Congratulations To Kate Middleton & Prince William

It's a BOY!

Congratulations to the Prince William and Kate, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their new arrival. The Duchess and her husband gave the world the first glimpses of the future King of England this morning as Kate and William emerged with their baby Prince (the third in line to the throne) from Mary's Hospital's Lindo Wing.

When asked who the baby looks like, William said, "He's got her looks thankfully." To which Kate gushed, "No, no, no."

William added: "He's a big boy, he's quite heavy" and laughed when a reporter asked him about the baby's hair.

"He's got way more than me, thank God," he said.

International Fleet Review 2013

In late 2011, the Chief of Navy (CN) - Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, AO, CSC, RAN extended an invitation to over 50 nations to send a warship and/or tall ship to participate in an International Fleet Review (IFR) to be held in Sydney from 3 - 11 October 2013. The Review is being held to commemorate the centenary of the first entry of the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet into Sydney. On 4 October 1913 the flagship, HMAS Australia, led the new Australian Fleet Unit comprising HMA Ships Melbourne, Sydney, Encounter, Warrego, Parramatta and Yarra into Sydney Harbour for the first time to be greeted by thousands of cheering citizens lining the foreshore. This was a moment of great national pride and importance, one recognised as a key indicator of Australia's progress towards national maturity.

The IFR is a high profile international event and Navy's signature commemorative event for 2013. Planned in partnership with the NSW State Government and the City of Sydney, it is anticipated that approximately 40 visiting warships and 12 tall ships will participate in this historic event. The RAN Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Congress and Exposition are also scheduled to take place at Darling Harbour from 7 October 2013 to coincide with the IFR.

The current plan will see RAN and visiting warships rendezvousing in Jervis Bay, NSW by 2 October 2013 to conduct final preparations and briefings. The formal aspects of the IFR will commence with all tall ships entering Sydney Harbour on Thursday 3 October 2013 and all warships entering on Friday 4 October 2013 - exactly 100 years after the first RAN Fleet entry.

More event information is available on the International Fleet Review 2013 web pages.

• Date: 3 October 2013 to 11 October 2013
• Time: Refer to the Schedule of Events below
• Where: Various locations around Sydney, NSW
• Cost: Free

 

Schedule of Events

Note: The following program is subject to change.

3 October 2013

• Warships depart for passage to Sydney.
• Tall ships entry. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) "Team Navy ASRL Flotilla". Location: Sydney Harbour.

4 October 2013

• Fleet entry. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Flypast by rotary and fixed winged aircraft. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Australian Surf Rowers League luncheon. Location: Sydney Opera House.

5 October 2013

• Dress ship. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
• Ceremonial Fleet Review. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Formation flypast by rotary and fixed winged aircraft. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Military demonstrations.
• Pyrotechnics and Lightshow. Location: Sydney Harbour.

6 October 2013

• Ships Open Day. Location: Fleet Base East, Garden Island/Barangaroo.
• Interfaith Religious Service. Location: St Mary's Cathedral.

7 October 2013

• Opening of Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific Maritime Trade Show (Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition). Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
• Combined Navies Band concert (to be confirmed).
• Ships Open Day. Location: Fleet Base East, Garden Island/Barangaroo.

8 October 2013

• Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition continue. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• Royal Australian Navy Band recitals.
• Memorial Service. Location: Cenotaph, Martin Place.

9 October 2013

• Sea Power Conference 2013 and Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition continue. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• Combined Navies Parade. Location: George Street - The Rocks to Town Hall.
• Food Festival/BBQ for parade participants. Location: Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour.
• Sea Power Conference 2013. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.
• Twilight sailing with RAN Sailing Association. Location: Sydney Harbour.
• Closing of Pacific 2013 International Maritime Exposition. Location: Sydney Conference and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour.

10 October 2013

• Tall ships depart. Location: Sydney Harbour.

11 October 2013

• Warships depart. Location: Sydney Harbour.

Need affordable and comfortable accommodation close the fleet locations in Sydney?

Metro Hotels offer comfortable hotel rooms and apartments around Sydney city that will keep you close these venues and major public transport hubs. So whether you're coming from interstate to Sydney or coming from overseas, we've got you covered!

• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (close walk to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)
• Metro Hotel Sydney Central (close walk or bus/taxi ride to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)
• Metro Hotel on Pitt (close train/bus or taxi ride to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)
• Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo (close train/bus or taxi ride to Sydney Harbour and Exhibition Centre)

Each hotel or serviced apartment is close to major train stations, buses or ferries. Because all four are situated in the city, there are plenty of taxis available to catch on the street. Many of the fleet locations can be reached by foot from our hotels. Nearby there are also supermarkets, shops, restaurants, convenience stores, ATMs, medical centres and public toilets all within walking distance.


Want discounts on your stay at Metro Hotels around Sydney? Here are some specials:

Start Of Financial Year Special @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour are offering this Start of Financial Year Special for $220.00* per night (minimum 3 night stay) including:

• Guaranteed free upgrade to Executive 
• 3 Night Minimum stay is required
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/314

Winter Sydney Great Saver @ Metro Hotel Sydney Central
Metro Hotel is offering this Winter Sydney - Great Saver package for $129.00 per room per night including:

• Free wireless internet 
• Free Breakfast for 2 adult 
• Free bottle of wine on arrival 
• Free late check out by 12 noon (Subject to availability).
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/307

Bed and Breakfast PLUS Package @ Metro on Pitt
Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this Bed and Breakfast PLUS Package including:

• One Nights Accommodation
• Hot Buffet Breakfast for two
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/217

Park and Stay Special at Aspire Hotel Sydney @ Aspire Hotel
Aspire Hotel Sydney is offering this Park and Stay Special:

• Book for 3 nights accommodation at Aspire Hotel Sydney and get free parking
• Details and To Book: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/106

Princess Package @ Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Pamper yourself like a true Princess. Enjoy your complimentary wine and chocolates upon your arrival to your one Bedroom Executive Apartment. With stunning views of Darling Harbour, and see where Princess Mary met here Prince , with the Floor to Ceiling cathedral windows, brand new kitchen and a midday checkout

$229.00* Sunday - Thursday, $349.00* Friday - Saturday

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/58

Location: 132-136 Sussex St Sydney, NSW 2000 Australia

Phone: +61 2 9290 9200

Offer expires 31 May 2013!

Terms and Conditions:

• Subject to availability
• Offer valid until 31st May 2013
• Rates are based on 2 adult occupants
• Minimum 2 night stay is required
• Booking is non-refundable 

Located in the Sydney Central Business District (CBD), Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour has 26 spacious guest apartments.

Our 3 ½ star fully serviced one bedroom loft-style apartments provide you with many of the creature comforts of home. The well equipped kitchen and laundry facilities in your room are ideal for longer stays and provide you with plenty of room to relax and enjoy your stay. Each of the well appointed rooms also has a LCD television with 28 free Foxtel channels, telephone, free WiFi, ensuite bathroom and small balcony.

It's all about the views! Imagine standing on your own private balcony with a relaxing drink and watching the sun set over Darling Harbour. Well that's exactly how you could enjoy the end to another day when you next stay with us in one of our Executive Apartments located on levels 4-7.

Located perfectly in the heart of the city, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is within easy access of all major attractions such as, the Sydney Aquarium, IMAX Theatre, Cockle Bay Restaurants, Maritime Museum, Chinatown - restaurants and taverns, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Powerhouse Museum and the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Seven Weeks Until Oceania Cruises Debuts its Elegant Ship Marina in Australia

Award-winning cruise line Oceania Cruises is set to reveal its luxurious ship Marina down-under this March.  Currently cruising around the pristine French Polynesia, Marina is sailing her way to Australia with first port of call in Hobart on March 9th followed by Melbourne and Sydney.

With style, taste and flare, Marina made her maiden voyage in January 2011 as the host of many firsts redefining the upper-premium cruise market.

~  The first hands-on cooking school at sea, Bon Appétit Culinary Center

~  The first namesake restaurant at sea of Master Chef Jacques Pépin

~  The first Ralph Lauren Home furnished Owner's Suites and luxurious accommodations by Dakota Jackson

~  The first Wine Spectator wine program

~  The first Lalique grand stairway

Carrying 1250 guests, onboard facilities include 10 dining venues (six of which are open-seating gourmet restaurants), an array of bars and lounges, a full-service Canyon Ranch SpaClub and fitness centre, swimming pool and hot tubs.

The exclusive Bon Appétit Culinary Center, available on Marina and sister ship Riviera, features 24 fully equipped work stations with induction cook tops and convection ovens.  Oceania Cruise's culinary enrichment program Culinary Discovery Tours provides guests the opportunity to explore local food markets in small groups alongside an expert chef. 

Recently honoured with two prestigious awards for "Best Dining" and "Best Suites" at the Cruise Critic 2012 Editors' Picks on December 4th, Oceania Cruises is renowned for its world-class gourmet cuisine, unparalleled service and award-winning itineraries.

Royalty and Celebrity Meet for One Night Only

 Voyager of the Seas prepares for her Celebrity-filled arrival into Sydney.
Image: Royal Caribbean International

The countdown is well and truly on for Voyager of the Seas’ arrival into Sydney Harbour next week with the ship receiving a red carpet welcome by a special Celebrity.

Celebrity Millennium will be on hand to rendezvous with the 137,720-tonne vessel mid-Harbour accompanied by a water cannon tugboat and a flotilla of local pleasure craft when she arrives at approximately 7:00pm on 22 November.

The event marks not only the maiden visit of Voyager of the Seas but also the first time that sister cruise lines Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have met in Sydney.

Together the ships will be carrying approximately 5,000 passengers and 2,000 crew.

The meeting is slated to take place to the west of Fort Denison with optimal vantage points including; the Sydney Opera House; Mrs Macquarie’s Chair; Taronga Zoo Wharf; Bradley’s Head, Mosman and Cremorne Reserve.

Cruise Season Meet and Greet Service - Sydney Cruise Ship Season!

Tens of thousands of holidaymakers will be welcomed to Sydney by a fleet of friendly volunteer ambassadors during Sydney's busiest ever cruise ship season between now and April 2013.

The City of Sydney's welcoming committee, organised in partnership with Destination NSW, includes volunteers who set the benchmark for greeting international tourists during the Sydney Olympics and Paralympics.

The ambassadors will provide expert advice about the city's highlights and ensure first impressions of Sydney are memorable for the cruise ship visitors who inject around $1.1 billion into the local economy.

Volunteers are trained by the City of Sydney, Destination NSW and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority to provide tips to help cruise passengers explore the sights and secrets of Australia's most famous city.

William and Kate Touch Down in Brisbane

Prince William and wife Kate have touched down at Brisbane Airport for a brief stop on their way to the UK after their royal tour. 

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were expected to spend about 90 minutes at the airport.
The couple flew out of the Pacific island of Tuvalu on Wednesday morning, wrapping up their nine-day tour of Southeast Asia and the Pacific on behalf of the Queen.

The trip was overshadowed by a media row over topless photos taken of Kate during a holiday at a private estate in southern France.

The Duchess looked relaxed in a light, floral-patterned, summer dress and beige patent heels as she strolled along the tarmac beside the Duke.

A tanned Prince William was equally casual in a jacket and white shirt, which was unbuttoned at the neck.

The smiling couple were escorted from their jet to the terminal by airport staff.

Their arrival in the building caused a stir among passengers waiting for flights, who rushed to get a glimpse and take photos of the young royals as they were whisked to a private lounge.

After coming up an escalator into the departure area, the couple waved to travellers as well as members of the public standing behind glass on a viewing platform on the next floor.

A Brisbane resident, who would not give her name, said the Duchess looked beautiful.
"It's such a shame about the photos in France," she told AAP.

"People should just leave them alone - they're only human."

Japanese national Yoko Asano said she'd just arrived from the Solomon Islands and had seen the royal couple there during their recent visit.

"I'm kind of following them," she joked.

"I didn't really expect to see them here but it was good because it was less crowded here.
"I could get a good look at them."

New Zealand man Tim Bott said the brief royal visit was totally unexpected.

"I didn't even know what was going on until I saw all these guys (cameramen)," he told AAP.
"I went and had a look and saw them coming down the steps and up the escalator.

"I wasn't going to go over but I did - you kind of have to, don't you?"

The Duke and Duchess were understood to be relaxing in a private lounge while they awaited a Singapore Airlines flight scheduled to depart at 2.30pm (AEST).

View Source