Emirates Wolgan Valley Dishes at Airline Lounges.

Costa Toll May Never be Known.

Ralph Grizzle in Sydney.

To my many BLOG FOLLOWERS, in order to simplify my BLOG ADDRESS.  My NEW BLOG address is

johnpondworld.com

It’s easier to remember and if you are one of my many followers, I sincerely hope you will access my new site and

CLICK ON TO FOLLOW BLOG BY EMAIL

in the right hand column, to continue reading my daily blogs.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

John Pond

johnpondworld.com

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Silversea Rewards Solo Travellers. Solo cruisers can now experience the luxury of Silversea without paying a hefty single supplement.  Their single rates on select sailings are among the most generous at sea at only 5% – 25% over the double occupancy fare.  An exclusive champagne reception allows passengers to mingle with fellow travellers and there are even gentlemen hosts escort some departures.  OK, that looks after single ladies, what about the single men?

Lets face it, there are usually more single ladies onboard most sailings, so guys, one will never be short of a dance partner. My wonderful wife Sandra has always said, if anything happens to her, I should get a job as a dancing hosts onboard a luxury liner.

I believe 2012 will see some great single supplement offers across the board, due to recent events.  So start thinking about where you want to take your next cruise.

In this writers opinion, 5 star ships offer incredible value.  Many include tips, beverages and onboard credits. Many offer no cost shore excursions.  Add to this superior dining options, usually at no additional cost and you have really great value packages.  John Pond.

When ultra-luxury Silver Shadow berths at the Overseas Passenger Terminal Circular Quay on Friday morning she will be gearing up for a major lunchtime fashion launch onboard of the Kiargo Swimwear Collection.

The launch is aimed at fashion media (not cruise media) and the ship’s guests onboard. The 2012 Kiargo Swimwear catalogue was shot aboard Silversea’s flagship Silver Spirit.

The swimwear collection is designed by Australian Jessica Holmes for “real women” who enjoy cruising and travelling. The swimsuits will reflect a strong nautical influence, with everything from itsy bitsy bikinis, to the Kiargo Retro look.

Silversea sails for Auckland on this Friday evening with an almost totally full ship and returns on 12 February, as part of a 19 day Auckland to Fremantle cruise to end her annual summer South Pacific sojourn.

Silver Shadow will be positioned again in Australian waters from December this year to February next year.

JP: Now I am not sure what “real women” means, perhaps there will be no men in the parade? Or does it mean “larger women”, not quite sure? Anyhow the model and swimsuit look very good.  John Pond.

Silversea Cruises is recognised as an innovator in the luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and the new Silver Spirit.

The Captain of the Costa Concordia allegedly told an investigating judge that he was assisting passengers but they were “pouring on to the decks” and “taking lifeboats by assault”.

“I didn’t even have a life jacket because I had given it to one of the passengers,” he is said to have explained to investigators.

“I was trying to get people to get into the boats in an orderly fashion.

“Suddenly, since the ship was at a 60 to 70 degree angle, I tripped and I ended up in one of the boats. That’s how I found myself there.

“Suspended there, I was unable to lower the boat into the sea, because the space was blocked by other boats in the water.”

This statement is due to go down in history, along with “the cheque is in the mail”   John Pond.

Costa Disaster Avoidable by John Pond, Reports concerning Costa Concordia, owned by Carnival Corporation USA, lying on its side about 250 metres from the Italian island of Giglio, keep pouring in.  The gaping 70 -100 metre hole in its hull, still with a torn off rock in the middle of the gash, beggars belief. Reports of six dead and two dozen missing, where will it end?  Although one must not jump to quick conclusions, the Captain is under arrest and the First Officer is being questioned by Police.

It appears human error is the culprit with some reports indicating that the Captain was “showing off” to friends on shore.

With several officers on the bridge and the latest state of the art equipment, how could this happen? Some reports indicate the Captain was “showing off”.

Some of the frightening aspects of this disaster are that it appears no lifeboat drills were carried out before leaving port.  Apparently no, or little, direction from crew relating to evacuation proceedings was given.  To me, one of the most glaring errors in shipboard design, was that electronic keycards did not work in the doors leading to individual cabins when the power went off.  Passengers were locked out of and locked in cabins.

The only positive is that there will surely be a complete rethink on ships’ safety procedures.  Fortunately the ship was less than 300 metres away from the shore, otherwise, I believe, the death toll would have been much higher.

One troubling report suggests that there was no distress call made from the ship.  It has also been reported that the $600 million ship will be a complete write off, although it has been reported that the shipping company are investigating ways to refloat.

Lifeboat and evacuation drills must be carried out before ships leave port in all cases.  Currently the death toll stands at 11 with up to 24 still missing. 

Today’s ships are filled with the latest state of the art electronic gear to detect obstacles, yet two passenger ships have hit obstacles (reefs/rocks) this month,  with the latest ship, Costa Concordia, suffering several dead, due mainly to panic.  The Captain of the Costa Concordia has been arrested.  It is not clear whether he was at the helm at the time of the accident.  Many of the passengers have not been as yet accounted for.

HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?

I sail often and safety has never been a concern to me, up to now.  I have observed on some ships that some of their crew have a cavalier attitude to safety drill.  Many ships do not carry out lifeboat drill until ships are well at sea.  This must change.  In all cases this drill must be performed before leaving port.  Panic is the cause of many fatalities.  The demeanor of the crew is paramount.

Now, after these two recent events,  people may treat drills seriously, crew and passengers alike.  Cruising is possibly the safest mode of transport, but there is always room for improvement.  On longer cruises, I feel there should be at least two safety drills for passengers to reinforce what to do in case of emergencies.

Have all the new ships which have been launched recently, meant a drop in crew and officer quality?  I hope not.

The Langham, Melbourne Offers Hotel Smart Technology for Tech-Savvy Travellers.  This elegant hotel – has unveiled a collection of smart in-room technology, befitting the demands of today’s digitally-savvy traveller. These include:   iPads - Complimentary and available on loan from  Concierge.  Available all rooms; internet access fee applies; subject to availability

Media Hub -Notebooks and laptops can be easily connected to the Media Hub – an aesthetically-slick solution for guests wanting to view documents, photos and movies on The Langham, Melbourne’s wide-screen LCD TVs. Through the Media Hub, guests can also play music on their iPods or mobile phones through Bluetooth connectivity, filling their guest room (bathroom included) with their own personal music collection.  Available in the hotel’s Grand Classic, Grand River, Club Terrace and Club Spa Suite

Internet over TV -Redefining guests’ internet experiences while travelling, The Langham, Melbourne takes internet access and places it on their in-room wide-screen LCD TVs. Here, guests can stay in touch via Facebook and twitter, browse their favourite internet sites and more.  Available in all rooms as a paid service.

 Club Spa Suite - fitted with a 46″ LCD TV, Blu-Ray player and sound system.  Available in Club Spa Suites.  WiFi and Wired Internet can be accessed via guests anywhere in the hotel at just one charge, and the elegant rooms also contain a digital IPTV System that grants access to a range of channels (including Pay TV & HD movie channels). The Langham, Melbourne’s iHome Dual Alarm Clock Radio is the finishing touch, combining a modern alarm clock with an iPod dock.  www.melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au      J.P. I believe internet should be free to all guests as it is in many overseas hotels. If Macdonalds can do it ?

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises named as Condé Nast Traveler’s  2012 Gold List Superstar and Platinum Circle Member

Award-winning boutique river cruise brand, Uniworld, have been included in the internationally renowned premium travel publication,Condé Nast Traveler’s, prestigious 2012 Gold List winners for the world’s finest hotels, resorts, and cruise lines.  Uniworld Boutique River Cruises said it was thrilled that it was once again included in the “World’s Top 12 Cruise Lines” category. 

Published in America alongside the prestigious brands of Vogue, Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, Condé Nast Traveler is synonymous with luxury travel and is recognised as one of the leading publications in its field, thus making this accolade a true standout achievement for Uniworld.

This year, as a way to mark 25 years of Condé Nast Traveler, the magazine celebrated the “superstars” of the Gold List in their Platinum Circle honour, which includes Uniworld, who has made the Gold List every year for the past five year’s running. Earlier this year, Uniworld was also rated as the world’s number one “Best River Cruise Line” in Condé Nast Traveler’sprestigious 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Commenting on yet another accolade for the brand, Uniworld’s General Manager Australia, John Molinaro (pictured)  said: “We are extremely honoured that Uniworld has again been recognisedin Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List.”

The significance of being included as a Platinum Circle member reaffirms Uniworld’s commitment to consistently delivering the best river cruise experience possible to our guests. We are also very proud to be included in a roll-call of well-respected cruise lines such as Crystal, Silversea and Seabourn,” added Molinaro.

Having cruised on Uniworld in Europe, I wholeheartedly agree with the award, J.P. 

A sure way to upset fellow passengers on a cruise is to tell them how much you paid for your cruise ticket.  Last minute offers are occasionally available for around $100 a day.  Your fellow passengers may have paid more than double that.

I know how hard it is to keep your bargain a secret… BUT TRY.

In one of the last functions for 2011, Sandra and I were invited to spend a couple of hours on this expedition type boat.  The invited guests consisted of travel trade press, some travel agents and their invited VIP guests.  

On boarding we were given two drink vouchers (I thought a bit chintzy) and asked to remove our footwear.  

Some of  the cabins I inspected spacious and comfortable but there was not a lot of outside deck area and I feel this would be taken over by smokers on board.

This boat sails around Australia but concentrates mainly on the Kimbetrley region.  Its size enables it to cruise up the many rivers in the area.  It has a helipad and several motorised runabouts for even closer inspections.

Interesting guests includedf Joost Heymeijer, General Manager of Wolgan Valley Resport & Spa, possibly Australia’s most upmarket resort.

The crew were young and attentive but did not know the difference between sparkling wine and champagne.  This boat  falls short of what I would call luxury, but it would not take much to bring it up to a better standard.

PHOTO: Sandra Tiltman

(Travel Writer) with

Joost Heymeijer GM Wolgan Valley Resort

Helen Wong Celebrations: Helen Wong this week had cause for celebration on several fronts with the opening of her new lounge at her Bathurst Street Sydney office headquarters, where Sandra and I enjoyed drinks and canapes with industry partners and media.

Helen also launched her new China and Vietnam brochures which include many new tours throughout the region.

Special family friendly tours have now been included plus optional independent tours that include private guide and driver, their premium China Program is designed for guests wanting luxury and a bit of pampering.

2012 will see Helen Wong’s Tours celebrate 25 years.  Helen said “We look forward to our Silvery Anniversary as a precious milestone as we journey through 2012 and 2013″.

Helen, a legend in the Asian travel industry, mingled with guests and even managed a few words, though suffering a severe case of laryngitis, a true professional.

www.johnpond.com  VISIT:

Celebrity Solstice will arrive in Australia in exactly 12 months to rival the beauty of her new home port – Sydney. From a real half acre lawn on board the ship to the region’s first glass blowing studio at sea, the glamorous newcomer will offer the most sophisticated facilities this region’s waters has ever seen.  To celebrate the countdown to her arrival, Celebrity Cruises Australia has a very special onboard credit offer of up to US$350 per cabin.

Launched three years ago in late 2008, the 2,850-passenger Celebrity Solstice will be the newest and most stylish superliner ever to be based in Australia and New Zealand.  Guests will be able to walk on real grass in the elegant Lawn Club on top deck of the ship.  AquaClass suites feature spa-related extras and complimentary access to the health-focused specialty restaurant “Blu”. Celebrity Solstice has a Glass Blowing Studio which has live glass-blowing shows by the renowned Corning Museum of Glass. With 85 per cent of the cabins with their own private balcony, Celebrity Solstice has the highest balcony ratio of any superliner in the world.     JP: Can’t wait to sail on her.

It’s been an amazing 12 months for both Hawaiian Airlines and Hawaii as a destination, with visitor numbers to the Hawaiian islands booming thanks to a combination of the strong Australian dollar and sensational value-for-money deals on packages.

Now, with awareness of and demand for Hawaii at an all time high, Hawaiian Airlines is taking the exciting step of introducing daily flights from Australia, year round!  PLUS they are introducing new services from a range of destinations, and acquiring new aircraft to meet the demand.

“We couldn’t be happier with the way our business has gone this year – but we couldn’t have succeeded without Australian passenger  support”. said  Sherilyn Robinson Hawaiian Airlines General Manager, Sales and Marketing Australia.

JP: I have flown on this airline to Hawaii and find them great with sensible pricing. They also continue on to US mainland destinations.

I always have my eyes open for deals relating to single supplements.  Here is a great one  from Avalon Waterways.   They have waived the single supplements on select cruises and launched a new range of fly-cruise specials for some of its most popular European river cruises.

On sale until March 31, 2011, or until sold out, the deals include:

Singles save up to $3520* per person – single supplements have been waived on select departures between March and June 2012, offering a choice of 10 different itineraries. Single prices start from $1259* per person for the 4/5-day Taste of the Danube cruise between Vienna and Budapest.

Fly-Cruise savings of up to $2000* per couple – book select departures between March and June 2012 with an airfare package and save between $800 and $2000 per couple.  Ten itineraries are available, priced from $859* per person twin share for the 4/5-day Taste of the Danube cruise (plus airfare from $2060* per person from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane, $2100* from Adelaide or $2020* from Perth).

Cruises on offer include some of Avalon’s most popular itineraries on the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and Seine rivers, ranging from four to 15 days.

Flights are available on Avalon’s partner airlines Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Etihad Airways.  *Offers are subject to availability and conditions.

I wish all my readers the most HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.

May 2012 bring Health, Wealth and Happiness.

Sandra and John.

Went to a function last week organised by Robert Woodgate’s Familclub, an excellent organisation that introduces meeting and event planners to different venues.  The  Sydney Marriott Hotel suffers from an identity problem, firstly on their website it is called the Sydney Marriott then a little further down the page it is called the Marriott Sydney.  There is also The Sydney Harbour Marriott which really confuses taxi drivers and just about everyone else.

The function was hosted by two of the hotel’s sales team.  Things certainly have changed  since I was a Sales Manager of  a major hotel many years ago.  They didn’t work the group, mainly talking amongst themselves and when approached, had to be asked for business cards, which one of them had run out of.  No sales kits were available.  OH WELL

After a hotel inspection, which showed us the recently renovated rooms which were impressive, I left with a feeling that this hotel offered excellent accommodation, good value with most rooms offering Park & East Sydney views.  Rates were from about $245.  My rating 4 out of 5.

MSC were hosts to trade press this week for festive season drinks and to celebrate the “Float Out” of thir latest cruise ship “DIVINA”.

“We are truly looking forward to the much-anticipated launch and naming of the MSC Divina, the 12^th valued member of our fleet,” said Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand.

The latest addition to the MSC Cruises ever-expanding fleet – MSC Divina – will boast a mythological Greek influence when it is launched in France in May, 2012.

John Pond BLOG. AMTRAK ENGINEERS TEST ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE MOCK-UP AT SIEMENS PLANT IN SACRAMENTO  Project on target for 2013 delivery date.  PHOTO: “Interior cab mock-up of new Amtrak electric locomotives at Siemens Sacramento based manufacturing facility.”

 Amtrak awarded Siemens a six-year – US$466 million contract to build 70 electric locomotives to operate on the US Northeast Corridor.The first Amtrak Cities Sprinter ACS-64 electric locomotive is scheduled for delivery in 2013 and will operate at speeds up to 125 mph (201 kph) from Washington, D.C. to Boston and up to 110 mph (177 kph) on the Keystone Corridor from Philadelphia to Harrisburg, Pa. They will replace locomotives in service between 20 and 30 years.

About Amtrak®:  Celebrating 40 years of dedicated service as America’s Railroad, Amtrak is the nation’s intercity passenger rail provider and its only high-speed rail operator.  A record 28.7 million passengers travelled on Amtrak in FY 2011 on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces.  Amtrak operates trains in partnership with 15 states and four commuter rail agencies.  Amtrak also is a strong financial performer achieving an 85 percent cost-recovery ratio in FY 2010 Visit Amtrak.com or your local contact at momentotravel.com.au or call 1 300 300 713 for schedules, fares and more information.   JP:  High speed trains are the way to go. When overseas, I use them as much as possible, they are often faster than planes when you take into account traveling times to airports and the added bonus of scenery.

John Pond BLOG.  HONOLULU, Aston at Papakea Resort invites guests to make the most of their Maui vacation, without even leaving the property. The picturesque, oceanfront condominium property is a perfect playground – offering a wide variety of activities and amenities for kids and adults who simply need a break from sightseeing.

Meet new friends at the putting green and simply say, “Putt-er There” at the property’s Sunday Putting Tournament. Channel your inner Jack Nicklaus, pick up a putter and compete with other guests for prizes and the satisfaction of a hole-in-one.

Drop by the Lanai pool on Mondays or Fridays and participate in the high-intensity, low-impact Swimmercize class.  Match up with other guests at the resort’s round robin tournament on Tuesdays. Lose yourself in the roar of the crowd (aka family and friends), imagine you’re playing match point at Wimbledon and bring that trophy home. Top performers win great prizes and, of course, bragging rights.

Start off Wednesday morning at the Molokai pool with Yogilates. No, not a fancy coffee drink. This fusion of yoga and Pilates will surely challenge both your body and mind. The main challenge – maintaining focus as the eye wanders to the beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and the neighbour island of Molokai.

Dine next door at The Beach Club restaurant and lounge and have the bill charged back to your room. The Beach Club is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinners of American and Island cuisine. No charge for the breathtaking ocean view.

Gathering the family and new-found friends is easy at Aston at Papakea Resort. Two spacious poolside cabanas, each able to accommodate up to 35 people, can be rented through the front desk. It’s perfect for family parties, receptions, or a sunset barbecue.

JP: I have stayed at Aston Hotel in Hawaii and can highly recommend them.

About Aston Hotels & Resorts  Aston Hotels & Resorts operates a diverse range of condominium resorts and hotels with accommodations from hotel rooms and condominium suites, to villas and cottages that suit any lifestyle, taste or budget. Based in Honolulu, the company manages more than 4,500 units in over 27 properties on the four major Hawaiian Islands, South Lake Tahoe, California, Sun Valley, Idaho and Lake Las Vegas, Nevada.    Visit www.momentotravel.com.au

Celebrity Century sailed into Australian waters for the first time last week, marking modern luxury cruise line Celebrity Cruises’ return to Australia after a three-year hiatus. According to industry bible The Berlitz Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010, Celebrity Century is the region’s highest rated cruise ship for service, dining and accommodation. She easily blends classic ocean liner glamour with modern innovations such as the first ever “ice bar” at sea, a liquid bar counter frozen into rock-hard ice. The 1,800 passenger Celebrity Century has 900 cabins, about half of which have their own private balcony, and a ratio of one staff member to every two guests.  All guests on Celebrity Century can enjoy award-wining cuisine, the services of pool butlers, and guests in suites have the added luxury of personal European-style butlers. Celebrity Century impressively features a 9,000 square foot floating spa, museum quality art collections including pieces by Warhol, Picasso and Jasper Johns and a spectacular 1,000-seat, two-storey Celebrity Theatre.

I am a big fan of Celebrity, having sailed from New York to Bermuda on one of her ships, some of the best food and service I have experienced,  John.

CRUISE SAVINGS OF UP TO $1600 FOR SINGLE PASSENGERS   OFTEN disadvantaged by surcharges, solo cruise passengers can book one of a number of exciting “singles specials” from MSC Cruises with savings of up to $1600.  Plan one of two 14-night back-to-back Mediterranean cruise itineraries next year and price starts at $1708 a cabin – or $122 a night.

Meanwhile, a 14-night Northern Europe cruise from Copenhagen from late May, 2012, starts at $2268.

“We are delighted to offer these very special prices for our very special singles,” said Lynne Clarke, managing director of MSC Cruises Australia and New Zealand.

“Don’t expect the pay the supplement and the cabin is yours, on your own,” she said. “And as with all our cruises, main meals and entertainment are included.”  The starting price of $1708 applies to booking an inside cabin for two 14-night departures in late September and mid-October, cruising aboard the yet-to-launched MSC Divina and the equally impressive MSC Splendida.  The initial seven-night cruise begins and ends in Venice, visiting such fascinating ports as Dubrovnik, Istanbul and Izmir. A coach transfer from Venice to Genoa follows for the second leg to Barcelona, Tunis, Malta’s Valletta, Messina, and Civitavecchia (Rome).  For solo passengers who want to take an earlier cruise, a 14-night itinerary (from May 17, 2012) with back-to-back cruises on MSC Musica and MSC Fantasia starts at $2198. www.msccruises.com.au  

1 YEAR COUNTDOWN BEGINS FOR SHIP THAT WILL REDEFINE AUSTRALIAN CRUISING.  3,840-passenger Voyager of the Seas to arrive on 22 November 2012

November 18, 2011 –Australian cruising will be changed forever in exactly 12 months, with the arrival of Voyager of the Seas on 22 November 2012. Described as a floating city, Voyager of the Seas brings to Australia and New Zealand innovative cruising features that you’d traditionally have to travel to America or Europe to experience. Some of these include an onboard ice-rink, an indoor ‘street’ the length of a football field lined with restaurants, bars and entertainment, and cabins within the ship that have a view.

Voyager of the Seas is twice the size of most cruise ships currently based in the region and she carries up to 3,840 guests – more than the population of Australian towns like Bellingen, NSW and Port Douglas, QLD.  She was built at a cost of US$500 million,with 1,556 staterooms, Voyager of the Seas is nearly two and a half times bigger than Australia’s largest hotel[1].

“Australian cruising has grown remarkably in the last three years but we are delivering the greatest quantum leap when Voyager of the Seas arrives here in 12 months.  Cruising on Voyager of the Seas really is a destination in itself,” says Adam Armstrong, commercial manager, RCL Cruises Australia.

Some of Voyager of the Seas’ unique features include:

“Royal Promenade” – an indoor ‘main street’ lined with places to eat, drink, shop and be entertained.  Guests can stroll up and down the 4-story street and enjoy regular street parades.

• “Studio B” Ice Rink – an ice skating rink for guests that also doubles as a sensational 900-seat venue for ice show productions from world-class figure skaters.
• Inside cabins with a view – traditionally Inside cabins have no view, but these unique cabins overlook the Royal Promenade.
• Unparalleled sports facilities including an Inline skating track, Royal Caribbean’s signature rock-climbing wall, a 9-hole minigolf course, a golf simulator, a full size sports court, 3 swimming pools and six whirlpools.

Voyager of the Seas will be based in Sydney for a five-month season from November 2012. Her Australia & New Zealand season will feature 12 New Zealand, South Pacific and Australia itineraries ranging from one to 18 nights, sailing from Sydney and Fremantle.  Prices start from $1,409 for a 9-night South Pacific cruise.   www.royalcaribbean.com.au.   I am certainly looking forward to sailing on this ship.     John Pond.    

REVIEW: Sandra and I were driven in the hotel’s limo from the airport, arriving late at night, so no traffic problems.  We ate breakfast and all our dinners at the hotel, choosing a different restaurant each night during our three night stay.  Quite honestly, we did not want to leave the hotel, it had so much to offer.  The best breakfast treats, including a juice bar, you pick from fresh whole fruit, and your custom juice order appears in seconds, also there are 5 cooks making made to order eggs, no waiting, Without a doubt Lebua is a real winner. with its several award winning restaurants that overlooked the river and city.  Their world famous Sky Bar attracted a crowd each night.

Facilities, such as a full kitchen, and laundry in many suites, everything the traveller could desire.   This is one hotel I can’t wait to return to.  Sandra appreciated the Bulgari toiletries.

A great place to stay to break up any European flight or just for a vacation.

See more at: johnpond.com

Luxury City Hotel Thailand | lebua at State Tower Bangkok

If you have been missing my BLOGS lately, it’s because I have been a month in the wilds of Cambodia and Vietnam, Off again soon but in the meantime here are some details on one of my favourite airlines.

Dallas-Fort Worth and Seattle-Tacoma International Airports will both be served by non-stop Emirates flights from 2nd February and 1st March 2012 respectively.

“These new services emphasise Emirates’ confidence in, and long-term commitment to, the United States,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group. “With six gateways offering convenient connectivity from points across the country, customers travelling to and from the US will find it easier than ever to access our vast global network.”  “Emirates is not only the world’s largest international carrier – it serves as a gateway from the United States to an important part of the world,” said Bill Bryant, Port of Seattle Commission President.  Starting 2nd February 2012, EK 221 will leave Dubai daily at 0245hrs, arriving at Dallas-Fort Worth at 0905hrs. The return sector, EK 222, leaves Dallas at 1150hrs, arriving at Dubai International Airport at 1220hrs the following day. From 1st March 2012, EK 229 will leave Dubai daily at 0950hrs and arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 1310hrs. EK 230 will depart Seattle at 1710hrs, arriving in Dubai at 1940hrs the following day.

Ultra luxury Silversea Cruises has secured much-loved culinary expert Maggie Beer as guest lecturer for its Auckland to Fremantle cruise aboard Silver Shadow in February 2012.

Most recently seen on MasterChef Australia, Maggie Beer established the Barossa Pheasant Farm Restaurant in 1978 and now operates a business in the Barossa producing a range of specialty gourmet foods, including Pheasant Farm Pate, quince paste, verjuice and a range of ice creams.

She co-hosted the ABC television cooking program The Cook and the Chef, and has written various culinary books including the award-winning Maggie’s Harvest.

Other esteemed guest lecturers on this voyage are hostage negotiator and humanitarian Terry Waite, who successfully negotiated the release of hostages in Iran and Libya during the 1980s and was himself taken captive in 1987, and historian and world affairs expert Philip Hurst.

The cruise departs Auckland on 4 February 2012, visiting Napier, Wellington and Picton in New Zealand, and Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Port Lincoln and Albany in Australia. All-inclusive cruise only fares start from AU$11,150* per person, double occupancy.

Karen Christensen, Silversea’s director of sales and marketing and general manager for Australia and New Zealand commented:

“We are delighted to be welcoming such an iconic Australian personality to this voyage, and we know guests will relish the opportunity to tap into Maggie’s vast knowledge of all things gourmet.”

John Pond

Emirates has entered a new chapter by starting flights to Denmark and the land of famous story teller Hans Christian Andersen.  “Copenhagen brings a new and exciting dimension to the Emirates’ network,” said Richard Vaughan, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations Worldwide. “Emirates’ passengers from Scandinavia no longer need to travel to Germany to join our flights. They can travel directly from the Danish capital all the way to the Far East and Australasia, via our ultra-modern hub in Dubai.”

The Dubai-Copenhagen route, the airline’s 114th destination, will be served by an A330-200 in a three-class configuration. Up to 17 tonnes of cargo can be carried in the belly-hold of each flight.

“This new link opens up Scandinavia for Emirates on the cargo side too,” said Pradeep Kumar, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Cargo Revenue Optimisation & Systems. “We have been sending in freighters to Gothenburg in Sweden since 2003, but this additional channel, feeding into our vast and efficient network, will be welcomed by importers and exporters by offering more frequencies and cargo capacity.”

“Emirates daily route, via Dubai, opens up South Asia, Australia and Oceania for Denmark and southern Sweden. It gives businesses here significant benefits and will facilitate their access to new markets and encourage further internationalisation,” said Lars Bernhard Joergensen, CEO of Wonderful Copenhagen and chairman of the route development programme, Copenhagen Connected.

“The inauguration of Emirates’ service between Copenhagen and Dubai strengthens Denmark’s international availability and access to global markets,” said Michael Svane of the Confederation of Danish Industries.

So far in 2011, Emirates has launched passenger flights to Basra and Geneva. Services to St Petersburg will be launched on 1st November, followed by Baghdad on 13th November.  Photo caption: Danish Captain, Lars Schoyen and First Officer Nabeel Al Balooshi, leading the first flight to Copenhagen.  John Pond.

John Molinaro, GM Uniworld Australia, hosted a most elegant luncheon at Sydney’s Aria Restaurant to launch their 2012 River Cruise Collection this week.  The brochure features their European and Russian boutique river cruises.  John Molinaro and John Pond (that’s me) were the only males amongst Sydney’s top travel editors and writers.

During the delicious meal overlooking the Cruise Passenger Terminal, John Molinaro shared some of the new features that will be found on their latest river ships due for launching early next year.  Overall the staterooms will be even larger, as will the bathrooms.  The floor to ceiling windows, that will fully open to reveal the passing scenery, will be a major feature.

The Company is spending over $100 million on new builds and refurbishments.

All tips on board and for excursions will now be included, something Australians will surely love.  As well, wine and soft drinks will be complimentary with meals.  Special new added features will include “Choice is Yours” offering even more options which may be purchased prior to cruising.

Uniworld now have a new Uniworld Cruises Australia facebook page just for us. Uniworld Cruises Australia (14)

More and more extended families are travelling on river ships and Uniworld are featuring some special cruises just for them.  Selected ships will have adjoining staterooms for families.  New products about to be launched will include Vietnam Mekong River cruising, which I believe will be very popular.  There will be a Heritage Club for past cruisers offering special incentives.

I have had the pleasure of cruising on Uniworld on the Danube River, which was a memorable 5 star experience.  John Pond

PHOTOS:  Celia Britton of Uniworld with John Molinaro.  Photo I took of our stateroom when travelling on River Beatrice