Cruise1st.com.au’s top ten unique cruise ships
Modern cruise ships are in the midst of a battle to attract travellers by displaying the luxury, extravagance and sometimes simply over-the-top activities normally reserved for Las Vegas hotels. Gone are the days where you would simply play bocce or lie around on the sun deck to pass the time; these almost floating cities have allowed for some daring ideas to be implemented on board. Whether it’s stairs made of Swarovski crystals, a Cirque Du Soleil-like performance, water parks, planetariums, or just being the first to have something, cruise ships are able to offer everything travellers would want to do on a holiday in one place.
Celebrity Century – Celebrity Cruises
The Celebrity Century underwent a complete refurbishment in 2006 and now boasts among others redesigned rooms featuring private verandas. Guests staying in suites also have access to personal butler and concierge services. This popular cruise ship’s Martini Bar is also home to the first “ice bar” concept at sea. It has a liquid wall that freezes to form a sparkling crystalline appearance, a bar counter that freezes and a solid block of ice to display bottles of liquor behind the bar. The service is excellence and is second to none with one staff member for every two guests.
The Celebrity Century is coming to Australia in 2011 and berths are selling fast!
Pacific Jewel – P&O Cruises Australia
Having launched in December 2009, Pacific Jewel offers two unique cruise experiences: an amazing high-wire circus and trapeze arena on the top deck, and P&O’s first ever celebrity chef restaurant, Salt Grill, by Luke Mangan. There are also several other top-quality dining options on board as well as cocktail demonstrations, wine tasting and coffee appreciation courses. Passengers looking to work out will be impressed by the spa and fitness centre, which is as big as an Olympic sized swimming pool. The ship also has four kids clubs, a shopping precinct and a Chocolate Café!
The Pacific Jewel explores Australia and New Zealand and the South Pacific.
MS Panorama – Avalon Waterways
The MS Panorama, which is due to be launched in May 2011, is set to redefine the luxury river cruise industry. The Panorama will be the first to feature two full decks of suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows, that lead on to open-air balconies. Enjoy cruising along some of Europe’s best rivers such as the Rhine and Danube while enjoying the spacious Sky Deck which houses premium lounge chairs, a whirlpool and an Open-Air Bistro.
The Panorama river cruises throughout Europe.
Queen Mary 2 – CUNARD
The Queen Mary 2 is arguably the most magnificent and luxurious ocean liner ever built; the ship also features the only planetarium at sea. Guests can enjoy a selection of 15 first-class restaurants and numerous bars and lounges, including the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar. Guests are encouraged to expand their horizons with book clubs and regular presentations on contemporary and historical issues.
The Queen Mary 2 travels almost anywhere including transatlantic crossings. The ship is also well known for its 108 day World Voyage.
MSC Fantasia – MSC Cruises
The pride of MSC Cruises is undoubtedly MSC Fantasia, which is known for its opulence and luxury. The exclusive MSC yacht club features a staircase made of Swarovski crystals as well as a private lounge with transparent ceilings. The aqua park features 150 illuminated musical fountains, and for the kids, the swimming area has a waterslide.
The Fantasia sails through the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and South America.
Oasis of the Seas – Royal Caribbean Line
The newest and most incredible of Royal Caribbeans Fleet, Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship ever costing over one billion dollars. The enormous Oasis of the Seas is the world’s largest and most expensive cruise ship. The ship is so large it is divided in to seven different ‘neighbourhoods’. ‘Central Park’ is home to the “Rising Tide Bar”, which travels three levels as guests sip their drinks. The ship’s onboard activities include a zip-line, carousel, rock-climbing walls, a 750 seat AquaTheatre amphitheatre hosting water ballet and dinner shows with the option of 25 different restaurants. For the engineering buffs it has twin funnels that retract when sailing under bridges.
The Oasis of the Seas sails through the Caribbean.
Celebrity Solstice – Celebrity Cruises
On board Celebrity Solstice, real grass is used in the half-acre ‘Lawn Club’ where passengers can enjoy a picnic, or take part in a game of bocce or croquet. Celebrity Cruises has also teamed up with The Corning Museum of Glass to bring guests the ‘Hot Glass Show’ where passengers can watch glass blowers in action. There is also the ‘Fun Factory’ for kids aged 3-12 and the ‘X Club’ for teens.
The Celebrity Solstice sails through the Mediterranean, Caribbean as well as does transatlantic crossings.
Ruby Princess – Princess Cruises
The newest member of the Princess Cruises fleet, the Ruby Princess features poolside theatres and the cruise line’s signature ‘Movies Under the Stars’; an outdoor cinema showing all the latest movies. The adults only ‘The Sanctuary’ features a spa-inspired setting with massage cabanas to create an onboard paradise while the kids enjoy the five swimming pools, including a swim-against-the-current lap pool. For those looking to renew their vows, have a wedding at sea, or lucky enough to meet their soul mate on board, the ship also features the Hearts and Minds wedding chapel.
The Ruby Princess sails through the Caribbean and Europe.
MV Orion – Orion Expedition Cruises
For a truly five-star experience, take a cruise on board the Orion, arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. Designed for expedition cruising but exuding luxury, guests explore various destinations, and are transported ashore in one of the fleet of 10 Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats). When back aboard, guests can listen to presentations from one of the Expedition staff or guest speakers, or enjoy a meal from award-winning Sydney chef Serge Dansereau of ‘The Bathers’ Pavilion’ fame.
The Orion sails around the Kimberley region of Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
MV True North – True North
Enjoy a majestic cruise through Australia’s Top End on board one of the most luxurious Australian cruise ships, True North. Passengers can experience a true wilderness adventure with six expedition vessels to carry passengers up close to waterfalls. The onboard helicopter can even take passengers to remote billabongs to fish or snorkel, with complimentary snorkelling gear provided. The onboard fine dining restaurant offers freshly caught seafood, while the romantics can enjoy a ‘heli-picnic’ for an unforgettable dining experience.
The True North sails through the Kimberleys, Coral Atolls and the Solomon Islands. odern cruise ships are in the midst of a battle to attract travellers by displaying the luxury, extravagance and sometimes simply over-the-top activities normally reserved for Las Vegas hotels. Gone are the days where you would simply play bocce or lie around on the sun deck to pass the time; these almost floating cities have allowed for some daring ideas to be implemented on board. Whether it’s stairs made of Swarovski crystals, a Cirque Du Soleil-like performance, water parks, planetariums, or just being the first to have something, cruise ships are able to offer everything travellers would want to do on a holiday in one place.
Cruise1st the cruise booking specialists, has navigated the high seas to find the cruise ships that offer the most exceptional cruise experience.
Cruise1st.com.au’s top ten unique cruise ships
Celebrity Century – Celebrity Cruises
The Celebrity Century underwent a complete refurbishment in 2006 and now boasts among others redesigned rooms featuring private verandas. Guests staying in suites also have access to personal butler and concierge services. This popular cruise ship’s Martini Bar is also home to the first “ice bar” concept at sea. It has a liquid wall that freezes to form a sparkling crystalline appearance, a bar counter that freezes and a solid block of ice to display bottles of liquor behind the bar. The service is excellence and is second to none with one staff member for every two guests.
The Celebrity Century is coming to Australia in 2011 and berths are selling fast!
Pacific Jewel – P&O Cruises Australia
Having launched in December 2009, Pacific Jewel offers two unique cruise experiences: an amazing high-wire circus and trapeze arena on the top deck, and P&O’s first ever celebrity chef restaurant, Salt Grill, by Luke Mangan. There are also several other top-quality dining options on board as well as cocktail demonstrations, wine tasting and coffee appreciation courses. Passengers looking to work out will be impressed by the spa and fitness centre, which is as big as an Olympic sized swimming pool. The ship also has four kids clubs, a shopping precinct and a Chocolate Café!
The Pacific Jewel explores Australia and New Zealand and the South Pacific.
MS Panorama – Avalon Waterways
The MS Panorama, which is due to be launched in May 2011, is set to redefine the luxury river cruise industry. The Panorama will be the first to feature two full decks of suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows, that lead on to open-air balconies. Enjoy cruising along some of Europe’s best rivers such as the Rhine and Danube while enjoying the spacious Sky Deck which houses premium lounge chairs, a whirlpool and an Open-Air Bistro.
The Panorama river cruises throughout Europe.
Queen Mary 2 – CUNARD
The Queen Mary 2 is arguably the most magnificent and luxurious ocean liner ever built; the ship also features the only planetarium at sea. Guests can enjoy a selection of 15 first-class restaurants and numerous bars and lounges, including the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar. Guests are encouraged to expand their horizons with book clubs and regular presentations on contemporary and historical issues.
The Queen Mary 2 travels almost anywhere including transatlantic crossings. The ship is also well known for its 108 day World Voyage.
MSC Fantasia – MSC Cruises
The pride of MSC Cruises is undoubtedly MSC Fantasia, which is known for its opulence and luxury. The exclusive MSC yacht club features a staircase made of Swarovski crystals as well as a private lounge with transparent ceilings. The aqua park features 150 illuminated musical fountains, and for the kids, the swimming area has a waterslide.
The Fantasia sails through the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and South America.
Oasis of the Seas – Royal Caribbean Line
The newest and most incredible of Royal Caribbeans Fleet, Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship ever costing over one billion dollars. The enormous Oasis of the Seas is the world’s largest and most expensive cruise ship. The ship is so large it is divided in to seven different ‘neighbourhoods’. ‘Central Park’ is home to the “Rising Tide Bar”, which travels three levels as guests sip their drinks. The ship’s onboard activities include a zip-line, carousel, rock-climbing walls, a 750 seat AquaTheatre amphitheatre hosting water ballet and dinner shows with the option of 25 different restaurants. For the engineering buffs it has twin funnels that retract when sailing under bridges.
The Oasis of the Seas sails through the Caribbean.
Celebrity Solstice – Celebrity Cruises
On board Celebrity Solstice, real grass is used in the half-acre ‘Lawn Club’ where passengers can enjoy a picnic, or take part in a game of bocce or croquet. Celebrity Cruises has also teamed up with The Corning Museum of Glass to bring guests the ‘Hot Glass Show’ where passengers can watch glass blowers in action. There is also the ‘Fun Factory’ for kids aged 3-12 and the ‘X Club’ for teens.
The Celebrity Solstice sails through the Mediterranean, Caribbean as well as does transatlantic crossings.
Ruby Princess – Princess Cruises
The newest member of the Princess Cruises fleet, the Ruby Princess features poolside theatres and the cruise line’s signature ‘Movies Under the Stars’; an outdoor cinema showing all the latest movies. The adults only ‘The Sanctuary’ features a spa-inspired setting with massage cabanas to create an onboard paradise while the kids enjoy the five swimming pools, including a swim-against-the-current lap pool. For those looking to renew their vows, have a wedding at sea, or lucky enough to meet their soul mate on board, the ship also features the Hearts and Minds wedding chapel.
The Ruby Princess sails through the Caribbean and Europe.
MV Orion – Orion Expedition Cruises
For a truly five-star experience, take a cruise on board the Orion, arguably the most sophisticated vessel in its class. Designed for expedition cruising but exuding luxury, guests explore various destinations, and are transported ashore in one of the fleet of 10 Zodiacs (inflatable rubber boats). When back aboard, guests can listen to presentations from one of the Expedition staff or guest speakers, or enjoy a meal from award-winning Sydney chef Serge Dansereau of ‘The Bathers’ Pavilion’ fame.
The Orion sails around the Kimberley region of Northern Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
MV True North – True North
Enjoy a majestic cruise through Australia’s Top End on board one of the most luxurious Australian cruise ships, True North. Passengers can experience a true wilderness adventure with six expedition vessels to carry passengers up close to waterfalls. The onboard helicopter can even take passengers to remote billabongs to fish or snorkel, with complimentary snorkelling gear provided. The onboard fine dining restaurant offers freshly caught seafood, while the romantics can enjoy a ‘heli-picnic’ for an unforgettable dining experience.
The True North sails through the Kimberleys, Coral Atolls and the Solomon Islands.