Food Drink

World-First Gin-Themed Cruise Sailing From Adelaide

This Summer enjoy new, themed cruises from Adelaide, including a seven-night Boutique Gin and Culinary Cruise, a five-night Military History Cruise, and a one-night in-port Fringe World event.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has announced the introduction of themed cruises for its upcoming Australian season, including what is believed to be the first-ever gin-themed ocean cruise, as well as the world-first ‘Fringe on the Water’ event.

The themed cruises on offer include a seven-night Boutique Gin and Culinary Cruise, a five-night Military History Cruise, and a one-night in-port Fringe World event to take place aboard the newest ship to join the CMV fleet, Vasco da Gama.

“We’re always looking to add value for our guests so we’re excited to be introducing two concepts that we consider a first in cruising,” says Dean Brazier, Managing Director of Cruise & Maritime Voyages Australia.

“Themed cruises in Australia to this scale are a first for us, and we are eager to offer these distinctive cruises on board CMV’s newest addition to the fleet, Vasco da Gama, during her first Australian season.”

Vasco da Gama is a mid-sized ship with room on board for 1,220 guests.

Boutique Gin and Culinary Cruise

Another of the themed cruises sure to entice guests is the world-first Boutique Gin and Culinary Cruise, which will cruise from Adelaide to Fremantle and will feature delectable experiences designed to showcase the very best local produce from South Australia and Western Australia.

The summer cruise will include:

  • cooking demonstrations with Callum Hann (Masterchef runner-up 2009) and Themis Chrissydis from Sprout Cooking School;
  • fascinating lectures from gin experts and master distillers at Giniversity and Adelaide Gin;
  • optional hosted gin tastings with Giniversity and Adelaide Gin*;
  • optional culinary shore excursions*; and
  • optional hosted dinners with Callum Hann and Themis Chrissydis*.

The gins available on board will primarily be traditional London dry styles, brought to life with native Australian botanicals. This provides a fitting connection to CMV, as the cruise line offers a traditional British style of cruising, sailing to a range of exciting Australian ports.

Gin has increased in popularity in Australia recently, paving the way for the world-first gin-themed cruise to emerge. Five years ago, there were less than ten gin distilleries in the country but that’s now increased to over 100, thanks to rising demand (ABC News, 2019).

In addition to showcasing some of the best boutique spirits in Australia from Australian Distilling Co and Great Southern Distilling Co, the gin cruise will champion locally sourced produce from Western Australia and South Australia, as showcased by guest chefs Callum Hann and Themis Chryssidis.

Find out more here.

MIX

Fringe on the Water

To utilise the sensational entertainment venues available on board Vasco da Gama, and to introduce CMV to a local audience who may not be regular cruisers, the ship will host an in-port festival of the Fringe entertainment in Fremantle. 

The exhilarating Fringe performances dreamed up by Fringe World on Saturday 1 February 2020 will include:

  • a Fringe World headline act in the main theatre;
  • roving performers in the bars and lounges;
  • live music and DJs into the early hours; and
  • overnight accommodation, breakfast and dinner on board Vasco da Gama.

The exciting headline act will be announced this October, with the release of the Fringe World program.

Military History Cruise

The Sydney to Adelaide Military History Cruise will be a distinctive voyage of heritage and history, with on-board events programmed around Australia’s involvement in past conflicts and the little-known story of how close it was to arriving on our shores. The cruise will also offer shore excursions focussed on visits to historic monuments and memorials in Melbourne, as well as:

  • fascinating lectures from ex-military personnel about war and military conflicts along Australia’s southern coast;
  • research workshops with the Virtual War Memorial Australia;
  • war and military-themed trivia and films; and
  • get-togethers with former service personnel to share stories.

Hosts on board the ship will include: Stephen Larkins (OAM), former army major, Order of Australia Medal recipient and Ambassador for the Virtual War Memorial; Alistair Capp, retired lieutenant colonel in the Australian Army Reserve and former commanding officer of Melbourne University Regiment; and Ron Lyons, retired lieutenant colonel from the Australian Army Reserve and respected military historian.

Find out more about the Military Cruise here.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages is currently celebrating its tenth year of operations and continues to evolve within the Australian market, offering a range of enticing domestic itineraries on board Vasco da Gama that encourage Australians to explore their own backyard.

Vasco da Gama offers a great opportunity to ‘go it alone’ with 40 cabins for solo travellers, passenger meet-ups and a ship full of charming guests and friendly staff. The themed cruises provide the opportunity to meet up with like-minded travellers, and guests often make friends for life while on board.

“We look forward to welcoming our guests onto Vasco da Gama for the first time when she arrives in Australia this December,” says Dean Brazier.

“This season we are eager to welcome gin lovers, foodies, history buffs and arts fiends – some of whom might be enjoying cruising for the first time – on board our ship to experience these uniquely themed cruises.”

CruiseThemeDeparture DateNights
V002 Sydney to AdelaideMilitary History Cruise1st December 20195 nights
V009 Adelaide to FremantleBoutique Gin and Culinary Cruise6th Jan 20207 nights
V013 FremantleFringe on the Water1st Feb 20201 night

For bookings or enquiries visit cmvaustralia.com or contact your local travel agent.

*Supplementary charges may apply

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