Northstar

6 | www.travelweekly-asia.com A Travel Agent's Guide to Cruises By Lee Xin Hui Here, we round up the cruises sailing in the region with updates on their latest developments. Amazara Club Cruises SHIPS IN THE REGION: Azamara Journey. STANDOUT FEATURES: Known for its 'Destination Immersion' style of cruising with longer stays, more overnights and night touring, Azamara Club Cruises offers complimentary AzAmazing Evenings – bespoke events showcasing authentic cultural entertainment to its upmarket segment of international travellers. Passengers get to enjoy highly personalised service and inclusive amenities such as complimentary boutique wines, self-service laundry; and English Butler service for suite guests. Spa-loving guests can select either of the two new Spa Suites onboard, offering convenient access to the adjacent Sanctum Spa. ITINERARY UPDATES: On December 9, the 690-guest Azamara Journey will bring guests on a 14-night Thailand and Vietnam journey from Singapore, calling at Koh Samui, Klong Toey (Bangkok), Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Halong Bay and Hong Kong. Those keen to explore the treasures of Indonesia can go on the 7-night Borobudur & Bali Voyage on January 14. Alternatively, cruise on March 25 for 14 nights to explore the best of Borneo, Thailand and Vietnam. NEWS: The cruise line has recently launched a series of 'Cruise Global, Connect Local' land excusions that offer travellers the chance to experience local life, food and wine and guided historic tours, followed by exclusive custom post-dinner programmes. Celebrity Cruises SHIPS IN THE REGION: Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Millennium. STANDOUT FEATURES: Celebrity Millennium features several Solstice Class signature details including the Celebrity iLounge, an ice-topped Martini Bar, Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria, a Cellar Masters Wine Bar. The highlight? Qsine, a specialty restaurant with a quirky ambience and inventive twists on popular dishes best selected from its iPad menus. Onboard Celebrity Constellation, start your vacation on the right note with the exquisite taste of caviar and vodka at Crush, bold flavours of rustic Tuscan Grille, and end your days with the pampering pleasures of Canyon Ranch SpaClub. ITINERARY UPDATES: From next January to April, passengers can sail with Celebrity Constellation on itineraries such as the 12-night Thailand & Vietnam, 14-night Vietnam & Philippines, and 15-night Best of India & Sri Lanka. In November, Celebrity Millennium will begin its 14-night journey from Singapore to Vietnam and Philippines followed by a 14-night Southeast Asia Immersion on December 10, January 7 and 21 and February 4. NEWS: After a two-week drydock in Marseilles France last month, Celebrity Constellation is welcoming passengers with enhancements to many of its public areas, staterooms and suites. Costa Asia SHIPS IN THE REGION: Costa Victoria, Costa Fortuna, Costa neoRomantica (highlighted fleets & itineraries for 2017). STANDOUT FEATURES: Costa Asia is known for its signature feature of 'Italy at Sea' with authentic European cruising experiences such as the Carnival of Venice parties, Italian opera and Italian wine and cheese pairing sessions. In addition, it is targeted at families with features such as the Squok Club with myriad kid-friendly programmes available. ITINERARY UPDATES: Costa Victoria will be launching a 4- to 5-night sailing from Hong Kong to Vietnam, Hainan Island and Okinawa in September, followed by a 3- to 5-night sailing from Singapore to Thailand and Malaysia from November to next January. This June and July, Costa Fortuna will be sailing from Taiwan to Japan and South Korea. Lastly, the 'gem of Costa's fleets', Costa neoRomantica is currently offering 4- to 7-night itineraries from Japan to South Korea and Russia. NEWS: Costa Asia has invested over 6 billion euros (US$4.47 billion) on two new Costa ships for Asian guests, to be delivered in 2019 and 2010 respectively. Built by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, each ship will be able to carry 4,200 guests. They will be operated by Costa Asia, the Asian brand of the Costa Group. In April, Costa Asia also Azamara Journey. Top: A Carnival of Venice party; above: Costa neoRomantica's Verona Wine & Cheese Bar. Photo Credit: iStock COVER STORY Cruise

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