Category: Cruises

Married at Sea

Posted on by Kathy Fossati

With same-sex marriage recently legalised in Australia, we believe there’s never been a better time for any and all couples to plan a truly unique wedding experience – getting married at sea.

Everyone loves a destination wedding, and even more unique is making the ultimate commitment on a ship or in an exotic location. While saying your vows you’re already heading to that romantic destination with friends and family, or on your own as newlyweds.

Anything is possible, and, like all weddings, it comes down to personal preference and budget. A cruise wedding can still be significantly cheaper than many land-based weddings and you have the ability to already be on your honeymoon!

But before you send out your nautically themed invitations, there are a few things we suggest you consider.

Pretty as a Picture

So now you and your partner are fully onboard that this is the way to spend your dream day… the next decision to make is where and how you would like to tie the knot to capture memories that will last a lifetime.

While many larger ships will have a dedicated wedding chapel, all ships will have superb photogenic locations including sweeping staircases with crystal chandeliers, floral archways (on request) and ocean backdrops.

There are a wide variety of wedding packages and options to choose from, some with additional charges. It’s all simply a matter of research and finding the plan that suits your needs and budget (most cruise lines have a dedicated department or person to help you manage this).

For couples up for something more unique, why not take your vows 300 metres above the ocean on Royal Caribbean’s ‘North Star’ observation pod or airborne, skydiving in iFly!

Portside Weddings

While your ship can head off to any destination, another option for an all-inclusive celebration, enabling almost everyone you invite to attend, is a home-town portside wedding!

As long as the bride and groom are sailing, your guests will be permitted to join onboard for the ceremony and celebrations, and either join you for the cruise or disembark and leave you to enjoy your honeymoon alone as newlyweds.  

Another alternative for those sailing is to arrange the quirky location ceremony; on a beach or in a winery, a European castle or cathedral, or on a glacier in Alaska… the choice is yours!

Please be mindful to choose your destination carefully for legal recognition of your marriage, same-sex or otherwise.

The Wedding Planner

Most cruise lines offer wedding planners and packages, that can manage everything for you. This can range from an onboard to an onshore wedding and everything in between, freeing up your time and energy, so you can sit back and enjoy getting married rather than worrying about the planning.

Aside from arranging the photographer, music, cake and flower arrangements, wedding planners can also help with your overseas visa and nuptial legal logistics. 

A celebrant or even the Captain of your ship officiate the legal nuptials. If you’re lucky you may come across a romantic Captain who will offer you the opportunity to renew wedding vows.  Anything is possible in the romantic world of cruising.

The Unique Touches

While nothing much beats a great wedding, there are the little touches that can create a lasting impression. Below are a few additional offerings that some of the cruise lines offer: 

  • Bartenders will create a special wedding cocktail in honour of the big day
  • Live cam footage so those at home can feel like they are part of the ceremony
  • Turn-down with chocolate coated strawberries and rose petals on the bed
  • In-room champagne and flutes, with his and her robes
  • Online gift registries
  • Priority check-in
  • Onboard credit or even upgrades for the bridal party

Legal Mumbo-Jumbo

It’s really important to check that while most cruise lines do offer wedding services and packages, some are not legally permitted to officiate while in open waters or, if they do, it can take up to eight weeks for the legal paperwork to be approved. You have considered how and when the license marriage certificate is registered and recognised by Australian authorities such as your state’s Registry of  Births, Deaths and Marriages.

All of these things need to be looked into and with the help of your travel specialist, you’ll be able to find the perfect cruise for your big day.

Call Cruise Express today on 1300 766 537 to discuss your dream wedding!

 

   

 

Ultimate Antarctica

Posted on by Kathy Fossati

Why We Love Expedition Cruising

It wasn’t that long ago that Antarctica was accessible only to explorers, researchers and scientists. Fortunately, this mostly untouched southernmost frozen continent with its rich wildlife is now accessible to almost everyone.

There are a number of ways to reach this inhospitable and remote destination depending on your needs. The options vary to suit either intrepid explorers, luxury cruisers with more time, or those who have limited time and prefer to fly directly, or even just fly over for a day.

Despite all the options, our absolute favourite way to see Antarctica will always be on smaller expedition-style ships. While we appreciate this may not be everyone’s ‘cup of tea’, we’ve outlined below just a few reasons why it is so incredibly awesome. 

Absolute and intimate

antarctic cruiseWithout all the bells and whistles of big ship shows, discos, casinos and shopping, expedition cruising is all about immersion and education.

Expedition ships, taking between 50 and 200 passengers, offer a more personal style of service. They are able to travel through smaller waterways, and the Zodiacs (rigid inflatable boats) take small groups of passengers right onto the shores. Tourist guidelines limit landings to 100 people at a time so with fewer passengers onboard an expedition ship everyone will ultimately have more visits and more time onshore. Immersing yourself in the pristine beauty of Antarctica on smaller expedition ships, allows you to get up close and personal with a parade of wildlife, including seals, penguins, pods of whales, and so much more.

Depending on the size of a larger cruise ship, they may not be able to send passengers ashore at all, or you may only have a few hours on your allocated day to ensure everyone onboard ‘gets a go’.

 

antarctic cruise

Why expedition cruising?

These sailings suit travellers who want to immerse themselves in education and experience, doing whatever it takes to get out amongst it. This can be challenging but at the end of the day, you are able to come back to luxury and comfort. While expedition cruises seem more expensive upfront, the benefit is that almost everything is included. There are no hidden surprise charges such as shore excursions and activities, with most drinks and gratuities included.

 Research, Research

Whichever way you decide to visit Antarctica, it is important to do your research, particularly when choosing the right time to visit. The tourist season lasts only about five months – typically from November to March.

During each of these months, something unique happens ranging from pack ice starting to break up, mating, breeding and hatching seasons for penguins and other birds, to when it’s the best time to spot whales.

Often mistaken for Emperor Penguins, the slightly smaller but almost identical King Penguin colonies can be found in vast numbers in South Georgia and the Crozet Islands, as well as the Falkland Islands and have even been spotted in Patagonia. 

It is very rare to see Emperor Penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula.  If it was your main goal to see Emperor Penguins, we recommend a voyage to Commonwealth Bay, known as ‘Deep Antarctica’.  It is a lot further south and a whole different kettle of fish to the Antarctic Peninsula.
For lovers of nature and all things wildlife including penguins, this journey is for you! 

Going one step further

For the super-fit and ultra-adventurous, some cruises also offer kayaking, scuba diving, cross-country skiing, hiking, helicopter rides or camping, just ask your Travel Specialist at Cruise Express and they’ll find a perfect trip to suit you.

————-

For more information on booking the trip that dreams are made of, contact us at Cruise Express on 1300 766 537.

Smooth Sailing

Posted on by Kathy Fossati

Our Tips to Consider Before Departure Day

The first day of your holiday sets the foundation for your voyage and can be the make or break for the rest of your time spent on board. Although each cruise line and ship vary with their offerings, over the years we have learnt a few general tricks and tips that will help ensure you set off into the sunset oh so smoothly!
Book Shore Excursions Online – You may miss out if you don’t look into these prior to your cruise, especially the popular tours. Don’t worry, there may be more released for onboard bookings but be warned, this will most likely involve long queues that CAN be avoided with a bit of planning.

Online Cruise Check-in – Most cruise lines will now request you complete this to release final traveling documentation. It helps to ensure the line keeps moving on embarkation day, so a much better experience for everyone involved. Information required will include ID and an emergency contact.

Drinks Package – These can be great value but do your sums to ensure you are going to get maximum value out of this for adults and/or children. Keep in mind that a service charge (approx 15%) is often applied to drinks on board and not all cruises offer this, particularly for the shorter length cruises. Many ships also now allow passengers to bring a limited quantity of wine and soft drinks, your travel specialist will be able to give you more details if this is applicable.

Adaptors – Many ships will have international, primarily US power sockets, often at a lower voltage, so please look into what you may require for an adaptor. Power boards and most electrical appliances including hair straighteners are banned, so don’t bring them. Many of the newer ships have USB points, making bringing power cords is unnecessary. Research into your ship is key here.
Specialty Dining – Many cruise lines offer discounted package deals to make reservations at one of their fine dining ‘specialty’ restaurants. It’s a good idea to purchase these packages and make your booking prior to boarding, although you can wait until you board if you are more flexible on which days and times you’d like to take up the offer.

Tip: You are more likely to get a reservation in one of the specialty restaurants on the first night. Occasionally there is even surprise a perk, gift or discount for doing so!
Register a Credit Card for Onboard Spending – Streamline your spending, in particular seamlessly settling your account upon departure. Throughout your cruise you will be able to monitor your onboard spending, often via in-room technology on your TV. On departure day, by having set up your credit-card payment, you can avoid often long queues of passengers looking to pay with cash to settle their accounts.

Pack a Carry-on Bag – Depending what time you check-in, you may require things such as a swimsuit and sunscreen, medication, books or ipads throughout the day. Access to your room is usually late afternoon or early evening, sometimes after dinner so be prepared.
Pack Appropriately – Research your ship, destination and activities. For example, if you are hunting the Northern Lights, pack warm clothes as you’ll be more than likely standing on deck for a long time.

There are often theme nights or formal nights on board, and activities such as ice skating require thick socks, and rock climbing walls need tennis type shoes.

Where possible, bring clothes that don’t require ironing. Remember also – at some point, you will need to move your own luggage – so pack light!
If you have any questions about preparing for your trip please call one of our Cruise Travel Specialists on 1300 766 537 or visit our website.

 

Cruise, Camera, Action!

Posted on by Kathy Fossati

Movie set locations around the world are almost always spectacularly interesting to know, especially when you visit them as the memories and familiarity floods in from some of your favourite movies and TV shows.

There are literally tens of thousands to choose from, so we’ve highlighted a few of our favourites in countries, cities and towns where we often journey to, by sea, river, road and rail.  But there are countless more in almost countless locations around the world.

We hope you enjoy reading these as much as we did putting them together….and remember your next destination with Cruise Express has undoubtedly been a film location – and probably will be again, who knows, maybe even while you are there!

SOUTH AFRICA

  • Blood Diamond
  • Monty Python’s: The Meaning of Life
  • Mandela Long Walk to Freedom
  • Invictus
  • The Power of One
  • Zulu Dawn
  • The Gods Must be Crazy (I, II, III)
  • District 9

SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA

  • The Killing Fields
  • Lara Croft: TombRaider 
  • City of Ghosts
  • Wish You Were Here
  • Two Brothers
  • Poppy Goes to Hollywood

HALONG BAY, VIETNAM

  • Pan
  • Kong: Skull Island
  • Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies
  • Indochine

ALASKA

  • The Hunt for Red October
  • The Bourne Legacy
  • The Proposal
  • Pacific Rim
  • Brother Bear I, II
  • The Tony Blair Witch Project
  • Northern Exposure

 

SEATTLE

  • An Officer and a Gentleman
  • Fifty Shades of Grey
  • 10 Things I Hate About You
  • Twin Peaks
  • The Fabulous Baker Boys
  • Grey’s Anatomy
  • Frasier
  • Homeland
  • Sleepless in Seattle

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND

  • Chariots of Fire
  • The DaVinci Code
  • Outlander
  • Trainspotting & T2
  • Churchill
  • The Body Snatchers
  • Castles in the Sky
  • Skyfall
  • Braveheart

OSLO, NORWAY

  • The Empire Strikes Back
  • Die Another Day
  • Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
  • Superman II
  • The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
  • Spies Like Us
  • Captain America: Civil War

 

So which is your favourite movie destination?

Click here to find out more about our amazing holiday packages to all of the above destinations and more or call 1300 766 537 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Specialists.

Australia’s Last Great Wilderness

Posted on by Kathy Fossati

Why The Kimberley?

With its grand yet unforgiving landscape, The Kimberley is often referred to as Australia’s last great wilderness frontiers, boasting some of the largest intact natural areas left on the planet.

Whether you travel by land, sea or air, there is no doubt every visitor will be impressed with the abundance of wild coastlines and seas, gorges, volcanic remnants, mangroves, rainforests and islands, deserts and sandstone hills.

With an area encompassing over 427,000 km2, The Kimberley is three times the size of England!

The Beauty of Exploring by Ship

Formed billions of years ago, the 2,000km Kimberley coastline is famous for its awe-inspiring rugged beauty, and stunning diversity. As you relax in luxury onboard Ponant’s Le Lapérouse you will discover first-hand, the abundance of wilderness, secluded beaches, spectacular waterfalls and indigenous rock art and history.

Onboard you will also enjoy Ponant’s renowned gastronomy, complimentary beverages and shore adventures including the Ord River, El Questro, or why not try a Bungle Bungle scenic flight.

Kimberley

 Flora & Fauna

Annually, over 35,000 humpback whales visit The Kimberley coastline, where they give birth to and nurture their calves before heading back to the summer feeding grounds in Antarctica.

The region is one of the last remaining healthy refuges for many threatened and endangered marine species, including six of the seven species of marine turtles, dugong, and countless varieties of sharks, dolphins and fish.

The coastal areas of The Kimberley also offers sanctuary for many species of native mammals and marsupials, reptiles, amphibians, insects and other invertebrates, some that no longer exist in other parts of Australia. It is also home to many species of birds, rare plants, freshwater crocodiles and fish including catfish and barramundi.

Unfortunately, The Kimberley faces a number of serious environmental issues, including climate change, large wildfires, weeds, feral animals and cattle grazing degradation.

Melting Pot of Culture

For hundreds of years, the “Macassans”, people of the Indonesian Archipelago, interacted with Indigenous Australians. Although the British landed on The Kimberley shores in 1688, Portuguese, Dutch and the French also continued to visit throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

While cattle grazing on the grasslands was popular in the mid-19th century, the gold rush of 1886 brought many Europeans and Chinese to the area, particularly Halls Creek. Also around this time, pearl fishing became a major industry, with Japanese and Malay divers joining the multiculturalism that became typical of Broome.

Come Along!

With so much to immerse yourself in, a trip to the Kimberley by ship has to be one of the greatest experiences of a lifetime.

For more details on our Ponant Kimberley sailings for 2020 click here. Alternatively, call 1300 766 537 to speak with one of our Travel Specialists as we would be delighted to help.