The OCEAN liners
THE JOURNEY
Charming Coastlines of Western Europe with Captain’s Choice.
THE VESSEL
Cruise line Silversea recently refurbished, 254-guest Silver Cloud is now a dual-purpose luxury ocean liner and expedition ship for polar waters. The ship has large suites, some of the most spacious in luxury cruising, many with a private teak verandah and all include the services of a butler. The two-bedroom, 77sqm Owner’s Suite features a marbled bathroom with full-sized bath and separate shower, powder room and second bathroom. The large veranda features patio furniture and floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Expect personalised stationery, a walk-in robe and a bar stocked with your preferences.
THE PORTS
The 18-day voyage skirts coastlines across the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel and visits the cobblestoned paths of historic cities in Portugal, Spain, France and the UK. The journey begins in Portuguese capital Lisbon, then heads to Oporto, famed for its wine and beautiful azulejo tiles. Spanish beach city La Coruña then Bilbao are next. The vessel heads to Bordeaux for two days, then it’s off to Belle Île, Nantes, St-Malo and Honfleur before docking at London’s Tower Bridge.
THE EXCURSIONS
A tour of the Guggenheim in Bilbao is a highlight. The titanium building by Frank Gehry houses work by modern masters such as Mark Rothko and Jeff Koons. In Bordeaux, guests can tour La Cité du Vin wine museum and enjoy a tasting. A visit to the museum in Nantes honouring Jules Verne is another high point. London is journey’s end with dinner at Quaglino’s and a stay at Corinthia London.
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES
Of the five gourmet dining venues, the elegant menu of regionally inspired dishes with wines to match at La Dame is a top pick. At The Grill, guests can cook their food at their table. Dolce Vita offers complimentary after-dinner drinks or sample an impressive selection of cigars and cognac at Connoisseur’s Corner. Zagara Beauty Spa offers an array of massages or body wraps, plus saunas and steam rooms. Aerobics, yoga, Pilates and personal training are available at the fitness centre. Prefer to loll? Pull up a chaise lounge on the pool deck. captainschoice.com.au
Set your sights on blue horizons from Western Europe to Hong Kong and Tokyo on board vessels akin to boutique
hotels where luxury abounds.
THE JOURNEY
Hong Kong to Tokyo with Regent Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC).
THE VESSEL
Expect some of the finest in Park Avenuestyle design on the 700-guest Seven Seas Voyager. In the all-balcony suites, a soothing colour palette and rich textures include marble appointments in the bathroom. If staying in a Penthouse Suite or higher category, guests have access to a free butler service. The two-bedroom Master Suite is 113sqm and features a crystal chandelier and two private balconies. Expect unlimited valet laundry service, priority check-in on embarkation day, an in-suite caviar service plus a complimentary cocktail party for eight.
THE PORTS
From Hong Kong, the ship sails to Keelung near Taipei before cruising to Japan. First stop is Ishigaki in the Sakishima Islands followed by Okinawa. Next up are Kagoshima and Miyazaki before two glorious days in Osaka, with the option to travel to Kyoto. From Osaka the ship heads to Shimizu for unparalleled views of Mount Fuji’s dramatic peak before the journey ends in Tokyo.
THE EXCURSIONS
In Taiwan, guests can tour the extraordinary art collection at the National Palace Museum. In Japan’s Miyazaki visitors can hike through winding Inohae Gorge, an area of natural beauty and picturesque waterfalls. In Tokyo, browse for traditional merchandise such as folk art and Buddhist scrolls at Nakamise or hit the designer stores in the Ginza district.
ONBOARD ACTIVITIES
The RSSC Enrichment Series sees esteemed guest lecturers impart their knowledge in the Constellation Theater, where a five-piece orchestra can also perform. The outdoors awaits with an expansive deck with a heated pool, two whirlpools and table tennis. Visit the impressive fitness centre, run around the track or sample the treatments at Serene Spa & Wellness. After dinner at steakhouse Prime 7, Italian at Sette Mari at La Veranda or French fare at Chartreuse sit back in a leather armchair at the Connoisseur Club where you can order a rare vintage cognac or port and choose a cigar. rssc.com