Relax in Hawaii, thrill in Canada and enjoy the scenic spectacle of a cruise through Alaska’s Inside Passage on this memorable two-cruise holiday.
Worldwide Cruise Centres (www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au), has released its latest cruise holiday offering, ‘Fabulous Fire & Ice 2016’. It’s valid for sale till 31 August 2015, complete with cruises on Radiance of the Seas and Celebrity Solstice, extensive touring in and around Vancouver, a coach tour from Vancouver to Whistler along the famed Sea to Sky Highway, a cruise exploration of the Hawaiian islands and hotel stays in Honolulu (five nights), Vancouver (two nights), Victoria (two nights), plus Whistler and Seattle (one night each).
The whole holiday lasts 29 nights, or 30 nights if taken from Perth. Prices, twin-share per-person, start at A$7999 from Brisbane or Sydney, A$8399 from Melbourne, A$8499 from Adelaide and $8789 from Perth. The prices include flights to Honolulu and return from Seattle via Hawaii. A bonus US$75 in free credit applies aboard Radiance of the Seas, per twin cabin; while on Celebrity Solstice the bonus is US$50 on the same basis.
There’s another bonus too – on both cruises all gratuities aboard ship are covered, so you can forget about tipping. That’s quite a saving on a holiday with 18 nights of cruising. All shipboard main meals (excluding speciality restaurants) are included.
‘Fabulous Fire & Ice 2016’ gets underway on 17 April 2016 with a flight from Australia to Honolulu. Three nights’ stay there in an Ocean View room at a four-star hotel gives you time to get into the Hawaiian lifestyle, stroll Waikiki beach, maybe visit Pearl Harbour, before boarding Radiance of the Seas for an 11-night cruise from Honolulu to Vancouver.
Lahaina, the old whaling town on West Maui, is the first port of call, with an overnight there aboard ship. Then the charming resort village of Kailua on the Kona Coast, and Hilo, capital of Hawaii’s Big Island, known for 128-metre-high Akaka Falls, before Radiance of the Seas sails from Hawaii across the Pacific.
Aboard ship, ride in sleek glass lifts facing the sea, maybe try out the rock-climbing wall, African safari-themed solarium, indoor/outdoor country club with golf simulator, or day spa and fitness centre. Dining and entertainment venues include Portofino Italian Restaurant, Chops Grille, Seaview Café, Casino Royale and the Colony Club, a British colonial-style lounge with self-levelling pool tables.
Disembarking in Vancouver, your transfer from the port to a harbour view room at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Vancouver includes a morning sightseeing tour of Chinatown, Gastown, Stanley Park, Granville Market and the Vancouver lookout.
The following day, enjoy a six-hour sightseeing tour of Vancouver’s magnificent North Shore, including Capilano Suspension Bridge, a salmon hatchery and Grouse Mountain, where you’ll take the Skyride to the Peak of Vancouver.
Next on the list: a two-day coach tour from Vancouver to Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway via Shannon Falls. Your accommodation is the Fairmont Chateau Whistler alpine resort, located dramatically between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. Free entry is included to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, showcasing the culture of two local indigenous nations.
The coach now heads to Victoria, stately capital of British Columbia on Vancouver Island. Cruise across Georgia Strait, sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands, tour Butchart Gardens (one of North America’s most beautiful) and stay two nights at the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel. Don’t miss the strange story of the hotel’s architect, Francis Rattenbury – it’s like an Agatha Christie novel.
Transferring back to Vancouver, board Celebrity Solstice for a seven-night Alaska cruise that ends in Seattle, Washington.
The sailing takes you through Alaska’s Inside Passage, with its mountains and forested islands. First the totem poles of Ketchikan, then the dramatic Tracy Arm Fjord region, where black and brown bears, deer and wolves roam while arctic terns soar overhead. Visit historic Juneau, the Klondike gold-rush settlement of Skagway and phenomenal Glacier Bay, where 16 glaciers plunge into sparkling fjords.
For great views, head to Celebrity Solstice’s top deck, which boasts a freshly manicured lawn. The Lawn Club offers casual outdoor activities in a Country Club atmosphere. Sip a cocktail in the Sky Observation Lounge or try the AquaSpa by Elemis and fitness centre.
Disembarking in Seattle, America’s great northern West Coast city, you’ll stay a night at the Edgewater Hotel Seattle, a luxury waterfront property within walking distance of many of the city’s favourite attractions.
Jet to Hawaii now, with two nights in an Ocean View room at a four-star Honolulu hotel to refresh and relax. Perhaps sample a Hawaiian Mai Tai cocktail before flying on back home to Australia.
To find your local Worldwide Cruise Centres agent go to: www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au
SOURCE Worldwide Cruise Centres