CRUISE SOUTH TO ASIA

A novel way to cruise from Sydney to Thailand is to take the long way, and go south in 5-star luxury.

The super-liner Diamond Princess will sail this unusual itinerary from Sydney to Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Fremantle, Exmouth, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City, Sihanoukville and Bangkok, and there’s plenty of time to budget for it because it’s not until February 21 2010 if booked by August 13 this year.

The 116,000 tonne Diamond Princess is one of the largest cruise ships to visit Australia and ecruising.travel has a 21-night package that includes 20-nights cruising and a night at the luxurious Banyan Tree Bangkok with port-hotel-airport transfers.

The price starts from $4249pp twin-share including all 5-star onboard Traditional, Anytime, Specialty or Casual dining, nightly entertainment, a huge choice of sporting, social and recreational activities, port charges and government taxes, and air back to Sydney from Bangkok; air taxes and fuel surcharges at time of booking are additional.

For full details phone 1300 369 848 or check-out www.ecruising.travel

ADDITIONAL CRUISE DETAILS: The 2670-passenger Diamond Princess has four pools including a swim-against-the-current, hot tubs, a 9-hole putting course, jogging track, live-stage theatre, casino, internet café, library and a Kids & Teens Club.

As well as Traditional, Anytime, Specialty and Casual Dining, there’s a 24-hour buffet, no-charge 24-hour room service, a wine and caviar bar and a choice of formal and casual bars and lounges.