Silversea announces its new expedition ship to be named HSH Prince Albert II

Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has announced that its new expedition ship (originally acquired as World Discoverer II) will be renamed HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to Prince Albert of Monaco.

The name is fitting for a ship that will be dedicated to the exploration and conservation of the planet's oceans, wildlife and indigenous cultures. The Principality of Monaco, aside from being the world's capital of wealth and luxury - and home to Silversea's global headquarters - has long been recognized as a leader in marine environment research. Prince Albert I, a pioneer in oceanographic science and exploration, first explored the Arctic's Svalbard archipelago in the early part of the last century, and founded the world renowned Oceanographic Institute. In 2006, Prince Albert II plotted a similar course on part of his journey to the North Pole, in an effort to add to the scientific body of work started by his ancestor - and to draw attention to the effects of global warming on the Arctic regions. As a result, the Prince is the first incumbent head of state to have reached the northern most point on Earth.

"We are deeply honored to have our new expedition ship named after His Serene Highness Albert II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco," said Manfredi Lefebvre, Silversea's chairman. "His passion for environmental conservation is well known and we are committed to supporting his mission by offering travelers the chance to discover and appreciate some of the world's most remote and unspoiled regions."

When Silversea's adventure ship sets sail on June 12, following a naming ceremony in Monte Carlo, it will herald the beginning of a new mode in exploration cruising - where a luxurious ambiance is just as important as the eye-opening educational experiences it will deliver.

The Lloyd's Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is currently undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. To ensure the ship will deliver an expedition cruise experience consistent with Silversea's award-winning luxury standards, the refurbishment will include exterior design modifications, state-of-the-art technological enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces.

The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of eight, latest-model Zodiac boats with Yamaha four-stroke engines (for lowest possible emissions) that will allow guests to enjoy up-close exploration and access to some of the world's most remote landscapes.

"The interest in expedition cruising is definitely on the rise, among both affluent baby boomers and seasoned travelers wanting to further enrich their already wide knowledge of more traditional and established destinations. Silversea's HSH Prince Albert II will be the perfect option for those adventure-seekers who prefer a genuine expedition ship experience enhanced with the comforts of a true luxury product," said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea president. "Adventure travel is also about having experiences that are intellectually enriching, so every voyage will feature a carefully selected expedition team of lecturers and leading experts who will share their insights on the natural, cultural and historical highlights of some of the most pristine and secluded regions on Earth."

In a related development, the company has announced the appointment of Conrad Combrink as Silversea director of expeditions, with responsibility for developing the ship's itinerary and programs. He will also oversee the recruitment of expedition staff and lecturers. Combrink's career of over ten years in expedition cruising includes serving as expedition leader on World Discoverer I and II.

EXPLORING THE EARTH: TOP TO BOTTOM

Silversea's expedition ship will set sail June 12 from London on an Inaugural Season of voyages of 10 to 21 days focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the Northern summer, the ship will then reposition to South America and Antarctica. From mid-August to November 2008, HSH Prince Albert II will journey from the east coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to Copper Canyon), Falklands and South Georgia Island. Pricing starts at US$3,867, per person, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions as well as Silversea's signature all-inclusive amenities.

After the ship's refit, the ice-class vesselwill carry just 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private verandas. With staterooms and suites ranging from 180 to over 600 square feet, it will provide some of the largest accommodations of any expedition ship. 18 suites will each feature more than 400 square feet of luxury.

Guests will also enjoy many amenities found on larger ships, such as an elegant single-seating main dining room, library (with computers and Internet access), boutique, beauty salon, fitness center, full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will also feature several lounges for enjoying drinks, music and entertainment, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line's other ships.

The HSH Prince Albert II will also be equipped with state-of-the-art satellite communication systems, providing bow-to-stern wireless Internet access, enabling guests with Wi-Fi-enabled laptops and PDAs to surf the Internet and check e-mails from the comfort of their suites as well as public areas. Cellular phone service will also allow guests to stay in touch using their own cell phones even when the ship is miles away from land. All suites and staterooms will feature flat screen monitors offering interactive TV and video options. In the ship's lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition video screens, will display live lectures hosted by the ship's world-class expedition and lecture staff as well as visiting destination experts.

Guests aboard Silversea's HSH Prince Albert II will be inspired by the varied and constantly adapted itineraries that will make the most of the natural opportunities created by the landscapes around them. There is so much to explore that they can sail for up to 48 days on back-to-back voyages without repeating a Zodiac landing site. This is not soft adventure; this is full scale exploring from an ultra-luxury base at sea, in true Silversea style.

Reservations are set to go on sale starting Friday, February 29, 2008. A colorful self-mailer will be available to travel agents in a few weeks.

Orion 2009 – 2010 Calendar of Sailings

Orion Expedition Cruises

Orion adds plenty of spice in 2009

Building on established expedition voyages to the Antarctic, Kimberley and Papua New Guinea, Orion Expedition Cruises' 2009 - 2010 Calendar of Sailings adds three inaugural Voyages of Discovery to the exotic islands of Asia, a visit to Norfolk Island and exciting new sub-Antarctic island wildlife expeditions.

Asia: Brand new for 2009 are Orion's Spice Islands, Gulf of Siam and Vietnam Explorer expeditions to Asia. Depending on the chosen voyage these 9, 10 and 11
night itineraries (September and October 2009) include both popular and rarely visited Asian destinations. Visit a string of beautiful Indonesian islands including Bali plus expeditions to the exotic coasts and islands of Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam (including an optional side trip to Angkor Wat in Cambodia).

Departing late October 2009 is a 10 night cruise between Bali and Cairns. This Forgotten Islands expedition will feature the island of Komodo, famous for its dragons, Maluku, Yamdena Island and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait before arriving in Cairns.

Sub-Antarctic Islands: Orion's expeditions to the Antarctic have sold out each year with adventurers appreciating the departures from Hobart and Bluff to Commonwealth Bay and the Ross Sea regions and the chance to visit the historic explorer's bases of Scott, Shackleton and Mawson.

The Sub-Antarctic Islands component of these voyages is so popular that in 2009 dedicated Sub-Antarctic Wildlife Adventure expeditions are planned focussing on the extraordinary wildlife found on the wilderness islands of World Heritage Macquarie, Campbell, Auckland and Snares Islands and spectacular New Zealand fjordlands. Spectacular scenery combined with abundant bird and marine life creates island adventures in a photographer's paradise for those not wishing to journey to Orion's Antarctica.

The Kimberley voyages: 10 voyages between May and September 2009 feature the dramatic highlights of the iconic Kimberley coast including the ever-popular Opera Under The Stars voyage (a one-off voyage on the 21st August 2009 that includes a night at the Opera in Broome as a guest of Orion) and a Guide to the Southern Skies voyage. This 11 night voyage from Darwin to Broome will have a special astronomical focus when Professors Fred

Watson, astronomer in charge of the Anglo Australian observatory at Coonabarabran, and David Malin, astronomical photographer, writer and lecturer, reveal the ancient legends and modern science of the universe to Orion's guests.

Arnhem Land: Orion's expeditions in 2006 and 2007 really sparked interest in the indigenous art world and so a further 7 night Art of Arnhem Land voyage, departing Thursday Island for Darwin, will be undertaken in April 2009 exploring the isolated art communities of Arnhem Land. Hosted by pre-eminent authorities on indigenous art this is the perfect voyage for art collectors and enthusiasts alike

Norfolk Island and Melanesia: In February 2009 Orion will undertake a 19 night Norfolk and Melanesian Islands Discovery voyage through the South Pacific, between Auckland, New Zealand and Rabaul, Papua New Guinea. This meandering cruise will include the Bay of Islands before heading for a 2 day stay at historic Norfolk Island.

Other expedition highlights include the picturesque Isles of Pines, Anatom - in the middle of no where - and the cargo cult island of Tanna with its still-active Mt Yasur volcano. Capturing the romance of Melanesia, Orion will also visit Malakula, Nggella (Florida Islands) and Marovo Lagoon before arriving in the flooded volcanic caldera of Simpson Harbour, Rabaul.

Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait: For time-restricted adventurers seeking a shorter voyage near home, Orion has a tempting 5 night North Queensland Tropical Reefs and Culture voyage in April 2009 cruising from Cairns via Lizard Island, Stanley Island (with its outstanding indigenous rock art), Orion Reef (perfect snorkelling) and the Torres Strait island of Poruma (Coconut Island) before concluding at Thursday Island.

Or slip away for an early summer holiday in November 2009 and join Orion's one-off 6 night Great Barrier Reef voyage that includes Hardy Reef, Hayman Island and Percy Island; then enjoy a few leisurely days at sea before disembarking in Newcastle.

Tasmania remains a favourite for Orion's sell-out Food and Wine themed voyages. Cruising between Sydney and Hobart, enroute visiting picturesque Eden, Flinders Island, famous Wineglass Bay, Coles Bay and the Southwest Wilderness region of Tasmania, guests will enjoy 5 nights of food and wine tastings to balance the expeditionary activities onshore.

Further information on Orion Expedition Cruises 2009 – 2010 Calendar of Sailings can be obtained by visiting the website www.orioncruises.com.au

MACABRE KILLER’S GRAND BRISBANE LEGACIES

david ellis

AN AMAZING twenty-six million people a year wend their way along
Brisbane's half-kilometre Queen Street Mall, taking a break from the
office, daydreaming, cuddling-up, taking lunch, or simply doing some
serious shopping.

But few realise that a store they pass, or drop into for some of that
retail therapy, is on the site of what was once the home of
Brisbane's most macabre colonial murderer.

And not far away, guests cavorting in the palatial pool or dining
indulgently at one of Brisbane's finest hotels, little realise that
they too are doing so on another site once owned by that same
gruesome killer... nor that conversely the University of Queensland's
picturesque riverfront campus at St Lucia is there purely because of
this self same murderer.

Irishman Patrick Mayne arrived in Brisbane in 1844, getting himself
indentured as a slaughterman at Campbell's Boiling Down Works on the
fledgling colony's Kangaroo Point.

Mayne learned butchering skills to supplement his slaughterman's
wages, and soon after marrying Mary McIntosh in 1849, to the surprise
of friends invested sudden and unexplained wealth in a prime block on
Brisbane's very smart Queen Street.

Here, on what is now the Brisbane Arcade, he built a butcher's shop
with adjoining coach-house and upstairs residence, worked his way
onto the Municipal Council, and started buying-up some 400ha (1000
acres) of prime real estate, including at what was the-then remote
but now-fashionable Wickham Terrace.

But Patrick Mayne was also showing first signs of madness, attacking
perceived-enemies with a riding-crop or stock-whip, and abusing
others in fits of alcohol-fueled rage. Despite their affluence the
Mayne's were increasingly shunned by Brisbane's more polite society.

And extraordinarily in 1865 on his deathbed above his Queen Street
butcher's shop, Patrick Mayne blurted out that seventeen years
earlier in 1848, he'd murdered a man and that someone else had
already hanged for the crime.

Subsequent investigations revealed that on March 27 1848, Mayne and
two others had gone to the primitive Bush Inn at Kangaroo Point near
the Boiling Down Works, after learning that a drunken timber gatherer
named Robert Cox was boasting how much he'd earned from a big find of
precious cedar.

The three men ambushed the befuddled Cox after closing time, and next
morning a man rowing on the Brisbane River came upon human legs and
part of a torso in the water. An hour later police found the remains
of the body on the shore, and a head severed and propped-up in a
partly-built shed to further shock discoverers.

And behind the Bush Inn in a water-well that was also used to cool
milk, butter and cheese, they found Cox's entrails. A semi-literate
cook at the Inn was hanged for the murder, despite professing
innocence until the moment the trapdoors of the gallows dropped
beneath him…

Then to the surprise of most, not long afterwards Patrick Mayne
bought the land in Queen Street and built his butcher's shop, and
later two other shops nearby that he rented to a draper and a grocer.

Mayne had paid the equivalent in cash of nearly five years'
slaughterman's wages for all three properties, which coincidentally
was roughly the exact amount the murdered Robert Cox had been
carrying the night he was butchered.

After Mayne's death in 1865 and Mary's in 1889, their five children
consolidated their parents' land holdings and became generous
benefactors to numerous churches and charities.

Amongst prime sites sold off was one on which Accor's luxury Terraces
on Wickham Hotel now overlooks the spectacular Roma Street Parklands,
its 170 grand guest rooms and salivating dining a far cry from the
rustic Bush Inn at which Patrick Mayne orchestrated Queensland's
bloodiest murder 160-years ago.

In 1924 the surviving Mayne children, none of whom had married due to
their father's madness and the insanity of a brother, tore-down their
parents' butcher-shop home and built the elaborate Edwardian-style
Brisbane Arcade on the site.

Three years later they bought land at St Lucia and donated this to
the fledgling University of Queensland, with all profits from the
trust they established to run the Brisbane Arcade, also going to
support the University.

When next you're visiting Queen Street, pause at the Colorado
Clothing Store in the Brisbane Arcade – it's on the historic site of
the original Mayne butchery, home and coachhouse.

………………

PHOTO CAPTIONS: Macabre history – Brisbane's Queen Street Mall

ACCOR Hotels & Resorts' luxury
Terraces on Wickham

- Patrick Mayne once owned vast tracts of land here

on the now-prestigious Wickham Terrace.

(photos: Yves Lafon and Accor
Hotels & Resorts)

Fantasy Yachts

Cast your eye around any of the modern marinas and you’ll inevitably find your gaze drawn to the growing number of glamorous and eye-catching superyachts stretching the capacity of their moorings.

Once the domain of the ultra-rich elite, the accessibility of these premium vessels is increasing as our economy shines, the baby-boomers boom and our entrepreneurs excel.

In the news recently was Reg Grundy’s 70m Boadicea (pic, right). Bought for a reputed $30 million ten years ago, the retired media baron is looking for a cool $120 million. This ocean-going ship is one of the world’s largest private superyachts and it’s clear that even if Mr Grundy has to haggle, there will still be a considerable capital gain. Or you can rent it for 500 large per week.

Greg Norman’s Fremantle-built Aussie Rules was another boat that turned heads and turned out wallets. The sleek 69.5m cruiser with palatial fit-out is reported to have cost some $70m and was sold to Wayne H. Huizinga of Florida in 2004.

Fitting out these vessels is an art in itself and often a great challenge to designers who strive to accommodate the owners’ whimsical excesses. Mere toys such as zodiac tenders, Jet-Skis and flat screen TVs are passé. Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's $200 million private yacht, Octopus, has two helicopter landing pads. Arch-rival, Larry Ellison of Oracle won’t be outdone. His 138m Rising Sun (pic, left) has 82 rooms over five decks and 86,000 square feet of living space, equal to a small department store. Add a standard gym, basketball court and private cinema, Rising Sun boasts crystal chandeliers, onyx counter tops, leading chefs and a wine cellar. Under guard in Nice since 2003, is the late Saddam Hussein’s 82m Ocean Breeze. Its toy locker includes a miniature submarine and surface-to-air missiles.

Closer to home, you’ll find Aussie Home Loans’ John Simon enjoying his Sunseeker 90 Yacht on the harbour, probably waving to Nicole Kidman in her similar 74. Both yachts would be valued at around $10 million.

Gold Coast Sunseeker dealer, Rick Rodwell, says these high value vessels are attractive to similarly valued individuals.

“For many high worth people, travel and leisure time is extremely valuable and international travel, for all sorts of reasons, is a hassle. Celebrities, corporate high-flyers and media identities are buying these vessels almost as floating real estate. It’s somewhere for them to enjoy quality relaxation with family and friends with all the luxury trappings they are used to – and without the inconveniences of airports and security.”

Apart from the UK-built Sunseeker yachts, more and more brands are making their presence felt. Locally constructed Warren and Maritimo yachts are gaining a strong following as well as imports such as Sanlorenzo, Pershing and Foretti.

Sunseeker’s newest flagship, the 37m Trideck Yacht is everything an aspirational cruiser should be. Flipping open the brochure, we are confronted with the following description:

"… four decks of unsurpassed luxury, setting a new standard in an extremely discerning market. An unprecedented achievement in respect of design, performance and refinement, she has enormous scope to be customised throughout to individual taste. Unparalleled levels of space, accommodation for ten guests and quarters for eight crew make this an excellent yacht." I’m sure.

The 37m Trideck Yacht is POA, but once delivered and optioned, don’t expect much change from $30 million.

Rodwell also believes the recent buoyant economy coupled with the “seachange” movement is fuelling many purchases.

“These people, many just hard-working regular folks, have opted to stay near home and enjoy themselves.”

But obviously not everyone is shelling out $10 million for their personal dream boat.

Peter Duke, a professional skipper with 20 years experience, is seeing a change in the owner demographic.

“Put simply, there are more boats, more owners and more money! Once it was just the big end of town, now it seems almost everyone is enjoying a luxury vessel. Clearly there are plenty of people in the construction, banking and finance industries doing very well at the moment.”

For those hankering for the high life, Sunseeker’s 47 Portofino (pic, left) is a great way to start. Priced around $1.3 million and comes with radar, autopilot and enough comfort to accommodate and impress four people in two cabins. It could well be your stepping stone to superyacht stardom.

For Sale: Reef Endeavour

The biggest ship to ever be built in Fiji will be put up for sale on Friday, due to its owner Captain Cook Cruises promising not to compete with new partners Coral Princess Cruises, says The Fiji Times.

Captain Cook Cruises recently entered into a marketing partnership with Cairns-based Coral Princess Cruises, and a promise was made between the two not to compete against each other said Captain Cook’s Joint-MD Jackie Haworth-Charlton.

This will see the Reef Endeavour being put up for sale and retired from Captain Cook’s Fiji itineraries.

Delivered to Australia in 1996, the 3,000 tonne ship which carries some 150 overnight passengers also has recently struggled with fuel efficiency, as well as operational efficiency as its all-Australian crew was more expensive than other crews in the region.

At the same time, the high Aussie dollar has seen the number of passengers drop from the market.

“It is a very sad time for us presently but I have to say she was very successful,” Trevor Haworth, Captain Cook Cruises Executive Chairman.

Reef Endeavour was launched to replace the Reef Escape which retired from the market in 1996.

Cunard Maintains a Royal Tradition

No matter how many grand and opulent cruise liners grace the world’s oceans, none can compare with Cunard’s royal family. The mighty matriarchs of the seas will always hold a premium allure among true lovers of ocean travel.

Cunard’s illustrious heritage can be traced back to 1838 when Canadian Samuel Cunard’s British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company successfully bid for the transatlantic mail contract. Their first vessel, the 648 gross ton coastal paddle steamer SS Unicorn, made the crossing in 14 days at an average speed of 8 knots. Today, the relatively leisurely crossing is six days, although in the late 1930s, Cunard’s original Queen Mary could cross in either direction in less than four at a staggering 30 knots.

It is this transatlantic passage that defines a true ocean liner. Built specifically to complete this demanding passage in all conditions, a true ocean liner must meet many rigid design requirements not asked of mere cruise vessels. RMS (Royal Mail Ship) liners are in a league of their own.

Currently the Queen Mary 2, which entered service in 2004, and the Queen Elizabeth 2, which entered service in 1969, are the only true ocean liners currently operating in the world. The new Queen Victoria however, is a cruise ship and will not carry the RMS prefix like her siblings. Built at the famous Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Italy, she was launched in December 2007 after a nineteen month build.

Arguably the most famous ocean liner of all time, the QE2 will soon be retired from service after a stalwart career spanning forty years. Instead of an ignominious end at the hands of Asian scrappers, she will live out her days as a floating museum in Dubai, just like the Queen Mary in Long Beach, USA.

Australians turned out in massive numbers to farewell this mighty monarch when she made her final departure from Sydney on February 25. This event was made all the more significant as it coincided with the arrival of her precocious new sibling, the Queen Victoria on her inaugural visit.

Since 1998, the Cunard name has been owned by the huge US-owned Carnival Corporation. Known for their lavish cruise liners, Carnival has ordered a second Vista Class cruise ship to partner the Queen Victoria. To be named MS Queen Elizabeth, she will be slightly larger than her sister at 92,000 gross tons and be the second largest Cunarder ever built next to the 148,000 GRT ocean liner, QM2. She will enter service in 2010.

Travelling aboard these very special vessels is an experience in itself. While retaining much of the glamour and elegance of the 20th Century queens, the new generation of cruise and ocean liners have unprecedented passenger space, facilities and entertainment options.

Regular Cunard Inner Circle award winning agency, www.ecruising.travel, consistently offers the best value packages for any of the famous and soon-to-be-famous queens. This time next year, Queen Mary 2 returns to Sydney as part of her World Tour and this time presents the best opportunity to sample her many charms at affordable prices. Right now, ecruising.travel is offering an unprecedented 50 per cent off the Sydney to Singapore sector with staterooms beginning at just $4999.00. Almost unbelievably, this package includes 16 luxurious nights aboard QM2 as she sails the romantic Orient. To complete the scene, the price includes one night at the iconic Raffles Hotel and airfare home. Other sectors are available too. Imagine a 25-night Pacific Ocean crossing from Santiago to Sydney or a 49-night Southampton to Sydney via the Panama Canal. These magnificent voyages are no longer a thing of fantasy. Contact ecruising.travel on 1300 369 848 or visit www.ecruising.travel for all the details on any Cunard Queen voyage.

Seduced by princesses - Western Australia - Australia - Travel - smh.com.au

Seduced by princesses - Western Australia - Australia - Travel - smh.com.au

Thousands of east-coast Australians are being lured west by ship, writes Mike Heard.

Mining companies aren't the only ones making big money in Western Australia. The state is turning into a goldmine for cruise lines as well.

Ignoring cheap air fares and all kinds of discount offers by coach tour promoters, thousands of east-coast Australians will head to the west by ship in the next 12 months, paying up to $11,000 each for a voyage of two to three weeks