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P&O Cruises Australia’s Brisbane-ported ship, Pacific Encounter, has today become the first in the brand’s fleet to call into Darwin since the resumption of cruisingHer maiden call is part of a 14-night ‘Indonesian Explorer’ repositioning cruise to Singapore, where she will undergo a three-week dry dock.
Highly anticipated additions during drydock will include the installation of the 142-metre-long and 16-metre-high Twin-Racer waterslide and the P&O Edge Adventure Park. The Adventure Park, designed for thrill-seekers, will feature a 55-metre-long Zipline, Rock Climbing wall, Cargo Net, Walk the Plank, and Beam Walk; each sitting a heart-stopping 10 metres above Deck 16.
Marguerite Fitzgerald, President of P&O Cruises Australia, says the anticipation of Pacific Encounter’s arrival into Singapore next week is building.
“These exciting additions will mark the completion our three-fleet transformation and bring us yet another step closer to a full and ‘normal’ cruising season. And of course, we look forward to welcoming our Brisbane guests back onboard and seeing the joy as they race down the new slides and test out the adrenalin-pumping activities at sea when she returns.”
The brief drydock next month follows the vessel’s major transformation in 2022, which unveiled P&O’s new Byron Beach Club concept, Luke’s Bar & Grill and 400 Gradi celebrity Chef restaurants, an F45 Fitness Studio, Black Circus Theatre, as well as contemporary bars and cafes including the Encounter Hotel, Bonded Store and Altitude nightclub.ADVERTISEMENTThis initial work was completed ahead of her return to Australia in August, where she made history as the first cruise ship to return to Brisbane to resume year-round cruising, home-porting at the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal. The 1730 guests currently onboard the 14-night cruise will join Pacific Encounter in celebrating even more history-making moments as she becomes the first ship in the P&O fleet to complete further maiden calls into Benoa/Bali and Lombok in Indonesia, before arriving in Singapore on Monday 6 February.
Pacific Encounter will recommence her full program itineraries from Brisbane in March, visiting 24 unique destinations within Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific this year. Visit www.pocruises.com.au for more information.

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For more than 75 years, Holland America Line has been exploring Alaska, making it the pioneer cruise line in the region. For travelers who want to venture farther and take in the all-encompassing exploration of the north, Holland America Line’s Cruisetours combine an Alaska cruise with an inland journey to Denali and the Yukon. To make an Alaska adventure even more enticing, Holland America Line is including Cruisetours in its current “Time of Your Life” wave offer.With the promotion, guests who book select summer 2023 Cruisetours receive a free stateroom upgrade, fare discounts, free fares for kids and reduced deposits—plus tours, beverages, specialty dining and Wi-Fi with the “Have It All” premium package. As a bonus for a limited time, guests also receive up to $300 per stateroom onboard credit, depending on the length of the Cruisetour. The offer runs through Feb. 28, 2023.
“Holland America Line’s Yukon Cruisetours are exclusive to our brand, and the experiences we offer go back to a by-gone era, immersing our guests in a culture that is a deep part of North American history,” said Beth Bodensteiner, chief commercial officer for Holland America Line. “The breathtaking scenery of the Yukon perfectly complements the beauty of Alaska and Denali, not to mention the abundance of wildlife waiting to be photographed. Yukon is a must-visit destination, especially with the ‘Time of Your Life’ wave booking offers.”
Holland America Line is the only cruise line that extends the Alaska Cruisetours up to the unspoiled reaches of Canada’s Yukon Territory. In 2023, 16 different Cruisetour options ranging from nine to 18 days will be offered on four ships, with six of those options including the Yukon. In addition to incredible scenery and an abundance of wildlife, the Yukon has a rich history that comes to life as only Holland America Line can showcase.
Holland America Line’s top five reason to put the Yukon on your 2023 travel list:
Relive the Klondike Gold RushEvery Yukon and Denali Cruisetour features up to two nights in Yukon’s Dawson City, affording guests more time to relive Gold Rush history. Guests can visit an operating placer gold mine located in the historic gold fields of the famous Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Learn how placer mining is done, how to stake a claim and about selling the gold the miners discover, all while comparing the historical methods to the modern technologies. There even is an opportunity for gold panning in the creek.Breathtaking ScenerySome of the most amazing landscapes that the Yukon has to offer can be enjoyed on a scenic view along the Dempster Highway en route to Tombstone Territorial Park. The lucky ones will see wildlife while taking in the beautiful flora and fauna of the region. At Tombstone Territorial Park, hit the trails for a guided hike along the North Klondike River or a more challenging hike up the Goldensides Trail to a fantastic lookout point.Caribou, Wolves and Bears, Oh My!Part of the allure of an Alaska cruise is the diversity of wildlife. From orcas and humpbacks to otters and eagles, the opportunities to see amazing animals extends up into the Yukon. Lucky guests will see Arctic fox, Dall sheep, wolves, caribou, grizzlies, moose and more throughout their time in Canada.Glide Along the Yukon RiverIn Dawson City, a tour on the classic Klondike Spirit paddlewheeler takes guests on a nostalgic journey along the Yukon River past stunning tall pines, historic towns and wildlife. Learn about the Yukon First Nation based in Dawson City, the village of Moosehide, the history of the gold rush, the paddlewheel graveyard and the story of Dawson City. Klondike Spirit is included in some Cruisetours and can be added for a fee on others.Walk in the Footsteps of Jack London and Robert ServiceMuch like Anne of Green Gables is to Prince Edward Island, so are famed authors Jack London and Robert Service to the Klondike. In Dawson City, fans of London can visit the Jack London Museum and see a replica of where he lived while calling the Klondike home in 1897. This replica is built from half of the logs from London’s original cabin, which was located on the North Fork of Henderson Creek; the other half resides in London’s hometown of Oakland, California. The “White Fang” author lived in the area and spent time as a Yukon gold seeker.ADVERTISEMENTLikewise, visitors in town can tour the Robert Service cabin, where the Engli-born Canadian poet and author lived and penned best-selling “The Trail of ‘98.” Service worked as a banker in Whitehorse and later in Dawson City before he resigned in 1909 to focus exclusively on his writing craft that had blossomed with poems and tales of the gold rush after he was first transferred by his bank to Whitehorse in 1904.
BONUS: A Journey Host Guides the WayEvery Yukon and Denali Cruisetour includes the services of a professional Journey Host, who makes time on land easy, convenient and insightful. Along the way, the Cruisetour Host provides expert narration of the sights and views, as well as travel coordination for the hotel, air, land and sea transportation.Sail the Splendors of AlaskaAll Alaska itineraries highlight the best of the Great Land aboard perfectly sized ships designed for immersive travel. From April through September 2023, guests can cruise aboard six ships to the pristine waters of Alaska. Explore Glacier Bay and the captivating towns of the Inside Passage and beyond. Itineraries are seven or 14 days and sail roundtrip from Seattle, Washington; roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; or between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska.
“Yukon & Denali Cruisetours” includes either a three- or four-day Inside Passage cruise on Koningsdam or Volendam, or a seven-day Glacier Discovery cruise on Nieuw Amsterdam or Noordam; a two- or three-night stay at Denali National Park; and a journey into the Yukon. Holland America Line also offers Cruisetour options that just include Denali National Park.
Voted Number-One Cruise Line in AlaskaNo other cruise line has explored Alaska longer than Holland America Line, and throughout the years the brand has collected awards and accolades from the world’s most discerning travelers and cruise experts for Alaska cruising. Holland America Line was named the top pick for Alaska in the Porthole Cruise Magazine Editor-in-Chief Awards, AFAR Travelers’ Choice Awards, Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards and TravelAge West Wave Awards Editor’s Pick.
Alaska Up Close Immerses Guests in the Local CultureWith Holland America Line’s “Alaska Up Close” program, guests on Alaska cruises are deeply immersed in the local culture with authentic onboard programming, cruise activities and award-winning shore excursions. The exclusive experiences are delivered through experts leading workshops and lectures, EXC Talks exploring the stories of real Alaskans, tours highlighting the best of each destination, and Port to Table cooking demonstrations and fine dining events showcasing the culinary traditions of the region.
For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

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All Epicurean Expeditions by Atlas include a complimentary Cultural Immersion. Guests will enjoy enriching explorations of food or wine, such as a visit and tasting at a local vineyard.
Atlas Ocean Voyages has revamped its product offerings to now feature year-round expeditions aboard its 198-guest, luxury yachts. In addition to visiting remote, polar destinations such as Antarctica and the Arctic, the line will offer new Epicurean Expeditions to iconic, marquee ports in Europe, beginning in April 2023.“We specialize in expeditions that provide insights, indulge the senses, and inspire discussion among like-minded travelers,” said James Rodriguez, the line’s president and CEO. “With the addition of our new Epicurean Expeditions, discerning explorers can now truly immerse themselves in the culinary culture of European ports, while cruising aboard a luxury yacht.”
Onboard enrichment during Epicurean Expeditions will feature a Visiting Vintner, who may conduct a lecture and tasting to explain the subtleties of regional wines, from an aged Nebbiolo to a Beaujolais nouveau. A Gastronomic Guest – aboard every expedition – might be a renowned chef with a long history of cooking at Michelin-starred venues or a local culinary rock star skilled in the preparation of authentic, regional delicacies.
In addition to demonstrations or interactive cooking classes, the Gastronomic Guest will participate, along with the ship’s executive or sous chef, in the Yachtsman Cookoff – the Atlas version of a culinary “ironman” competition. They will also accompany all culinary-focused Cultural Immersion shore excursions, which are complimentary on every Epicurean Expedition. Depending on the itinerary, guests might sample tapas in Barcelona; explore a farmer’s market in Corsica; or shop for chocolates and wine in Cinque Terre… to enjoy back on board.
ATLAS’ NEW EPICUREAN EXPEDITIONS/2
Epicurean Expeditions also include the Atlas Heritage Dining Experience and Josper Grill Dining Experience for no additional charge at the yacht’s two open-air specialty dining venues.ADVERTISEMENTAlma means “soul” in Portuguese. Alma Alfresco is the outdoor area aft of the main restaurant. The Atlas Heritage Dining Experience showcases the culinary soul of Portugal with recipes passed down for generations and prepared using artisanal techniques. Selections may include Bacalhau a Bras – shredded, salted cod with potatoes, olives, onions, and eggs, from Lisbon; and Torta de Azeitão – a delectable egg custard rolled in pastry, from Setúbal.
After serving a casual lunch poolside, 7-AFT Grill transforms into a chophouse by night. Here the finest cuts of steak and fresh seafood are seared to perfection on a legendary Josper grill. Founded in Spain in 1969, Josper has become the world leader in charcoal gastronomy. Featured steaks at the Josper Grill Dining Experience may include Black Angus filet mignon, New York strip or a 35-ounce tomahawk – also known as cowboy ribeye. Non-beef selections often include lamb, shrimp, lobster, and vegetarian dishes.
Whether cruising aboard World Navigator or the new World Traveller, Atlas’ stylish and intimate expedition yachts offer every five-star comfort, from luxurious accommodations and an all-inclusive onboard experience to in-depth shore excursions and customized private tours, for a truly personalized voyage.
For information and reservations, call a travel advisor or 1.844.44.ATLAS or visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. You can also follow Atlas on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages or www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages.

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Virgin Voyages, Richard Branson’s award-winning and 5- star rated cruise and travel brand, celebrates the start of an epic 2023 with the launch of a video inspired by a music video.“The Voyage ‘’ was crafted by visionary director Jonas Åkerlund to celebrate the exclusively adult experience and takes viewers on a cinematic journey through 24-hours at sea. The video is musically guided by a reimagining of Culture Club’s iconic, 1983 song, “Karma Chameleon,” featuring pop-artist Drew Love. Originally released by Virgin Records, the new Virgin Voyages-inspired tropical house tune is debuting during the 40th anniversary of the original song’s iteration, paying homage to its Virgin roots with the iconic tune as backdrop to exclusively-adult sailing experience.
Starring real Virgin Voyages Crew members and Sailors, the video was inspired by their first-hand experiences on board. “The Voyage” was filmed on the brand’s first ship in the fleet, Scarlet Lady, and captures the essence of what it’s like to vacation with the brand, incorporating moments of relaxation such as sunset yoga and the serenity of vacationing at sea. At the helm is acclaimed Swedish director Jonas Åkerlund, whose work has been internationally awarded for feature films, documentaries, music videos, commercials and stage shows. Beyond these projects, Åkerlund has directed music videos for renowned artists from Madonna, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé, to The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Maroon 5. Working together with the team at Virgin Voyages, Åkerlund’s melodic, visually-driven storytelling was the perfect creative match to bring to life the feeling of transformative sailing aboard a Virgin Lady Ship. Alongside this creative vision, the brand partnered with vocalist and songwriter, Drew Love – of the band THEY. – whose sound spans across genres including R&B, pop, dance and hip hop. Apart from THEY., Love pursues independent, solo projects and co-writes for other artists including G-Eazy, The Chainsmokers, SG Lewis, Louis the Child and John Legend.
Nathan Rosenberg, Chief Brand Officer of Virgin Voyages said, “We have won the hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of Sailors who have fallen in love with Virgin Voyages because we created an experience everybody could love. As we continue to showcase our ships to the world, we wanted to share what it’s like onboard based on what our sailors have told us and shared on social. It features real crew as well and is a celebration of travel and Voyaging. “The Voyage ‘’ music video shows this in such a unique and relatable way, from a quiet and restorative feeling, to a dreamy, curious and energetic state.”
Jason Xenopoulos, Co-Chief Creative Officer for North America at VMLY&R said, “We believe that brands should create culture rather than interrupting it. “The Voyage” is an example of how music and entertainment can be used to tell a brand story while delivering an authentic entertainment experience to the audience. Virgin Voyages deserves more than an ad campaign, and we are delighted that we could create an entertainment experience instead – one that will live in culture where this brand belongs.”
Delivered as a methodically-driven short film, Virgin Voyages tells its story through the lens of the Sailor experience, all firmly rooted in the musical DNA of Virgin. This new music video also coincides with the launch of the new brand campaign, “Now We’re Voyaging.” In 2018 Virgin Voyages invited travelers to “Stray the Course” and consider the possibilities and innovations in cruise travel. In 2021, Richard Branson’s new company invited travelers to “Set Sail the Virgin Way,” asking Sailors to expect the unexpected. Often called a disruptor in the travel sphere, Virgin Voyages is elevating the experience yet again. Now We’re Voyaging. The brand campaign exemplifies the duality of excitement and relaxation Sailors can expect aboard Virgin Voyages’ award-winning vessels.ADVERTISEMENTEven as the newest cruise brand to enter the industry, Virgin Voyages has been making waves since its first sailing in 2021. With more five-star ratings than any other cruise line on TripAdvisor and numerous industry awards and accolades, the brand welcomes 2023 as its most exciting year to-date. On the horizon, Virgin Voyages will take delivery of two additional ships – Resilient Lady and Brilliant Lady – sailing to exciting new destinations including Greece and Australia.
To enjoy the sounds of Virgin Voyages’ modern take on Karma Chameleon and dive into the world of “Now We’re Voyaging,” visit here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-bBQFk-L6Q
For more information on Virgin Voyages and where the company sails, visit www.VirginVoyages.com or call your First Mate.

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