Special Princess Package to welcome Danish Royals

Media Release

September 2, 2013

Special Princess Package to welcome Danish Royals

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is rolling out the red carpet when Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik arrive in Sydney to officially launch the Opera House’s 40^th birthday celebrations on October 20. 

In celebration of the anniversary, the City of Sydney is planning a week of events that will culminate in a Gala Birthday Concert on October 27 with performances by Sydney Symphony, Sydney Philarmonia Choirs and Opera Australia.

Located opposite the Slip Inn where the couple first met, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour 

has released a special Princess Package at $229 per night (Sunday – Thursday) and $349 per night (Friday – Saturday), giving both international and local visitors to Sydney the opportunity to be pampered like royalty:

Princess Package

§     One night’s accommodation in a one bedroom Executive Apartment with stunning views of Darling Harbour and floor to ceiling cathedral windows overlooking Darling Harbour

§     Complimentary sparkling wine and chocolates

§     Noon checkout

§     Minimum 2 night stay

§     Valid until October 31, 2013

With 32 recently renovated loft-style one-bedroom apartments, each with a queen sized bed and sofa bed, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour offer all the comforts of home with the convenience of a perfect city location.

Located in two separate buildings in Sussex and King Streets, guests can choose from the larger, contemporary-styled Sussex St apartments with views over Darling Harbour or a New York styled King Street apartment with access to rooftop pool.

All apartments have full kitchen and laundry facilities, spacious living rooms with cathedral windows and bedroom. They are designed as a home away from home where guests can relax at the end of a long day’s sightseeing, or just have a break before venturing out again to explore more of one of the world’s most famous and beautiful cities. Discount parking is provided at the nearby Kings Parking on Sussex Street.

Book the Princess Package at Metro Apartments Darling Harbour by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternately, bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au. 

Metro Hotels is the public face of Transmetro Corporation, an Australian owned public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The Group currently provides a national accommodation network of properties, with over 1000 rooms in key locations and major cities across Australia.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Tour

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, famed for their precision marching and musical versatility, will perform a concert featuring military classics to jazz and big band favourites. This concert will display the outstanding versatility of some of the world’s finest military musicians.

There really is something for everyone as the Royal Marines display their incredible musicianship and pageantry.  A wide range of musical styles includes music from the big screen and superb solo items. This concert would not be complete without the famous traditional marches and overtures that have proved such a hit with audiences over the years with the Royal Marines’ exceptional display of precision and skill.

The 90 minute performance is a testimony to the professionalism of the world’s finest military bands, proudly demonstrating talents acquired over many years of practice and experience both in the classroom and on the parade square.

When: Monday 9 October 2013
Where: Capitol Theatre Sydney - 13 Campbell Street, Haymarket NSW 2000 Australia
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Band-of-Her-Majestys-Royal-Marines-tickets/artist/1191547

Staying in SYDNEY for The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines?

Need a hotel room close to Capitol Theatre Sydney?

Look no further than Metro Hotel Sydney Central - RIGHT next to the Capitol Theatre Sydney whilst being close to other iconic Sydney attractions. 

Website: Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Capitol Theatre Hotel Package

For $165.00 per room per night you get:

• One night's accommodation in a Superior Queen Room
• Hot Buffet Breakfast for 2 adults
• Extended check-out to 12 noon the following day

• Book Online and Terms here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/242
• Or call: 02 9281 6999

Want to try another hotel? Metro Hotel on Pitt, only a 10 minute walk to Capitol Theatre.

Website: Metro Hotel on Pitt

Metro Hotel on Pitt is offering this Winter Sydney CBD Getaway Hotel Package

For $134.00 per room per night you get:

• Free WiFi
• A bottle of wine on arrival
• Late check out of 12 noon
• Staying in a Standard\Single\double\twin room*

• Book Online and Terms here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/306
• Or call: 02 9283 8088

Other Metro Hotels and Apartments:

• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour (the closest train station is Wynyard)
• Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo (13 minutes walk to Central station)

Cruise Sydney: NNS Thunder Heads To Australia For International Fleet Review

Nigeria’s NNS Thunder has left the city of Calabar to represent Africa for the Royal Australian Navy’s International Fleet Review (IFR) slated for 3rd to the 11th of October this year in Sydney, Australia.

Joining about  Fifty other countries of the world including Russia and America and South Africa being the second African country to represent the continent, the international event is to be reviewed by the queen of England to mark the 200 years battle of Trafalgar.

The Flag officer Commanding Eastern Naval Command Rear Admiral Joe Aikhomu disclosed this at the Nigerian Port Authority NPA jetty in Calabar, Cross River State Capital been venue for the take-off point of the NNS thunder ship conveying forty officers and 140 ratings of Nigerian Navy participating.

According to the Rear Admiral the voyage to Sidney is a friendly and diplomatic expedition urging the crew to see the mission as a training program meant to enhance the Navy’s proficiency.

NNS THUNDER will be making outbound port calls at Luanda, Cape Town, Port Louis, Freemantle and Sydney and on the in-bound leg visit Melbourne, Albany, Port Des Galet, Durban, Walvis Bay and Pointe Noire.

The officers on board are expected to be back to the country within the next four to five months.

Prince George May Visit Australia Next Year as Prince William Says Royal Baby Is 'Loud But Good-Looking'

Prince William Says the New Family will be Visiting Australia Next Year

While mingling with the crowd at Anglesey county fair, William told visiting Australian couple Max and Maxine Davies, from Victor Harbor, south of Adelaide, that the new family hope to travel to Australia soon.

"George is doing really well, thank you,” he said, according to UK media reports. "We are all very hopefully coming to Australia next year."

The couple’s son, Mark Davies, said it was his mother’s second brush with royalty.

“She actually met Prince Charles, I think it was back in 1969. It was while she was on another holiday over in the UK.”

“It’s all pretty exciting, especially for mum who’s a fanatical royalist.”

Mr Davies said his parents, retired farmers who moved from Naracoorte to Victor Harbor in 2004, were about a week into a two-month trip of Britain and Europe that included visiting family near Manchester, a trip to Spain and a Mediterranean cruise.

“I haven’t heard from them just yet, but I imagine they’re just as thrilled about it as everyone over here seems to be,” the Naracoorte resident said.

Victor Harbor Bowling Club member Bill Aldridge, who plays with Max Davies, hopes his fellow player’s conversation with Prince William was enough to convince him to visit Victor Harbor while in Australia.

“We’d love him to come down to our new bowling green,” he said.

“It would definitely lift the spirits in Victor Harbor and create a bit of a buzz having royalty around, although I know the chances are pretty slim.”

The trip would echo Prince William’s trip to Australia as a baby with Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1983, when he was less than a year old.

William also opened up on parenthood, telling the crowd that baby Prince George is "loud but good looking".

"Catherine in sorry that she cannot be here today at the County Show," William said in his speech, before chatting with locals, inspecting livestock and participating in a falconry display.

Book Now to Enjoy the Biggest Naval Event on Sydney Harbour this Century

The biggest naval event on Sydney Harbour this century will take place from October 3-11, 2013 and Sydneysiders, regional NSW residents and interstate visitors are advised to book accommodation early to avoid missing out.

The Royal Australian Navy is celebrating 100 years since the first RAN ships sailed into Sydney Harbour to great fanfare in 1913 – and it has asked 50 nations to join the party. Called the International Fleet Review (IFR), the celebrations will see 40 warships and 20 tall ships from around the world sail into Sydney Harbour for a week-long celebration.

Commencing on Thursday 3 October 2013 and concluding eight days later, the IFR will be a harbour spectacular no Australian will want to miss. Her Excellency the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce will welcome the fleet from Bradley’s Head on October 4, and officially review the fleet onboard HMAS Leeuwin on October 5 as part of the Ceremonial Fleet Review.

With the world heritage backdrop of Sydney Harbour setting the scene, the Royal Australian Navy band will perform while fixed and rotary wing aircraft fly past in formation overhead. Military demonstrations will be held, the official ceremony will be staged on the steps of the Opera House, and the event will conclude with a fireworks display fit for the occasion.

Other activities being planned include a combined naval march through the Sydney CBD, ships open to the public, inter-navy sporting competitions and a range of community and cultural events.

Whether you’re a navy buff or just keen not to miss the amazing pageantry of this historic event, now is the time to book your accommodation in Sydney to be sure you make the most of the week-long celebrations – and Metro Hotels has a number of properties from which to choose.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is the group’s flagship property located on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets in the heart of Sydney’s entertainment precinct. Having recently completed a two year refurbishment, the hotel now offers 220 fully-refurbished Superior and Deluxe rooms, all priced affordably.

Metro Hotel on Pitt is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, within easy walking distance of Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park and Chinatown, while Metro Apartments Darling Harbour provides easy access to the popular harbour restaurant precinct of King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay, as well as IMAX, Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World and Australian Maritime Museum and Star Casino.

For those looking for something a little quieter and out of the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Aspire Hotel Sydney in Ultimo is just a short stroll to Darling Harbour, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and Sydney Entertainment Centre.

International Fleet Review - Sydney Australia 3-11 October 2013

Don't Miss the Nation's Most Significant Commemorative Naval Event in the Past 100 Years

International Fleet Review - Sydney 2013

- See more at: http://cruisesydney.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/international-fleet-review-sydney.html#sthash.3IJnz6No.dpuf

White Bay Cruise Terminal

White Bay Cruise Terminal

ADDRESS: White Bay Cruise Terminal Access via James Craig Road, Rozelle

GETTING THERE: Entry to the terminal is off James Craig Road, Rozelle.

Passenger set down and pick up is available in the terminal precinct and short-term parking for those passengers with a valid itinerary is available on-site.

The nearest public bus stop for passengers is located on Robert Street (as shown on map).

ARRIVING AND DEPARTING

Arriving passengers will need to reclaim their luggage and then clear customs and immigration before exiting the terminal. Once you have exited the terminal there is a designated pick up bay for private vehicles and access to short-term car parking that will assist you in exiting the precinct or you can catch a taxi at the on-site taxi rank. A public bus stop is accessible from Robert Street.

Departing passengers should refer to their itinerary regarding what time they need to be present at the terminal for check-in as times do vary.

Bag drop facilities are available for the majority of ships from 9.00am. Check with your booking agent if you need to utilise this facility.

The terminal is open to those people farewelling travelling passengers.

TERMINAL FACILITIES - Terminal facilities include:

1.Toilets

2.A food and beverage kiosk

3.Wheelchair access

4.On-site short-term parking.

5.Public payphones

6.ATM

There is no foreign exchange or post office on-site and passengers should also be aware that there is no Duty Free available for purchase in the terminal.

 All further queries regarding your trip should be directed to your booking agent.

CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION

International cruise voyage – all passengers departing on an international cruise voyage need to complete an outbound passenger card as well as a health card questionnaire. Both documents will be made available to you once inside the terminal.

Domestic cruise voyage – all passengers departing on a domestic cruise voyage need to complete a health questionnaire card which will be made available to you once inside the terminal. There is no requirement to complete an outbound passenger card.

TOURIST REFUND SCHEME (TRS)

A TRS desk is available in both terminals on international cruises. TRS enables you to claim a refund for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) that you paid on goods you have purchased in Australia. You can claim the TRS from Customs at embarkation after you have checked in.

WHEELCHAIR ACCESS

Both the Overseas Passenger Terminal and the White Bay Cruise Terminal have wheelchair accessibility to the terminal and to the ship.

THINGS TO BRING

1. International Cruise – individual passport with a validity of at least six months.

2. Domestic Cruise – Government agency issued Photo ID.

3. Your booking itinerary is required for all cruises.

4. If you take regular medication ensure that you have sufficient supplies to last the length of your holiday. It is also wise to consider taking a couple of days extra supply in case of unforeseen changes in your plans.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

You are NOT permitted to bring any alcohol onboard for personal consumption.

Duty-free, tax-free and personal alcohol purchased onshore must be surrendered by passengers at embarkation or prior to boarding at any port.

USEFUL LINKS

NSW Transport Information http://www.131500.com.au/

Destination NSW http://www.visitnsw.com/ Metro Apartments Darling Harbour

http://www.metrohotels.com.au/doc/metro-apartments-darling-harbour-factsheet.pdf

Put in the CRUISE code word and Get 10% off the Best Available Rate - See more at: http://cruisesydney.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/white-bay-cruise-terminal.html#sthash.s88afNkB.dpuf