Mosman Cruise Centre

Dancing across the Atlantic

2009-11-09T22:22:00.005+11:00

If you have a passion being able to indulge it and enjoy a cruise at the same time is a treat. Crystal Cruises have just announced their Big Band Celebration Cruise for 2010 and as well as a Big Band playing dance music every night there will be extra dance hosts. Dancing is known to be one of the best things you can do to keep active physically and mentally as you age and I for one love it! Evidence that it is not only fun but important to one's health is a bonus. Check out this story on TangoAustralia if you would like to know more.
Crystal Serenity has just left Lisbon on her 2009 Ballroom Dancing Cruise, however next year's cruise which will follow the same route from Lisbon in Portugal to Miami in Florida, with a couple of port calls in the Azores is now available. So contact me for more information if like me you love to dance! Email martin@travelchoice.com.au

Last minute cruising

2009-11-05T09:56:00.002+11:00

There are still a few pre-Christmas cabins left for those who decide at the last minute they would like to take a cruise and avoid the silly season. Yesterday we were able to book a couple on a the cruise of their choice - before Christmas - and we are getting emails everyday about specials and last-minute deals.
So if you fancy escaping the pre-Christmas rush - or need to re-charge your batteries before the relatives arrive and the festive season really gets underway - contact us today - travel@travelchoice.com.au

Aussie dollar giving best value for cruising

2009-10-27T21:52:00.004+11:00

The Aussie dollar just keeps going up and this is fantastic news for those who are planning to travel overseas or cruise in the next few months. Many cruises are priced in the US dollar or the British pound. Now is a great time to get really good value for your money and the best value comes when you book an all-inclusive cruise - which means you really getting everything in American dollars.
When you are checking on the internet for good cruise deals you do need to know that booking on the internet is a totally different kettle of fish - as pointed out by Cruise Weekly this week. In an interview with another leading cruise agent they note that consumers need to be wary of booking cruises on US sites as the shipping lines reserve the right to deny boarding at check-in if they find that travellers are not US residents who booked with a US agent at the the US market rate. I'd also like to remind you that we can match most rates that you see online and on top of doing all the booking for you, we ensure that you have all the paperwork you need and that you have a trouble-free trip.
If the high Aussie dollar is tempting you to take a cruise - go for it! And if the rain and cold is getting you down because we still haven't made it to Summer here in Sydney - what better way to give yourself something to look forward to!

10 cruises I'd like to be on

2009-10-18T20:03:00.004+11:00

A little touch of wishful thinking from yours truly as Sydney still struggles to cope with wearing woolies and waiting for summer days...
Not in any order...
1. Chilean ice fjords on Scorpios 2
2. Sailing on Star Clipper in the Andaman Sea
3. Round the world on Queen Mary 2
4. Northern Europe and Scandinavia on Europa
5. Cruising the Po River on River Cloud
6. Visiting Antarctica and Mawsons Hut on Orion
7. Sailing the Caribbean on Sea Dream I or Sea Dream II
8. Checking out the Panama Canal on Regent's Voyager
9. Exploring Egypt and the Red Sea on Silversea's Silver Whisper
10.River cruising into Russia on Viking Surkov
That's one of the hazards of being a cruise agent (if you could call it that) there are so many exciting and interesting cruises just waiting to be enjoyed.

Thoughts of warmer climes on a cold Sydney day

2009-10-09T11:41:00.009+11:00

Sydney's dwellings are not built for cold - they never have been! and when it's cold and windy you know about it!
When I arrived in Oz as a young English migrant under the Big Brother movement I was amazed at how cold the winters were...especially in the southern highlands where I did a stint on a farm - in winter! But things haven't changed. After a few weeks of lulling residents into putting away the doonas and dry-cleaning the coats - with the spring winds giving my partner AngelinaTango (AT) and many other Sydneysiders hideous hayfever - the weather has returned to a wintry 15 degrees (60F). According to the weather bureau it's here to stay for a week at least!
Along with a few of my clients I am thinking of warmer climes... where can I take a short break and warm my blood, swim off my winter blues and get into the mood for a real Aussie summer (which has something to do with lying around on the beach and swimming in the surf)?
But where to? The South Pacific is experiencing extreme weather... tsunamis, typhoons and terrible floods are not enticing... and how badly these disasters are going to affect tourism to these parts will be seen in the coming months. Meanwhile I'm working on finding AT that warm weather tonic - and it might just be a cruise.
I've added a weather chart at the bottom of the blog... and while I was searching for it I found this video - the weather isn't this bad... and I just love this Fats Waller movie - hope it brightens your day - it did mine!!

Your cruise ship is your hotel...

2009-09-21T15:01:00.003+10:00

We cruise-lovers love our ships - and we have to love being aboard because that's where you spend the major portion of your cruising time. But there comes a time when the cruise ends and you have to get off, and then - if it is somewhere you want to stay a while - you discover again how the costs mount up. But wait a bit! Some cruise lines are on your side in this - they arrange their itineraries to give you an overnight stay in port. And then the ship is your hotel.
I can think of several cruise lines who plan their sailings this way - and they are mostly the 4 1/2 to 5 star ships. Now I can add another: the 4-star river cruise company CroisiEurope who, today, have offered a 4-night stay in Venice, in October 2009, aboard a river boat: it's a cruise that doesn't leave. The boat stays moored - you stay and dine aboard for 4 nights and each day you are free to explore Venice on your own or with optional guided excursions, all at a quite remarkably low price. There is only one of these "cruises" that I am aware of. But we love to discover the unusual so we'll keep a watch out for - and would love to hear about - any others.

Regent - choose your bathtub...

2009-09-14T22:13:00.005+10:00

Just come back from another Agents' Briefing... and always ready to be less than impressed - but this was informative and probably quite timely. Regent Seven Seas Cruises have just 3 vessels - the Mariner, the Navigator and the Voyager. Regular readers of this blog will know that last year I took a very enjoyable trip aboard Mariner (see slide show at side of blog) and, since then have been happy to recommend her to clients. What I didn't know was how important it is to specify what kind of bathroom you like when booking Mariner! I shall explain. Apparently, when Mariner was designed, it was thought more attractive to have a full bath in every suite. But the passengers disagree: many find it uncomfortable to shower while standing in a bathtub and they have voiced their discontent. Regent have taken note and are in a continuing process of refurbishment, removing the bathtubs and installing large shower enclosures - except where there is room for both, and then the passenger has the choice. So bathe at will, but tell your agent (hopefully us!) whether you prefer bath or shower! Mariner arrives into Sydney November 17th, staying over two nights before departing to New Zealand (14 nights) then to Los Angeles (19 nights), after which she prepares for her Circle South America voyage, Fort Lauderdale and return from January 10. What a fabulous voyage that will be! Just contact me - martin@travelchoice.com.au - for more info.

New P&O superliner

2009-09-07T22:05:00.003+10:00

In December P&O's newest superliner the Pacific Jewel will depart from Sydney. As the Australian cruise market grows so do the number of ships concentrating on our market. This one will sail year round from Sydney to the South Pacific and New Zealand so as soon as I get the opportunity to go on board I will organise some photos for a slide show on this blog. With over 200 balcony cabins (always my choice) and a celebrity chef at sea, there are 40 cruises to choose from. Luke Mangan, well-known to Sydney's foodies for his restaurants - and to Aussies for his role on TV's 'MasterChef' will launch Pacific Jewel's signature restaurant. Salt Grill by Luke Mangan will feature a number of his signature dishes on the menu. The five-night maiden voyage departs Sydney on December 13 and takes in Melbourne and Burnie in Tasmania before returning to Sydney.
If you'd like to know more let me know and I'll get you some info.
Martin@travelchoice.com.au

Volendam - a popular choice

2009-08-27T16:10:00.001+10:00

The ever-popular ship Volendam of Holland America lines will be heading in to Sydney Harbour on 6th December, carrying a full complement of passengers on the last leg of her journey to Australia, departing from Singapore on November 21st.

Contrary to expectations, that sailing is now almost fully booked* - a scenario we are coming to expect, even in these financially troubled times! (We just booked the next-to-last balcony stateroom!)

It seems that cruising is booming because it represents certain and reliable value for money. When you consider that your cruise fare covers all the basics - and more - of a holiday in a comfortable resort, with ever-changing views, new people to meet and the opportunity to visit foreign lands without the hassle of constant unpacking... well it sounds very attractive too!

The Volendam is lovely ship, beautifully appointed with high standards of service and food that win praise from the many repeat passengers of Holland America Line. She offers an environment that travellers of all ages can enjoy, so is popular both in and out of the school holiday periods that occur during her short stay in our region. After her cruise season - taking in voyages to South Pacific islands, New Zealand, and a circumnavigation of Australia - she will depart 17th April for Vancouver via New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Hawaiian islands. Volendam's comforts can be enjoyed for only $120 per person, per night - a more than favourable comparison with land based travel costs.

Discounts or early bird offers - tips to help you decide

2009-08-25T12:15:00.004+10:00

My last post was about the stream of deals that are coming into my (and every other travel agent's ) email inbox everyday. If you would like to cruise, how do you decide whether to take one of these deals, wait for an early bird cruise offer or simply book the cruise you have your heart set on?
It really depends on how important this cruise is to you or whether you are prepared to put the dollars ahead of the destination.
Last-minute deals are ideal for those who are not particular about the destination - or a particular cruise. At the moment there are quite a few bargains around and if you simply want to cruise we will find you something to please. There are offers on a wide range of cruises but you will probably need to make up your mind quite quickly - ideally on the spot.
Early-bird deals are ideal for those who have checked the brochures and travel pages and know what they want. When you book an early-bird cruise you can choose your cabin, your dates and be sure that the flights are available, all of which can be very comforting when you are planning a holiday.
Cruising is growing in popularity as more people realise that many fares are all-inclusive. When you know that your meals, entertainment and in some cases even the tips are included in the cost of your holiday, it can make a big difference.
If you have any questions please email me... always happy to help. Martin@travelchoice.com.au

A morning of travel discounts

2009-08-18T13:10:00.003+10:00

Like most travel agents I open my email each morning to a flood of emails from suppliers, clients, advertisers, travel newsletters... and the odd family missive that often gets lost in everything else. And of course the odd bit of spam that creeps through the filter. At the moment travel discounts are Big News... today we can offer you...

10 per cent off Tall Ship Western Mediterranean Cruising with Star Clippers. The voyage departing Lisbon, Portugal on April 21 comes with a discount if you book by 31 August. Star Clippers are luxury megayachts that combine sailing with cruising.

Up to 50 per cent off when 2 people share on 5 River Cruises.... the Danube from Budapest to Passau on 15 November; 14 nights from Basel to Vienna on 25 October or 9 November; the Rhine and Moselle sailing from Amsterdam to Basel on 23 October; 26 nights from Amsterdam to Bucharest on 16 October and 12 nights from Amsterdam to Vienna on 24 September, 30 October or 11 November...all this year!

Holland America's Volendam 14 night China and Vietnam leaving on 26 October this year is offering up to 44 per cent off

New American itineraries on MSC's brand new Magnifica... itineraries from New York City.

And I'm still reading them!
If you'd like to know any more about any of these just drop me an email... now is the time to make a last minute travel plan there are just so many deals.
Martin@travelchoice.com.au

Holland America 2 day sale

2009-08-13T10:37:00.003+10:00

Now here's a deal... for two days Holland America are giving the most amazing fares on their whole range of cruises. These deals have just been announced and are only available until tomorrow evening - Friday August 14. Contact me - martin@travelchoice.com.au - or phone us 2 9968 1600 and we'll be happy to tell you all about it! Plus we've got a gift for those who book - which we'll also tell you about!

Travellers like travel blogs and the internet

2009-08-12T16:44:00.003+10:00

It's hardly news to anyone in the travel industry but today one of the travel newsletters sent to travel agents published research indicating that 'Blogs [are] favoured over agents' and that Australians 'are enthusiastically embracing the internet to plan and book their holidays'. Of course you are. Australians love technology and they love DIY - and that includes holidays so it is not something new to travel agents, though it is always interesting to have one's experiences backed up by research.
Travel agents must be trained in how to research holidays and how to use the tools that are available to the travel industry so that they can knowledgeably plan and book holidays.
Travel agents also use the internet - but the websites they are searching are mostly very different to the websites that you, the consumer/DIY traveller is searching. We are able to see much more of the back-end of travel and from that can usually find better deals. We also know the reliable suppliers and know what you can expect from the hotel/ tour operator/ cruise you are investigating. We are able to see whether that cheap flight you are looking at is what it seems or whether it involves sitting in a far away airport for half a day waiting for a connecting flight; and we can soon find out whether the hotel room that is cheaper on the net is actually the worst room in the house!
We are also in the know when it comes to getting what the traveller wants - and knowing whether a destination, a hotel, a tour or a cruise will meet you, our client's expectations. A friend recently booked two weekends away - within driving distance of home - based on internet research - and neither has lived up to expectations. These are only cottages for a night or two away but on a minor scale they illustrate what can happen when you book from a website - what you see is not necessarily what you get. In one instance she even turned round and drove home! As we all know anyone can write and publish on the internet - and anyone can create a website for their business (bed and breakfast, hotel, tour package) with pretty pictures.
So if you want to be sure that what you see is what you will get, asking your travel agent to check your research and prices will often uncover a better deal - and may prevent you from suffering traveller's disappointment!

Why now is the time to river cruise

2009-08-06T10:12:00.004+10:00

Meandering through the European countryside where fairytale castles appear around a bend, historic villages perch amidst lush scenery and you retreat to your very own comfortable cabin is the perfect holiday for those who want to enjoy Europe at a snail's pace.
Thanks to the brains behind the Rhine-Main-Danube canal which was completed in 1992 it is possible to cruise along 3,000 miles of river and canal network enjoying Europe at leisure. Today there is a huge range of river cruises to choose from including this selection which are big on service - Peter Deilmann, Amadeus Waterways, Avalon, Uniworld, Viking and Vantage.
Ships that cruise the rivers of Europe must meet certain specifications - maximum width is 11.5 metres, maximum length is 127 metres and three decks are all that is allowed - they carry between 164 and 176 passengers. Apart from these criteria you will find that every line has something different to offer - most appeal to the over-50s but there are also cruises that court families. Some focus on themes such as cuisine, wine, tulip time in Holland.
Currently many of the river cruise lines are offering some amazing specials - too many to list here. So if river cruising is something you've thought about but never investigated - now is the time to get in touch with us, tell us what you would like to do and where you would like to go and we'll present you with some amazing options for you to explore European waterways.
And if cruising is something you have avoided because you get sea sick - river cruising is for you.

The dreaded swine flu

2009-07-28T16:33:00.006+10:00

I get lots of questions about swine flu so I thought it was timely to include some information from the Travelvax people who say that "only people at higher risk of swine flu should forego overseas travel during the current pandemic".
Anyone travelling needs to be aware of the potential risks of close contact with crowds in particular at airports and on planes and take commonsense precautions against flu, such as washing their hands often in soap and running water and using an alcohol based hand gel when soap is not available. You can buy these gels and have your own on hand for travelling. Also avoiding contact with obviously sick people is a sensible precaution.
If you are planning a trip and are concerned about swine flu you can put together a kit to put your mind at rest. Include latex gloves, antiseptic towelettes, N95 face masks - not all face masks are the same and these are considered the ones you need to protect against flu germs - and contact details for the Australian Health department.
Talking to your doctor, who knows your medical history, is also a wise precaution.

Travel newsletters - do you read them?

2009-07-16T11:23:00.002+10:00

Like many businesses these days, including travel agencies, we have a weekly newsletter that goes out to subscribers and clients listing some of the latest deals. And like many businesses we receive thousands of emails from our suppliers and other businesses every week. I am selective about what I read as I simply don't have time to read them all... which means that sometimes I miss a gem or some really helpful/interesting news.
There are stacks of travel newsletters and as I can tell how many of our newsletters are opened at the other end I am often disappointed to find that they are not read by more people. So I've created a poll - at right - and would love to know what you think about travel newsletters.
Of course we will continue to produce ours but if you have time to take a look perhaps you could offer suggestions about what you would like to see in it.
To comment on this blog you only need a gmail address... really simple to do.

World's safest destinations

2009-07-09T15:12:00.005+10:00

Though we specialise in finding the right cruise for each and every client - we also do plenty of general travel work so I was fascinated when a friend sent me a link to this story on the Forbes traveler website.
To establish the safest destinations the researchers analysed data from the US State Department on crime warnings for travellers (similar to Australia's DFAT warnings); looked at the latest UN survey on global crime trends and checked fear factors such as natural disasters and terrorism.
No doubt you will do what I did and try to second guess what these destinations are - and like me you will get some right and be surprised at others.
So here are some of the countries that make this list - not in any order:

New Zealand. I love New Zealand. We spent 5 days in Wellington recently enjoying the crisp winter days, the clean fresh air and the warm hospitality of the Kiwis.

Singapore. A regular stopover for many Aussies, but how many of us stay here for a few days - a great place to indulge in eating and shopping

Iceland. I have yet to visit this tiny country - but it is on my list

Switzerland. We had a wonderful time backpacking round Switzerland in the 70s. It was incredibly modern by Australian standards then.

Bhutan. My older son, who is a great traveller, recently visited Bhutan and found the people amongst the warmest and friendliest he had ever met.

Mauritius. Popular with honeymooners - and anyone who wants a great island holiday,.

ABC Islands - the Dutch islands of Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao in the Caribbean - (mental note to find out more about these).

Dubai. Popular stopover - which I have done - but well worth a visit. If you are a keen horse race-goer Dubai will be on your list.

Ireland - surprised? it has been found to be the least violent country in Europe.

Cyprus - another surprise.

And the most dangerous - Afghanistan, Iraq... and the U.S.
Find out more - including why these countries are considered so safe - by clicking the link above. And if you would like to find out more about the destinations drop me a line - martin@travelchoice.com.au

Cruising around and out of Australia

2009-07-08T16:31:00.002+10:00

Many of our clients want to cruise from Australia - the convenience of catching a taxi to the ship and unpacking only once just can't be beaten. Avoiding airports is very attractive in itself and boarding a ship is a a very different and much more leisurely experience.
So we've put together a flier on the luxury ships that will be cruising from and into Australian ports over this summer. There's still time to book and this flier will give you an outline of what is available and when. You can check it out on our website - or you can contact us - travel@travelchoice.com.au and we will send you a copy.
I took this photo of the Crystal Serenity when she was in Sydney this summer... not that you can mistake the port given the glorious coathanger in the background!

A barge holiday, Wind Star and a celebration: my week

2009-07-04T16:40:00.004+10:00

Sometimes clients pop in to the agency because they would like to take a break, but nothing has caught their imagination. Other clients have seen an advertisement for a cruise or a holiday but when we explore we find that the dates are not suitable - or there are other conditions that are not to their liking. It can be fascinating exploring holiday options to suit individual needs.
I just love the variety that this job brings. This week's inquiries include the family who would like to take a barge holiday in Europe, complete with tandem bikes so they can take their young children to explore the surrounding countryside; the couple who are taking a Wind Star cruise in the Mediterranean; the family who would like to take a cruise together to celebrate a birthday and the retired businessman who wants to do a New Year cruise to New Zealand.
We took a barge holiday with our family when they were teenagers and cruised the Oxford canals. The weather was glorious, late September summer days with warm sunshine and long days where we could walk the canal paths, stop whenever we pleased and simply enjoy the English countryside. My sons loved working the locks and in fact took over the running of the barge which made it a truly relaxing holiday for me. We didn't have bikes but they are certainly an option on many barge holidays.
Wind Star is a four star sail-cruiser from the Windstar Cruise line. This means that she is a cruiser but she also has four giant masts fitted with computer controlled sails. Though this ship is seriously stocked with water sport equipment there are no scheduled activities and she is known for her stylish luxury and superb comfort. This ship not only sails the Mediterranean , including intimate Greek Island cruises, she also visits the Caribbean.
If spending a special occasion on board ship or taking time away for Christmas or New Year is something you would like to do there are dozens of options - you need to decide what type of cruise you would like, ask your travel agent for brochures and information to help you decide. Often folk will find something on the internet that appeals - but there may be something better or more suited that is not easily found - and that's where I love to be able to help out.
I wonder what next week will bring?

Sail the world on Cunard - and join royalty on Sydney Harbour 2011

2009-06-30T13:02:00.005+10:00

If you scroll down the right hand side of this blog you will find the photos I took when we joined the throngs to see the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Mary 2 berthed in Sydney Harbour. It was a warm summer dusk and we walked down to the ferry wharf at Kirribilli and caught the ferry across the harbour, planning when we arrived at Circular Quay to walk round to see the QM2 at Garden Island. But the crowds were too much for us. You could have walked from one side of the harbour to the other on the spectator craft around the Harbour Bridge - it was amazing that there were no serious collisions! and once we arrived at Circular Quay after our ferry inched its way past the QE2 there was no easy way through the crowds to the walk through the Botanic Gardens.
Cunard has announced that two Queens will once again arrive in Sydney when the Queen Elizabeth on her maiden visit to Australia in 2011 meets up with the QM2 in Sydney Harbour in 2011 on February 22. Queen Elizabeth will visit Fremantle on February 17 and Adelaide on February 20 on her way here.
New Yorkers will have the opportunity to see 3 Queens on these world voyages when QM2 and QE meet up with Queen Victoria on January 13, following a tandem Atlantic cross by Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.
There is a bonus for those who love to sail on Cunard. For the first time it will be possible to sail the world on the 3 Queens...

If you are interested in booking on the 2011 Cunard voyages - they go on sale on 2 July 2009 - contact us asap and let us know you are interested so we can make sure you get the booking you want. Email travel@travelchoice.com.au - or you can phone us 02 9968 1600.

Life is what happens...

2009-06-20T13:31:00.005+10:00

On June 18th Royal Princess suffered a fire in her engine room and has now put back to Port Said, Egypt for repairs. The current cruise is terminated and the cruise scheduled for 25th June cancelled. All passengers will receive a full refund, plus a 25% future cruise credit and be flown home with all expenses paid by Princess.

Life is what happens while you're busy making plans. Reading of the fire aboard Royal Princess brought home that sea voyages carry the thrill of unpredictability: an adventure is there as a possibility every time we embark on a cruise. This mishap aboard Royal Princess is unfortunate and quite uncommon. Nevertheless it seems to have been dealt with promptly and efficiently, and happily there has been no injury, only personal inconvenience and interruption. Passengers are suffering disruption but will be generously compensated by Princess - and it's even possible some may remember their real adventure in a positive light. After all, travel is about the experience, and the enjoyment of telling the tale is part of it!

Dance hosts and cruise ships

2009-06-10T16:21:00.004+10:00

In recent years I have taken up dancing Argentine tango in my spare time, so I am always interested when a client comes who is looking for a ship that offers dance hosts. This is on my mind because one such client did come in this week and because a friend I met at lunch said he was considering working as a dance host - he is an excellent all-round ballroom dancer. This train of thought of course led me to the Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau movie, 'Out to Sea'. An enjoyable comedy about 2 con-men who get up to all sorts of antics when they take on the jobs of dance hosts on a luxury liner! Nothing real about it, but fun.
If you like to dance it can be a great activity on a cruise ship as many of them have excellent dance floors - some bigger than others. Cruise lines that offer ballroom classes will often also have dance classes, Cunard and Regent Seven Seas being two of them. For people like me, for whom tango is The Dance, there are even cruises which offer tango festivals, included classes, dances and tango bands. We have yet to have a tango cruise call into an Australian port, but they do sail the Caribbean and Mediterranean each year, so you never know.
If you would like to dance be sure to let me know if you are asking for cruise suggestions.

Cruise terminal for Sydney

2009-06-05T16:08:00.006+10:00

The lack of space for cruise ships to dock in Sydney Harbour is an ongoing discussion among many who are involved with the cruise industry - particularly those who live in our magnificent city.
For three to four months a year the harbour welcomes new cruise ships every day, many sailing between the Heads as the sun rises... a memorable experience for those on board.
However there is a shortage of suitable places for ships to dock. Recently the State Government announced a committee to look into the problem of cruise ship facilities in Sydney Harbour, especially east of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Many ships are too big to pass under our famous coathanger so establishing cruise terminals at Darling Harbour (Barangaroo) or White Bay Terminal (not an attractive option with its lack of public transport and industrial port look) is not the answer.
Circular Quay did the job for years but is now dwarfed by many of the visiting ships and because it has been given over to restaurants does not work as well as it should.
However a report in the Sydney Morning Herald on 25 May stated that the Defence Department, which controls Garden Bay where the Queen Victoria docked on her last visit, is planning to base additional naval vessels there and this is not an option.
I hope that the committee has some teeth and is capable of making suggestions that are workable - as the White Bay Terminal currently is not. Another possibility might be Chowder Bay with the old Georges Heights military establishment. This area has enormous historical significance as the site of one of the largest military hospitals after World War I. Would a sympathetic development with a ferry wharf taking passengers across to the city be worth considering? I often walk that way and realise I don't have any photos to illustrate this idea... must get my camera out next time!
Let's hope something happens sooner rather than later. There is tremendous competition between ports for cruise line traffic and we want the cruise lines to have an easy choice when planning to include Sydney.

Mosman Cruise Centre has a new look website

2009-05-22T17:39:00.001+10:00

Our website has been around for about 6 years so we recently decided it was time to update it. Today the new look went live! and we are very excited about it as it is a great way to tell cruisers and travellers about new deals - as well as to add interesting and useful content. Yes we can add deals to this blog but who wants to read a string of specials? Your travel agent does that for you - we get dozens a day! With our new site we can choose the best and put them up for you to read and explore at your leisure.
So take a look at the site - sign up for our newsletter - and do let me know what you think of it! You can email me at martin@travelchoice.com.au

Silverseas - Prince Albert and the Silver Spirit

2009-05-19T11:40:00.005+10:00

What do travel agents do in the evening? Well many work way past closing time putting together itineraries for clients and wouldbe-clients - most are working harder at the moment than ever before - some go home - and some go to events like last night's promotion by Silverseas for travel agents, held at Sydney's classy Establishment.
These are events where suppliers sell to travel agents, so they can sell to you - the customer. Last night Silverseas treated us all to champagne and canapes while they informed about the Prince Albert's (pictured) upcoming season in the Arctic - and her successes in the Antarctic - and their new ship, Silver Spirit which will make her first voyage in December from Barcelona to Lisbon. There are no plans for the Silver Spirit to come to Australasia - she will divide her trips between the Mediterranean and the Americas. Those who love Silverseas will no doubt want to experience the new beauty while she is new.
Meanwhile the Prince Albert has become very popular with those who want to see Antarctica in style. She departs from Ushuaia in our summer months then moves to Norway and the north for the northern summer.
Currently Silverseas are offering discounts on Alaskan cruises aboard Silver Shadow.
Silverseas cruises include all meals, all drinks and gratuities and prices on theese 10 day cruises start at $4497pp twin-share. These cruises start on August 1 - departing until September. This beautiful picture of an Arctic fox is here because I think it's a beautiful creature ... what a treat to catch a glimpse of such an animal!
Contact us - travel@travelchoice.com.au if you'd like more info