TRAVEL

Discovering the World in Luxury and Style

Cruising through the world's deep blue oceans is not just a glamorous and exciting way to travel, it is an entire holiday in itself!

Discovery World Cruises is gearing up for 2004/2005 with a series of tantalising itineraries that will bring passengers up close with the wildlife of Antarctica, follow the routes of famed explorers, discover South Pacific islands cloaked in mystery and witness a total eclipse of the sun. Cruise tours of 10 to 20 nights begin at prices as affordable as A$2420 per person, twin share.

MV Discovery is the ideal ship for discovering the most exotic parts of the world. Discovery World Cruises’ flagship combines a classically elegant design with the latest contemporary amenities and superb service, to offer the comforts and conveniences of a large ship with the versatility to reach some of the world’s most faraway places.

Cruising aboard MV Discovery is an experience to be treasured. Eight classic decks offer plentiful room for relaxing on teak steamer chairs as well as al fresco dining on the Lido, open-air jacuzzis on the Sun Deck, an outdoor pool on the Riviera Deck, or unobstructed views of whales and the other rare wildlife of the southern oceans. A Palm Court and a two-tiered reception are further reflections of the grandeur of the heyday of transoceanic travel.

Discovery’s dining experience includes the Seven Continents Restaurant, offering an extensive menu of classic favourites, exotic confections and local delicacies, from the delectable fruits of Asia to exquisite steaks from the Argentine Pampas and fresh New Zealand lamb. The more intimate Yacht Club provides an even more gracious alternative at no extra charge.

Other facilities on MV Discovery include a gymnasium, health and beauty centre, five bars, an internet centre, library, card room, and shopping boutiques. The Discovery Theatre is the setting for many shipboard lectures by such respected lecturers and expert guides as Dr. Peter Carey, the noted Antarctic expedition leader, and even Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first two men to climb Mt. Everest. Tasteful nightly entertainment, classical concerts, variety acts and local folklore performances are provided in the Carousel Show Lounge while the Monte Carlo Casino and Night Club, the Explorers Bar and other venues offer the opportunity to socialise and mingle in appealing style. On-board activities ranging from bridge games and arts workshops to wine tastings and culinary master classes, are offered throughout the day, whether in port or at sea.

A broad choice of accommodations on five decks (all with lower beds or double beds) include the luxurious cabins on the Bridge or Promenade decks with their fresh flowers and fruit, bathrobe and slippers and priority dining seating requests. All accommodations feature private facilities, TV, built-in hairdryers, safes, air-conditioning and bathrooms with tub and/or shower. Because of the ship’s design as a true ocean liner, with deeper than average draft and its speed and agility, whichever accommodation is selected is bound to provide a sound night’s sleep.

Exciting Cruise Tours to Antarctica, South America, the South Pacific & New Zealand. Beginning this December, MV Discovery will operate a series of cruises, three of which will explore the White Continent - Antarctica - while the others combine unspoiled islands with the ruins of ancient civilisations and a solar eclipse.

From Buenos Aires the Discovery journeys to the breathtaking beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula on three unique cruise expeditions. Passengers will discover the scenic grandeur and abundant wildlife of the White Continent while cruising in inflatable expedition boats and going ashore at Deception, Cuverville and Half Moon islands; Lemaire Channel, Paradise Harbour and Port Lockroy. Antarctica & the Falklands, departing December 28, is a 14-night New Year’s itinerary from $4590 per person.

A 12-night expedition - Antarctica - that departs January 9 starts from $3780 and a 19-night cruise adventure - Antarctica & Chilean Fjords - departing January 16 from $5954, visits the same ports of call in Antarctica as the first.

Next Discovery charts a course shadowing the routes marked by famed Captains Cook and Bligh on a 19-night voyage. In the Wake of the Bounty departs January 30 and calls at such South Pacific treasures as Robinson Crusoe Island, the mysterious Easter Island, Pitcairn Island, Bora Bora and Papeete. Prices from $4465.

New for 2005, Discovery World Cruises introduces two 16-day journeys through the South Seas. South Pacific I departs February 15 from Papeete, cruising through the Rangiroa Lagoon and Raiatea along the Tahitian coast before visiting Raratonga, Cook Islands; Vava’u, Tonga - where the ship will anchor in a volcanic crater; Suva and Dravuni in the Fiji Islands; and Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Prices from $4010.

South Pacific II - March 19 to April 4 - begins with a hotel stay in Auckland before Discovery calls at Bay of Islands, New Zealand; Port Vila, Vanuatu; Yasawa and Suva, Fiji Islands; Apia, Samoa; Pago Pago, American Samoa; and Bora Bora, Raiatea and Papeete in Tahiti. Scenic highlights abound, including cruising Norfolk Island and Tin Can Island. Prices from $4188.

Another new addition to Discovery’s roster is two Discover New Zealand itineraries. The 10-day, cruise-tours depart March 1 or March 10 sailing round-trip from Auckland on a figure eight path around New Zealand’s North and South islands. Ports of call include Tauranga (gateway to the Maori homeland of Rotorua), Napier, Dunedin, Akaroa, Christchurch and Wellington. Passengers see White Island Volcano and the magnificent fjords of Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, including a visit to Astronomer’s Point. Prices from $2420.

In 2005, MV Discovery will be perfectly positioned to witness April’s total eclipse of the sun. South Pacific Eclipse is a 20-night itinerary that uniquely combines Polynesian ports with South America, including Papeete, Moorea, Pitcairn Island, Easter Island, Pisco and Lima. From $4909.

From Lima the ship embarks on Inca, Maya & Panama Canal, a 15-day, cruise-tour from the little known Peruvian port of Salaverry to Fort Lauderdale’s well known Port Everglades. The last cruise of the 2004/2005 season - Springtime Journey to Europe - is a 17-night transatlantic crossing that departs Fort Lauderdale May 1, calling at Bermuda en route to Harwich, England.

According to Tim Davey, the line’s vice president, what differentiates Discovery from most other cruise lines is the emphasis placed on bringing the exotic itineraries within reach for most travellers. “Our MV Discovery caters to a discerning traveler that expects all the comforts and amenities of the big ships, but has a desire to travel to destinations only a mid-size vessel can visit. Furthermore, we provide our passengers with an enriching lecture and expedition program that allows them to experience the wildlife of this unspoiled continent without affecting the delicate ecosystem.”

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