 |  | | Issue 438 | 19 March 2009 | | | Hi Cruisers,
Philippa and I arrived back from our Queen Mary 2 trip on Monday. We joined our group in Tokyo on a wet and wild day. It was freezing cold and pouring rain, but it did not stop the many Japanese coming to see the ship off as it was her maiden call to Tokyo. We arrived two days before to get our bearings and have a look around since we'd never been there before and I have to say, we'll be back as soon as we can. We caught the bus from the airport to the city, it was cheap and on time, plus it's easy to catch and right outside customs. I've included some of the photos below and you can see the Cherry Blossoms were starting to come out although the main trees around the Emperor's Palace were due to come out on the 23rd of March; yes it's an exact science. The day we arrived it was freezing cold and had snowed two days before, there was still snow on the ground when we arrived. It stayed cold all day and it was that chilling cold that goes right through your bones... Although it did not stop us from walking around the Ginza area famous for its shopping. That night we ate at a local Japanese Tepanyaki place, it was that local the menu was in Japanese, but it was cheap by Tokyo standards and fun. We had no idea what we were eating!
As you can see by the photos, the next day we did a full day tour and the weather was perfect. Apparently, there are only around 16 days a year you can see Mt Fuji from Tokyo city and this was one of those days. The first thing you notice about Japan is it's clean, tidy, organised and the people are very well dressed. I would suggest doing an organised tour as you'll have an English speaking guide which is helpful because no one speaks English and all signs are in Japanese - Not that there is anything wrong with that, it just makes it hard! I can only imagine how beautiful the city looks in full bloom as not only are there Cherry trees, there's also weeping willows and oak trees coming out. From Tokyo, we caught the train to meet the ship in Yokohama. James, who works with us, is from Tokyo and in fact, he was on the ship and came to meet us which made it a lot easier.
Once on board, we quickly unpacked and explored the ship. What I noticed was there were a lot of people doing nothing, maybe because some of the daily activities included napkin folding! Philippa and I spent most of our time catching up with clients. We hosted a table of eight every night for dinner, it was great to catch up with old and new clients although we could not get to everyone as we were only on for 8 nights and we had over 150 clients on board! One thing you do notice about QM2 is that it sails through the water like you're not even at sea. It is the true difference of an ocean liner and a cruise ship, it was really magic.
When we left Hong Kong Harbour, the Captain had received permission to sail out the East exit which is the main harbour, as you can see by some of the photos, we were very close to the Star Ferry Terminal; it must have looked awesome from the shore. Our only other day in port was Bangkok. Philippa and I went into the city to catch up with our good friends at the Banyan Tree and our ground operator. Good news is the hotel is about to open a host of new rooms. If you've stayed at this hotel before, you'll know what I mean when I say it is a fabulous hotel and this is the reason we don't use any other hotel in Bangkok, why would you stay anywhere else!
Late in the day when we were at sea betweeen Hong Kong and Bangkok, the Captain announced he was turning the ship around as someone had spotted something strange floating in the water! Suffice to say we arrived into Bangkok with another "passenger". That diversion took about two hours but as the ship can average 29 knot's, we were not late into Bangkok. Being the largest single group on board, we disembarked at around 10am. Disembarkation was running a little late but that's expected, we were out of the lounge, off the ship through check out and into Raffles within an hour which, in our opinion, was pretty good. Raffles Hotel had Singapore Sling's waiting for all of us in the East India Rooms which we used to store hand luggage until check-in. Our group was the largest ever single group to check into Raffles Hotel, 123, not bad from a little office! Philippa and are looking forward to hosting the Sydney to CapeTown and Safari next year on QM2.
The weekend was as you would expect at such a hotel, everyone we spoke to had a fabulous time and in fact, some of them are still there!
Click to see full-size image... Big news this week is Queen Elizabeth's details, itineraries and pricing have been released. In Carol Marlow's statement, she said we might see her early 2011 which means she'll be doing a world cruise, stay tuned! Below are the first six departures although I heard on the QM2 that the first voyage will be booked out with past passengers, but let's see what happens. The voyages go on sale midnight on 2nd April for past passengers and midnight on 3rd April for other punters. We'll be ready to make your reservations so if you're interested in one of the sailings below, please email our office manager Karen by clicking here and she will pre register you.
All our Queen Elizabeth packages include return airfares, 1 night pre cruise at the famous Ritz Hotel London and of course port/ govt taxes etc. On some of the sailings, we are even including a stop over at Raffles Hotel Singapore, just to break up the journey. Whilst you're in Singapore, we'll be giving you tickets to the Singapore Flyer and a sightseeing tour! Also available are options for Premium Economy, Business and First Class upgrades.
This gracious new Cunarder will take up residence in Southampton in October 2010 and you have the opportunity to embark upon 6 thrilling maiden voyages covering a variety of destinations including voyages to the historic Mediterranean, the charming Canary Islands, the enthralling Aegean and a Maiden Season Christmas voyage to the Caribbean. With our early bookings you save up to 30%!
Queen Elizabeth's first six sailings
7 night Gallic Debut package, 26 Nov 2010 - From $4,099.00 - Click here
16 night Mediterranean Premiere package, 25 Oct 2010 - From $5,549.00 - Click here
15 night Maiden Voyage package, 12 Oct 2010 - From $5,599.00 - Click here
15 night Iberian Discovery package, 1 Dec 2010 - From $6,049.00 - Click here
20 night Aegean Introduction package, 8 Nov 2010 - From $6,199.00 - Click here
24 night Festive Debut package, 14 Dec 2010 - From $10,699.00 - Click here
Last Minute South America, pack your bags!
15 night package on Radiance from an amazing $2699.00! - click here for details
This weeks highlight deals
8 night package on RCCL from Seattle NOW $1999.00! - click here for details
8 night package on Norwegian Star from Seattle NOW - $2199.00! Click here for details
8 night New York return package NOW $2599.00! - click here for details
20 nights on brand new Costa Luminosa Dubai to Italy from $5399.00! - click here
P&O Biggest Cruise SALE has been extended - SAVE UP TO 50% & On Board Credit!
11 night South Pacific Cruising NOW $1,949.00 Click here for details
13 night cruise New Zealand on Pacific Dawn NOW $1,449.00 Click here for details
10 night cruise Best of the East Coast NOW $1,849.00 Click here for details
9 night cruise New Caledonia on Pacific Dawn NOW $1,799.00 Click here for details
2 night cruise Brisbane to Sydney on Dawn NOW $499.00Click here for details
Keep Cruising,
Brett & the ecruising team
Like cars in amusement parks, our direction is often determined through collisions.
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2009 Cruise Tours
2010 Cruise Tours
 | | | |  | |  | Alaska's Glaciers  | | 8 night Seattle Return package with Rhapsody including air & a night in Seattle. Departing between Jul & Sep 2009 | From
$1,999.00 |  | Adventure to Sawyer Glacier | | 8 night round trip package on Norwegian Star with airfare & a night in Seattle. Departing between Jul & Sep 2009 | From
$2,199.00 |  | Roundtrip New York | | HOT! 8 night package with Norwegian Dawn including airfare and a night in NYC! Departing weekly Sep 2009 | From
$2,549.00 |  | Alaska & Sawyer Glacier | | Great 8 night package with a night in Seattle, airfare & grats! Departing 9, 16, 23, 30 May & 6, 13 Jun 2009 | From
$2,799.00 |  | Barcelona Return | | 10 night package with Norwegian Jade. Includes airfare, a night in Barcelona & grats. Departing Dec 2010 to Apr 2011 | From
$3,399.00 |  | European Fortunes | | Just Reduced! 8 night package with Fortuna including air & a night in Venice. Departing 9, 16, & 23 Nov 2009 | From
$3,399.00 |  | Greek Isles Explorer | | 13 night package on the amazing Celebrity Solstice. Includes airfare & a night in Venice. Departing 17 Aug 2009 | From
$4,999.00 |  | Italy to Dubai | | NEW! 20 night package with Luminosa from Savona including return airfare plus more. Departing 23 Nov 2009 | From
$5,049.00 |  | QM2 Grand British Isles | | HUGE SAVINGS! 20 night package with QM2 including air & 2 nights in New York. Departing 9 Oct 2009 | From
$5,099.00 |  | Radiance & South America | | LAST MINUTE SPECIAL! 15 night package with air & a night in Buenos Aires. Departs 12 Apr 2009 | From
$2,699.00 |  | 2009 Dawn Shimmer | | FREE onboard credit! 10 nights with Pacific Dawn cruising New Caledonia & Vanuatu. Departing Dec 2009 | From
$1,799.00 |  | Island Wanderer | | FREE onboard credit! 9 nights in the South Pacific with Pacific Jewel from Brisbane. Departing Apr 2010 | From
$1,899.00 |  | Pacific Wanderer | | FREE onboard credit! Huge Saving on this 12 night cruise with Pacific Jewel. Departs Mar 2010 | From
$1,899.00 |  | South Pacific Cruising | | FREE onboard credit! 11 night cruise and up to 50% off. Sydney return departing Apr 2010 | From
$1,949.00 |  | Discover Indonesia | | 16 nights on board Pacific Sun and FREE onboard credit! Departing from Sydney Jan 2010 | From
$2,199.00 |  | Land of Smiles Fly/Cruise | | On Sale! 15 night package with Classica including airfare, a night in Hong Kong & more. Departing Oct & Nov 2009 | From
$2,799.00 |  | Singapore Smile | | 15 night package with air cruising Vietnam, China, Philippines, Malaysia & Brunei. Departs Oct & Nov 2009 | From
$2,899.00 |  | 2009 Singapore to Shanghai | | Great 16 night package with airfare, a night in both cities, Singapore transfers & more! Departing Jun 2009 | From
$2,949.00 |  | Far East Sublime Islands | | 15 night package with Costa Allegra from Singapore. Selected dates from Dec 2009 to Mar 2010 | From
$2,949.00 |  | Marvels of the Orient | | REDUCED! 16 night Fly/Cruise cruise package with Classica. Departing Nov 2009 to Nov 2010 | From
$3,099.00 |  | New Zealand on Pacific Dawn | | FREE onboard credit. Great value 13 night cruise exploring New Zealand from Sydney. Departing Feb 2010 | From
$1,449.00 |  | Best of the East Coast | | 10 night cruise visiting the Whitsundays, Cairns, Port Douglas & more! Departing May 2010 | From
$1,849.00 |  | New Zealand Adventure | | 13 nights cruising beautiful New Zealand with Sun Princess from Sydney. Departing Nov 2009 to Feb 2010 | From
$1,999.00 |  | 2009 Around Australia | | Up to $200 onboard credit per person! 28 night cruise with Dawn Princess from Melbourne. Departing Nov 2009 | From
$4,199.00 |  | Dubai & The Emirates | | 9 night package with Luminosa including 2 nights in Dubai & airfare. Departing from Dec 2009 until Apr 2010 | From
$3,749.00 |  | Dubai to Italy | | Earlybird Special! 20 night Luminosa package with air plus a night in Dubai & Genoa. Departing 10 April 2010 | From
$5,399.00 |  | Los Angeles to Sydney | | 23 night package on board Dawn Princess. Even better FREE Upgrade & Onboard Credit! Departing Aug 2010 | From
$5,049.00 |  | Sydney to Dubai | | 25 night package on board Dawn Princess. Even better FREE Upgrade & Onboard Credit! Departing May 2010 | From
$6,099.00 |  | New York to Sydney | | 40 night package on board Dawn Princess. Even better FREE Upgrade & Onboard Credit. Departs 25 Jul 2010 | From
$8,499.00 |  | Around the World in 105 Days | | World cruise on board Dawn Princess. Now with even better FREE Upgrade & Credit. Departs 21 May 2010 | From
$18,599.00 | |  | Don't forget to check www.ecruising.travel for the best deals or call us on 1300 369 848 for more information on any of these cruises! |
 | | | |  | | | |  | Internorga Awards Pier Luigi Foschi
| The number of Australians taking a cruise holiday rose 26 per cent to 330,949 last year according to figures from the International Cruise Council Australasia.
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| Don't forget to check www.ecruising.travel for the best deals or call us on 1300 369 848 for more information on any of these cruises! |
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Gallic Debut
New Zealand on Pacific Dawn 
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