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Veranda Suite
Our Veranda Suite features expansive ocean views, forward-facing windows, dining for four to six, whirlpool bathtub,...-
Veranda Suite - Category V1
V1AUD $16,375
total per person -
Veranda Suite - Category V2
V2AUD $17,815
total per person -
Veranda Suite - Category V3
V3AUD $19,255
total per person -
Veranda Suite - Category V4
V4AUD $20,695
total per person -
Veranda Suite - Category V5
V5AUD $22,135
total per person -
Veranda Suite - Category V6
V6AUD $23,575
total per person
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Penthouse Suite & Penthouse Spa Suite
Our Penthouse Suite offers all of the delights and comforts you would find in a spacious vacation home, thoughtfully... -
Owner's Suite
Owner's Suites feature forward-facing windows, dining for four, separate bedroom, guest bath, two flat-screen TVs,...-
Owner's Suite - Category OW
OWAUD $60,055
total per person
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Veranda Suite
Our Veranda Suite features expansive ocean views, forward-facing windows, dining for four to six, whirlpool bathtub, guest bath, pantry with wet bar, two closets and two flat-screen TVs. Complimentary internet/Wi-Fi service. Your Personal Suite Stewardess will:
- Welcome you with Champagne and canapés
- Offer you a selection of designer soaps
- Draw you a Pure PamperingSM bath
- Replenish your ice and bar set-up
- Manage your laundry service needs
- Assist you with any special requests
- Personalize your nightly turndown service
In-Suite Amenities:
- Ample storage and walk-in closets (complete with plush bathrobes and slippers) invite you to make yourself at home
- Your requested wines or spirits are nestled in your in-suite bar, along with water, soft drinks and beer
- A pleasant seating area takes advantage of your expansive ocean view
- A choice of pillows to suit your preference
- In-suite entertainment options include a wide variety of movies, music, broadcast television and radio channels
- Polished stone, gleaming hardware and sparkling mirrors highlight the bath, with a full tub, shower, and exclusive wellness products from Molton Brown, London
- Exceptional details delight you: personalized stationery, a world atlas, even an umbrella
Penthouse Suite & Penthouse Spa Suite
Our Penthouse Suite offers all of the delights and comforts you would find in a spacious vacation home, thoughtfully designed and tastefully decorated. A space filled with light and a myriad of delightful details prepared in anticipation of your arrival. An iced bottle of Champagne completes the picture-perfect welcome. The bed, with its plump pillows and fluffy duvet, will prove to be seductively comfortable, and the rest of the handsome furnishings invite you to relax, unwind, and entertain yourselves or friends in equally gracious areas Your Personal Suite Stewardess will:
- Welcome you with Champagne and canapés
- Offer you a selection of designer soaps
- Draw you a Pure PamperingSM bath
- Replenish your ice and bar set-up
- Manage your laundry service needs
- Assist you with any special requests
- Personalize your nightly turndown service
In-Suite Amenities:
- Ample storage and walk-in closets (complete with plush bathrobes and slippers) invite you to make yourself at home
- Your requested wines or spirits are nestled in your in-suite bar, along with water, soft drinks and beer
- A pleasant seating area takes advantage of your expansive ocean view
- A choice of pillows to suit your preference
- In-suite entertainment options include a wide variety of movies, music, broadcast television and radio channels
- Polished stone, gleaming hardware and sparkling mirrors highlight the bath, with a full tub, shower, and exclusive wellness products from Molton Brown, London
- Exceptional details delight you: personalized stationery, a world atlas, even an umbrella
Owner's Suite
Owner's Suites feature forward-facing windows, dining for four, separate bedroom, guest bath, two flat-screen TVs, pantry with wet bar. Complimentary internet/Wi-Fi service. Your Personal Suite Stewardess will:
- Welcome you with Champagne and canapés
- Offer you a selection of designer soaps
- Draw you a Pure PamperingSM bath
- Replenish your ice and bar set-up
- Manage your laundry service needs
- Assist you with any special requests
- Personalize your nightly turndown service
In-Suite Amenities:
- Ample storage and walk-in closets (complete with plush bathrobes and slippers) invite you to make yourself at home
- Your requested wines or spirits are nestled in your in-suite bar, along with water, soft drinks and beer
- A pleasant seating area takes advantage of your expansive ocean view
- A choice of pillows to suit your preference
- In-suite entertainment options include a wide variety of movies, music, broadcast television and radio channels
- Polished stone, gleaming hardware and sparkling mirrors highlight the bath, with a full tub, shower, and exclusive wellness products from Molton Brown, London
- Exceptional details delight you: personalized stationery, a world atlas, even an umbrella
Multiple Decks
Veranda Suite - Category V1
Multiple Decks
Veranda Suite - Category V2
Multiple Decks
Veranda Suite - Category V3
Multiple Decks
Veranda Suite - Category V4
Multiple Decks
Veranda Suite - Category V5
Multiple Decks
Veranda Suite - Category V6
Multiple Decks
Penthouse Suite - Category PH
Deck 11
Penthouse Spa Suite - Category PS
Multiple Decks
Owner's Suite - Category OW
Please note: All prices featured are per person (unless otherwise stated), and include non commission fares (taxes, fees and port expenses). Prices and availability are subject to change due to changes made by the Cruise Companies. Prices quoted are based on payments made via BPAY or bank transfer. Visa and Mastercard payments incur a 1.5% transaction fee.
Itinerary
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Day 1
Singapore Depart: Sat, Mar 14, 2020 @ 17:00 -
Day 2
At SeaSun, Mar 15, 2020
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Day 3
PhuketArrive: Mon, Mar 16, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Mon, Mar 16, 2020 @ 23:00
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Day 4
At SeaTue, Mar 17, 2020
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Day 5
At SeaWed, Mar 18, 2020
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Day 6
RangoonArrive: Thu, Mar 19, 2020 @ 08:00
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Day 7
At SeaFri, Mar 20, 2020
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Day 8
RangoonDepart: Sat, Mar 21, 2020 @ 18:00
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Day 9
At SeaSun, Mar 22, 2020
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Day 10
At SeaMon, Mar 23, 2020
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Day 11
At SeaTue, Mar 24, 2020
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Day 12
At SeaWed, Mar 25, 2020
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Day 13
CochinArrive: Thu, Mar 26, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Thu, Mar 26, 2020 @ 18:00
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Day 14
MangaloreArrive: Fri, Mar 27, 2020 @ 10:00
Depart: Fri, Mar 27, 2020 @ 20:00
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Day 15
At SeaSat, Mar 28, 2020
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Day 16
Bombay (Mumbai)Arrive: Sun, Mar 29, 2020 @ 06:00
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Day 17
Bombay (Mumbai)Depart: Mon, Mar 30, 2020 @ 18:00
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Day 18
At SeaTue, Mar 31, 2020
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Day 19
At SeaWed, Apr 1, 2020
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Day 20
MuscatArrive: Thu, Apr 2, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Thu, Apr 2, 2020 @ 18:00
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Day 21
At SeaFri, Apr 3, 2020
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Day 22
Sir Bani Yas IslandArrive: Sat, Apr 4, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Sat, Apr 4, 2020 @ 16:00
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Day 23
DubaiArrive: Sun, Apr 5, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Sun, Apr 5, 2020 @ 17:00
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Day 24
Sir Bani Yas IslandArrive: Mon, Apr 6, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Mon, Apr 6, 2020 @ 17:00
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Day 25
DohaArrive: Tue, Apr 7, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Tue, Apr 7, 2020 @ 18:00
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Day 26
At SeaWed, Apr 8, 2020
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Day 27
MuscatArrive: Thu, Apr 9, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Thu, Apr 9, 2020 @ 17:00
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Day 28
At SeaFri, Apr 10, 2020
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Day 29
SalalahArrive: Sat, Apr 11, 2020 @ 12:00
Depart: Sat, Apr 11, 2020 @ 22:00
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Day 30
At SeaSun, Apr 12, 2020
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Day 31
At SeaMon, Apr 13, 2020
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Day 32
At SeaTue, Apr 14, 2020
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Day 33
At SeaWed, Apr 15, 2020
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Day 34
At SeaThu, Apr 16, 2020
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Day 35
AqabaArrive: Fri, Apr 17, 2020 @ 08:00
Depart: Fri, Apr 17, 2020 @ 19:00
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Day 36
At SeaSat, Apr 18, 2020
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Day 37
At SeaSun, Apr 19, 2020
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Day 38
AshdodArrive: Mon, Apr 20, 2020 @ 07:00
Depart: Mon, Apr 20, 2020 @ 23:00
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Day 39
HaifaArrive: Tue, Apr 21, 2020 @ 07:00
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Day 40
HaifaDepart: Wed, Apr 22, 2020 @ 18:00
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Day 41
At SeaThu, Apr 23, 2020
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Day 42
SantoriniArrive: Fri, Apr 24, 2020 @ 09:00
Depart: Fri, Apr 24, 2020 @ 18:00
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Day 43
Athens Arrive: Sat, Apr 25, 2020 @ 07:00
Onboard experience
The Restaurant
The Restaurant is a beautiful fine dining venue. Its menus feature a wide variety of delectable choices prepared to your order by our talented chefs. The Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on an open-seating basis, inviting guests to dine when, where and with whom they wish.
The Grill by Thomas Keller
Inspired by the classic American chophouse, The Grill focuses on updated versions of iconic dishes. Guests setting foot inside the elegant dining room will be treated to table-side preparations of Caesar salad and ice cream sundaes as well as a range of other steakhouse favorites like Lobster Thermidor and creamed spinach, presented a la carte. The timeless menu will draw on the freshest products from artisan purveyors. A cocktail program and wine list of domestic and old world labels complement the menu.
Sushi
Sushi will debut on Seabourn Ovation when it joins the Seabourn fleet in spring 2018. Seabourn researched the best ingredients and developed a menu that is a perfect blend of authenticity to maintain the root of the cuisine, and a twist of Seabourn’s culinary expertise. The sushi concept is a modern line that is steeped in tradition using the finest ingredients.
Hamachi, tuna, shrimp and other fresh fish products will be shipped from Japan to Sushi and served a la carte for dinner. The menu features caviar and small plates, along with a selection of maki rolls, sushi and sashimi, and salads. In addition, the restaurant will feature three varieties of Bento boxes for lunch: meat, seafood and vegetarian. Guests at Sushi will also find selections of special Sake, fine matcha teas, and desserts to round out their meal.
"This will be a great place to enjoy amazing sushi with a small group of friends, and we’re eager for our guests to enjoy it," said Richard Meadows, president of Seabourn. "Sushi is intended to be a vibrant space that brings another quality culinary choice to an already diverse lineup."
The Colonnade
Our slightly more casual alternative offers appealing indoor and outdoor tables for breakfasts and lunches featuring beautiful, bountiful buffets, plus a selection of à la carte items and daily specials from the kitchen. Evenings find these pleasantly lively spots serving regionally themed dinners with full table service.
The Patio
For a refreshing change of pace, dine on deck. Lunches in this casual poolside venue feature an array of salads, pastas, soups and freshly made pizzas, plus hot dogs, specialty hamburgers, chicken and seafood on the grill. Each day, a different themed menu is offered as well. When it's just too nice to go indoors for dinner, settle in for a full menu of salads, soups, sides and grilled steaks, chops, seafood or poultry. It's Seabourn quality food and service in a delightfully impromptu, al fresco setting.
Seabourn Square
Our airy, welcoming space combines a gracious library and sitting room, a handsomely furnished computer center, a discreet enclave manned by efficient concierges, and a European Konditorei-style coffee bar with a gleaming espresso machine and a glass-enclosed case filled with tempting sandwiches, scrumptious pastries and colorful gelato.
Conveniently located adjacent to the Shops at Seabourn, Seabourn's innovative "living room" even boasts its own comfortable open deck terrace located aft of the Square.
In Suite Dining
A round-the-clock menu offers tempting selections anytime. During extended dinner service hours, you can enjoy a complete meal ordered right from that evening’s The Restaurant menu, served for you in your suite or on your veranda.
Spa & Fitness & Wellness
Our Fitness Center features high performance Technogym equipment for cardio and strength training. We also offer a series of complimentary classes including yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi. If personal attention is preferred, our personal trainers will design a nutrition and exercise plan that will help you maintain your regime or achieve enhanced results. Based on your particular goals, this personalized session will provide you an effective wellness program tailor-made for your fitness needs.
Add an extra layer of luxury to your voyage with a visit to The Spa at Seabourn (SM). Whether you seek serenity or require re-energizing, our skilled, intuitive team can prescribe the proper remedy.
Time-tested techniques and all-natural ingredients combine in a personalized regime of relaxation and renewal that will leave you feeling — there’s really no better word for it — aglow. A sophisticated menu of massages, wraps and therapies from around the world and throughout the ages are adapted and augmented with the latest breakthroughs to provide an experience that the readers of SpaFinders.com have repeatedly named their Favorite Spa at Sea.
An ocean-view gym with state of the art equipment and expert guidance from personal trainers invites you to exercise in style. A thermal area with steam and sauna rooms, plus a heavenly Serene Area offer the perfect start or finish to your spa experience.
The Spa at Seabourn also includes a full-service salon offering a range of styling and conditioning services for men and women, including the only technicians at sea certified to administer the scientifically-proven Skinceuticals® facial products.
The Spa at Seabourn
Fully-equipped, ocean-view gym with aerobics, variable resistance and free weights. Professional personal trainer to create your own ideal regime. Skilled technicians offer a full range of massage, detox, cleansing and wrap therapies. Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil complimentary guided meditation and yoga sessions. Scientifically-proven Skinceuticals® facial therapies — a Seabourn exclusive at sea. Full-service salon for men and women
Salon
The Grand Salon will present a sophisticated setting for onboard performances, from new shows by seasoned entertainers to local, cultural productions from ashore and engaging guest speakers from the line's popular enrichment series, Seabourn Conversations, such as legendary American journalist Dan Rather and Forbes Media Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Steve Forbes.
The main show lounge will feature a layout and design that is both elegant and inviting. The Grand Salon will showcase a dramatic, expansive theater with plush, pivoting chairs that are arrayed in cabaret style seating to ensure the audience is close to the performers. Sculpture panels and lineal lights compose the sweeping ceiling, while an enlarged bar pantry sits in the back to serve guests.
The Grand Salon's program schedule will be in constant motion, inviting guests to migrate throughout the day for events that suit their mood. During the days and occasionally after dinner, the lounge will be the setting for lectures from guest speakers, cooking demonstrations, comedy, classical recitals and more. Most evenings will feature dancing before dinner on the Grand Salon's main dance floor, and following dinner will include vocal production shows and cabaret performances and more.
Bars and Lounges
Our airy, welcoming space combines a gracious library and sitting room, a handsomely furnished computer center, a discreet enclave manned by efficient concierges, and a European Konditorei-style coffee bar with a gleaming espresso machine and a glass-enclosed case filled with tempting sandwiches, scrumptious pastries and colorful gelato.
Conveniently located adjacent to the Shops at Seabourn, Seabourn's innovative "living room" even boasts its own comfortable open deck terrace located aft of the Square.
An alfresco oasis for drinks and socializing overlooking the Pool Patio. With a skilled, friendly bartender preparing everything from fresh fruit smoothies to elaborate mixologist’s masterpieces, its stools and tables are occupied from morning until dinnertime with guests who enjoy good company, open air and a breathtaking view of the horizon.
A stunning round lounge with a square bar and panoramic views. Early Risers' Coffee and Tea is served here every morning, and piano music makes it a great choice for drinks and conversation before and after dinner.
The Club - Casino
From pre-dinner drinks to live music and dancing, The Club will be a sophisticated and inviting lounge on Seabourn Encore as envisioned by design icon Adam D. Tihany. Expanding on his vision, Tihany has employed modern design elements to cast The Club as a bespoke and inviting space. The multifaceted lounge will be arrayed with contemporary seating with yachting references visible in the bar stools, handrail and balustrade; modern illumination from the liquor riser to the table edges; and a bar sized for easy conversation. Adding to the elegant atmosphere, guests will have direct access to the Club Terrace, an intimate exclusive aft pool lounge area set immediately behind The Club. This al fresco space will beckon guests to relax in the plunge pool or either of two whirlpool spas.
The Seabourn casino offers a handsome, well-appointed enclave for those wishing to indulge in games of chance and skill. Relax and test the odds on various mechanical games or pit your skills against personable, professional dealers at blackjack or poker tables."
The Retreat
The Retreat will be outfitted with custom details and modern elements to create the ultimate serene space. A tranquil setting housed in a distinctive flower-shaped canopy that shields guests from sun and wind, The Retreat is ringed with 15 private cabanas designed as individual luxury living rooms that each feature a large HD flat screen television and a refrigerator stocked with a personalized selection of beverages. An additional Spa Treatment Cabana is also available for guests to enjoy personalized spa services.
The Retreat is located around a central whirlpool with step-up access to water maintained at an inviting temperature. Up to 30 guests can stretch out on comfortable sun loungers; pull up a bar stool or take a table seat for champagne and cocktails custom created by Seabourn mixologists; or enjoy a selection of bites from a specially designed menu. A selection of amenities include fresh fruit baskets, premium sun lotions, Evian mist spray, plush towels and bathrobes, while a dedicated Retreat Concierge will be available to satisfy guest requests.
Shopping
The Shops at Seabourn feature exclusive, shield-emblazoned logo wear ranging from hats, coats and casual wear. It’s a great place to pick up a fashionable memento of your voyage or a gift for someone back home. The Boutique offers exceptional values in imported fashions, top quality cosmetics, luxury goods and scents from the world’s leading designers. You will also find a curated selection of fine watches and dazzling jewelry that includes a private showroom for sales of diamonds and other precious gemstones.
Ship info
As a sister-ship to the prestigious Seabourn Encore, Seabourn Ovation will start her journey in 2018. Seabourn Ovation represents another welcome stage in the evolution of small-ship cruising.
- Vessel: Seabourn Ovation
- Year: 2018
- :
- 24 Hour Room Service
- Bars and Lounges
- Boutiques
- Casino
- Salon
- Spa & Fitness & Wellness
- Swimming
- The Retreat
Decks
Seabourn Ovation - Deck Plans
Cruise code: 8020A
42 nights
Ancient Empires Exploration Cruise
- Departing from Singapore
- Seabourn Ovation
All Inclusive Cruising: Unlimited Beverages Including Mini-Bars; Gratuities Included; Fine Dining; Evening Under the Stars; Inspiring Enrichment Program plus more
- Luxurious Suites including the complimentary in-suite bar stocked daily with your personal favorites
- Complimentary fine wines at lunch and dinner, and open bars throughout the ship
- All meals at all dining venues such as The Restaurant, Restaurant 2, Veranda Cafe/The Colonnade, Sky Grill/Patio Grill and In-Suite Dining
- Gratuities are neither required nor expected
- Personalised service with nearly one crew member per guest
- Evening Under the Stars® features sumptuous barbecue dinners or gala parties with live music and dancing on deck
- Inspiring Enrichment Program
Frequently asked questions
Cruising is such a great value holiday as your fare includes accommodations, all main meals onboard ship, onboard daytime activities, and night-time entertainment including live stage shows. One reason cruising is good value is because you'll know what most of your holiday will cost before you go. Generally your only extra onboard expenses could be your beverages (though these are sometimes included on luxury ships), optional shore excursions, personal services such as spa treatments, and any purchases at the gift and duty free shops.
All your main meals are included on a cruise. Typically for breakfast, lunch and dinner there is an a la carte option (order from a menu) or a buffet option. There is so much choice available, and the food is excellent. However, your cruise doesn't always just include these 3 main meals. You can in fact eat non-stop for 24 hours a day if you like.
Most cruise lines also offer specialty dining as an alternative option to the main restaurants. There is typically a small cover charge for this. However, the food is well worth it, and the specialty restaurants are normally smaller and more intimate than the main restaurants so they make for a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
The entertainment on board comes in many different styles and formats but is always included in the cruise fare. In the evening there are shows in the main show lounge (except small ship cruising). Typically there are two sessions a night so, depending on your dinner time, you can always catch the show. The style of these shows changes daily. Some nights it will include all of the ship’s entertainment crew with a Las Vegas style production. Other nights there may be a guest entertainer or comedian. There is something for everyone.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the nightly performances. Each night the ship provides a newsletter detailing all the activities that will take place the following day. These activities may include dance classes, arts and crafts, table tennis, live music, tournaments, trivia quizzes, recent release movies, and other deck games and deck parties. The great thing about a cruise is that you can do as much or as little as you like. If your idea of a holiday is sitting back with a good book, you can do that. If you like to be entertained there is no shortage of entertainment.
One of the main reasons for a cruise making such a great family holiday is the “kids club” facilities offered on board, and they are all included in your cruise fare. Typically the kids clubs are broken into 3 different age groups - 3 to 6 years, 7 to 12 years, and 13 – 17 years. In these dedicated children’s facilities they are looked after by trained staff and the facilities are open from 9am – 10pm. Parents can check their children into the “kids club” whenever it suits them. Children love these facilities as it is “their space” aboard the ship.
NB Each cruise line has limited space on board the ship for children as the kids club facilities can cater for a limited number of children, and any child booked onto a cruise has access to the kids club. If you are planning on taking a cruise during the school holidays then you need to book early as the children's space will sell out. Also, while most cruise lines have kids club facilities there are some exceptions (not common) so you should check this at time of booking.
The chances are you will not get seasick. On a cruise most people do not suffer from motion sickness. However, if you are going to get seasick then it is likely to happen in the first 24 hours. If you limit the amount of alcohol you consume and activities you do in the first 24 hours you can reduce the chance of this happening. Another thing you can do is select a midship cabin on a lower deck. A cabin in the middle of the ship (midship) will experience the least amount of movement.
There are a number of other precautions/medications you can take, and these can be purchased before you travel at a pharmacy or health shop. Otherwise you can buy them on board.
The best thing you can do if you feel seasick is visit the ship’s doctor. They can give you an injection that will give you relief from your seasickness within 30 minutes. You have planned and saved for your holiday, don't ruin it by feeling sick. Visit the doctor for the injection and get it treated straight away. If you have travel insurance then you can claim this back.
IMPORTANT: A visit to the doctor on board will cost you money so we strongly recommend you get travel insurance before you depart on your holiday.
Terms and conditions for this cruise
Frequently Asked Questions
Shore excursions are pre-organised tours & sightseeing options that you purchase on board for when your ship is in a port of call. Every ship has a “Shore Ex” desk with qualified staff who can advise you of different excursions available, what’s best to do and generally help you with information on the particular region your ship is visiting.
Shore excursions can be booked on board your ship however some cruise lines allow you to pre-book and pay for excursions online. If there is a tour you really want to do then we recommend you pre-book it as popular tours do sell out.
Shore excursions are not compulsory, you are free to go ashore and return to the ship as many times as you like.
When you go ashore it is important to note:
You must take your cruise I.D. card (ticket) as proof for re-embarking.
The city or town you are visiting may not be close to the port where the ship is docked, cruise lines normally organise shuttle buses (at a minimal charge) throughout the day to and from the city centre.
You must return to the ship at the stipulated time as the ship WILL NOT wait for late passengers.
Tour costs vary depending on the activity, itinerary and inclusions. There is always a wide variety on offer for all age groups and abilities that can start from as little as $25.
Sometimes you can book your tour, when you arrive at your port, direct from the operator at a much cheaper price. However, this comes with a buyer beware warning. The operators used by the cruise line are trusted professionals so you will not be ripped off. Also, if something goes wrong on your tour, the cruise line knows where you are and will take the necessary steps to pick you up if your vehicle has broken down. In extreme cases they will even hold the ship's departure for you if you are late returning from a tour booked through the ship. They will not wait if you go direct through the operator, as they will not know where you are.
Unlike airlines, there are no luggage restrictions on a cruise. However you need to consider that you need to store it in your cabin for your holiday. There is plenty of storage space in your cabin but if you are travelling in a quad cabin you may want to impose your own restrictions.
NB It is important to remember that airlines have different luggage restrictions, so if you are flying either pre or post cruise then you may want to keep within their allowances.
Cruise lines around the world do not all operate using the same onboard currency. The currency varies from cruise line to cruise line with the most common currency being US dollars. P&O Cruises Australia, Carnival Spirit and the Sun and Dawn Princess all use Australian dollars as their onboard currency.
Cruising is a cashless society which means when you purchase anything on board you do not pay for it in cash. When you board the ship it is like checking into a hotel, you can either give a credit card imprint or the cruise line will take a cash deposit of approximately $300. You are then given a “cruise card”. Your cruise card is your door key (on most ships), has your dinner table number on it (for traditional dining), and it is used for making any purchases aboard.
When you make a purchase with your cruise card, it is swiped and a receipt is printed that you will need to sign. The cost of the purchase is then added to your onboard account which you settle at the end of your cruise.
Many cruises on our websites come with onboard credits. This could be from a special promotion that is being run by the cruise line or because of the relationship we have with the cruise lines that allows us to select certain cruises to receive onboard credit. The amount of onboard credit does normally depend on the length of the cruise.
If your reservation receives onboard credit we will confirm this with you in writing and then your onboard account will automatically be in credit for the amount we have confirmed to you. This credit can be used towards any onboard expenditure that is charged back to your cabin. It is important to note that if you do not spend all of your onboard credit it will not be refunded to you in cash so it is best you spend it all while on board.
Tipping/gratuities are a big issue for a lot of Australasian cruise passengers as it is not our custom to reward good service in this way. What cruise passengers need to consider is that outside of Australasia, the remuneration for personnel in the service industry is quite low. Hence, to keep up a high standard, employees have the incentive of earning additional income via the tips they receive. At the end of the day, how much you tip is up to you.
The most common way cruise lines suggest tipping, is that they add a suggested amount to your daily onboard account. You can choose to keep that on your account or you can ask the purser to remove it. This suggested amount is divided out amongst your cabin steward, your dinner waiter, your assistant waiter, your wine steward, and maitre d’.
Some cruise lines ask passengers to wait until the end of the cruise and they discreetly leave an envelope in your cabin in which to place the appropriate amount. Some cruise lines state that the fare you have paid includes gratuities. Some cruise lines ask that you pre-pay the gratuities with your cruise fare prior to your holiday departure.
Again, the amount you tip is up to you (unless it is prepaid) and it isn't intended to have a negative impact on your holiday. Do what feels most comfortable to you.
The rules surrounding where you can smoke on board a cruise ship vary from cruise line to cruise line. However, none have taken steps to ban smoking completely. Most only allow smoking in designated areas on the open decks. Many have banned smoking on cabin balconies as this poses a fire risk.
Many cruise lines have rules restricting you from taking your own alcohol on board your cruise ship. If you have pre purchased duty free alcohol the ship will take it off you when you board and store it away for you. This alcohol will be delivered to your cabin the night before you disembark. The same applies if you purchase it when you are in port. Any purchases made on board will also be delivered the night before you disembark.
However, Princess Cruises will allow you to bring a bottle of wine aboard which you can drink at dinner or in your cabin.
These restrictions were put in place to create a safer environment on board your cruise ship, where people drink within a controlled drinking environment.
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