Royal Caribbean Cruises 2015

SPECIAL FEATURESUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2015

WELCOME TO BRISBANE’S NEWEST LEGENDRoyal Caribbean brings world-class cruising to Queensland’s doorstep

V1 - BCME01Z01ES

14 ESCAPE SUNDAY DECEMBER 6 2015 ESCAPE.COM.AU

BCME01Z01ES - V1

1 GREAT ITINERARIESFrom Brisbane, you can cruise to the South Pacific stopping off at idyllic destinations like Mare, Mystery Island, Port Vila, Noumea, Lautoka and Suva just to name a few. There are also some great Queensland cruise itineraries on offer with stops at Airlie Beach and Cairns, and you cruise past Willis Island. Cruise lengths vary from two nights up to 18 nights.

2 ALL INCLUSIVEIt’s basically all inclusive. You can do the whole cruise without having to spend any more than your initial cruise purchase cost. The only time you will be asked to pay a small extra fee is

when you want to dine at some of the high-end restaurants, or if you want a spa treatment, drink packages or shore excursions. It is the best value for money holiday on the market.

3 SPACIOUS STATEROOMS The ship has four types of staterooms ranging from luxurious suites to comfortable interior cabins. For those who want extra space, some of the larger suites are the size of inner-city apartments. The balcony staterooms offer incredible ocean and port views - and of course calming sea breezes.

4 DELECTABLE DININGGuests are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining. Legend of the Seas has six main options

including complimentary meals in the grand Romeo and Juliet main dining room, Windjammer Cafe and Park Cafe. You should treat yourself and make a booking to try Royal Caribbean’s signature steakhouse Chops Grille and the incredible Asian-fusion cuisine at Izumi.

5 FAMILY FUN The family-themed fun never ends. You can challenge the kidsto some games in the video arcade; or nine holes of miniature golf; a race around the outdoor jogging track; or scale the challenging rock-climbing wall. If you want a more cerebral event, then test your skills in one of the daily trivia challenges, all of this included in the cruise fare.

6 EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE There’s nothing quite like the service you get on Legend of the Seas. Your cabin crew will literally treat you like royalty; the bar staff will remember your drink order; and if for any reason you need help, guest services staff are on call 24 hours a day.

BRIAN CRISPNEWS CORP STUDIOS — QUEENSLAND

10 THINGS QUEENSLANDERS WILL LOVE ABOUT LEGEND

LEGEND OF THE SEAS

THE BIGGEST THRILLS | THE BIGGEST TASTE SENSATIONS | THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT1800 754 500 | Visit your travel agent | RoyalCaribbean.com.au

*Prices shown are per person in Australian Dollars based on twin occupancy and inclusive of all taxes, fees and port expenses (which are subject to change) and onboard gratuities. Prices are for the lowest Interior, Oceanview and Balcony stateroom available. Pricing is correct as of 1 December 2015. Prices and exact cruise itineraries are subject to change without notice. ^Buy One Get One Up To 50% Off promotion is valid for new bookings made between 8 November – 25 December 2015. Offer is applicable to all Royal Caribbean global voyages departing after 10 December 2015. Offer excludes all China sailings. Eligible bookings will receive a discount of up to 50% off the total fare for the second passenger booked in the same stateroom as a first passenger who books at full fare. Offer is only applicable to the second passenger in the booking. ~Free upgrade from Oceanview to Balcony is available on Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Transpacific & Asia Repositioning voyages departing between 1 January 2016 and 23 April 2016. Eligible bookings will be able to book a Balcony stateroom (category X) at the price of an Oceanview (category I). Bookings must be made on the Balcony ‘guarantee’ category X. The exact stateroom grade, number and location of the stateroom on the ship will be allocated at the discretion of Royal Caribbean International. No cabin requests permitted. ‡WOW sale includes an additional onboard credit of up to US$100 Onboard Credit plus a 50% reduced deposit applicable to Royal Caribbean Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Transpacific & Asia Repositioning sailings of 5 nights of longer departing after 1 January 2016. Onboard credit varies by category; Interior: $100, Oceanview: $200, Balcony and Suite: $300. 50% Reduced Deposit is applicable to bookings made more than 70 days prior to the departure date (90 days prior to departure for holiday sailings). All bookings must have the required deposit paid no later than 5:00pm AEST on Monday 14 December 2015 or the deposit payment required due date, whichever is earlier, in order to qualify for the offer. Legend Bonus Onboard Credit promotion is valid for new bookings made between 2 – 11 December 2015. Offer consists of US $100 onboard credit per stateroom available on all Legend of the Seas voyages of 5 nights or longer departing between 1 January 2016 and 20 April 2016 inclusive. Offers are applicable to new individual bookings and non-contracted group bookings named and fully deposited within the offer period. Offers are applicable to new individual bookings and non-contracted group bookings named and fully deposited within the offer period. Offers are combinable with each other but not combinable with any other offer or promotion unless otherwise stated. Please ensure that promotion name ‘BOGOHO’, ‘Legend OBC’ and ‘WOW Sale’ is listed in the reservation at time of booking, where applicable. A limited number of staterooms are available at the prices shown. Once these staterooms are sold out, prices may be increased, or withdrawn or further reduced without notice. Any eligible booking that is cancelled and then reinstated after 25 December 2015 will no longer be eligible for the promotion. Any booking that is modified after the promotion has ended will result in the loss of the promotion. Examples of changes that will result in the promotion being forfeit include, but are not limited to; change of ship, sail date, category booked, amending the travel agency ID or selecting an alternate price/promotion. All promotions are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. For full terms and conditions, please visit our website at www.royalcaribbean.com.au. The above mentioned terms and conditions are to be read in conjunction with the terms and conditions outlined in the Royal Caribbean International Worldwide Cruise Holidays 2015-2016 brochure. Royal Caribbean International reserves its right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. ▲Awarded Best Cruise Operator – International Deployment at the 2015 AFTA National Travel Industry Awards. ABN 541 5026 3086. J10123_061215_BSM

AUSTRALIA’SBEST

CRUISE LINE 2015

5 DAYS ONLY. OFFER MUST END 9 DECEMBER.10 Nights South Pacific Treasures Dep 8 Feb 2016

BUY 1 GET 1 UP TO 50% OFFÛS$300 ONBOARD CREDIT‡

YOU COMPANIONINTERIORTWIN PP FROM

$1399* $699.50*

OCEANVIEWTWIN PP FROM

$1849* $924.50*

BALCONYTWIN PP FROM SOLD OUTLegend of the Seas

8 Nights South Pacific BlissDep 18 Feb, 3 Apr 2016

BUY 1 GET 1 UP TO 50% OFFÛS400 ONBOARD CREDIT‡


$1199* $599.50*


$1599* $799.50*

BALCONYTWIN PP FROM

$1599* $799.50*

Legend of the SeasPrices based on 18 Feb 2016.

9 Nights South Pacific Isles Dep 26 Feb 2016



$1269* $634.50*


$1899* $949.50*

BALCONYTWIN PP FROM

$1899* $949.50*

Legend of the Seas

11 Nights Fijian DreamDep 13 Mar 2016



$1529* $764.50*


$2049* $1024.50*


SALEGlobal W�

BUY 1 GET 1

%̂50OFFUP TO

FREE ONBOARD CREDIT

ENJOY UP TO

400‡$ USBALCONY

UPGRADE

FREE˜

DEPOSITS

PLUS ONLY

%‡50POSITS

US ONLY

%‡

ESCAPE.COM.AU SUNDAY DECEMBER 6 2015 ESCAPE 15

V1 - BCME01Z02ES

7 HANDY LOCATIONThe ship leaves from the International Cruise Terminal, Portside, Hamilton which is very easy to get to from both Brisbane Airport and the city itself. The terminal is modern, check-in is simple, and you get some great views of Brisbane as you sail out under the Gateway Bridge.

8 THAT’S ENTERTAINMENTFor the uninitiated, cruise ships are all about the entertainment. Legend of the Seas has everything from spectacular aerial events in the ship’s five-deck Centrum area, to Broadway-style shows in the theatre and jubilant sing-a-longs in the piano bar. You can even improve your dancing skills by taking a class or two while enjoying a sea day.

9 BUILT FOR SPEEDLegend of the Seas is the fastest and most nimble ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. That means she can manoeuvre into places that some of the other ships cannot which gives passengers an unbelievable amount of access - especially in tight places like the Great Barrier Reef.

10 KIDS LOVE ITTwo words will bring a smile to every parent’s face: Adventure Ocean. The kids’ club program on Legend of the Seas caters for ages six months to 17 years. The kids will love the action-packed activities. In fact, they will be abandoning their parents early in the morning to get to the kids’ club where all the fun begins.

THERE’S the King, Wally Lewis. And of course his heir apparent Darren Lockyer. In the music world we worshipped at the stage of the hard-rocking band Powderfinger. We honour great actors like Geoffrey Rush, Ray Barrett and Barry Otto. And in the water we revel in the success of Olympic swimmers Susie O’Neill and Hayley Lewis.On Tuesday we will welcome our newest Legend when the Royal Caribbean International (RCI) ship Legend of the Seas pulls into berth at Hamilton Wharf to start its five-month Brisbane-based season. It is the first ship that RCI has home-based in Brisbane and reflects how important the Queensland market is to the company.Legend of the Seas will make a huge boost to the local market – both from a tourism point of view and economically.Legend of the Seas will bring more than $24 million into the Queensland economy in 2015 and 2016, including more than $20.6 million to Brisbane during 17 turnarounds, $1.5 million to Cairns and $1.5 million to Airlie Beach during her five calls.“Queensland is one of our key markets in Australia, contributing almost 28,000 guests or 14 per cent every year. Queensland guests have been increasing over the years, and so it made perfect sense to base a ship in the beautiful river city, delivering our style of international cruising right to your doorstep,’’ RCI regional vice-president Asia Pacific Gavin Smith said. “The number of Queensland based passengers travelling to Sydney to join a Royal Caribbean cruise has been growing substantially over the years. We see huge potential to grow further in this market, and so we wanted to bring a world class Royal Caribbean ship to the Brisbane River to introduce our brand to this part of the world. It’s certainly been one of our best decisions. Make no mistake, this is just the beginning for Royal Caribbean in Queensland.

BRISBANE LOVES ITS LEGENDS

249m high

91m high

264m long

Legend of the SeasBrisBane’s new Legend

DECEMBER 2015

60m

Legend of the Seas

InfInIty tower43 Herschel St, Brisbane

CIty HallKing George Square

wHeel of brIsbaneSouth Bank Parklands

136m longsunCorp stadIumplayIng fIeld Milton

200m highrIperIan plaZa(with spIre 250m)71 Eagle St, Brisbane

length:264 metres

width:32 metres

Capacity:2076 guests

Cabins:915

weight:70,000 tons

SPECIAL FEATURE

THE BIGGEST THRILLS | THE BIGGEST TASTE SENSATIONS | THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT1800 754 500 | Visit your travel agent | RoyalCaribbean.com.au

*Prices shown are per person in Australian Dollars based on twin occupancy and inclusive of all taxes, fees and port expenses (which are subject to change) and onboard gratuities. Prices are for the lowest Interior, Oceanview and Balcony stateroom available. Pricing is correct as of 1 December 2015. Prices and exact cruise itineraries are subject to change without notice. ^Buy One Get One Up To 50% Off promotion is valid for new bookings made between 8 November – 25 December 2015. Offer is applicable to all Royal Caribbean global voyages departing after 10 December 2015. Offer excludes all China sailings. Eligible bookings will receive a discount of up to 50% off the total fare for the second passenger booked in the same stateroom as a first passenger who books at full fare. Offer is only applicable to the second passenger in the booking. ~Free upgrade from Oceanview to Balcony is available on Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Transpacific & Asia Repositioning voyages departing between 1 January 2016 and 23 April 2016. Eligible bookings will be able to book a Balcony stateroom (category X) at the price of an Oceanview (category I). Bookings must be made on the Balcony ‘guarantee’ category X. The exact stateroom grade, number and location of the stateroom on the ship will be allocated at the discretion of Royal Caribbean International. No cabin requests permitted. ‡WOW sale includes an additional onboard credit of up to US$100 Onboard Credit plus a 50% reduced deposit applicable to Royal Caribbean Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Transpacific & Asia Repositioning sailings of 5 nights of longer departing after 1 January 2016. Onboard credit varies by category; Interior: $100, Oceanview: $200, Balcony and Suite: $300. 50% Reduced Deposit is applicable to bookings made more than 70 days prior to the departure date (90 days prior to departure for holiday sailings). All bookings must have the required deposit paid no later than 5:00pm AEST on Monday 14 December 2015 or the deposit payment required due date, whichever is earlier, in order to qualify for the offer. Legend Bonus Onboard Credit promotion is valid for new bookings made between 2 – 11 December 2015. Offer consists of US $100 onboard credit per stateroom available on all Legend of the Seas voyages of 5 nights or longer departing between 1 January 2016 and 20 April 2016 inclusive. Offers are applicable to new individual bookings and non-contracted group bookings named and fully deposited within the offer period. Offers are applicable to new individual bookings and non-contracted group bookings named and fully deposited within the offer period. Offers are combinable with each other but not combinable with any other offer or promotion unless otherwise stated. Please ensure that promotion name ‘BOGOHO’, ‘Legend OBC’ and ‘WOW Sale’ is listed in the reservation at time of booking, where applicable. A limited number of staterooms are available at the prices shown. Once these staterooms are sold out, prices may be increased, or withdrawn or further reduced without notice. Any eligible booking that is cancelled and then reinstated after 25 December 2015 will no longer be eligible for the promotion. Any booking that is modified after the promotion has ended will result in the loss of the promotion. Examples of changes that will result in the promotion being forfeit include, but are not limited to; change of ship, sail date, category booked, amending the travel agency ID or selecting an alternate price/promotion. All promotions are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. For full terms and conditions, please visit our website at www.royalcaribbean.com.au. The above mentioned terms and conditions are to be read in conjunction with the terms and conditions outlined in the Royal Caribbean International Worldwide Cruise Holidays 2015-2016 brochure. Royal Caribbean International reserves its right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. ▲Awarded Best Cruise Operator – International Deployment at the 2015 AFTA National Travel Industry Awards. ABN 541 5026 3086. J10123_061215_BSM

AUSTRALIA’SBEST

CRUISE LINE 2015

5 DAYS ONLY. OFFER MUST END 9 DECEMBER.10 Nights South Pacific Treasures Dep 8 Feb 2016



$1399* $699.50*


$1849* $924.50*


8 Nights South Pacific BlissDep 18 Feb, 3 Apr 2016

BUY 1 GET 1 UP TO 50% OFFÛS400 ONBOARD CREDIT‡


$1199* $599.50*


$1599* $799.50*

BALCONYTWIN PP FROM

$1599* $799.50*

Legend of the SeasPrices based on 18 Feb 2016.

9 Nights South Pacific Isles Dep 26 Feb 2016



$1269* $634.50*


$1899* $949.50*

BALCONYTWIN PP FROM

$1899* $949.50*

Legend of the Seas

11 Nights Fijian DreamDep 13 Mar 2016



$1529* $764.50*


$2049* $1024.50*


SALEGlobal W�

BUY 1 GET 1

%̂50OFFUP TO

FREE ONBOARD CREDIT

ENJOY UP TO

400‡$ USBALCONY

UPGRADE

FREE˜

DEPOSITS

PLUS ONLY

%‡50POSITS

US ONLY

%‡


BCME01Z01ES - V1

A lot of the money spent during the recent refurbishment went towards updating the five-deck Centrum area, by far the most architecturally spectacular part of the ship.

The Centrum area is one of

the central entertainment points on the ship. Not only does it host bands, dance classes and events, but at times Legend of the Seas’ acrobats twirl and flip themselves in spectacular fashion high above guests in stunning shows.

During her five-month season in Brisbane, Legend of the Seas will embark on 15 itineraries in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, ranging from two to 18 nights before repositioning back to Asia in April 2016.

LEGEND of the Seas - at 264 metres long, 11 decks high and boasting 915 cabins - is a mid-sized ship on the world cruising stage.

But by Brisbane standards,the mega liner will be one of the largest ships able to fit alongside the Brisbane Cruise Terminal at Portside Wharf in Hamilton.

Built in France, Legend of the Seas made its maiden voyage in 1995. It underwent a US$50 million refurbishment in February 2013, carries between 1800 and 2100 guests, and weighs 70,000 tons.

It’s regarded as the Ferrari ofthe Royal Caribbean International (RCI) fleet. With five engines and a top speed of 25 nautical miles per hour, Legend of the Seas is the fastest ship in the RCI fleet.

“Being the smallest ship inthe local fleet has its advantages,’’ Legend of the Seas hotel director John Rae said. “The biggest advantage is that we can come into Brisbane (Portside Wharf), which none of our other bigger ships can do.”

Rae said the Legend of the Seas’ crew was very much looking forward to calling Brisbane home.

“Every market differs but the Australians are very engaged,’’ he said. “It’s like flicking a switch, the energy changes when Australians get on board. They get involved in everything. They are vocal. We’ve never signed up as many people for the belly flop competition as we do in Australia.’’

Australia is the fastest-growing cruise market (per percentage of population) in the world.

More than one million

Australians (4.2 per cent of the population) went on a cruise holiday in 2014.

The ship will appeal to thefamily market with plenty of activities to keep everyone busy.

“You need to get creative with programming if you have a lot of children on board,’’ cruise director Keith Williams said.

“We are a family-centric brand.”

Just skim the pages of the daily Cruise Compass pamphlet and you will confirm that fact, with a myriad of activities starting at 7am and finishing when the last person goes to bed for the night.

The most common complaint you will hear from children is that there are just not enough hours in the day to do everything. In fact, on some days, guests can have up to 76 activities to choose from. Or, if you want, you can just find a quiet sunbed, grab a good book and relax. The choice is yours.

The ship has tremendous outdoor space and activities. There’s a 12-metre rock-climbing wall, mini-golf course, two pools (one outdoors and one in the adults-only solarium) and six whirlpools, meaning there are activities to suit everyone, whether you want to do a lot, or a little on your cruise holiday and it’s all included in the price.

There’s a video arcade for kids, an 18.5-metre outdoor cinema above the main pool area, and a jogging track with 360-degree views if you want to work off some of those extra cruise kilograms.

Legend of the Seas offers some exceptional specialty dining options.

Izumi is Royal Caribbean’ssignature Japanese-fusion restaurant, with all dishes made to order, using top-grade fresh ingredients. I dined there on a recent cruise and had the

shrimp gyoza dumpling followed by the tuna seared tataki (shrimp tempura roll topped with seared tuna with garlic ponzu sauce). There’s a dining fee of US$3 (A$4) a person for lunch and US$5 for dinner, plus a la carte menu prices. My meal cost $36.

Chops Grille is all about thejuicy steaks. For me, the interior felt like a New York steak house and at $30 a person it is perhaps the cheapest five-star dining experience you will ever have.

At the exclusive Chef’s Table, up to 14 guests dine in a private room for a five-course menu – paired with matching wines – prepared and presented by the Chef de Cuisine for $95 a head.

The on-board kitchen staffnumber more than 130 and they come from 27 different countries.

The decor in the stateroomsis typically Royal Caribbean, offering cream-coloured walls and lots of light timber effects and a flat-screen television withsatellite reception.

Legend of the Seas is also very relaxed and even on formal nights “black-tie” is optional – something that will appeal to Queenslanders.

“Formal night has relaxedover the years,’’ Williams said. “A decade ago, Formal Night was Formal Night from 6pm until the end of the night. But cruising today has become a lot more casual and carefree,’’ Rae said.

“Now it’s suggested dress forthe night. A lot of people still enjoy it. If you don’t want to dress up there’s always that casual dining option in Windjammer Cafe. The Australian market really enjoys the Windjammer Cafe product (buffet) and weather permitting we will move into more deck barbecues for the Australian summer.’’

A LEGENDARY FAMILY HOLIDAYThere are so many free inclusions on a cruise with Royal Caribbean that you’ll have trouble fitting everything in during your time on board

BRIAN CRISPNEWS CORP STUDIOS - QUEENSLAND

THE peaceful Vitality at Sea Spa (Deck 9) offers five treatment rooms and an extensive menu of spa treatments, including teeth whitening, facials, massages, body scrubs and wraps. Make sure you book in early on sea days because that’s when the spa is at its busiest. And check your daily program for spa specials.

VITALITY SPA

THE good news is at most times the ratio of children to supervisor is six to one, so you can relax knowing your child is being well looked after at the Adventure Ocean Youth Club - at no extra cost. For that extra level of comfort parents are given pagers so staff can contact them at any time on the ship.

ADVENTURE OCEAN

LEGEND OF THE SEAS


V1 - BCME01Z02ES

9 NIGHTS PACIFIC ISLANDS DEPARTING BRISBANE ON FEBRUARY 26, 2016Day one: Explore some of the dining, entertainment and sights of Brisbane ahead of Legend of the Seas’ departure at 4.30pm.Day two: Settle into your cabin and start unwinding and exploring as the ship begins its first full day at sea. Day three: Explore some of the many exciting activities on board – try your hand at rock climbing, or mini golf, or even treat yourself to a special meal at one of the ship’s fine eateries or restaurants.Day four: Explore Champagne Bay on the island of Espirtu Santo in Vanuatu. With coconut trees, amazing beaches, and spectacular coral or wreck diving opportunities, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.Day five: Spend the day in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila. Positioned by a natural harbour, the town is known for its dining, friendly locals, and as a jumping-off point to explore Efate Island. Day six: Head ashore on Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands. Made of coral, the island also features large caves, forest, and impressive beaches.Day seven: Explore Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia – renowned for its mixture of French, Melanisian and Pacific styles and culture.Day eight: Enjoy a fun-filled day at sea, perhaps turning your hand to the games in the on-board casino or lounging by the pool as you enjoy the Pacific sun. Spend the day in paradise and join the Amedee Lighthouse Island day trip - climb the lighthouse, relax on a perfect beach and watch the island dance show. Day nine: Enjoy more of the ship’s many on-board activities before the evening’s entertainment options – from Broadway-style shows to stand-up comedy to ice-skating spectaculars, there’s no shortage of things to see.Day 10: Return to Brisbane and ease the transition back to daily life with a stroll around South Bank and lunch at one of the area’s popular cafes.The deal: Interior from $1299 for passenger one and $649.50 for passenger two

10 NIGHTS SOUTH PACIFIC TREASURES DEPARTING BRISBANE ON FEBRUARY 8, 2016Day one: Explore some of the delights of Brisbane ahead of Legend of the Seas’ departure at 4.30pm.Day two: Settle into your cabin and explore the ship as it spends the day at sea. Day three: Check out some of the many exciting activities on board – from mini golf to scrapbooking to wine appreciation, there’s something to appeal to everyone.Day four: Spend the day ashore at New Caledonia’s capital, Noumea, enjoying the culture, sights and sounds of the multicultural city.

Day five: Explore Lifou, the largest of the Loyalty Islands. Impressive beaches, impressive caves and lush forest are some of the highlights to be experienced here. Day six: White sands and palm trees await on Mystery Island; don your snorkel gear and dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island.Day seven: Spend the day in Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila. Enjoy a meal overlooking the natural harbour, chat with the locals and explore more of Efate Island.Day eight: Relax ashore at Champagne Bay on the island of Espirtu Santo in Vanuatu, where amazing beaches with coconut trees and spectacular diving opportunities await.Day nine: Spend the day at sea, relaxing in the spa, enjoying a rejuvenating massage and acupuncture treatment to help unwind.Day 10: Let your hair down with some of the amazing on-board entertainment including live shows, comedy and bars.Day 11: Return to Brisbane and enjoy a day exploring the city, having lunch at a local cafe or making the trip to the top of Mt Coot-tha to admire the view.The deal: Interior from $1319 for passenger one and $659.50 for passenger two

11 NIGHTS FIJIAN DREAM DEPARTING BRISBANE ON MARCH 13, 2016Day one: Spend the day taking in the sights of Brisbane ahead of the Legend of the Seas’ departure at 4.30pm.Day two: Kick your holiday off with a blast by trying rock climbing, a fitness class or a game of table tennis as you discover the many on-board activities.Day three: Indulge the senses at some of the ship’s outstanding eateries and restaurants. From mouth-watering steaks and seafood to casual bistro fare to high-end fine dining, there is something for every appetite to enjoy.Day four: Explore the coral island of Lifou in the Loyalty Islands, discovering its caves, forests, beaches and scenery.Day five: Enjoy a dip in the whirlpools and a relaxing afternoon lounging poolside before spending some time in the evening trying a spin of the roulette wheel or some hands of blackjack in the ship’s casino.Day six: Head ashore at Lautoka in Fiji. Known for its sugar crops and colonial-era homes, the city’s markets offer a range of goods including saris and traditional Fijian hand-made items.Day seven: Spend the day in Fiji’s capital, Suva. Discover the exhibits in the city’s museum, take a stroll through Thurston Gardens, and enjoy a meal at one of the city’s many eateries.Day eight: Start your day with a run around the ship’s on-board jogging track, taking in the views as you circuit the ship. Wind down with a yoga session before enjoying a spa treatment and browsing through the ship’s well-stocked library.Day nine: Spend the day on Efate Island in Vanuatu, discovering the capital city of Port Vila and experiencing rugged coastline, lagoons and rainforest.Day 10: Learn a new language or discover more about a specialist subject from guest lecturers as you continue to enjoy some of the array of on-board activities as the ship spends the day at sea.Day 11: Spend an enjoyable time learning how to cook impressive dishes at one of the ship’s cookery classes, before rounding the evening out with an art auction where you might just snare that special piece for your home.Day 12: Return to Brisbane and spend a day enjoying the sights and culture of the riverside city as you experience some of its unique lifestyle.The deal: Interior from $1599 for passenger one and $799.50 for passenger two

YOUR ADVENTURE STARTS HERESPECIAL FEATURE


BCME01Z01ES - V1

Truthfully, it doesn’t get much better than this. If you were paying for this kind of mealin Brisbane, you would expect to spend about $40 per head. And that’s certainly something to consider when choosing between a cruise and land-based holiday.

On a nine-night cruise yourdining and accommodation costs are included in your original purchase price. Try calculating how much you

would spend over nine days if you were paying for three meals a day at a tourist resort. It adds up quickly. And that’s not to mention all the included activities and entertainment for all the family.

While the relaxed and casualWindjammer is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, I always like to dress up a little for dinner in the two-tiered, opulent, Romeo and Juliet main dining room.

The flavours and freshness ofthis restaurant are evident every night as the menu constantly changes, often reflecting the produce of the current port the ship is visiting.

The menu includes gluten-free dishes, lactose-free options, vegetarian meals and the vitality range delivers a three-course menu under 800 calories combined.

“Guests are demanding morefrom their culinary experiences

to have an extraordinary dining experience apart from regular offerings,’’ Legend of the Seas executive chef Matthias Terskow said.

“Which is why Royal Caribbean has invested millions of dollars building and revitalising their ships to give guests more dining choices. Legend of the Seas underwent a multimillion dollar revitalization in 2013 and part of that make over was the addition

of three new specialty restaurants – Izumi Japanese, signature steakhouse Chops Grill and the private dining experience Chefs Table.

“The main dining room, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, offers a more formal offering and an elegant dining experience. Guests can choose from the extensive a la carte menu while enjoying live music and personalised service from dedicated wait-staff.”

IT’S like stepping straight into a New York steak house, except you are on deck 11 of a cruise ship. The elegant curtains are drawn, the wait staff poised, and the menu is a carnivore’s delight. For $30 per head, guests are served a spectacular three-course meal. In the equivalant style of restaurant on land, you would expect to pay more than $130 per head for something of this quality. The steaks are aged perfectly and cooked just the way you like it. They come with a selection of sides and my advice is to not miss out on the oh so decadent truffled corn. When it comes to dessert it’s a tough choice between the red velvet cake and the chocolate mud pie.

CHOPS GRILLE

THE creation of celebrity chef Travis Kamiyama, Izumi appeals to diners who are willing to try, and taste, something different. The innovative dining concept started on Royal Caribbean ships in 2009, and Kamiyama has built his reputation on eco-friendly, and sustainable, practices. The flavours, and freshness of the seafood, are most appreciated in his range of carpaccio dishes. Located in the forward part of the Viking Crown Lounge, the restaurant’s decor is Asian-inspired and contemporary. The menu highlights include baked snow crab and eel dynamite; spicy miso ramen; vegetable tempura and make sure you leave room for the Izumi dessert sampler (mochi ice cream, Asian caramel flan, green tea mousse and sliced fruit).

IZUMI

IT has ever-changing water views, exquisite cuisine, a vast wine list, and the really good news is, you can eat almost anytime you want.

Not only will diners get thebest table service in Queenslandonboard Royal Caribbean International’s Legend of the Seas, but you will be offered a plethora of choices between the six varied dining options.

The ship offers guests everything from the tempting multi-taste buffet to the ultimate in five-star cuisine, the Chef’s Table, where foods and wines are matched to perfection during the three-hour degustation dinner.

During your cruise, most mornings will start at the Windjammer Cafe on Deck 9. I suggest you grab a table outside so you can catch the cool ocean breeze while you dine. The choice of food here is almost endless. You can start with cereals, add in bacon and eggs, fresh juice, some pastries and finish off with coffee. There’s a chef waiting to cook the eggs just the way you like them.

If you want the healthy option, and trust me after about day three you will, there’s always a wide range of fresh fruits and egg-white omelettes to choose from.

GET READY FOR A CULINARY JOURNEYBRIAN CRISPNEWS CORP STUDIOS - QUEENSLAND

ROYAL Caribbean offers convenient, all-inclusive beverage packages. Pay just one flat price and enjoy a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits, plus non-alcoholic beverages or choose to pay as you go, its all up to you.ALCOHOLIC PACKAGESThe Select Package: US$42 per guest / per day. Includes: Beer, Wines by the glass (up to US$9 value), Fountain soda with Coca-Cola souvenir cup, and non-alcoholic cocktails.The Premium Package: US$57 per guest / per day. Includes: Call and premium cocktails (up to US$14 value), Frozen cocktails, Beer, Premium wines by the glass (up to US$14 value), non-alcoholic cocktails, bottled water still (500ml), and Fountain soda with Coca-Cola souvenir cupThe Ultimate Package: US$67 per guest / per day. Includes: Virtually unlimited options. A combination of all the benefits from Premium and Royal Replenish packages.NON-ALCOHOLIC PACKAGESRoyal Replenish: US$22 per guest / per day. Includes: Premium coffee, Premium tea, bottled water: sparkling (375ml) or still (500ml), Fresh squeezed orange juice, non-alcoholic cocktails, Fountain soda with Coca-Cola souvenir cup.

PACKAGE INCLUSIONS

LEGEND OF THE SEAS

V1 - BCME01Z02ES

SPECIAL FEATURE

THE room goes dark.The music starts. A light

shines high above to signal the aerialist is about to launch himself.

Suddenly high above the floor, with no net below, there he is spinning, falling and rising to the beat of the song.

It’s often said that cruise ships take entertainment to a new level. This show really does.

Legend of the Seas’ five-deckCentrum area is just one of the on-board entertainment hubs. When the aerialists perform the area is jam-packed on multiple levels with guests eager to see the amazing display of beauty, athletic prowess and courage.

This show definitely has thewow factor. There are moments when you can hear the audience gasp. At times there are as many as four aerialists flipping high above our heads. It’s hard to know where to look. Everything is so spectacular.

The show is over in about 20minutes, but that’s not the end of the fun.

The band keeps playing asguests make their way to the dance floor. That’s the way things happen on Legend of the Seas, one show ends and another begins. After a few dances, it’s time to head to the That’s Entertainment theatre for a Hollywood-style production show.

Tonight it’s a comedian performing. Tomorrow night it might be a complicated stage show with

choreographed dancing and singing. Just to be different, the next show might include a magician.

Troy Belot (pictured above) -one of the aerial performers - grew up two hours west of Brisbane in Kingsthorpe and is thrilled the ship will be based in Queensland.

“The entertainment is full ofvariety and regularly changing,’’ he said.

“Throughout a season, thereare usually three or four shows by Royal Caribbean

Productions, such as the Centrum aerial shows.

“I’m an aerialist on board andwe perform harness work 15 metres in the air in the middle Centrum of the ship. The apparatus that we work with includes bungees and harnesses. It is the challenge and the fun that keeps us striving for more.

“We also bring on comedians,entertainers, musical acts and performers throughout a sailing so there is always something new for the guests to see.”

NO LIMITS ON THE FUN


StopDREAMING BIG,

AND START LIVING BIG

with the biggest and most modern cruise ships in Australia.

Visitexotic destinations

Eattraditional Japanese Hot Rocks

(Ishiyaki) at Izumi

Watchspectacular Broadway-style shows

T� ch the skyon our signature rock-climbing wall

M� tyour favourite DreamWorks

characters

Learn to ice-skate on Australia’s only ice

rinks at sea

Hang tenon the FlowRider, our onboard

surf simulator

Play a round of mini golf

Pamper yourself with a massage

at the Vitality Spa

Indulge with complimentary room service

Just relax and watch the world go by

Enjoyyourself onboard

Australia’s Best Cruise Line▲

▲Awarded Best Cruise Operator. International Deployment at the 2015 National Travel Industry Awards.

Venues and amenities vary by ship.

BCME01Z01ES - V1

AUCKLAND

DUNEDINMILFORD, DOUBTFUL& DUSKY SOUND

HOBARTPICTON

WELLINGTONTAURANGA

A U S T R A L I A N E W Z E A L A N D

SYDNEY

NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY 15 NIGHTS 15 December 2016

YOU COMPANIONBALCONYTWIN PP FROM

$4349* $2174.50*

DUNEDINDUSKY, DOUBTFUL& MILFORD SOUND

WELLINGTON

BAY OF ISLANDS

PICTON

A U S T R A L I A N E W Z E A L A N D

SYDNEY

TAURANGAAUCKLAND

NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY 14 NIGHTS 9 January 2017


$4449* $2224.50*

SYDNEY

BRISBANE

DARWIN

SINGAPORE

A U S T R A L I A

KUALA LUMPURM A L A Y S I A

SYDNEY TO SINGAPORE14 NIGHTS 23 January 2017


$3549* $1774.50*

US$300 ONBOARD CREDIT^ US$300 ONBOARD CREDIT^ US$300 ONBOARD CREDITÂNION

4.50*

DIT^

N1

BALCONTWIN PPBT

RIPCORD BY iFLYFIRST EVER SKYDIVING

SIMULATOR AT SEA

NORTH STAR360° OBSERVATION CAPSULE

3549 17744.50

Two70SPELLBINDING ENTERTAINMENT

JAMIE'S ITALIANEIGHTEEN RESTAURANTS INCLUDING THE LATEST FROM JAMIE OLIVER TwoTT 70

SPELLBINDING ENTERTAINMENT

1800 754 500 | Visit your travel agent RoyalCaribbean.com.au/Ovation |

BOOK NOW

COMING SOONTO OUR SHORES

Australia’s bi� est ship yet OVATION OF THE SEASSM

*Prices shown are per person in Australian Dollars based on twin occupancy and inclusive of all taxes, fees and port expenses (which are subject to change) and onboard gratuities. Prices are for the lowest Balcony stateroom available. Pricing is correct as of 1 December 2015. Prices and exact cruise itineraries are subject to change without notice. Buy One Get One Up To 50% Off promotion is valid for new bookings made between 8 November – 25 December 2015. Offer is applicable to all Royal Caribbean global voyages departing after 10 December 2015. Offer excludes all China sailings. Eligible bookings will receive a discount of up to 50% off the total fare for the second passenger booked in the same stateroom as a first passenger who books at full fare. Offer is only applicable to the second passenger in the booking. ^WOW sale includes an additional onboard credit of up to US$300 Onboard Credit plus a 50% reduced deposit applicable to Royal Caribbean Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Transpacific & Asia Repositioning sailings of 5 nights or longer departing after 1 January 2016. Onboard credit varies by category; Interior: $100, Oceanview: $200, Balcony and Suite: $300. Offers are applicable to new individual bookings and non-contracted group bookings named and fully deposited within the offer period of 5 – 9 December 2015. Offers are applicable to new individual bookings and non-contracted group bookings named andfully deposited within the offer period. Offers are combinable with each other but not combinable with any other offer or promotion unless otherwise stated. Please ensure that promotion name ‘BOGOHO’ and ‘WOW Sale’ is listed in the reservation at time of booking, where applicable. A limited number of staterooms are available at the prices shown. Once these staterooms are sold out, prices may be increased, or withdrawn or further reduced without notice. Any eligible booking that is cancelled and then reinstated after 25 December 2015 will no longer be eligible for the promotion. Any booking that is modified after the promotion has ended will result in the loss of the promotion. Examples of changes that will result in the promotion being forfeit include, but are not limited to; change of ship, sail date, category booked, amending the travel agency ID or selecting an alternate price/promotion. All promotions are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. For full terms and conditions, please visit our website at www.royalcaribbean.com.au. The above mentioned terms and conditions are to be read in conjunction with the terms and conditions outlined in the Royal Caribbean International Worldwide Cruise Holidays 2015-2016 brochure. Royal Caribbean International reserves its right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions and to change or update fares, fees and surcharges at any time without prior notice. ▲Awarded Best Cruise Operator – International Deployment at the 2015 AFTA National Travel Industry Awards. ABN 541 5026 3086. J10123_061215_BSM

AUSTRALIA’SBEST

CRUISE LINE 2015

Documents

Royal Caribbean Cruises 2015