Relaxation combines with Asian and Australian exploration on this big, five-week cruise holiday that includes two grand cruises on separate ships. It requires no flights, as you sail from Australia and sail back home again.
‘The No Fly 2016 Asia Getaway’ is a double-cruise-and-stay package from Worldwide Cruise Centres. It consists of a 14-night cruise from Sydney to Singapore aboard Celebrity Solstice, six nights four-star accommodation in Singapore (including daily breakfast) and then an 18-night cruise from Singapore back to Sydney aboard Emerald Princess.
All shipboard main meals (excluding specialty restaurants) are included, and there’s a bonus US$85 per twin cabin in free onboard credit on the Emerald Princess cruise.
As well as Singapore, you’ll visit Bali and, in Thailand, Ko Samui and Bangkok. You’ll also see some great places in Australia. Port calls, usually lasting a day, include Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Cairns, Darwin, Perth (Fremantle), Margaret River and Melbourne.
‘The No Fly 2016 Asia Getaway’ lasts 38 nights and costs from A$5599 per person twin share – less than $A150 a night on that basis. It’s valid at that rate until 30 September 2015 or until it books out, whichever happens first.
Set sail on 8 October 2016, when Celebrity Solstice departs Sydney and heads up Australia’s east coast, then over to Darwin and north to Bali. See Brisbane, Airlie Beach (gateway to the Whitsundays) and Cairns. You’ve a day in Darwin, a very special city that many Australians plan to see, but don’t always get around to visiting.
Between these ports of call, enjoy time at sea, typically two days between ports. There’s plenty of time to relax and explore Celebrity Solstice. Believe it or not, the top deck 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, watch a demonstration of glass blowing or try the AquaSpa by Elemis and fitness centre.
Arriving in Singapore, you’ve six nights in a four-star hotel to experience this amazing city state at your leisure. The traditional architecture, customs and cuisine of the various ethnic areas (including Malay and Chinese) contrast with the space-age shopping centres of Orchard Road and Raffles City, filled with fashions and electronic goods. Gardens by the Bay is well worth a visit.
Then, board Emerald Princess, one of the largest cruise ships in the Princess fleet – 290 metres long, with four pools and seven whirlpool spas. Showrooms and lounges include Princess Theatre, Explorers Lounge, Wheelhouse Bar, Skywalkers Nightclub, Club Fusion, Adagio Bar, Crooners Bar and the Speakeasy Cigar Lounge. Maybe put your feet up at Movies Under the Stars.
Spend a day on the fabulous Thai island of Ko Samui. Next, Laem Chabang, gateway to nearby Pattaya and to Bangkok. The Thai capital (bigger than Melbourne and Sydney combined, in population terms) is a cultural and shopping wonderland. When shopping, you don’t have to worry about airline weight restrictions. You’re sailing!
Next stop on the cruise is blissful Bali (with a day to explore). Benoa port provides easy access to nearby Kuta, the best known resort area of the island.
Australia is your next port of call – specifically Fremantle at Perth’s doorstep, for a day. Then Margaret River at the heart of one of Australia’s great winegrowing regions before sailing around southern Australia to Melbourne.
After a day in Melbourne, the final stop is Sydney, where a dawn arrival lets you savour the passage through Sydney Heads, one of the world’s great cruise experiences.
To find your local Worldwide Cruise Centres agent go to: www.worldwidecruisecentres.com.au