CELEBRITY CRUISES SPONSORS ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Celebrity Cruises, the modern luxury cruise line, is celebrating an exciting new partnership as gold sponsor of the 2016 Lavazza Italian Film Festival, to be held at the Palace Norton Street in Italy’s Sydney home of Leichhardt.

There will be special ‘Roman Cruise Holiday’ themed activities throughout the month long festival, including presenting the closing night film, the 1953 classic Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The new 4K restoration of Roman Holiday follows Princess Anne (Hepburn) and Joe Bradley (Peck) as they travel around Rome capturing vivid images of their adventures at notable landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain, The Colosseum, Mouth of Truth, Spanish Steps and Roman Forum. This Hollywood classic is one of the most viewed romantic comedies of all time.

Throughout the Lavazza Italian Film Festival, those attending the festival can capture and share their Italian moments on social media with a special Roman Cruise Holiday themed stage set up.

Adam Armstrong, managing director of Celebrity Cruises Australia said “It’s an honour to partner with this much loved festival, it’s no wonder this is Australia’s biggest cultural film festival. We’re extremely proud to help bring a bit of Italia to Australian audiences in whatever small way we can. Other than being there in person, I can’t think of a better way to experience the culture and passion of Italy than via the magic of film. We hope audiences are captivated by the carefully curated and beautifully modern selection, and that they’re inspired to create their own stories in Europe as a result. For those who watch the films and are inspired by the festival to travel to Italy, a European cruise with Celebrity Cruises is an effortless and beautiful way to create memories in Italy and Europe,” Armstrong concluded.

Festival Director Elysia Zeccola Hill says, “The Lavazza Italian Film Festival is a proud tradition at Palace Cinemas which celebrates our love for all things Italian. We are thrilled to partner with Celebrity Cruises for the first time this year and showcase its luxury experiences to the movie going audience. We hope that this is the start of a long standing association between Celebrity Cruises and Palace Cinemas which continues for many more years to come.”

“Roman Holiday” will no doubt whet the appetites of those who view this iconic movie to take a trip to Rome plus visit other European destinations.

To have your own Roman holiday experience in 2017, Celebrity Cruises, with its standout “X”, the mark of modern luxury, is offering a choice of four of the world’s youngest and most sophisticated cruise ships, sailing to over 100 of Europe’s most beautiful destinations. This premium cruise line with its cool, contemporary design and world class dining, from elegant bars and lounges, to their unique Lawn Club with half an acre of freshly manicured real grass at sea, is the perfect way to travel.

One lucky movie goer who enters the Lavazza Italian Film Festival’ s People’s Choice Award will have the chance to take a ‘Roman Cruise Holiday’. To go in the draw to win a European cruise for two on beautiful Celebrity Reflection, festival patrons simply need to choose their favourite film from the Lavazza Italian Film Festival offering.

Sandra Tiltman    Photos: John Pond / Film Company

AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES TO VISIT AUSTRALIA

Great news for those who love small luxury ship cruising is that Azamara Club Cruises, a brand of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, a global cruise holiday company that also owns Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises, is coming to Australia for the first time in December 2015.

The boutique cruise brand, which is renowned for its elegant cruising style and destination focus, will debut in Australia and New Zealand when Azamara Quest arrives in Darwin on 28 December 2015.

Prior to arriving in Australia, Azamara Club Cruises will revitalise their two 686 passenger ships with an extensive makeover. Azamara Quest will be upgraded in September 2015 and Azamara Journey will complete her dry dock in January 2016, before she then commences her season down under in 2017. More good news is that Azamara Quest will return in 2018.

One of the main features that sets Azamara Club Cruises apart is their focus on destination immersion, where they offer longer stays in ports, more overnights and night touring.

Each Azamara Club voyage features Azamara Club’s exclusive, bespoke AzAmazing Evening events that are specially created, complimentary night tours offering passengers the chance to experience a destination’s authentic culture and character.

In Darwin, guests will be treated to an evening at Crocosaurus Cove where they will meet the world’s largest captive reptile collection, including nearly 200 saltwater crocodiles. The highlight of the night is the Cage of Death, where a handful of the ship’s officers drop into a protected tank with some of the largest giant crocodiles in captivity. The unique event continues with a ceremonial demonstration by representatives of the Larrakia people. As the ceremony winds down, guests can hold some of the smaller reptiles that make their home at this incredible adventure center.

In Cairns, guests will be offered a journey into Australia’s Aboriginal dreamtime for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, including authentic music, chanting and dance that culminates in a traditional fire making ceremony by the local Tjapukai people. Guests will be immersed in the spectacle of a corroboree depicting the thrill of the hunt and the ancient totems of the rainforest people.

In Newcastle, guests will enjoy an evening of entertainment by local Australian artist, Olivia Chindamo, at Fort Scratchley. This historic and majestic site, which guards the Hunter River Estuary, is undoubtedly Newcastle’s most spectacular vantage point.

Other exciting features are Azamara Club’s Insider Access, taking guests behind the scenes at heritage estates, family farms, local shops and art galleries. Guests enjoy conversations and shared stories with their hosts, gaining valuable insights and appreciation of local culture. Nights and Cool Places offer exclusive after dinner experiences in small, intimate groups, ranging from a harbour yacht experience to a private gallery tour with a famous local artist. The Cruise Global, Eat Local programme features carefully curated dining experiences around the globe, where guests are taken to places the locals frequent, from a traditional family trattoria to a dim sum feast.

While destinations are the highlight, guests on board Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest receive personal service and enjoy fine cuisine plus boutique wines from around the globe. Included in each cruise are beverages, gratuities, self-service laundry, English Butler service for suite guests and shuttle transportation to city centres in ports, where available.

I have had the pleasure of sailing of Azamara Journey and look forward to welcoming her to Australia.

Sandra Tiltman

CELEBRITY CRUISES SAILS INTO TASTE OF SYDNEY

One of the highlights at this year’s Taste of Sydney was the Celebrity Cruises Lawn Club, which replicated Celebrity’s unique Lawn Club, the only real lawn at sea, found on board Celebrity’s fleet of five Solstice Class cruise ships.

In Centennial Park, visitors to the Lawn Club had the opportunity to relax in style and imagine life on board as they soaked up some of the atmosphere they will experience when cruising Celebrity

During the afternoon, I called into the Lawn Club to try one of Chef John Suley’s two exclusive martinis, which were inspired by Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Century. I tried the Celebrity Century, made with pear vodka, sage, lime, rose syrup & brut champagne with whipped egg white on top. I could not resist this pink martini as it matched my outfit.

Celebrity Cruises’ Associate Vice President of Food & Beverage Operations, Chef John Suley, flew in from Florida especially for Taste of Sydney, where he hosted exclusive Food & Beverage Matching Masterclasses inspired by Celebrity Cruises.  The masterclasses gave visitors the chance to enjoy an indulgent tasting plate paired with matching beverages.

Chef Suley joined Celebrity Cruises in 2011 and is widely regarded as one of the USA’s top up and coming chefs. Known for his edgy, innovative and unique cooking style, he provides passion, vision and inspiration to the more than 3,000 food and beverage professionals that he leads.

Chef Suley said “Celebrity Cruises’ partnership with Taste of Sydney highlights our continuing dedication to achieving the highest levels of consistency, quality and innovation in our onboard culinary experience.

The Celebrity Cruises culinary team proves that dining at sea can be as enjoyable, tasteful and memorable as the best dining experiences on land.”   Sandra Tiltman        Photos: John Pond

AZAMARA QUEST TO VISIT AUSTRALIA

For the first time in Azamara Club Cruises’ four year history, Azamara Quest will visit Australia in 2015.

As part of a 14 night holiday and New Year’s voyage departing Bali on 22 December 2015, Azamara Quest will make maiden port calls at Thursday Island and Darwin, as well as at the Great Barrier Reef destinations of Cooktown and Port Douglas, ending the cruise in Cairns.

Azamara Quest is a mid-sized ship for 694 guests with comfortable uncrowded social spaces.  The bars, restaurants, lounges, casino and cabaret are relaxing havens and the cabins feature modern amenities, furnishings and European linens.  Many of the cabins have their own verandas

Azamara Club Cruises are known for their destination focus and their itineraries feature longer stays and more overnights in port.  This allows guests to enjoy a fuller experience at each destination, including the nightlife experience, not offered by the majority of other cruise lines.  Their ships are smaller and offer a more boutique style of cruising, while their size makes them particularly well suited to calling in at the smaller, off the beaten track ports.

Earlier this year, the cruise line introduced AzAmazing Evenings, a complimentary night tour on each voyage that provides guests with an exclusive and bespoke slice of a destination’s authentic culture and character. They have also expanded their complimentary beverages to include wines, select standard spirits, sodas, international beers, bottled water and barista coffees plus included gratuities. There is also a complimentary self-service laundry, shuttle transportation to city centres in ports where available and English Butler service for suite guests.

Both Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey were recently refurbished.  As well as refreshing all public spaces and staterooms, a caviar & champagne bar was added, as well as a new Chef’s Table venue on both ships.

Perfectly suited for the sophisticated traveller, many of Azamara Club Cruises’ voyages are timed with major events and celebrations, so guests can join in the festivities.

Gavin Smith, Regional Vice President, Asia-Pacific of RCL Cruises Limited said “Azamara Club Cruises is a hidden secret amongst savvy Australian cruisers, but even though its ships have never sailed in the region, Australians are now the third biggest nationality of guests onboard. It has long been our dream to bring an Azamara ship to Australian waters and our whole team is very excited to welcome Azamara Quest in 2015.”

The deployment of the Azamara brand to this region completes a hat-trick for the Royal Caribbean family of brands.  Azamara will be joining sister cruise lines Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.

Sandra Tiltman  

“AZAMARA JOURNEY” RECEIVES MAKEOVER

 Azamara Journey has recently emerged from an eight day drydock in Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard complete with a refresh of all public spaces and staterooms plus an elegant new “Azamara Blue” exterior hull.

The second of Azamara Club Cruises’ twin boutique ships to undergo refurbishment, Azamara Journey is now ready to continue its Asia season.

A new colour palette in public spaces reflects the cruise line’s inviting atmosphere.  The refurbishment also included new carpets, upholstery and new mattresses.  Veranda furniture for suites and staterooms has been upgraded which should add to guests enjoyment while relaxing on their balcony, sipping a cocktail or two and watching the ocean.

The pool has been resurfaced and should prove to be a very popular area on the outer decks, with new sun lounges and new pool towels.

The Spa and Fitness Centre has not been overlooked during the renovations, now having a new steam room, showers and state of the art Life Fitness cardio equipment.  I am not much of a fitness fan and generally keep away from gyms when I am cruising, but this sounds so good I will have to make an exception and try this fitness centre.

Aqualina, one of the ships’ two specialty dining venues, has a new caviar and champagne bar as well as a new Chef’s Table concept featuring three wine degustation menus – Italian, French and Californian.

At Mosaic Café, the ships’ central gathering spot, guests can purchase a freshly brewed cup of bespoke coffee.

The Casino Bar was also expanded and enhanced with new furniture.

Azamara Journey, with a combination of 347 suites and staterooms, offers a European boutique hotel ambience with extraordinary service, fine cuisine and wines from around the world, plus wellness and vitality programs, all while sailing to a host of destinations larger ships cannot reach.

Inclusive amenities such as complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee and teas, as well as red and white boutique wines to accompany lunch and dinner plus shuttle transportation to city centres in ports, where available, and the included gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff are some of the reasons why Azamara Club Cruises stand out from the rest. The complimentary self-service laundry will be popular with Australian guests.  Suite guests also enjoy the additional benefit of English Butler service.

Azamara features longer stays and more overnights in port giving guests the opportunity for night touring.  Paired with the new inclusive AzAmazing Evening on every voyage, starting with the Europe 2013 season, Azamara guests will experience the nightlife of some of the world’s most exciting destinations.

Azamara Club Cruises is owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, a global cruise holiday company that also owns Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, and CDF Croisières de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 percent joint venture.  Together, these six brands operate a combined total of forty-one ships with three under construction.  Sandra Tiltman

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