By Rama Gaind.
Vasco da Gama is the brand new ship from Cruise & Maritime Voyages with an exciting announcement about its first voyages in 2019.
For many people, going on a cruise is a perfect holiday because you’re lucky enough to do as much or as little as you want.
There’s something to suit all ages and tastes from an adrenaline junkie and entertainment enthusiast to food and wine connoisseur or a lounge lizard.
The options have now widened following the news that Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) was introduced to Australia last month. The exciting announcement was of the first voyages for CMV’s brand new ship, Vasco da Gama, in 2019.
The new ship will sail from Singapore to London and London to Sydney in 2019 before launching its inaugural Australian cruise season. Bookings are now open and passengers can choose from a range of options along the routes of up to 55 nights. You’re invited to be a part of history.
The ship’s exciting 44-night maiden voyage from Singapore to London will include Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Jordan, Egypt and the iconic passage through the Suez Canal. The cruise will continue to Israel and around the best of the Mediterranean, finishing with Morocco and Portugal before docking in London. Guests wanting more can stay aboard and disembark in Amsterdam (Netherlands) or Bremerhaven (Germany).
The ship is named after Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese nobleman, navigator and explorer, famous for being the first European to reach India by sea.
Inaugural departure
Be at ease in an oceanview twin double bunk on the new Vasco da Gama. CMV has announced Vasco da Gama will sail from Singapore to London and London to Sydney in 2019 before launching its inaugural Australian cruise season.
Vasco da Gama’s 53-night inaugural Southbound voyage will depart London on 9 October 2019. The Southbound cruise includes 16 ports of call in countries such as Morocco, Barbados, Mexico and New Zealand before arriving in Sydney.
The managing director of CMV Australia, Dean Brazier, said their special Southbound voyage would appeal to cruise devotees and discerning travellers alike.
“We’ve had unprecedented interest in the new Vasco da Gama from our customers and agents since announcing the acquisition in March,” Dean said. “Passengers will have the opportunity to transit the Panama Canal and cross the Equator in an experience reminiscent of the grand days of cruising – but with all the mod-cons of a contemporary ship.”
“Vasco da Gama offers two gorgeous pools, the state-of-the-art Jade Wellness Centre and Spa, a two-tiered theatre, and five inviting bars and lounges. Six dining venues feature cuisine from around the world – The Grill’s succulent steaks are expected to be a hit with passengers, and the ‘Chef’s Table’ will provide a degustation menu plus an insight into the workings of the galley.”
“The ship’s country club ambiance will be suited to couples, groups and solo travellers wishing to explore some of the most fascinating cities in the world while enjoying the comforts of a quality cruise – all among good company. These voyages should be on everyone’s bucket lists and we expect them to sell-out quickly,” Dean said.
Vasco da Gama compliments CMV’s Astor, which has been in the Australian market for six years. The new ship will offer more on-board facilities and increased passenger capacity with CMV’s hallmark personalised service, while the Astor will maintain its appeal as a boutique and intimate cruising experience.
Cruise fares
Explore some of the most fascinating cities in the world while enjoying the comforts of cruising onboard the Vasco da Gama in 2019, like this suite balcony on the Vasco da Gama.
CMV will acquire Pacific Eden from P&O Australia in April 2019 and the ship will be dry docked in Singapore before beginning its maiden voyage on 23 April. The vessel will be refreshed while in Singapore and undergo its Vasco da Gama ‘makeover’ (named after the famous Portuguese explorer and navigator).
London-to-Sydney cruise-only fares start from AU$6,899 per person twin share for an inside cabin (53 nights), which includes up to AU$2,200 free on-board credit per cabin – for bookings made up until 31 July 2018 – to allow guests to experience even more of the new ship. Singapore to London cruise-only fares start from AU$5,399 per person twin share (44 nights).
Vasco da Gama will be deployed and dedicated to both the German and Australasian cruise markets. During the European summer (May-October), the ship will operate under CMV’s German brand, TransOcean Kreuzfahrten, homeporting from both Bremerhaven and Kiel; and during the Australian summer season (December-March) will sail from Fremantle and Adelaide.
CMV is Britain’s leading independent cruise line and 2017 heralds its eighth year of operating no fly cruises from a choice of 11 ports in the UK.
Reasons to cruise are many, along with the types of cruises on offer. From the week-long getaway to the round-the-world trip of a lifetime, a cruise holiday lets you explore regions of the world in comfort and affordable luxury.
CMV’s smaller, more intimate ships, offer a leisurely and traditional home-away-from-home country house-style of cruising with the emphasis very much on personal service and ‘going that extra mile’.
Good value
You will be comfortable in this balcony queen cabin on the Vasco da Gama. Bookings have opened and passengers can choose from CMV’s wide range of options along the routes of up to 55 nights.
Cruises represent outstanding value with cabin accommodation, full board cuisine, afternoon teas, daytime activities, evening entertainment and full use of all the onboard leisure facilities – all included in the fare.
When it comes to culinary delights, whether you are cruising the Baltic Sea, Indian Ocean or the Atlantic Ocean, it is guaranteed that nothing whets your appetite like sea air. You’ll therefore have even more reason to anticipate the feast of delights freshly prepared by expert chefs and served by attentive staff.
There’s also a varied entertainment program featuring acclaimed big shows and cabarets.
However, are you are one of the many travellers who have not yet been cruising because of popular myths like feeling claustrophobic or getting seasick?
Now is the time to take the leap and consider going on your first cruise. The competitive prices are a big incentive. There is plenty to love about life at sea.
It’s now time to cross the gangway because there’s too much to do while you’re living in a hotel on the high seas!
DETAILS BOX
Cruise & Maritime Voyages
Booking hotline: 1300 307 934
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