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AUSTRALIA’S LEADING CRUISE MARKETPLACE
18 Nights Empress Of The Seas
Includes Flights, Meals, Accommodation, Guided Sightseeing
Departures 30/10/2019
New Orleans, Savannah, St Augustine, Miami USA; Havana, Cienfuegos, Santiago De Cuba, Cuba; Labadee, Haiti.
Empress Of The Seas
DECK PLANS
Empress of the Seas returned to Royal Caribbean to operate itineraries to Cuba and the Caribbean in 2016 after a full renovation. Since Empress only holds 1,840 passengers, it’s a perfect ship for those wishing a more laid-back, intimate atmosphere during their voyage. Special touches across the ship to celebrate sailing to Cuba include Cuban dishes in the buffet and main dining room, a corner in Boleros for playing dominos, salsa dancing lessons, and Cuban-style coffee in the cafe. Guests can also attend lectures onboard that delve into Cuban culture, and learn Spanish during a foreign language workshop. Enjoy a sunset on every cruise and decadent Sunday brunch with a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary every day of the week.
DAY 1 Wednesday 30 October 2019 Depart Australia
We depart Australia on our flight to New Orleans, USA. As we have crossed the International Date Line we arrive the same day. On arrival we will check into our hotel, located in the French Quarter, the oldest section of the City of New Orleans, famous for its historic homes, architectural treasures and funky music clubs. Meals Included: In-flight
DAY 2 Thursday 31 October 2019 New Orleans, USA
Happy Halloween! New Orleans immerses itself in the Halloween spirit with fun for all ages. Frenchmen Street stages the city’s biggest street party on the night. Today is free to explore New Orleans and get into the Halloween spirit. There is so much to do and see in the French Quarter – you may like to have lunch at a Cajun restaurant or take a ride on the famous St. Charles Avenue Streetcar. A trip to New Orleans would not be complete without a visit to the famous Bourbon Street (all optional). This evening enjoy the festive atmosphere of Halloween and Voodoo New Orleans style! Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 3 Friday 1 November 2019 New Orleans
French settled and influenced, New Orleans is one of the USA’s most exciting and interesting cities, famous for its jazz, creativity, romance and drama. We will enjoy a morning tour of the city with a local guide that will include the key sights of the French Quarter: Jackson Square, Royal Street, French market and Bourbon Street, as well the surrounding Garden District, Audubon Park, the Mississippi River and the commercial downtown. The afternoon will be free for independent exploration – enjoy the atmosphere of the French Quarter or take a Plantation tour, a Paddle Steamer cruise or a swamp tour. Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 4 Saturday 2 November 2019 Savannah, USA
Today we fly to Savannah, with its many antebellum mansions and oak trees, dripping with Spanish moss, Savannah has a real ‘Gone with the Wind’ flavour. A special feature of the city is its 21 squares (parks, with trees, fountains and statues). On arrival we have a sightseeing tour with a local guide. See the city’s fascinating architecture and walk through some of its famous squares. See the statue of local songwriter, the late Johnny Mercer, who wrote over 1000 songs, including the lyrics of Moon River & Days of Wine and Roses. The tour also includes Georgia’s picturesque coastal region and the beautiful Bonaventure Cemetery, which featured in the 1994 novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 5 Sunday 3 November 2019 Savannah
Today is a free day and the best way to explore Savannah is by foot! Savannah’s grid layout makes it easy to get around town. Catch the dot – the city’s fare-free express shuttle that runs continuously throughout the downtown area. Take a leisurely riverboat cruise or stroll one of the city’s markets. Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 6 Monday 4 November 2019 St Augustine, Florida, USA
Today we drive south to St Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European city in the U.S, St Augustine was founded by the Spanish in 1565. What makes St Augustine so genuinely endearing is the accessibility of its rich history via it’s countless museums and the authenticity of its centuries-old architecture, monuments and narrow cobbled lanes. Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 7 Tuesday 5 November 2019 Miami, USA
This morning we travel by coach to Miami, with its bold style fuelled by Latin rhythms. South Beach is as known for its beautiful people and nightlife as its art deco architecture. On arrival we check in to our centrally located hotel, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 8 Wednesday 6 November 2019 Miami
Our day starts when our guide takes us on a Miami orientation tour including the major thoroughfare Ocean Drive, Mediterranean Revival-styled Freedom Tower, numerous famous movie locations, a visit to the peculiar residence of Pulitzer Prize winning author Ernest Hemingway and the world-famous palm-lined Miami Beach, Downtown Miami, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables and Little Havana. The afternoon is at leisure. Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 9 Thursday 7 November 2019 Miami – Begin 8-night Cuba Cruise
This morning is free for individual exploration. In the early afternoon we transfer to the cruise terminal to board your Royal Caribbean ship Empress of the Seas. Be up on deck as the ship slips her moorings at 4:00pm for the start of our fabulous cruise. Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 10 Friday 8 November 2019 Havana, Cuba
This morning we arrive in Havana, capital of Cuba. Havana is lined with pastel houses, 1950s-era cars and Spanish-colonial architecture in the 16th-century Old Town, a highlight of the holiday. Salsa music plays in the dance clubs and cabaret shows are performed at the famed Tropicana. Spend today exploring this fascinating exotic city, you may choose to take an Ernest Hemmingway tour or an Old Havana sightseeing tour by classic car. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 11 Saturday 9 November 2019 At sea
There’s so much to see and do onboard while you are at sea. Rejuvenate at the Spa, attend an engaging lecture, take a cooking class, go to a wine tasting or simply relax and unwind. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 12 Sunday 10 November 2019 Cienfuegos, Cuba
Originally settled by a Frenchman from Louisiana, Cienfuegos’ laid-back Parisian vibe and fiery Caribbean spirit have captivated visitors for centuries. This Cuban gem is nicknamed the “Pearl of the South” for its picturesque bay – but its real sparkle is the assortment of adventures. Optional excursions include Colonial Trinidad, a cigar factory tour or a city and botanical gardens tour. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 13 Monday 11 November 2019 At sea
A day at sea to explore the fabulous facilities of the ship. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 14 Tuesday 12 November 2019 Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
This morning we arrive in the port of Santiago de Cuba. Take the unique opportunity and get to know the fascinating local culture of a place untouched by time, while discovering the revolutionary history of Cuba’s second-largest city. Empress of the Seas has numerous shore excursions on offer. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 15 Wednesday 13 November 2019 Labadee, Haiti
Royal Caribbean’s Labadee is a 260-acre private beach resort carved out of Haiti’s rolling, densely forested north coast. It’s located some six miles from Cape Haitian, a city of 190,000 that’s played a prominent part in Spanish and French colonial history. Labadee was discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, but it wasn’t until 1986 that the cruise line leased the peninsula of property from the Haitian government. Today, as in the 15th century, it is an undulating coastline creating a series of lagoon-like bays, all protected by a reef. A typical day in port may include snorkelling, filling up a plate or two at the all-you-can eat BBQ, zipping across the water on the 2,600-foot-long Dragon’s Breath Flight Line or snoozing soundly in a beach chair. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 16 Thursday 14 November 2019 At sea
Our last day at sea to make the most of the fabulous ship facilities. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
DAY 17 Friday 15 November 2019 Miami, Florida
This morning we arrive back in Miami, and after disembarking the ship we travel to Miami airport for your flight home after our wonderful Deep South of USA experience. Meals included: Breakfast & In-flight
DAY 18 Saturday 16 November 2019 In-flight
DAY 19 Sunday 17 November 2019 Arrive Australia
You will arrive back in Australia. The tour concludes.
| CABIN | CATEGORY | DECK | TWIN FARE PP | SINGLE FARE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interior | 4V | 7,8,9 | $4,999 | $6,999 |
| Interior | 2V | 3,4 | $5,199 | $7,254 |
| Oceanview | 4N | 7 | $5,399 | $7,599 |
| Oceanview | 2N | 3,4,7,8,9 | $5,499 | $7,808 |
| Included port & handling charges | $603 | $963 | ||
| Included gratuities | $174 | $174 | ||
| Air taxes as at 30/7/18 to be added to your invoice | $215 | $215 | ||
|
CabinInterior
Category4V
Deck7,8,9
Twin Share$4,999
Single Fare$6,999
|
|
CabinInterior
Category2V
Deck3,4
Twin Share$5,199
Single Fare$7,254
|
|
CabinOceanview
Category4N
Deck7
Twin Share$5,399
Single Fare$7,599
|
|
CabinOceanview
Category2N
Deck3,4,7,8,9
Twin Share$5,499
Single Fare$7,808
|
|
Included port and handling charges
Twin Share$603
Single Fare$963
|
|
Included gratuities
Twin Share$174
Single Fare$174
|
|
Air taxes as at 30/7/18 to be added to your invoice
Twin Share$215
Single Fare$215
|
International touring can involve a considerable amount of walking and stair climbing in the places visited and it is important that all tour participants have a level of physical fitness that allows them to take part in this activity without the need of assistance from others.
TOUR OPERATOR:
Cruise Offers (a division of Travelrite International Pty Ltd – ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. Empress of the Seas is operated by Royal Caribbean Line and the Empress of the Seas fly/cruise arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed on the Royal Caribbean website. All passengers must complete the Royal Caribbean online check-in process at www.royalcaribbean. com.au and sign a Cruise Offers booking form.
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT:
All Cruise Offers Value Holidays are heavily discounted and available for a limited time only. For this reason, we require a deposit of $1500 per person at the time of booking. This payment is non-refundable. The deposit should be sent with a completed Cruise Offers booking form that lists your requested cabin category. As soon as the booking is confirmed, (usually within 24 hours), a cruise confirmation advice will be posted to the client. The confirmation advice will contain all details. Final payments are due to be paid to Cruise Offers 90 days prior to the commencement of the Royal Caribbean fly/ cruise. A 1.5% administration fee will be added to payments by Visa, Mastercard and AMEX cards.
AIRLINES USED:
American Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin, Delta Airlines plus, any codeshare partners (subject to availability).
ACCOMMODATION:
Accommodation has been booked at the following hotels (or equivalent): New Orleans – Wyndham French Quarter Hotel – 3-star Savannah – Holiday Inn Historic District – 3-star St Augustine – Double Tree Hotel by Hilton – 3-star Miami – Best Western Plus Atlantic Beach Resort – 3-star
EXTENDING:
You can stay longer in the USA for minimal cost. Please contact Cruise Offers on 1800 616 434 for more information.
CANCELLATION CHARGES:
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | Loss of deposit |
| 90 days or less | 100% of full fare |
| Non appearance/no written notice | 100% of full fare |
REFUNDS:
The cruise is based on arrangements which do not allow for any refunds in respect to sightseeing, accommodation, meals or other services not utilised after the tour has commenced.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS:
All passengers will require a valid passport with six month validity and a visa waiver for entry into the USA. If not an Australian passport holder check with Cruise Offers for visa requirements. A Cuba visa is required for Australian, NZ or UK passport holders. Royal Caribbean can facilitate your Cuban tourist visa at the embarkation terminal for an additional cost.
TRAVEL INSURANCE:
Adequate travel insurance is required to cover cruise members for the consequences of unforeseen events during the cruise and for cancellation fees which could result from events such as illness, accident, death etc.
BAGGAGE:
Passengers qualify for a 23kg free baggage allowance on international flights to join or return from the cruise.
MINIMUM TOUR NUMBERS:
The fly/cruise arrangements have been made on the basis of a minimum number of passengers travelling. In the event that less than the required number of passengers have confirmed their booking 90 days from the date of departure, Cruise Offers reserves the right to cancel the tour, giving a full refund of monies paid, or offer arrangements to proceed with the tour at a modified fare.
TOUR PARTICIPATION:
Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach & cruise tours. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Travelrite & Cruise Offers tours provided they are accompanied by a companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Travelrite & Cruise Offers personnel. Travelrite and Cruise Offers reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach & cruise tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Travelrite & Cruise Offers cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Travelrite & Cruise Offers responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Cruise Offers (ATAS No. A10538) is the tour organiser. Cruise Offers, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these fly/cruises, shall act only as agents in making arrangements for hotels, transportation, including transportation by ship, restaurants, or any other service and do not assume any liability whatsoever for any injury, damage, death, loss, accident or delay to person or property due to an act of negligence or a default of any hotel, carrier restaurant company or person rendering any services included in fly/cruises, or by act of God. Further, no responsibilities are accepted for any damage or delay due to sickness, pilferage, labour disputes, machinery break-down, quarantine, government restraints, weather, terrorism or other causes beyond their control. No responsibility is accepted for any additional expense, omission, delays, re-routing or acts of any government authority. Baggage is at owners’ risk throughout the fly/cruise. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of this fly/ cruise and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any fly/cruise and/or make such changes in the fly/cruises as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the fly/cruise. This contract shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any legal action must be undertaken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of the Empress of the Seas fly/ cruise passage contract with Royal Caribbean, detailed on their website www.royalcaribbean.com.au. If you do not have a copy of Royal Caribbean’s terms and conditions please contact Cruise Offers and we will send one to you.
HOW TO BOOK:
Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $1500 per person to:
CRUISE OFFERS
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343 (option 1)
Telephone: (03) 9836 2522
Fax: (03) 9836 8068
Email: sales@cruiseoffers.com.au
ABOUT CRUISE OFFERS:
Cruise Offers (a division of Travelrite International Pty Ltd), (ABN 64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been marketing throughout Australia for over 30 years. It has two fully ATAS accredited (No. A10538) offices at Balwyn and Heathmont. As such they directly represent the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international hotel, tour and transport operators. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION (GDPR)
Cruise Offers will collect and store the data contained on this booking form on our secure PCI Compliant server. Your email address will be stored on our mailing list and may be used for sending out relevant Cruise Offers promotions or upcoming tours. By completing this booking you agree to these terms. You may request the removal of your data from our system at any time after your tour has completed. To do so you can fill in a data removal request.
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