IN his continuing search for the more weird, wacky and wondrous in the world of travel, David Ellis says as if we don't already put on enough weight on a cruise holiday, Australia's boutique cruise ship Orion is planning 7-nights from Brisbane to Auckland in December that will replace much of its traditional sightseeing, excursions and culture with eating and drinking.
Australian chef and author of Sicilian heritage, Dominique Rizzo will run cooking workshops highlighting the use of freshest seasonal produce, while also inspiring creativity to improve health and build your confidence in the kitchen, and New Zealand winemaker Tony Bish will host wine tastings, and talk about wine varieties and styles including bourgeoning Sauvignon Blanc and the emerging super-premium wine growing district of Gimblett Gravels on New Zealand's Hawke's Bay.
And Queensland-based cheese-maker, Markus Bucher whose family moved to Australia from Switzerland will share his specialised knowledge of Swiss- and Greek-style cheeses as well as yoghurt making – again together with tastings – and also discuss various Australian cheese types with comparative tastings.
Little wonder Orion says of this 7-night cruise Eat, Drink And Be Merry – For Tomorrow We Diet.
Orion departs Brisbane on December 13 this year and will have a day each at Norfolk Island and New Zealand's Russell and Robertson Islands in the Bay of Islands, before ending the cruise in Auckland; with current savings of up to 40% off brochure fares, prices begin from $3,735pp twin-share in an ocean-view stateroom. Details travel agents or free-call 1300 361 012.
