Wine-tasting classes and food-and-wine pairings are almost de rigueur on ocean and river cruises – and now craft beer and gastro-pubs are popping up on board ships around the world. Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships were at the forefront of catering for beer-lovers – Quantum and Anthem of the Seas feature Michael's Genuine Pub, which serves chef Michael Schwartz's Genuine Home Brew and upmarket pub grub.
Princess Cruises announced recently that it is opening The Salty Dog Gastropub on Crown Princess, which sails in Alaska, South America and the US West Coast. The Salty Dog Gastropub menu will be presented every night in the Wheelhouse Bar; tasty dishes such as Pale Ale Pork Cheeks and Spicy Stout Short Ribs or chef Ernesto Uchimura's signature burger can be washed down with craft beers such as the Seawitch West Coast IPA brew that was introduced on Regal Princess earlier this year and is now served on all Princess ships.
Princess Cruises launched Australia's first beer and wine festival at sea when Dawn Princess emerged from dry dock last May. The festivals are held twice during every cruise of more than seven days; the top deck is transformed into a lively mini festival with marquees showcasing regional beers and wines plus live music.
Last year, Carnival Cruise Line's Australia-based ships, Carnival Legend and Carnival Spirit, teamed up with Sydney's Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel to produce a specially brewed beer for the ships. According to the brewery's owner, Blair Hayden, Thirsty Frog Summer Ale is "a very drinkable beer with subtle malt flavours and floral citrus aromas. The fact that it's naturally brewed, with no added sugars and preservatives, really adds to its appeal."
When Carnival's newest ship, Carnival Vista, launches in April, three house beers will actually be brewed on board, in copper tanks behind a glass wall in the Red Frog Pub. The line's ships already stock craft beers from breweries in their American home ports, in a move similar to that in Sydney, but producing beer at sea is undoubtedly a first.
Norwegian Cruise Line's just-launched flagship, Carnival Escape (christened by rapper godfather Pitbull earlier this month), is right on trend with its District Brew House. This craft brew hall serves 24 beers on tap, including one created for NCL by Miami's first craft brewery, Wynwood Brewing Company. The District, which has already proved to be one of the ship's most popular venues, also serves more than 50 bottled beers and gastro-pub style mini-meals are available. Live music every night adds to the pubby atmosphere.
MEET THE CREW
NAME Tim Donovan, from the UK, living in Las Vegas
POSITION Cruise Director, Princess Cruises' Golden Princess
MY JOB I'm in charge of all the guest programs – shows, music, lights and onboard entertainment activities.
A TYPICAL DAY I work from morning to late at night to make sure our guests are having a great time. I also produce the daily schedule of activities (Princess Patter) and oversee the daily and evening events. In addition, I host the shows and produce the Wake Show, Princess Cruises' breakfast TV show.
FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT Watching the South Pacific's sunsets – I have travelled the world and have never seen a sunset to match!
FAVOURITE PORT OF CALL Melbourne, of course – it's a great city that is easily accessible and it has some excellent eateries.
INSIDER TIP Never compare cruise ships. Take the ship for what it has to offer and enjoy the many amenities designed to enhance your cruise experience.
TIP
Something I always mean to pack but forget – bulldog clips. These handy old-fashioned desk accessories (take a few different sizes) help keep documentation organised and can be used as pegs to hang laundry in the shower or on the balcony.
NEWS
Winter Wonderland
When local temperatures soar, a cold-climate Christmas holiday is especially tempting. APT's new Winter Wonderland 2016 brochure includes six itineraries showcasing both the festive Christmas markets of Europe and the snow-capped mountains, majestic hotels and picturesque mountain villages of Canada. There are four river-cruise itineraries between November 15 and December 24 that range from 10 to 23 days; the 10-day trip takes in Christmas Markets and festive highlights from Prague to Budapest after a two-night stay in Prague, while the most popular option is the 21-day Magnificent Europe itinerary that visits eight countries between Paris and Prague. See aptouring.com.au.
Tahiti by freighter
Aranui Cruises' new passenger-freighter ship Aranui 5 is now in Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, preparing for its maiden voyage on December 12. The ship will sail 14-day itineraries from Tahiti to the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society islands, delivering goods and supplies to the islanders while passengers go ashore on complimentary excursions to explore. The December 12 departure coincides with the Marquesas Art Festival – held in the far-flung archipelago once every four years – local ceremonies will be performed at each maiden port and there will be a spectacular celebration of Polynesian culture and tradition during the ship's call to Hiva Oa. See aranui.com.
Ovation in Australia
It's a year away but there's so much interest in the arrival of Ovation of the Seas in Australia that the sooner you book, the better your chances of scoring a cabin. Cruiseco, which has chartered Ovation for its inaugural sailing from Singapore to Sydney on November 30, 2016, is now offering two- to nine-day itineraries within Australia. Passengers can join Royal Caribbean's latest Quantum-class vessel in Fremantle, Adelaide or Hobart on its journey towards Sydney Harbour. Itineraries are nine nights from Fremantle to Sydney, departing December 6; four nights from Adelaide to Sydney, departing December 11; and two nights from Hobart to Sydney, departing December 13. See cruising.com.au.
DEAL OF THE WEEK
Explore some of the many fascinating cities in south-east Asia and coastal Australia on ecruising.travel's new 36-night cruise/stay/fly package. Diamond Princess departs on its 33-night cruise from Sydney to Tokyo on March 23; three nights' accommodation at The Shangri-La Tokyo and return flights to Australia are included in the fares, which start at $5839. Phone 1300 369-848, see ecruising.travel.
MORE DEALS
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE Fares for Carnival Spirit's eight-night New Caledonia cruise, round-trip from Sydney departing on February 23, start at a bargain $850 if booked by December 14. Phone 13 31 94, see carnival.com.au.
ACTIVE TRAVEL Save 10 per cent on river cruises aboard Assam Bengal Navigation Company's colonial-style river ships when you book before December 23. Offer valid for all 2016 cruises on Indian rivers; a seven-night Hugli cruise starts at $US1272, including the discount. Phone 1300 783 188, see activetravel.com.au.
