Classic Ships Shape Up for Biggest Ever Year in Australia

**Ally** · 02-19-2008, 06:50 AM

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Classic International Cruises has launched its 2008-09 Australian summer cruise program – it’s biggest-ever season - with two liners offering 23 cruises to and from Fremantle and, for the first time, Sydney and Adelaide.

Next summer’s season from November 2008 to May 2009 will see the debut in Australia of the classic liner, Princess Daphne, for a short season of cruises from Sydney, joining popular fleet mate Funchal which will offer the first-ever round-trip cruises from Adelaide and then return to Fremantle for her fifth consecutive season in Western Australia.

The expanded program will see Classic International Cruises double its capacity in Australia to a record 10,000 passengers next summer.

A selection of cruises from three to 49 nights duration are available, including round cruises to the South Pacific islands, Asia and Tasmania, the first cruises to Kangaroo Island and four traditional line voyages between Australia and Europe and the UK. Fares start at just A$645 per person, inside twin-share.

In contrast to the rapid growth of ever-expanding resort-type megaliners, with their climbing walls, skating rinks and long queues, Classic International Cruises offers smaller, yacht-type ships boasting friendly and attentive service, value-for-money fares, great entertainment and first-class cuisine in an intimate and relaxed setting.

“The atmosphere aboard our ships deliberately reprises the traditional shipboard life of a bygone era,” says Classic International Cruises Managing Director for Australia, Grant Hunter. “Great food and excellent, relaxed service are the hallmarks of the Classic cruise experience.

“Our ships are designed for blue water voyages and they’re stylishly traditional and easy to get around with comfortable and spacious cabins. The atmosphere onboard resembles that of an English country pub - cosy and welcoming.

“It’s cruising as it was meant to be, with a sense of the ocean and all its mystery, adventure and nautical traditions.

“Our repeat passenger rate on cruises from Fremantle averages 31 per cent and has been up to 51 per cent on the longer voyages so there’s obviously a growing niche market for people who want to sail on classic liners offering good old-fashioned service and all the maritime traditions that make an authentic cruising experience so relaxing and enriching. That’s why we’re expanding our program in 2008-09 to Sydney and Adelaide for the first time,” Mr Hunter said.

Maiden Sydney season for Princess Daphne

In 2008-09, the newly refurbished Princess Daphne will offer seven cruises to and from Sydney including:

A 10-night Christmas cruise, sailing Dec 19, 2008, from A$1995 per person, inside twin share; and an 11-night New Year’s cruise, dep Dec 29, 2008, from A$2365 per person, inside, twin-share. Both cruises sail to ports in Vanuatu and New Caledonia

* Eight-night Tasmania cruise, departing January 12, 2009, from A$1495 per person, inside, twin-share
* Three-night weekend cruise at sea, sailing January 9, 2009, from A$645 per person, inside, twin-share
* Exotic 48-night return cruise to Asia, departing Jan 20, 2009, from A$7595 pp, inside, twin-share
* 35-night line-voyage from Athens to Sydney, dep Nov 14, 2008, from A$5250 pp inside, twin-share
* Grand 39-night journey from Sydney to France, dep March 9, 2009, from A$6435 pp inside, twin-share

Originally named Port Sydney, the fully refurbished Princess Daphne carries 641 passengers and across its eight decks offers five comfortable lounges and bars, a pool and jacuzzi, gym and spa centre, fine dining restaurant, casino, disco and 241 cabins – all with private bathroom facilities and 90 per cent boasting ocean views. The 16,000-ton ship also offers ten suites with private balconies.

Maiden Adelaide season for Funchal

Funchal will offer four cruises to and from Outer Harbour in Adelaide in January and February, 2009:

* Six-night cruise from Fremantle-Adelaide via Albany and Esperance, sailing January 27, 2009, from
A$995 pp, inside, twin-share
* Four-night round-cruise to Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln, sailing February 2, 2009, from A$795 pp, inside, twin-share
* Three-night weekend cruise at sea, dep Feb 6, 2009, from A$645 pp, inside, twin-share
* Six-night journey from Adelaide to Fremantle via Port Lincoln and Esperance, dep Feb 9, 2009, from A$995 pp, inside, twin-share

Fifth consecutive season from Fremantle, WA, for Funchal

The popularity of Funchal on the west coast has led to a fifth consecutive season from WA in 2008-09, with 12 cruises to and from Fremantle Western Australia including:

* Exotic 20-night return cruise to Asia, including a cruise by the spectacular Krakatoa volcano, sailing March 7, 2009, from A$3215 pp, inside, twin-share
* A 10-night Christmas cruise to Broome, Monkey Mia and Geraldton, sailing Dec 20, 2008, from A$1995 pp, inside, twin-share
* Three-night New Year’s cruise at sea, dep Dec 30, 2008, from A$720 per person, inside, twin share
* Three-night Australia Day cruise at sea, dep January 24, 2009, from A$645 pp, inside, twin-share
* Three-night Labour Day weekend getaway at sea from Feb 27, 2009, from A$645 pp, inside twin-share
* Two 5-night cruises to Monkey Mia and Geraldton, dep Jan 19 and March 2, 2009, from A$995 pp, inside, twin-share
* 10 night cruise to Bali, dep January 9, 2009, from A$1780 per person, inside twin share
* 12-night cruise to Bali, dep Feb 15, 2009, from A$2125 pp, inside twin- share
* Popular 39-night line voyage from the UK to Fremantle, sailing November 11, 2008, from A$5425 pp, inside, twin-share.
* Unforgettable 37-night line voyage from Fremantle to the UK, dep March 27, 2009, from A$5890 pp, inside, twin-share

Launched in 1961, the 10,000-ton Funchal. carries 500 passengers. Once used as a Portuguese presidential yacht for state visits, the six-deck ship offers two restaurants, five bars, three lounges, library, casino, pool, fitness centre and 241 cabins.

* Both Princess Daphne and Funchal are registered in Portugal andprovide cabins accommodating up to four passengers. Children’s activities are offered during school holidays. Both feature Australian and international staff and the onboard currency is Australian dollars.

Founded in 1982, Classic International Cruises carries 85,000 passengers a year, with the five-ship fleet offering cruises in Europe, the UK, South America and, since 2004, Australia.

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