Northstar

www.travelweekly-asia.com | 7 COVER STORY Cruise ITINERARY UPDATES: From January 20 to February 4 next year, Nautica will be offering 15-night itineraries from Singapore to Hong Kong. NEWS: Last month, the culinary- and destination-focused cruise line introduced a vegan menu across its six ships – Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Marina, Riviera, and Sirena. These dishes are in addition to the line's existing comprehensive selection of vegetarian, gluten-free, and kosher meals. Princess Cruises SHIPS IN THE REGION: Sapphire Princess, Diamond Princess, Majestic Princess. STANDOUT FEATURES: Last December, Sapphire Princess debuted Club Class, a new stateroom category fitted with Princess Luxury Beds created in collaboration with a sleep specialist. Diamond Princess, which caters introduced a 'Go Costa, Let's Festa!' campaign, running throughout 2017 which will further drive home the experience of 'Italy at Sea' with authentic Italian cuisines, all- day entertainment, and duty-free promotions on European luxury brands. Dream Cruises SHIPS IN THE REGION: Genting Dream, World Dream (scheduled to arrive this November). STANDOUT FEATURES: Dream Cruises offers personal butler service for guests staying in Dream Palace, an exclusive ship-within-the-ship luxury complex. There are plenty of wide-ranging entertainment options including 'China's Got Talent – The Dream Experience' and fun parties at sea held at the onboard Zouk nightclub. Those with a penchant for the finer things in life will enjoy Bistro by Mark Best opened by the world-acclaimed eponymous Australian chef, or the first JOHNNIE WALKER HOUSE and Penfolds Wine Vault at sea. ITINERARY UPDATES: Genting Dream will be embarking on 2-night Hong Kong itineraries during the weekend and 5-night "Island Gems of Japan" cruises. Future itineraries will feature new destinations for South East Asia including Surabaya, North Bali and Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Phuket. Itineraries for World Dream will be announced at a later date. NEWS: Dream Cruises has launched the Okinawa Festival for families cruising from Hong Kong to Japan from May 5 to June 16. During the five-night cruise, guests can learn how to select the ideal kimono for special occasions, taste exquisite Awamori wines and enjoy Okinawan dishes like the locally-sourced Ishigaki beef. Kids can even learn a thing or two about making sushi at the "Junior Sushi Master Class". Norwegian Cruise Line SHIPS IN THE REGION: Norwegian Joy. STANDOUT FEATURES: The built- for-China cruise ship features a novel open-air two-storey Ferrari race track, the first virtual reality gaming experience at sea at Galaxy Pavilion, VIP accommodations including The Haven by Norwegian, the line's exclusive, ship-within- a-ship luxury suite complex, 28 different F&B outlets including authentic Chinese cuisine as well as a Mandarin-speaking crew to make guests feel at home. ITINERARY UPDATES: Starting August 22, Norwegian Cruise Line will be launching six sailings in Asia from Norwegian Joy's homeports of Shanghai and Tianjin to Japanese ports of call including Nagasaki, Kochi, Miyazaki and Kitakyushu. NEWS: The brand new ship was delivered last month in Germany and will embark on her inaugural voyage from Shanghai this month. Oceania Cruises SHIPS IN THE REGION: Nautica STANDOUT FEATURES: The 684-guest Nautica features queen-sized Prestige Tranquility Beds, an Oceania Cruises exclusive with 1,000-thread-count linens; Bulgari amenities; and a complimentary and extensive 24-hour room service menu. From top: Dream Cruises' Executive Suite; Dream Cruises offers a ropes course onboard. From top: Majestic Princess' La Mer French Bistro; Go-karting on Norwegian Joy; Oceania Cruises' Martini Bar.

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