Cruisepilot News

Royal Rendez Vous

Article posted: February 22nd, 2011 by Cruisepilot | 2 Comments »

 Many Australian’s this morning were greeted by the arrival of royalty into Sydney. Breakfast TV shows across the network showed live coverage of the historic Royal event.

 This historic occasion, playing out on screens across the country saw Cunard’s newest liner Queen Elizabeth rendezvous with the magnificent Queen Mary 2 in Sydney Harbour.

 Queen Elizabeth, will make maiden visits to three Australian cities in 2011 as part of her inaugural world voyage. The  Royal Rendezvous this morning in Sydney with her big sister Queen Mary 2, marked her first appearance in Australian waters.

 Launched in December 2010, Queen Elizabeth departed Southampton on January 5th for her 103-day World Voyage. During this histroic tour she will make 35 maiden calls including visits to Sydney (Feb 22), Melbourne (Feb 25) and Fremantle (March 1). Meanwhile, Cunard’s flagship Queen Mary 2 will visit Australia for a fourth time in 2011, with calls to Sydney (Feb 22), Adelaide (Feb 20) and Fremantle (Feb 17) during her 103-day world voyage which includes visits to South America, South Africa, Asia and the Mediterranean.

 Queen Mary 2’s visit to Sydney this morning formed part of a memorable Royal Rendezvous on Sydney Harbour with Queen Elizabeth, drawing thousands of spectators to the foreshore.

 For the latest Cunard deals, call Cruisepilot on 1300 795 433 or visit www.cruisepilot.com.au.
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Travel Insurance – Don’t Leave Home Without Adequate Cover

Article posted: February 9th, 2011 by Cruisepilot | 2 Comments »

Travel Insurance to some is seen as an unnecessary expense. Surprisingly it’s often the frequent traveller who tends to adopt this blasé attitude. A belief that nothing serious will happen to them, is often the main motivator in not taking out travel insurance, but is this really a wise decision?

Simone, one of our experienced Cruise Consultants recently found out the  importance of having adequate travel insurance in place. Here is her story.

“On the 28th December I was involved in a rather serious motorcycle accident in Thailand. Due to a combination of carelessness on my part and other external factors including a wet road and bald tyres, I came off my scooter and into a ditch on the small island of Koh Samui.  This accident resulted in a severely ruptured spleen, internal bleeding, a collapsed lung (due to the build up of a  large amount of fluid in my lung), a large open wound in my knee, 34 stiches to my face and grazing and cuts to the majority of my left hand side. Luckily I was taken to a 5 star hospital with very well equipped doctors who helped me back to a stable condition.

On the day that I arrived at the hospital, the hospital staff contacted my travel insurance provider Mondial Assistance, to confirm my cover and start the proceedings of my insurance claim.  Mondial Assistance  were extremely helpful, even with the  language barrier and organized to cover all of my medical expenses. This was in place from the second day of my stay.

As my friends had to leave to return home to Australia, Mondial Assistance  organised to fly my mother over to assist me, and even provided accommodation for her near the hospital, assistance with taxi fares and meals.

During my full three weeks in hospital, Mondial Assistance were fabulous in that they had their doctors contacted me every day to check the progress of my treatment and were constantly  in contact with my doctors to make sure that I was getting the correct and best possible treatment. When my condition started to become more stable and I was taken out of Intensive Care and into the normal hospital, they reduced the calls to every second day, but if I needed them I could contact them on their claims number.

When it was time for me to be released from the hospital, as I still had severe injuries to my spleen and knee, Mondial Assistance  arranged for my mother and I to fly home in business class to assist with the leg room and overall comfort of my journey.

 If I had not had adequate travel insurance in place, I estimate that the total cost of my accident, change to flights and my mother’s accommodation would have set us back $35,000. I cannot express enough how wonderful the staff are at Mondial  Assistance  and how grateful I am for their assistance at such a difficult time.

I feel very confident now selling Mondial Assistance Travel Insurance as a product because I know that my clients are in the very best hands should something unfortunate go wrong.

Have you got adequate travel insurance for your next holiday? For more information on Travel Insurance cover, contact Cruisepilot on 1300 795 433.

Book Now – September 2011 Fire & Ice

Article posted: January 31st, 2011 by Cruisepilot | 1 Comment »

Exciting news! The latest Cruisepilot deal – the Fire & Ice Cruise and Tour for September 2011 is now available to book! This spectacular 29 night cruise, fly and tour package from Sydney* is a once in a lifetime trip, combining the best of red hot Hawaii with the natural splendour of Alaska and the Rockies.  (Flights are also available from other Australian and New Zealand main cities on request)

To enquire about this fabulous Fire & Ice deal, call 1300 795 433 to speak to a personal cruise consultant!  To learn more, carry on reading!!

Depart Sydney to Seattle, spending 2 nights in this wonderous city nestled between majestic mountains, lush forests and beautiful waterways. Enjoy a Seattle City Sights Tour and discover the story of this once logging town which is now is more famous as the home of Microsoft, Amazon.com and Starbucks.

Cruise the majestic Inside Passage on your 12 night Alaskan cruise, onboard Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas. Experience spectacular scenery of towering mountains, endless forests, and of course the imposing glaciers. Keep an eye out for the whales that dance around the bow of the ship or if you are lucky the bald eagles soaring over head.

New for September 2011, this trip of a lifetime will include the ever-popular Rocky Mountaineer 2 day rail adventure, as part of a fully escorted 8 day tour of the Canadian Rockies. Have your cameras at the ready, as you are sure to encounter the odd grizzly bear!

Spend a little time exploring Vancouver, Canada’s most beautiful city before embarking on a 11 night voyage to Hawaii onboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas, prior to her maiden Australian cruise season.

Spend a few days in Hawaii, relishing the beauty of the Hawaiian islands and experiencing a traditional Hawaiian Luau dinner before your return flight to Australia. For more details on this amazing fly/cruise/stay package call today or click here to download the brochure.

Encounter unique Russia with Viking River Cruises

Article posted: January 28th, 2011 by Cruisepilot | No Comments »

Experience the history and culture of Russia as you cruise along Russia’s most important and historic waterways between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Tour the opulent Hermitage in St. Petersburg, sample celebrated Russian vodka, and enjoy the regional diversity of Russian cuisine. Along the way, explore the splendid monuments of distinguished cities, and encounter unusual and fascinating landscapes dotted with ancient river villages as you cruise the magnificent Volga. Finally, tour the centre of Russia, the grand city of Moscow, and its overwhelming attractions. See the other side of Russia with Viking River Cruises.

Built on the layout of Amsterdam, the city of St. Petersburg is marked by gracious boulevards, romantic canals and baroque palaces where streets and squares were designed on a grand scale. In the heart of the city lies the world’s largest art museum – the Hermitage. The collection of over three million items from world-renowned artists is housed in huge buildings in the former glorious residence of the czars. Admire the mystique of the Winter Palace as you tour its royal 117 staircases and 1,057 rooms, and witness the sweep of history in the beautiful ballrooms where music once played.

Owing to Russia’s size and regional diversity, Russian cuisine is extremely varied. Regardless of the time of the day, the table is laid out with sausages, ham, eggs, cheese, fish, borscht, chicken, red meat and blinis with typical Russian drinks such as vodka, red and white Krim sparkling wine and kvas, a national beverage of fermented rye bread. Round off your meal with traditional Russian ice cream, cheesecakes and sweet blinis, or take a sip of the beverage suited to all occasions, vodka.

As the ship departs from St. Petersburg, the landscape changes to small settlements, monasteries, churches and museums long hidden behind the Iron Curtain. Cruise Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega known for their contrasts: deep waters in the north and craggy islands, but shallow in the south with sandy beaches. Be surrounded by the natural beauty and exotic wildlife of the Volga, serenaded and honoured in poems, as you sail past quaint river villages.  

Moscow is an important cultural and economic metropolis with 2,500 historical monuments, 4,500 libraries and much more. Admire the immense breadth of the boulevards and the city’s incredible scale as you stroll along the bustling streets filled with architecture and small shops. Visit the Kremlin and Red Square, section of the town still fortified by walls, ramparts and palisades, and home to the Russian President and his government. The most striking edifice on Red Square is St. Basil’s Cathedral with its many domes and bright-coloured cupolas. Experience the beauty of this symbol of Moscow, and take a ride on the incredible Moscow Metro where everyday heroes are immortalised in art in various types of stone, mosaics and stucco.

A voyage through Russia is a journey through time. Experience the unique countryside, culture, mysterious history, and two greatest cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg on the 13-day Waterways of the Czars itinerary. For more information on this unforgettable itinerary call a dedicated Cruisepilot Consultant on 1300 795 433 (AU) or 080 423 016 (NZ) .   

September 2011 Fire & Ice Package Soon to be Released

Article posted: January 7th, 2011 by Cruisepilot | 6 Comments »

The countdown is on for the launch of the Cruisepilot September 2011 Fire & ICE Fly-Cruise-Tour package!

A huge hit with any savvy traveller, the Fire & ICE package is the ideal way to combine a trip to the amazing fiery landscapes of Hawaii with the magnificent icy blue glaciers of Alaska.

The September 2011 trip will be like no other with the opportunity to cruise on Royal Caribbean’s “Radiance of the Seas” prior to its arrival for its debut Australian cruise season. Back by popular demand – the Rocky Mountaineer plus a special surprise!

With the April 2011 Fire & ICE package already SOLD OUT, registering your interest now for the September departure is a must.