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| MS Astor will be based in Perth from summer 2013 |
CMV expands into Australian market in 2013
Established UK-based cruise company Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) announced in Europe last night its scheduled expansion into the Australasian market.
From December 2013, the 620 passenger, premium cruise ship the ASTOR will operate itineraries throughout the Australian summer, from the Port of Fremantle, in Western Australia. CMV also announced its plans to open a dedicated sales office in Sydney.
The ASTOR has seven passenger decks and four restaurants, the highlights being the Waldorf Restaurant and the Ubersee Club Bistro. It also boasts five lounges, an extensive Sports Deck, including a golf driving range, two swimming pools and other modern facilities that the growing numbers of cruise passengers around the world have become accustomed to. She underwent an AUD$18.6 million refurbishment in 2010.
She is no stranger to Australia having visited the east coast during a Round the World voyage in 20II.
In announcing the move into the Australian market and the basing of the ASTOR in Fremantle, Mr. Christian Verhounig, Chairman and CEO of CMV UK said, ``We are extremely pleased to be entering the Australian cruise market and to introduce a new era of luxury ocean cruises on a premium ship from Fremantle Port to the loyal WA Cruising market.
``We are shortly to release our summer 2013/14 itineraries and will be offering a total of 15 cruises during the Australian 2013/2014 summer. The vessel will depart Rome on November 5, 2013 on its Southbound Voyage and will end its Australian season with a northbound around-Africa cruise departing Fremantle on April 1, 2014, arriving in to London on May 11, 2014.''
``The success of the mid size traditional ship business model, since it was launched in 2004, demonstrates that this niche sector has a significant place in the Australian cruise industry; a market and philosophy that is a perfect match to our UK operation. Our combined worldwide teams are thrilled to be part of the exciting WA Cruise industry. Travel agents and locals will be enthralled with the product offering that the ASTOR, and the support that our teams, will provide.''
The ASTOR is scheduled to arrive in to Fremantle from Rome on Wednesday, December 11, 2013. She has been confirmed for an initial schedule of three Australian summer itineraries.
For a limited introductory period, CMV Australia is offering generous early booking deals for the inaugural 2013/14 summer cruising season. Saver Fares offer discounts of up to 25% on full published fares, applicable to a limited number of twin and single cabin bookings made prior to May 15, 2013. This discount is not applicable to the New Year's Eve celebration cruise.
``Our popular Voyager Fares offer further savings on selected cruises. With these limited availability 'cabin guarantees', passengers can choose either an inner or ocean view cabin type and their category of accommodation and cabin number are confirmed at the ticketing stage. Also look for our Combination Cruise offers including an additional saving, or book two consecutive cruises at the same time and save up to an extra 5%,'' Mr Verhounig said.
Passengers will be able to book with their travel agent or direct via www.cmvaustralia.com.au from next week.
About ASTOR
Length - 176.5m / Width - 22.61m / Draught - 6.1m
Gross tonnage - 20,606 tonne
Cabins / suites / premium suites - 247 / 39 / 3
278 international officers and crew
- The ASTOR was built in Germany in 1987 and underwent an AUD$18.6 million refurbishment in 2010 to the cabins and public areas. She has cruised in Europe for the demanding German market for the past 10 years.
- The ASTOR has seven passenger decks and is a premium, fully stabilised and air-conditioned cruise liner with a maximum capacity of 620 guests.
- The ASTOR boasts the impressive Waldorf Restaurant, which offers traditional cruise two sitting, fixed-time dining options. Alternatively, passengers can opt for the more informal experience of the sun-drenched Übersee Club Bistro.
- The ASTOR has five lounge areas - the theatre style ASTOR Lounge, for some truly sparkling entertainment from the highly acclaimed show-team; the elegant Captain's Club, a perfect venue for pre-dinner cocktails with the resident pianist; the intimate Hanse Bar which leads onto the stylish Sonnen (Sun) Terrace Bar, with wonderful panoramic ocean views; and the Poolside Bar.
- A popular feature of the ASTOR is the Sports Deck, with a volleyball court, half court tennis, jogging track, golf practice facility, big board chess and space for yoga.
- Other facilities include the ship's Library, the Card Room, an internet café, a shopping arcade featuring a boutique, jeweller, perfumery and the Wellness Centre, which offers hairdressing and beauty treatments, an indoor swimming pool, ocean view fitness and exercise equipment, and sauna and massage facilities.
- There is an outdoor, plus an indoor swimming pool, two whirlpools and, in keeping with her heritage, a traditional walk around promenade deck. There is a very good selection of comfortable modern cabin accommodation from Standard to De Luxe with 70% of cabins having an ocean view and with individually controlled air-conditioning.
ASTOR 2014 Australia highlights
35 nights Grand Round Australian Circumnavigation
Sails from Fremantle on Tuesday, January 28, 2014. Routing - Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Hobart and Port Arthur, Melbourne, Eden for Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Lombok, Komodo Island, Broome, Fremantle.
24 nights Far East Delights
Sails from Fremantle on Tuesday, March 4, 2014. Routing - Singapore, Port Klang for Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Straights of Malacca, Phuket, Phi Phi Island, Penang, Bali, Fremantle.
About CMV
CMV is Britain's premier privately-owned cruise line and 2013 is its fourth year of operating cruises from a variety of UK ports. Since its launch in 2009, over 120,000 mainly British guests have happily cruised with CMV with 95% of its guest's having rated the enjoyment of their cruise experience as either excellent or good. CMV is an established United Kingdom-based independent cruise line and part of CMV Holdings London Ltd with an associate North American sales office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
CMV operates the 800 passenger MARCO POLO and the 700 passenger DISCOVERY and in 2013 AND AGAIN IN 20I4 will offer 129 cruises from a variety of UK ports. CMV Australia will be structured as a sales office to support the new Australian cruise operation in conjunction with the Global Maritime Group, CMV's majority shareholders.
For more information, visit Cruise & Maritime Voyages at www.cmvaustralia.com
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