Cruise Newspaper Issue 17

This edition is your ultimate guide to the latest and most captivating, cutting-edge cruise lines from luxurious ocean liners to intimate river cruises, as well as thrilling updates, insider insights, and exclusive previews of the unforgettable journeys that await you.

adelady does europe

Visiting all the top spots in the Mediterranean

with Norwegian Cruise Line

Discover beauty at the edges of the

Earth and collect a lifetime of memories

FREE

PHIL HOFFMANN TRAVEL ISSUE 17

galapagos islands

PHIL HOFFMANN TRAVEL SUMMER 2020

Navigating the Waves of

Innovation: A Cruise Industry

Odyssey in 2023

Dear traveller,

In 2023, the cruise industry blossomed with a whirlwind of innovative and

fresh experiences across numerous cruise lines. Picture-perfect itineraries

have unfurled, accompanied by a ﬂeet of new vessels, ranging from intimate

crafts to magniﬁcent marvels. Among the stars of this vibrant panorama are

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian

Viva and Norwegian Prima, Oceania’s splendid Oceania Vista, Silversea’s

remarkable Silver Nova, pioneering the use of NLC energy, a remarkable

stride in sustainable seafaring Silver Endeavour, the opulent Scenic Eclipse II,

Emerald’s exquisite Super Yachts Azzurra and Sakara, and Tauck’s bespoke

MS Andorinha tailored for Douro River cruising, plus, Regent’s unrivalled

“Grandeur of the Seas”, christened in December 2023.

This surge of new vessels has opened up new horizons, ofering

unprecedented opportunities to explore the world's oceans. Australia is

eagerly anticipating an incredibly vibrant cruise season with over 70 ships

gracing our shores. From Azamara to Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Edge

to Cunard’s regal Queen Elizabeth, the enchanting trio of Princess ships

and Virgin Voyages’ exhilarating new Resilient Lady, this roster is nothing

short of spectacular.

Forecasts by CLIA indicates 6% industry growth, with luxury cruising leading

the charge. An estimated 32 million global cruise enthusiasts are expected to

embark on voyages in the coming year. What’s particularly noteworthy is the

surge in multi-generational bookings, a heartening trend fostering meaningful

family time across generations.

Remarkable programs like Princess 2025 & 2026 Season and P&O’s recent

unveilings, especially tailored for Adelaide-based cruising, have augmented

the allure of setting sail. A slew of cruise lines entice many with captivating

World Cruises, whisking passengers to a multitude of ports and countries in

one extraordinary journey. These voyages sell out swiftly, fulﬁlling the dreams

of countless travellers seeking the ultimate exploration.

If you’re thinking of travelling overseas next year, keep in mind demand is

extraordinarily high, particularly for Europe, due to the upcoming Olympic

Games in July 2024. For those eyeing of a Mediterranean cruise, be sure

to secure your place as soon as possible.

Please join us as we embark on an unparalleled journey through the

seas, where every wave carries the promise of new discoveries and

unforgettable moments.

Happy reading!

Phil Hofmann AM

Disney Magic at Sea has arrived in Australia and New Zealand for the

ﬁrst time ever! Lillian, from Phil Hofmann Travel Barossa Valley, has

just returned from a wonderful Disney cruise from Sydney aboard

Disney Wonder.

“Cruising with Disney is an unforgettable holiday ﬁlled with your

favourite characters, spectacular shows and imaginative dining. From

the moment you embark and are welcomed, it is a unique and special

adventure which no other cruise line compares to. I mean, have you

ever had a mouse as your captain and seen ﬁreworks in the middle

of the ocean before? Disney Sails away on a beautiful ship along with

a magical journey perfect for all ages, overﬂowing with imaginative

fun for the kids, unique recreational oferings for adults and thrilling

entertainment for the whole family. From Pirate adventures to princess

balls, every moment WILL be ﬁlled with laughter, music and pure

delight. The entertainment onboard the Disney Wonder is hands down

amazing. There are three Broadway-style stage shows that entertain

all ages, allowing all passengers to be singing, dancing, and cheering

for more. My favourite performance was “The Golden Mickeys” as

there was a variety of diferent or uncommon characters that got their

spotlight! It was truly beautiful. The amount of food available on Disney

Wonder is astonishing, with three magical themed restaurants, where

food from the movies come to life. There are numerous adults only

areas on the ship, allowing adults to still have their space from tweens

and tots, whilst still living their young at heart dreams! Since my return

from Disney Wonder, I am slowly easing back into reality as everything

felt like a movie onboard. I will miss the daily hugs from Daisy Duck

and the unlimited ice-cream cones!”

Disney Magic

at Sea

Welcome

to cruising

with PHT.

BY LILLIAN LOCKWOOD

PHT BAROSSA VALLEY

Crystal Symphony

WITH BIANCA HOFFMANN

With a tagline of 'Exceptional at Sea', Crystal

Symphony epitomises exceptional in every way!

A beautiful mid-sized ship with a small-ship passenger

ratio, she boats incredible space. I was lucky enough

to cruise on Crystal Symphony for three nights from

Adelaide to Melbourne and enjoy a taste of Crystal's

truly ‘exceptional’ experience.

From the moment I stepped onboard, my bags were

whisked away as I was greeted with champagne

and a quick and easy check-in process. I was taken

to my suite and introduced to my butler, Magdalena,

who poured me another glass of champagne as she

showed me around my stunning suite. The quality of

service onboard is exactly what you would expect

from a luxury 6-star cruise. With a guest capacity

of just 606 and a crew to guest ratio of almost 1:1,

this was certainly felt onboard. I felt spoilt by every

member of staf I encountered throughout the duration

of the cruise. From my personal butler to the wait

staf in each restaurant, every member of staf knew

my name and was warm, friendly and highly efcient

- nothing was ever too much trouble. There were no

wait times for food and beverages, in fact the whole

experience was completely seamless.

The décor on Crystal Symphony is stunning -

understated elegance. Having undergone a

multimillion-dollar refurbishment in 2023, she

is sophisticated and modern but still true to the

traditional Crystal feel with the atrium and some of

the suites still in the traditional style with features of

light timber decor. My suite was one of the modern

refurbished ones with a beautiful marble bathroom

and the biggest shower I have ever seen on a ship

(and triple the size of my shower at home)!

The suites décor and furnishings featured calming

blue and silver tones and was just gorgeous with

a spacious separate lounge area leading to the

bedroom and an exceptionally large balcony.

Stocked daily with my desired beverages, Crystal is

all-inclusive. Premium wines, spirits and non-alcoholic

beverages are included throughout the ship and

exceptional cocktails can be found at the bars.

On Crystal, even tipping is included.

The food onboard is ﬁrst class. What I loved about

Crystal is you can get food at any time of the day. I

have found with some luxury cruise lines, there are

certain hours when only room service is available.

This was not the case with Crystal. On one day, whilst

getting a cofee after lunch at the cofee bar, I saw

a delicious array of cheeses, pastries and sweets

available and indulged in a second lunch. I returned

to my suite where my wonderful butler then served

afternoon tea with champagne. I was absolutely spoilt

and never went hungry! There are two speciality

dining restaurants onboard with a sitting at each

included in the cost. Umi Uma is the ﬁrst Nobu

restaurant at sea and lives up to its reputation. The

other is Osteria d'Ovidio, ofering mouth-watering,

authentic Italian cuisine. Both restaurants were

sensational, and I completely overindulged trying all

the highlights of their menus. No meal disappointed

onboard, even the main dining room ofered one of

the best meals I have ever had on a cruise ship. The

food on Crystal was a standout in my eyes!

And to balance out all that food, Symphony provides

a fully kitted out gym with Techno gym exercise

equipment and Aurōra, a gorgeous spa for relaxation

and an array of treatments.

What is also exciting about Crystal is its newly aligned

partnership with Abercrombie & Kent, providing

combined luxury with exceptional experiences on

land and sea. I personally love the idea of cruising

South America with Crystal and getting of the ship

and being spoilt with an A&K intensive Machu Picchu

land extension for a few days, then meeting your

Crystal ship back along the coast and boarding again.

Look out for the 2025 World Cruise where this unique

option will be available. This is a new niche in cruising

and is going to be incredible!

Since returning home and to reality, I have certainly

missed my butler and the incredible food, service and

facilities onboard Crystal Symphony. It was a fabulous

cruise, and I didn’t want it to end. If you are looking for

an exceptional cruise experience, a cruise on Crystal

will tick all the boxes.

PHIL HOFFMANN TRAVEL ISSUE 17

From discovering endemic ﬂora and fauna to enjoying a sundowner

with life-changing views, this region will dramatically transform your

idea of travel.

Almost 600 miles from the mainland, the Galapagos Islands are one

of the most remote places in the world. Home to an astonishing 9,000

species of ﬂora and fauna, the 19 island-archipelago was the world’s

ﬁrst UNESCO Heritage Site and is by far the strangest, most wonderful

place on Earth.

DISCOVER BEAUTY AT THE EDGES OF EARTH

AND COLLECT A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES

This less-travelled reach of the world that once beckoned to the curious

mind of Charles Darwin is now yours to discover with the ease and

expertise of an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive Silversea Expedition voyage.

Get closer to the authentic beauty that lies at the edges of the Earth

and explore the evolutionary wonders of the Galápagos Islands aboard

Silversea’s innovative small ship, Silver Origin. Since Darwin’s ﬁve-week

visit in 1835, this remote archipelago’s fascinating biological diversity

has captivated the curiosity of travellers the world over. Join Silversea

to explore lava ﬁelds and saltwater lagoons, admire sea lions and blue-

footed boobies, and swim alongside Paciﬁc green turtles. Two distinct

7-day itineraries – one to the west where giant tortoises and land iguanas

thrive; the other to the north where Galápagos penguins and lava lizards

live – are easily combinable into one extraordinary 14-day expedition.

GALAPAGOS – NORTHERN ITINERARY

Sea lions. Lava lizards. The short-eared owl. Fearless as they are, the

wildlife of the Galápagos will captivate all your senses. It’s a fascinating

concept as you consider the range of islands explored on this expedition.

Española is amongst the oldest of islands in all the Galápagos, estimated

to be about 4 million years old and one of the only places on Earth to ﬁnd

the waved Albatross.

GALAPAGOS – WESTERN ITINERARY WITH PHIL HOFFMANN

In September 2024 Phil Hofmann will be hosting an exclusive group to

this truly unique part of the world. Experience the Lava ﬁelds, tidal pools,

and mangroves. Explore the wild landscapes of the Galápagos and see

what Charles Darwin once saw: creatures unafraid of predators and open

to human interaction. This expedition takes you to two of the archipelago’s

biggest (and youngest) islands. At a mere 1 million years old, seahorse-

shaped Isabela reigns as the largest and is known for having the world’s

second-biggest active crater. Santa Cruz places second in size, but lays

claim to the Charles Darwin Research Station as well as breeding centres

for giant tortoises and land iguanas. Come swim with turtles and marvel

at marine iguanas and Nazca boobies as you travel through the distant

islands Darwin made famous.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• Marvel at Kicker Rock near San Cristóbal, the vertical remnant

of a former tuf cone.

• Search for ﬂightless cormorants and blue-footed boobies at

Isabela’s Tagus Cove.

• Send a postcard from the Galápagos with a visit to Floreana’s

Post Ofce Bay.

• Explore the Fausto Llerena Breeding Centre for giant tortoises

and land iguanas.

• Take part in of-the-beaten-path tours, one-of-a-kind adventures,

and exclusive after-hours explorations.

ALL-INCLUSIVE GALAPAGOS PACKAGE

Experience paradise as old as time itself and immerse yourself in

exhilarating explorations from the moment you step aboard your Silversea

vessel, from complimentary Zodiac tours, snorkelling and kayaking to

nature hikes led by our naturalist experts and certiﬁed guides. A new

level of comfort, convenience and value where every facet of your travel

is included, and every detail handled by our staf.

SILVER ORIGIN

Silversea are committed to making your time with us in the Galápagos

unforgettable. Big on creature comforts and luxuries, Silver Origin is

the ﬁrst ship purpose-built for the Galápagos. Silver Origin has been

designed especially with the bio-diversity of the Galapagos Islands in

mind. The 100-guest, all-suite vessel is focused on sustainability with

leading-edge technologies including a freshwater puriﬁcation system,

dynamic positioning to protect the seabed, and an advanced

propulsion system.

From the science of nature to the wonders of wilderness, a Silversea

expedition reveals the world’s authentic beauty with expert insight.

Join Phil Hofmann & Silversea for the expedition experience of a

lifetime and return home renewed and enriched by much more

than just memories. #ThisIsSilversea

Departs 5 September 2024 from $15,200pp twin share.

Galapagos Islands -

Travel Back in Time

Curated in partnership with Australia’s oldest

bookstore Dymocks, the Australian Literature Festival

at Sea will see passionate readers and award-winning

authors connect across ﬁve nights of literature,

adventure, and relaxation, surrounded by stunning

vistas of the Australian coastline.

Take part in thought-provoking talks with like-minded

literature enthusiasts. Hear accomplished authors part

ways with the secrets of their creative process. Finesse

your own literary skills in hands-on workshops and

interactive Q&As.

British author, Alexander McCall

Smith, one of the world’s best-

loved writers, and a writer of

novels, short stories, operatic

libretti, and poetry, will share

his remarkable story in intimate

talks and Q&A sessions.

Alexander McCall Smith

Fiona McIntosh

Elizabeth Stanley

Sue Williams

South Australian born Fiona

McIntosh, one of Australia’s

favourite storytellers across

various genres, will reveal the

source of her inspiration and

how she approaches writing

during a series of talks, Q&As,

and lectures.

Elizabeth Stanley, an

experienced, award-winning

writer/illustrator with a

background of English teaching

and Educational Psychology,

will conduct informative and

interactive workshops* on the

art of writing for picture books

and understanding visual

literacy, and evaluate picture

books for their impact on

children’s development.

Sue Williams, an award-winning

journalist and best-selling

author who’s written for all of

Australia’s leading newspapers

and magazines, will bring

her extensive knowledge of

editorial and travel writing, with

a series of workshops* on how

to write travel stories, memoirs

and ﬁction.

5 nights

Sydney roundtrip

from $1,979pp

11 - 16 Dec 2024

in partnership with

And gain a fascinating glimpse into the art of storytelling,

from celebrated writers who have taken the literature

landscape by storm.

Join special guests Alexander McCall Smith, Elizabeth

Down Stanley, Sue Williams, and South Australian

author, Fiona McIntosh aboard Queen Elizabeth on 11

December this year.

To ﬁnd out more, contact your nearest Phil Hofmann

Travel branch or visit pht.com.au

"Cruising is a whole new world for us, and since we sailed the

Mediterranean on board Norwegian Breakaway (one of the incredible

ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line ﬂeet) we’re now totally convinced that

it’s the best way to travel, especially in Europe. This is a superb way to

see a whole lotta Europe in a short amount of time – being gently rocked

to sleep at night while listening to the sound of the ocean and then

waking up in a new destination each day. Not to mention the ease of

travel. We visited all the top spots on our hit list and only unpacked once.

Every little detail was taken care of so we were free to just enjoy the

entire day at each port.

We started in Rome and this city was one of our favourites. There’s so

much rich culture and history, and around every corner there’s another

iconic sight. We made a wish at the Trevi Fountain, traversed the Spanish

Steps, shopped up a storm wherever we went, and ate everything in sight.

Once we had ticked of all the major sights, we were happy to just wander

aimlessly and soak in the Roman way of life. We felt so relaxed and happy,

which set the tone for the rest of the trip.

Next stop was Santorini and the stunning contrast of the white-washed

buildings, the dramatic clifs and the glistening turquoise ocean made

this the most scenic destination on our itinerary. We enjoyed local Greek

food like dolmades, saganaki, calamari and souvlaki, as we wandered the

quaint, cobble-stoned laneways perusing jewellery and fashion stores.

Safe to say we contributed to the local economy.

We didn’t want to leave Santorini, but our next stop beckoned: Athens,

the birthplace of democracy and home to the original Olympic Games.

Our fave moment in Athens was taking a selﬁe in front of the Acropolis

— to see these ancient ruins in real life was just mind-blowing.

As we said farewell to Greece, our sights were ﬁrmly set on our next

destination, Malta. Mdina, the fortiﬁed city in the north of Malta,

exceeded all of our expectations. The laneways were absolutely

stunning and everywhere we looked was another Instagram-worthy spot!

By nightfall, we were bound for Sicily, an island of the southern coast of

Italy. Once docked, we made our way from the port of Messina straight

Adelady does Europe

"We visited all the top spots on our

hit list and only unpacked once!"

PHIL HOFFMANN TRAVEL ISSUE 17

to the pretty-as-a-picture coastal town of Taormina. The distinctive sound

of the piano accordion ﬁlled the laneways lined with little shops, all proudly

displaying citrus-patterned plates, bowls and printed fabrics, as well as

the famous head statues (known as Testa di Moro) which are unique to

this area of Italy.

The next day, our ship docked in Naples — the perfect base to start exploring

this diverse region. Here, you can visit Pompeii to see the preserved ruins

of the volcanic eruption, head to Positano for views along the Amalﬁ Coast,

or stay in Naples and explore the third-largest city in Italy and the original

home of pizza. We opted to spend the day in Sorrento and enjoyed a delicious

seafood lunch. No regrets there!

The last port of call before heading back to Rome was Livorno, the gateway to

Tuscany. We simply had to visit Florence from here and we’re so glad we did.

Within minutes of arriving in the city, we wandered around a corner and were

greeted with a view of the magniﬁcent Duomo Cathedral — one the greatest

masterpieces of Gothic art and the ﬁrst Italian Renaissance. What a dream!

It’s probably time we gave you a little insight into just how fabulous our

ship is. Our cruise experience on board Norwegian Breakaway was second

to none. We dined in a diferent restaurant each night, from French and Italian,

to Shanghai noodles and pub meals; not to mention the 24/7 bufet that spans

almost the entire length of the ship! Our fave experience was Teppanyaki —

the food was superb and our chef kept us entertained all night as he sang,

chatted and cracked jokes, all the while showing of his culinary skills on the

hot plate.

We had an incredible array of activities on the ship, all day and night, with

something for everyone. We took part in art and craft workshops, salsa

dancing classes and trivia. And we were spoiled with a choice of great live

music performances every night. On our voyage there were two headline

theatre performances — Burn the Floor and Six! The Musical.

The entertainment on NCL is truly world-class and there’s plenty of it…

or you can be the entertainment by joining in with a bit of karaoke!

To be back in Adelaide, reminiscing about our trip feels surreal. We can’t

believe how many amazing places we visited and all the magical experiences

we managed to squeeze into just ten days. We’re now planning our next

holiday with Norwegian Cruise Line and Phil Hofmann Travel… to HAWAII! —

who’s joining us?"

Cruise with the girls 16 November 2024 from $3,260pp twin share.

"We ﬂew to Rome with Singapore Airlines and can see why

they’re famous for their inﬂight service — the delicious food,

onboard entertainment, wi-ﬁ connectivity and welcoming

cabin crew made the journey to Europe an easy one, and the

ergonomically-designed seats are very comfy for long haul ﬂights.

They have a huge network connecting Adelaide to the rest of

the world via Singapore… so, what are you waiting for?

Ask our friends at Phil Hofmann Travel about your next

holiday ﬂying with Singapore Airlines!"

In the air

European River Cruising

with Tauck

The magic of Tauck's award-winning European river cruises goes far beyond

the riverboat you're aboard or the landmarks you'll visit. Cruising with Tauck,

you'll go beyond the ordinary to discover what's extraordinary about the places

you'll explore. Tauck believe you should experience Europe as it's meant to

be enjoyed – steeped in local culture, seasoned with regional traditions, and

ﬂavoured with fun. It's in the intimate ambiance and personalised service... the

places you'll discover of the beaten path... and in the uncommon access to local

culture and exclusive destination driven experiences you can't get on your own,

as you experience a true slice of European life and return home transformed.

Tauck have carefully choreographed all-included shore excursions with

unforgettable destination experiences not available to other travellers. Like

Tauck's signature land trips, their river cruise itineraries focus on the destination

to immerse you in the essence of the places they visit. Think exclusive events that

sparkle with cultural treasures for Tauck guests only, from gala dinners in private

places, castles and châteaux where royal hosts roll out the red carpet to wine

tastings at private vineyards, exclusive music performances, presentations by

noted local experts, culinary artisans in French markets, artists and historians in

museums and workshops, and command concerts with music by Mozart, Chopin,

Liszt, Strauss and Beethoven in venues that inspired their genius… and promise

memories that linger long after you return home.

If it means a better travel experience, Tauck include it – aboard and ashore.

Exclusive cultural experiences ashore found nowhere else. All shore excursions.

Superb accommodations. All gratuities. Entertainment, admissions, tastings,

on-tour transportation, transfers upon arrival and departure – are all covered

in one upfront price. And no options are sold, ever.

Onboard Tauck riverboats, you'll ﬁnd couples young and young at heart,

groups of friends and groups who share interests and alma maters, solo

travellers who know they'll meet like-minded folks and experience genuine

camaraderie in the friendly, casual atmosphere onboard, families with

grown children celebrating special occasions in a fantastic way; and families

with younger children traveling on Tauck Bridges family river cruises.

Tauck's newly renovated ships carry no more than 84 or 98 guests, while their

longer ships carry no more than 130 – and they feature more 300-sq.-ft. suites

than any other ships in Europe. Over 80% of their cabins have French balconies

with ﬂoor-to-ceiling windows. Smaller ships mean bigger experiences as you're

cruising on Europe's rivers. The onboard staf are big on individualized service,

special touches, and comfort, making you feel like a welcomed guest the moment

you step aboard. Intimate spaces invite conversation or quiet contemplation, as

you like. Onboard, the ambiance is relaxed and congenial… the staterooms and

suites are spacious. Service is impeccable… with a smile… and many other reﬁned

touches add up to a cruising experience that goes beyond ordinary. And ashore,

smaller groups provide access to exclusive travel experiences, private events, and

meeting the locals. Small is big… the best way to make your cruise so much more

than you ever expected.

Tauck's riverboats are custom crafted to their uncompromising high standards for

comfort, spaciousness, and elegance, and you can count on impeccable personal

service from ship to shore, with every detail seamlessly taken care of for you.

Meals are freshly prepared and regionally driven, both on the riverboat and at

local restaurants. Complimentary beverages – from specialty cofee, tea, and soft

drinks to house wine, beer, and premium spirits – are included on the riverboats,

all day, every day.

Whether you're looking to cruise the Danube, the Seine, Rhône or Rhine,

let us help you ﬁnd your perfect Tauck River cruise.

Contact your nearest Phil Hofmann Travel Branch

or visit pht.com.au for more information.

DREAMING OF A PREMIUM CRUISE EXPERIENCE?

Discover the Future of Cruising

WELCOME TO A

WORLD OF LUXURY

AND EXCLUSIVITY

Experience unparalleled luxury and exclusivity aboard MSC Yacht Club.

Your dedicated concierge will welcome you with priority embarkation, and

your butler is available 24/7 to atend to your every need. Relax in the Top

Sail Lounge, private pool and sun deck areas and treat yourself to a fine

dining experience. While staying in lavish accommodations, you’ll also

benefit from our Premium Extra Drinks Package and Wi-Fi packages.

Every moment on MSC Yacht Club is designed to surpass all your desires

while you experience the rich culture and beautiful scenery that the

Mediterranean has to ofer — creating memories that will last a lifetime.

*The promotion pricing is based on BEST DEAL per person unless otherwise specified. Each rate is related to the cabin category

description shown. The advertised price is based on MSC World Europa itinerary departing from Genoa on 21 April 2024.

Price on this ad is correct as of 11 January 2024. Port charges are included in the promotional fares. All offers are available on

http://www.msccruises.com.au/co.nz. For full passage T&Cs please visit http://www.msccruises.com.au/co.nz E&OE MSC

Cruises (Australia) Pty Limited ABN 55 003 526 725. General Sales Agent for MSC Cruises S.A | ATAS Accredited No A10954.

7 night cruise onboard MSC World Europa

Discover Italy, Malta, Spain and France

Weekly departures from April to September 2024

Embarking from Genoa

MSC YACHT CLUB DELUXE SUITE

FROM $4,534* pp

Italy

MARSEILLE

(Provence)

France

BARCELONA

Spain

Mediterranean Sea

MESSINA

(Taormina)

VALLETTA

Malta

NAPLES

(Pompeii)

GENOA

(Portofino)

MSC Cruises, the ﬁrst cruise line to ofer a ‘ship within

a ship’ concept at sea, provides the exclusivity and

privacy of a private club but still gives you access

to extensive amenities, venues, and entertainment

possibilities that the rest of the ship ofers.

Enjoy exclusive access to your own panoramic

gourmet restaurant with ﬁve-star service, lounge,

and sundeck with a private spacious pool and

whirlpools. With its all-inclusive features, the MSC

Yacht Club provides an array of privileges such as

24-hour butler and concierge service, which makes

the cruising experience deeply personal and

tailored to each individual guest’s needs.

You'll also enjoy dedicated check-in and priority

embarkation and disembarkation, unlimited beverages

and dining within the MSC Yacht Club, unlimited Wi-Fi

package, plus an unlimited minibar and room service

that is available 24/7.

Receive full VIP service with a variety of oferings,

including the possibility to organise a tailored

shopping session in the onboard boutiques outside

regular opening hours, embark on exceptional private

excursions or take advantage of the complimentary

use of the Thermal Suite in the MSC Aurea Spa to

decompress and rejuvenate whilst at sea.

Depending on the ship class, there are between 70

to 150 suites in the MSC Yacht Club which provides

the exclusivity that discerning clients look for and the

team gets to know each of your preferences while

anticipating your every need.

We have seen a rise in demand for the MSC Yacht

Club with clients preferring a relaxing cruise holiday

that gives them more personal space, such as larger

suite sizes and access to exclusive venues.

Yacht Club clients truly value privacy, expedited

access and above all personalised service. And new-

to-cruise cleints are tempted by the service intimacy

that the yacht club ofers while also beneﬁtting from

the impressive array of terriﬁc experiences available

on the rest of ship.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing escape or

a lavish holiday, the MSC Yacht Club provides an

exclusive haven for you to savour the sophistication

and elegance of a luxury cruise experience, ensuring

the utmost privacy and comfort where every detail

is designed to surpass your expectations and create

memories of a lifetime.

MSC

Yacht Club

A trip to Antarctica is a bucket list item for many

intrepid explorers. A vast, captivating expanse that

is one of the last truly wild places on the planet, it is

difcult to comprehend the magnitude of this diverse

destination, until one experiences it ﬁrsthand.

Aurora Expeditions, the Australian owned expedition

travel company, has been taking travellers to

Antarctica for more than 32 years. Beginning when

its founder, renowned explorer and mountaineer

Greg Mortimer OAM, brought small groups of

adventurers on inspiring voyages of discovery to

the white continent.

Today, Aurora is an award-winning, 100% Climate

Neutral company specialising in small-ship

expeditions to Antarctica and other remote

wilderness regions where nature rules, and where

few or no others venture.

Commenting on why he comes back to the region

time and time again, Greg Mortimer says: “It’s simple –

it’s never the same. From the chemistry of the people

you travel with to the impact of the weather and the

ice, and those things that come along that nature just

throws at you. The chance encounters you can have

on an expedition are wonderous.”

It helps to have a broad understanding of Antarctica’s

regions, seasons, and experiences before locking

in your chosen adventure. The travel season for

Antarctica begins in late October and ends in early

April, and there are dozens of immersive voyages to

choose from, ranging from nine days all the way to 24

days in length.

Antarctic Peninsula

An epic wonderland full of penguins, whales, seals,

birds, breath-taking ice formations and steep-sided

mountains descending dramatically into the sea.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the quintessential location

to explore on an adventure to the region.

The vast majority of Aurora’s voyages visit the

peninsula, but each expedition is unique.

Some sail over the famed Drake Passage both ways,

while others ofer a ﬂight in at least one direction. We

follow the experience rather than a strict itinerary,

where unparalleled opportunities to connect with

nature are top of mind for our team. Along the way, a

few things are guaranteed; awe-inspiring experiences

that forge deep friendships, changed perspectives

and lifelong memories.

Go further

Travellers with more time or a thirst for even greater

adventures may want to consider joining the

privileged few who can say they have crossed the

famed Antarctic Circle, or seen the tremendous tabular

icebergs of the Weddell Sea, renowned for

its heroic history and vast amounts of ice.

Wildlife enthusiasts and history bufs may like to

consider the subantarctic island of South Georgia,

best known for the perilous history of Sir Ernest

Shackleton. Beaches lined with elephant seals and

Antarctic fur seals, or its enormous king penguin

colonies – the largest in the world – which elicit

emotion from even the most seasoned travellers.

Life onboard and in the action

Aurora’s two new vessels, the Greg Mortimer and

the Sylvia Earle, are purpose-built for discovery in an

intimate and informal setting, holding a maximum of

132 passengers. Their small size means they can go

where larger ships cannot, they have greater ﬂexibility

to change plans based on conditions or chance

wildlife encounters, and passengers can enjoy more

time exploring, whether on land or water.

Each voyage is accompanied by Aurora’s highly-

skilled Expedition Team, many of whom are

leaders in their ﬁelds and share their wisdom

during onboard lectures, Zodiac cruises, Citizen

Science projects, landings and more.

Passengers are also spoilt for choice when it comes

to activities that facilitate deeper exploration. There’s

Zodiac cruising, hiking, photography with our onboard

professionals, and optional add-ons such as sea

kayaking, camping, alpine trekking, snorkelling and

scuba diving – even in the icy waters of Antarctica,

where expeditioners swim amongst icebergs,

penguins and unique marine life.

Visit pht.com.au for your next Aurora Expedition.

adventure in

antarctica

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