southwest.

Richmond (a historic village) is gateway to some of Tasmania’s wine growing areas. Most cruise companies offer day tours that feature everything mentioned.

Also worth a mention: Port Arthur- The best preserved convict settlement in Australia, listed as a world heritage site

Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Meet a little devil at the Tasmanian Devil conservation park

Top tip: 10 minutes from Hobart, climb Mount Wellington for stunning city views

Keep reading my blogs as more to come. Part 6 is Sydney

For more information check out our website: www.cruiseclubuk.com

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Part 4 Australia best bits..... Melbourne

MELBOURNE

I’ve visited Melbourne a few times, my last visit was spending time with a good friend of mine who lived in the area. I felt I got to know the real Melbourne and wanted to share my experience with some tips and recommendations…..

Melbourne is set on the banks of the Yarra River it’s a mix of 1800’s gold boom architecture and modern glass skyscrapers.

It’s easy to escape the modern day traffic in Melbourne’s backstreets. These laneways bustle with cafes and bars, the fun part is finding them tucked away in secret alcoves and behind unassuming doors. Check out the street art including Banksy!

Melbourne certainly knows how to pack a punch. They invented the rooftop bar scene, which opens up every summer. You can listen to live music, watch movies beneath the stars, perfect places to spend summers days and nights.

Situated in the Southbank area is the Crowne Entertainment complex, it’s a mini city of shopping and dining. It takes up 2 city blocks and dominates the Yarra River. The highlight for me is a 90-minute Four Seasons light show which takes place every night. Outside they have chimney stacks lined along the boardwalk which shoots bursts of flames into the air. This can be viewed from one of the many terrace bars along the front.

Head to Eureka skydeck 88, which is the tallest residential building in the Southern Hemisphere. Get a 360 degree view of Melbourne.

Top tip: Southgate Pedestrian Bridge, nr Flinders Street station….. Pony Fish Island, great food, quirky drinks, awesome atmosphere, amazing sunsets

Use the free tram around the city its gold and red

Federation Square is Melbourne's meeting place. It’s a unique cultural precinct which brings together a creative mix of attractions, museums and galleries, along with many restaurants, cafes and bars. Located opposite Flinders Street station, within easy walking distance of most major attractions.

St Kilda is Melbourne’s bohemian seaside town, just a short tram ride. St Kilda beach lines the shores of Port Phillip Bay. Complete with a long palm lined front, it’s a chilled out place with a good choice of eateries and great for those seeking beach activities.

So many other places in the city worth visiting:  

Brunswick Street: for fine art, fashion and food, this is Melbourne’s Soho strip

Royal botanical gardens, Yarra Valley for its fine wines and stunning scenery

The birth place of Neighbours, I’ve been on the tour and it’s well worth it if you’re a fan!

Some great days out around the area can be had, including Mornington Peninsula, Phillip Island (watch the daily sunset penguin parade), The Great Ocean Road (amazing stunning scenery). Most cruise companies offer excursions to these places. For more information check out our website: www.cruiseclubuk.com

Keep reading my blogs as more to come. Part 5 is Hobart, Tasmania......

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Part 3 Australia best bits.....Adelaide

Adelaide

Capital of South Australia and gateway to the ‘outback’.

Having spent a few months in Adelaide, I can honestly say its an amazing city! With its relaxed vibe and Med like weather, it has something for everyone.

Referred to as the wine and festival capital of Australia., and fast becoming the lifestyle capital of Australia too. This elegant city is undergoing a rapid transformation, with world class festivals, amazing eco adventures and a flourishing bar scene.

The city is surrounded by parklands which makes it feel non city like, with historic buildings galore. Free buses and trams operate around the city giving easy access to all major attractions. Its also easy walkable with most attractions a short walk away from each other. Or hop on one of the free bikes on offer in the daytime, available from Bicycle SA, Franklin Street.

The East End of Adelaide is Rundle Mall where most of the major shops are. Housing over 500 outlets among its 13 arcades. You can easily pick up some quirky gifts.

Glenelg is a classic seaside town with lots of charm. A 25 minute tram ride from Adelaide’s North Terrace (Elegant boulevard, home to the Art gallery of South Australia, South Australia Museum and the botanical gardens. All a must see). This 1920’s vintage tram is free and drops you off behind the jetty. And it’s a great way to see the local historic houses on the tree lined streets as you pass by. Sandy beaches, shops, cafes and entertainment are all on offer. You can even swim with wild dolphins or go snorkelling.

South Australia is a well known for its wine, there is a great selection of wineries in and around Adelaide (nearest being Adelaide Hills, approx 20 minutes away) offering wine tours. Most cruise companies offer these as an excursion, the most popular being Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Its well worth exploring the area as they all offer something slightly different.

Take a trip over to Kangaroo Island, it’s a short flight or 3 hour ferry ride. Stunning scenery, strange rock formations, seals, penguins… a true nature lovers dream

 

      Keep reading my blogs as more to come. Part 4 is Melbourne......


For information on cruises that feature these areas please visit www.cruiseclubuk.com

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Part 2 Australia best bits.... Esperance

Esperance

Esperance, roughly translated, is French for hope

This is one of my favourite places in Australia (I’ve pretty much been to most places in Oz). It benefits from a moderate Mediterranean climate all year round.

A Beautiful costal town, it has the most stunning scenery with squeaky white sand and turquoise water. There are 5 national parks around Esperance. The nearest being Cape Le Grand approx. 56 kilometers from the town centre. Its one of Western Australia's best know and most spectacular national parks. Famous for lucky Bay where you can witness the sight of kangaroos sunbathing on the beach! 

Lucky Bay is also set against a stunning seascape of 110 islands, called the Rechereche Archipelago. It actually earned the town the title of 'Bay of Isles'. Daily cruise tours operate around the islands and also take in the local wildlife.

A great scenic drive from the town centre is the 38km tourist loop called the Great Ocean Drive, taking in some of the most beautiful coastal scenery Australia has to offer. You can also view most of the 110 Islands from the comfort of your coach and frequent viewing points.

Between June to October southern right whales and hump back whales can be spotted hugging the coast line, preferring sheltered bays to give birth. You don’t need to take a boat trip for this, they really do get that close!!!


Most cruise companies offer pre bookable excursions to visit all the above mentioned, which I would highly recommend looking at before you sail.





Keep reading my blogs as more to come. Part 3 is Adelaide......


For information on cruises that feature these areas please visit www.cruiseclubuk.com

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Part 1.... Australia best bits , intro and Perth

So many of us plan a once in a lifetime trip to Australia and to be honest we haven’t all got the bug to backpack nor the time. There is another way to experience the highlights this amazing Country has to offer and that’s by CRUISING. Many of the main companies offer itineraries featuring key destinations, such as:  Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, Circummnavigation

Over the coming weeks Ill be doing an in depth guide to the most popular destinations and what they have to offer. Be it a pre or post cruise stay, its definitely worth extending your stay to get the most out of the Cities.

Starting off with: Perth, Western Australia

Situated in the Indian Ocean, so expect a Mediterranean climate, it’s the sunniest of all Australian Capital Cities

Situated beside the River Swan, Perth is without a doubt stunning. The best views can be found at Kings Park (one of the biggest inner city parks in the world, and yes bigger than New Yorks Central Park). 400 hectares of parklands, treetop walk, indigenous cultural tours and much more.

Swan Bells is the worlds largest musical instrument on the foreshore of the Swan River. Climb to the top for city/river views complete with glass floor! www.swanbells.com.au Also from here you can jump on the free bus around the city

Perth boasts a total of 19 metropolitan beaches

ROTTNEST ISLAND is just a short ferry ride from Perth, a mere 19 kilometers. Boasts 63 stunning beaches, 20 beautiful bays and many coral reefs and wrecks. Being car free the best way to get around is by bike. Also home to the Quokka (a cute mini marsupial only found in Western Australia)

FREEMANTLE

Situated 30 minutes from Perth, I would highly recommend the ferry from Barrack Street (near to Swan Bells). Take in the leisurely cruise down the Swan River, maybe spot a dolphin and be in awe of the million $ houses.

This City blends old with new, creating an enriching cultural experience. Buzzing markets, lively bars, casual street cafes, a redeveloped fishing boat harbour with some of the best fresh local seafood.

If you are looking for something a little bit different Freemantle is the place to shop.

For those who enjoy their vino, then look no further than SWAN VALLEY, a short ferry ride up the Swan River takes you to this famous wine region.  Indulge in cellar door tastings of olives, cheese and chocolates or take the food and wine trail that stretches 32 kilometers.

Also its worth exploring Perth’s museums, art galleries and zoo.

Part 2 coming soon on Esperance one of my fave places in Australia
For more info email me: laura@cruiseclubuk.com

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Carnival LIVE Cruises

Carnival LIVE explained:

Pretty darn good idea… Book a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas, Cozumel or Catalina Island, California and get the opportunity to see a band you love! You also get the chance to book a VIP ticket which includes meet the band/artist for a photo, plus a seat up front! Be aware seats are limited!

2015 Live to be announced so watch this space

Previous acts include:

Chicago                                                             Foreigner                                      Leann Rimes          Jennifer Hudson Prices start from $20 up to $150 for VIP

Pretty simples..  Choose a Carnival LIVE Cruise- enjoy a concert- meet fellow fans on board – pack your band/artist t –shirt for the off!

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In brief with Star Clipper.....

 

Star Clipper cruises is an experience like no other. Looking for adventure on the waves, great atmosphere and plenty of character? This is traditional sailing with the comfort and luxury found on modern cruises.

In brief:

Three tall sailing ships:

The Royal Clipper, the largest of the three and the largest full rigged sailing ship in the world!
439 Foot

227 Guests

42 Sails

Star Clipper and Star Flyer

360 Foot

170 Guests

 

Itineraries range from the Mediterranean to Cuba and the Caribbean

 

Lend a hand in hoisting the sails or climb the mast to one of the passenger look-out "crow's-nests", complete with sofa and amazing views!

 

 

 

Tips & gratuities are suggested at 8 Euros per person per day

More outdoor space per passenger than most cruise ships

Menus feature international cuisine as well as some local specialities

No pre set seating

Discover a new age, sail on authentic Tall Ships where the traditions of the past are combined with the modern comforts and amenities of the present

 For more info email me: laura@cruiseclubuk.com

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Skiathos a stunning port of call

I was recently on holiday in Skiathos, Greece and fell in love with this beautiful stunning Island. Unspoilt by mass tourism and remaining truly Greek in flavour and style.

You see lots of yachts and ferries come and go but no cruise ships.... Enjoying my morning latte with the distant view of Skopelos (think Mama Mia)  it got me thinking as to why cruise itineraries miss Skiathos from their itineraries.

I didn't actually come up with an answer. However I went away and researched and much to my delight, found the following:

Azamara Journey Itinerary:
9 Nights
21/7/15 Istanbul, Turkey
22/7/15 Canakkale (Kepez), Turkey
23/7/15 Volos, Greece
24/7/15 Skiathos, Greece
25/7/15 Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
26/7/15 Bodrum, Turkey
27/7/15 Santorini, Greece
28/7/15 Mykonos, Greece
29/7/15 Hydra, Greece
30/7/15 Athens, Greece

 
Azamara Club Cruises feature a few excursions including a transfer to Koukounaries Beach. This is no ordinary beach, pristine sands open up the bay but behind is a natural pine forest and a huge lake (complete with swans) well worth a walk around. From there you can follow signs for Banana beach which is a bit of a trek but well worth it when you arrive at the smaller bay. There is also a couple of beach bars to grab a much needed drink and ice cream
 





Its a small island that packs a punch the minute you arrive.....

For more info call me @ Cruise Club UK 0161 7982558

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