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P&O Pacific Aria

• 1260 Guests
• 9 Guest Decks
• 219 Metres in Length
• 55820 Gross Tonnage

I had to privilege to be on board one of the newest ships to the P&O fleet, ‘Pacific Aria’ on a 2-night cruise bound for Brisbane with fellow colleagues of mine.

Friday morning saw us all meet at Wharf 6, Circular Quay for the start of what would be a hilarious weekend sailing from Sydney to Brisbane.

A very smooth transition it was, as we boarded a Captain Cook Ferry service from Circular Quay to White Bay, with a touch of a scenic harbour cruise, then a short walk to the cruise terminal and a very smooth check in. Within a little over an hour, we were on board ‘Pacific Aria’. First impressions were very modern and stylish.

We made our way to the Pantry for lunch, then met our rep Zac from P&O for a ship inspection. We inspected all the dining restaurants, the theatre, the reception area, the pool area, the bars and lounges, the Elemis Day Spa and the adults only retreat “Oasis”, finishing just in time for the ship’s mandatory procedure, the emergency drill ‘Muster’.

Sailing out of Sydney Harbour was spectacular. Out on top Deck with cocktails cruising under the harbour bridge, then with the Opera House, Fort Dennison. What a beautiful harbour we have looking back on amazing views of Sydney.

A hosted dinner with Zac, at Angelo’s for a delicious Italian meal and wine. We danced the night away at The Bianco Party – P&O’s very own White Party. It was fantastic, the atmosphere was amazing. A very late night, lots of fun, lots of laughs and lots of dancing. The perfect party to start your cruise.

Breakfast in the Waterfront restaurant was a nice start to the day and got us ready for our training at sea, an informative sales talk from Zac on the happenings, what’s hot and what’s new at P&O, lead us to lunch time. It was now our free time to explore the ship.

We went to bingo, walked the entire ship, had lunch, had a drink in every bar we went passed, and went to a Martini Masterclass with real live martini tasting. Dinner tonight was at Dragon Lady – P&O’s signature Asian restaurant. This was FANTASTIC, one of the best Asian meals I’ve ever had. We ordered the entire menu to share. Incredibly delicious dishes, finished off with wasabi Crème Brule and berry sorbet.

Sitting in front row seats at the Marque to watch P&O’s show at sea, it was entertaining with singing and dancing. Then we were off to the Dome to watch Karaoke and a little more dancing till the early hours of the morning.

We awoke to being docked at Portside Wharf in Brisbane and after a great breakfast it was our time to say farewell to the Aria. We were then transferred to Brisbane Airport for Virgin Airlines flight back to Sydney.

Pacific Aria, you certainly were turning heads, with incredible dining experiences, entertainment and lots of space to relax.
Stylish, modern, contemporary cruising!

Above: At our White Night Party.

Fly

On a recent trip to Africa we were lucky enough to visit Mauritius for break. We flew South African Airlines (via Perth and Johannesburg).

In my opinion, after 9 flights with SAA during this trip, they are one of the best airlines to travel with. Check-in staff and flight attendants are friendly and provide excellent service. Meal selections were all interesting, and for airline food, the best I have had, almost as good as the food in the restaurants in South Africa itself. Good selection of in-flight entertainment as well.

Stay

We stayed at the 3-Star Merville Beach Resort and Spa in Grand Bay. Although basic, the resort has all the facilities of a very good 4-star resort, with plenty of activities for all to enjoy. This resort is suitable for couples, families and groups of friends. We stayed in a Beachfront room, highly recommended. The rooms are large with all necessary amenities. All staff at the resort were fantastic, great service. Buffet Breakfast was amazing, as was were the meals in restaurants and room service.

Recommendations

Grand Bay town is walking distance or you can jump on the local buses for 50c AUD each way. The town has plenty of dining options, shopping, markets, a fabulous supermarket, and surprisingly, everything cost a lot less than expected. We hired a private driver for a half day sightseeing tour, which is well worth it, as you learn about Mauritian history, its people, and finishing the tour with lunch in Port Louis down at the Waterfront was excellent. This area has restaurants, great shopping, entertainment etc.

The Taj Mahal is listed as one of the top five landmarks in the world to visit in 2016, by Trip Advisor. It is “Simply the greatest architectural achievement on earth, not to mention a testament to love. You haven’t lived until you’ve visited, so…” Don’t only put it on your bucket list plan to visit it on your next trip to Europe.

It is located in the Indian city of Agra approximately 204km from the capital Delhi. If you don’t know the story of the Tal Mahal, it was built by the Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who he gave the title of the ‘Jewel of the Palace’ In the year 1631, when Mumtaz Mahal was giving birth to their 14th child, she died due to some complications.

While Mumtaz was on her deathbed, Shah Jahan promised her that he would never remarry and will build the richest mausoleum over her grave. It is said that Shah Jahan was so heartbroken after her death that he ordered the court into mourning for two years. Sometime after her death, Shah Jahan undertook the task of erecting the world’s most beautiful monument in the memory of his beloved. It took 22 years and the labor of 22,000 workers and 1,000 elephants to construct the monument.

When Shah Jahan died in 1666, his body was placed in a tomb next to the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal. This magnificent monument came to be known as “Taj Mahal” and now counts amongst the Seven Wonders of the World. This is the true story of the Taj Mahal of India, which has mesmerized many people with its bewitching beauty.

The mausoleum itself was constructed of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones (including jade, crystal, lapis lazuli, amethyst and turquoise) forming intricate designs in a technique known as pietra dura. Its central dome reached a height of 240 feet (73 meters) and was surrounded by four smaller domes; four slender towers, or minarets, stood at the corners. The reflection of the Taj Mahal in the long pool leading up to the Red Sandstone Gate to the mausoleum makes for a stunning photograph.

TIPS Visit the Taj Mahal as a stopover on the way to Europe. Allow one full day to visit the site. Join an organised day tour from Delhi or arrange a private tour with your own driver/guide. A Private Tour: Day Trip to Agra from Delhi including Taj Mahal and Agra Fort will cost approximately $122 per person Stay in New Delhi in a 5 star hotel such as the Leela Palace with your special someone … We stayed in a deluxe room including breakfast. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at Le Cirque Signature restaurant, try the Pate Plate for starters it is sooo good.

If you want some insider info about going to the Taj Mahal contact me stephen@itravel-au.com

White sand, bustling streets, fantastic food choices and activities aplenty. The Philippines has so much to offer and Cebu should be on your list of places to visit.

Recently traveling to Cebu, I was amazed at how diverse it was and the possibilities to do as little or as much as you wanted. From relaxing on a beach where the water is so crystal clear, it really is as the images you see on Social Media, to adventure activities Zip Lining off buildings and canyoneering down rivers and jumping off waterfalls.

Cebu is perfect as the next destination for Australian Travellers. Not only are flights competitive with traveling to somewhere like Thailand, sure it takes about 10 hours to get to, but it doesn’t feel like it is any longer than some other places in Asia. The cost can be as cheap as you want or you can stay in complete luxury.

Whilst in Cebu, I was fortunate to have my family with me. My husband is a huge Scuba Diving fanatic and underwater photographer in his spare time, so to be able to let him run free was like seeing a puppy play with a hose for the first time. Smiles all round. I also had my 18month old son with me and the babysitting and nanny services were like we were in Fiji. The care of the nanny we had was amazing. She was a qualified and practising nurse and in her spare time was a nanny at our resort. She went swimming (in the toddler splash area – at the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa) with Jackson and also took him to the kids club and restaurants for fruit. All care was taken and she became part of the family. I can’t wait to see her again on our next trip.

The resort itself – the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa in Cebu is just incredible. You don’t need to leave the place. Several restaurants, tennis courts, 2 pools including a water play and slides for the kids, an adventure kids zone and kids club to bars and the best beach in the area with a marine sanctuary right off the shore with regular snorkelling tours that you do right from the beach! Something different every day and the CHI SPA is amazing. It is the perfect place to unwind and relax. Take some time out for yourself. This is only a few of the things there. It also includes a pitch and putt golf course, a mini putt putt golf course, a full service Dive Shop, a gym and full teenage area. Plus a Karaoke room!

To get anywhere in Cebu, you need to be aware of the traveling times. Coming from Australia, it is nothing to get in the car for an hour to get somewhere. The same is true for Cebu, though the traffic at times just doesn’t move. 2 activities that we undertook were, Canyoneering in the south of Cebu (Badian) which as a full day activity is so much fun. Jumping off cliffs into the bluest water ever and sliding down rock faces into the water, under caves and then waterfalls, which you think, are only in postcards. It is adventure plus. Starting with a motorbike ride up into the mountain, as you can’t get cars in there. This isn’t something for those that are afraid of heights or don’t like the adrenaline rush. This is certainly worth the day trip. Be prepared to be tired and sleep on the mini van on the way there or back 🙂

Whale Sharks. I know this can be a controversial topic and Oslob is renowned for the Whale Sharks in the area. The history of the region and these gentle giants is like a full circle, previously hunted for food, they have now become a tourist attraction. I went in with an open mind and couldn’t believe we would be able to see these creatures, let alone swim with them. It was something that as a ‘tourist’ you need to be aware of a few things. Don’t expect it to be all smooth sailing and organised. It is pretty full on and a total assault on the senses upon arrival. We even got there at 8am and it was PACKED! The Whale sharks are fed and there are several boats out in the water on ‘lines’ so the whale sharks are taken up and down the lines and fed as they go. This has bought much needed funds injected into the local communities as tourists are flocking, but there isn’t much security for these gentle giants and tourists are often wanting to touch and get up close, which isn’t what these animals need. However for those that snorkel next to the boats you can view these precious animals in all their greatness. It is quite a short experience so the 3-hour each way bus trip can seem excessive. I would probably recommend staying in Oslob if you wanted to do this experience and see some of the other local sites including waterfalls and having some quieter time in the area. Saying that, my experience was still amazing as a day trip from Mactan and now I know what to expect can advise my clients and also do things slightly differently next year when returning.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling are perfect in Cebu. There are plenty of dive sites for those that want things close to shore as well as caves and more macro objects to photograph deeper down. The snorkelling straight off the beach from the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa was ideal for learner snorkelers or those that wanted to stay within the resort. You can hire gear from the beach shack and head straight in, or undertake the guided snorkelling tours, which go every day. The sanctuary was beautiful and a real highlight, as it was unexpected as to how good it was and I received numerous comments on the exceptional visibility and also the fish feeding and quality of the activity and marine life on the reef. One to certainly add to your list when staying at this property.

2017 will see myself return to Cebu and undertake much more in town as well as further afield escorting a group to Malapascua Island to go scuba diving with the Thresher Sharks and some more adventure based activities.

I can highly recommend a trip to Cebu and believe you can spend at least a couple of weeks here as there is so much to see and do even before venturing to local islands and other destinations within the Philippines.

If you would like more information or have any questions about Cebu, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Happy Travels

Ros

White beaches, pristine locations, cocktails flowing and as much adventure or relaxation as you can handle. This is what I imagined in preparing for my recent trip to the Philippines. It was everything I expected and SO much more!

Looking after a group of 200 Aussies and planning a conference internationally is no easy feat. Not many people have the opportunity to wow this many clients at the one time yet I am fortunate enough to have been able to say this was my goal for a group of Australian Business Owners as they headed to Cebu, The Philippines for their largest ever international conference in April 2016. #businessblueprint

It took 12 months of planning and preparation, working with countless suppliers and on the ground handlers as well as booking and painstakingly organising every detail of the 200 business owners travel arrangements. I love every minute of my job and the challenges it can sometimes present. I feel so fortunate to be able to assist where I can and ensure that there are beautiful reminders of why we travel along the way.

It was decided for this group we would travel to Cebu, the Philippines after narrowing it down from 5 international destinations and multiple hotels. The Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa, the chosen destination.

Upon arrival we were greeted by members of the Department of Tourism for the Philippines. A beautiful surprise as we walked into the arrivals area with a welcome lei. Members of the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa were also on hand to greet and assist with luggage and take us directly to the resort. I know I felt like a VIP! It was a small touch that meant so much after traveling for 10 hours from Australia.

If you are thinking about heading to the Philippines the Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa is without doubt an incredible resort. We will be back for sure!
It is a beautiful 5 star property with grounds that are perfect to host an all ‘in-house’ conference and functions. With several function rooms to cater for groups small and large, several spaces around the resort for functions from breakfast to dinner and several restaurants and bars for that catch up in between. You will never be bored here as the activities are also endless. From activities in the ocean right off the beach, (a must do guided snorkel) to mini golf and several pools for all ages.

The Staff are excellent. Every attention to detail was met and the communication from all was exceptional. The events, functions and conferences team is outstanding with Lea Arbiol, the Assistant Direct of Events handling our every need. The week-long event would not have been the same without her running the show along with the entire conference and events team.

The rooms are large and cater for all your needs. The only thing that I found may need to be explained to guests is the rooming configuration. As Aussies, we are so use to traveling somewhere that has either 1 king bed or 2 queen beds that then cater for families. The set up here in their lead in deluxe rooms are either a king bed and single or 2 single beds for families. You can get a triple share with 3 single beds though there are additional charges for this. It isn’t a big deal, as the king beds are HUGE, and you can easily fit 3 in the bed, though it does need to be explained to the client so they are aware. The Deluxe Family rooms have 2 x Queen beds for those wanting a larger room. There are also several inter-connecting for those wanting additional space. The Suites are beautiful. The Mactan Suites (1 bedroom) however only have a garden view. So don’t expect an ocean view (there is only 1 with glimpses of the water). The Verandah Suites and Panorama Suites are absolutely incredible and highly worthwhile for long stays, if you have small kids or traveling with a nanny. Having the additional lounge room space is also great for long stays.

We held several evening functions at the resort and can highly recommend the Beach Theme and also the Bario Fiesta, we added in extra touches with a band and surprise fireworks (by Dragon Fireworks) as the included entertainment only lasted for 15 minutes both times.

We were warmly welcomed by the Department of Tourism as well at an initial welcome cocktail function. This absolutely blew everyone’s mind and the generosity and welcome that the department gave everyone was extremely special. It set the bar very high for the week ahead. I am grateful for the assistance provided in the lead up to the conference and organising during the event.

The Shangri-La Mactan Resort and Spa is definitely a place to consider and book not only a conference or event, but a family holiday as well. The staff knew the names of the children attending and were all so happy to help and welcome them each time we dined at breakfast and then throughout the day. Nothing was too hard. Even our room attendandant ‘Ray’ organised a bottle steriliser for us, traveling with a 1 year old certainly isn’t easy, but the small things that the resort did to cater for not only my needs but that of the other travellers was so well executed. Thank you.

The current tourism slogan for the Philippines is certainly well suited #itsmorefuninthephilippines #visitphilippinesagain2016
A very special thank you to the Department of Tourism, for the Philippines (Sydney, Manila and Cebu offices) for their assistance in planning for and looking after and wow’ing this group of Australian Business owners and also to the Business Blueprint owners and staff for allowing me to assist you with arranging this conference.

We will be back. Check out my other posts on Boracay, and other Cebu activities. If you have any questions on travel to the Philippines with a group or for leisure please do not hesitate to contact me.

Bali – 9th April, 2016

This my second visit to the Land of the Gods, was an amazing one, with 24 of my family and friends.

From the moment we arrive, we were greeted by our very own itravel driver Sudira, who we used for all our tours. He is so sincere and honest, even shared a meal and a beer with him on several occasions. We knew we were always in good hands.

Our 14 night holiday was actioned packed. We stayed 8 nights in at Jade Villas, Sanur and 6 nights at Bali Dynasty Resort, South Kuta. What a fabulous combination. We would always find ourselves at Stiff Chilli, The Stadium Bar & the Onion Bar in Sanur. They were our favourites. In Kuta, we ate at many places, had the best steak ever at the Bamboo Bar, its was delicious.

A visit to the site of the Bali Bombing, ‘The Sari Club Memorial” & Paddy’s Club, has a sense of grief, very emotional. Pandawa Beach was gorgeous with its crystal clear blue water (had to be the best massage by far), Uluwatu Temple was spectacular (watch out for the monkeys), amazing view of Tanah Lot Temple and Seafood Dinner at Ganesha Café (on the beach), Jimbaran Bay, was delicious. Venturing into Poppy’s Lane 2, it was the best shopping by far. Waterbomb Park, where us Adults are just like the Kids, another fabulous day had by all. Another great day, with a visit The Barong & Kris Cultural Dance, Ubud Markets, but the days favourite being Bali Zoo.

We thought we be a little bit fancy and see what Potato Head Beach Club was all about. Wow! It is a must place to go… The view is superb! The ambiance is remarkable, the décor & pools spectacular. Just chilling out, relaxing and listening to the music was just heaven.

The major highlight of our trip was Bali Beach Reef Cruise with Beach Club Access to Nusa Lembongan. This is a full day of fun activities for the whole family. The catamaran leaves Benoa Harbour at 9.15am, taking approximately 1 hour to reach the activities pontoon, which is packed with fun activities for everyone, e.g. slides, snorkelling, banana boat rides etc. You are then taken by boat to Bali Hai Beach Club for a fabulous BBQ lunch. Here you can relax on white sandy beaches, snorkel and swim or try ocean kayaks from the beach in tropical water, relax in our peaceful gardens by resting your feet in the hammocks, or have yourself a game of water volleyball in the resorts pool.

Loved the food, all the warm and friendly Balinese hospitality & especially the massages. I have fallen in LOVE with you Bali.