The Holland America Oosterdam has arrived in Australia for its summer season. I was lucky enough to walk around the ship while it was in Melbourne. Each of the Holland America ships are themed, the Oosterdam honors Explorers of the 19th and 20th century. Upon boarding the ship we viewed a few cabins and the …
Author Archives: Shawn Walliss
Expedition Cruising – A Journey to the Kimberley
After having traveled on several of the bigger cruise ships, most recently on the Oasis of the Seas, a 225,282 tonne, 5,400-passenger floating island, it was a nice change of pace to be on the Orion – a smaller 100 passenger ship. I boarded the Orion in Broome for a 10 night luxury expedition cruise …
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A comedy cruise on the P&O Pacific Pearl
P&O Cruises offers a range of short cruises with different themes such as comedy and food & wine, which is perfect for the first time cruiser. I decided that comedy would be a good distraction for three nights while the ship sails up the Australian coast to nowhere. My first impression of the P&O Pacific …
Royal Caribbean’s ship Quantum of the Seas
Royal Caribbean cruise line dazzled cruise aficionados with details of its forthcoming Quantum of the Seas ship, which will be the first at sea to offer attractions like bumper cars, simulated skydiving and an observation capsule called The North Star, with a bird’s eye view 300 feet (91 meters) above the water. “Without a doubt, …
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Queen Mary 2 in Melbourne
While the Queen Mary 2 was in Melbourne I was lucky enough to enjoy lunch and a walk around on this lovely ship. The first impression is the size of the ship. At 151,400 tons and nearly four football fields in length it is an imposing ship. When walking onboard it is like stepping back in …
Carnival Spirit Arrives in Australia
When the Carnival Spirit cruise ship sails into Sydney Heads today, winding up a 16-night voyage from Hawaii, its contingent of Australian passengers will be visible. Many will be on the vessel’s top decks, drinks raised, leading a welcome-to- Australia party. “The Aussies are ready,” says the senior vice-president of guest operations for Carnival, Mark …
Rhapsody of the Seas gets a new look
After five summer seasons in Australian waters, Rhapsody of the Seas has enjoyed a month long refurbishment in March 2012. All of the cabins have been redecorated from floor to ceiling and has raised the vessel to a more sophisticated level to appeal to passengers who wanted affordable cruising but were propared to pay a …
What are the highest rated ships?
Each year Berlitz releases their comprehensive annual ranking of cruise ships. This year Hapag Lloyd’s Europa retained its number one spot for the 13th consecutive year. The reviews are compiled by British cruise critic and author Douglas Ward, who has been reviewing cruise ships for 28 years and has spent over 6000 days at sea. …
Countdown to the Pacific Dawn
1 week of fun & relaxation, here I come! I am counting down the days to my cruise on the Pacific Dawn this weekend! My tickets are in my travel wallet, my shore excursions are booked and my skin is ready for a tan (spf 30+ will be involved). Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill is on …
Dubai to London on Dawn Princess 2011
Dubai is one of the most changeable and changing cities in the world. Blink and you might miss another architectural marvel fill the skyline. You can walk for miles in shopping malls that are outrageous, fabulous and jaw dropping. Go skiing on a black run, ice skating, find your perfect gold and diamond bracelet, see …