During the day casual clothing is typical, although shorts and swimwear are not permitted in the formal restaurants. Smart casual attire is required in the public lounges and formal restaurants.
DECK
PLANS
Ovation of the Seas is a Quantum class ship in the Royal Caribbean fleet. Royal Caribbean have certainly made a Quantum leap forward with the facilities on the ship. On-board the Ovation of the Seas there are a whole host of new concepts. One is the North Star, a London Eye type capsule offering you 360 degree views of your current surroundings from 90 meters above the sea! Another introduction is the SeaPlex, the largest indoor active space at sea, here you’ll find 30 bumper cars, a roller rink, a full size basketball court, a circus school, floating DJ booth and a food truck!. In the Bionic Bar, Bionic barmen can mix two cocktails a minute with their laser precision ensuring that the thirst is well and truly quenched. The staterooms on-board the Ovation of the Seas are the most spacious in the Royal Caribbean fleet. All the staterooms have soothing aesthetics and sea inspired colour. There are virtual balconies in the interior staterooms with floor to ceiling virtual screens to give you the feel of an ocean view where you can enjoy the sunset and sunrise from the comfort of your interior stateroom. There are three main restaurants; American Icon Grill, Silk (for Asian fusion) and The Grande for more formal dining. The Vitality at sea Spa includes a Vitality Café and 158 cardio and fitness machines.
Natalie is an accomplished Australian designer with over 20 years’ experience in the Patchwork and Quilting industry, as a quilt and small project designer, shop owner, fabric designer and teacher. Natalie’s designs are featured in books, patterns, and fabric. Her style is uncomplicated, fun and heartfelt, with her own hand-drawn images used for stitchery and appliqué designs, as well as in her fabrics. “I’m inspired by my garden and nature’s beauty around me, also my family and friends. My designs often feature sentimental sayings and cute critters, and I love to use multiple hand-stitching techniques together in projects.” Her designs have been published in many Australian and international magazines, with Owl & Hare Hollow featuring in Homespun Magazine this year and A Letter To My Daughter in 2021.Natalie enjoys sharing her knowledge and love for handwork techniques in particular, through teaching workshops. She has taught in Europe, New Zealand and around Australia.
VIEW ITINERARYDAY 1 Tuesday 12 March, 2024 Departure
This afternoon board the Ovation of the Seas on this fantastic Hand
Stitching at Sea cruise to New Zealand. Be up on deck as we cruise Sydney
Harbour and out through Sydney Heads.
DAY 2 Wednesday 13 March, 2024 Cruising Tasman Sea
This morning and afternoon workshops will be offered with Natalie. We
will enjoy a welcome cocktail party to meet other members of the Hand
Stitching at Sea Cruise.
DAY 3 Thursday 14 March, 2024 Cruising Tasman Sea
This morning and afternoon workshops will be offered by Natalie.
DAY 4 Friday 15 March, 2024 Picton
We will call into Picton our first New Zealand port this morning. Located
in the north of the south island around a sheltered harbour it was named
in 1859 after Sir Thomas Picton. We travel to visit the Quilters Barn in
nearby Blenheim. They sell a variety of 100 per cent cotton fabrics and
many quilting products and conduct a help desk. We continue with a visit
to a nearby winery where we will have time to taste their wine before
returning to the ship.
DAY 5 Saturday 16 March, 2024 Napier
Today we dock at Napier, a coastal city on New Zealand’s North Island. It
is set amid the renowned wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. Rebuilt
after a 1931 earthquake, the city is known for its numerous art deco
landmarks and celebrates its art deco heritage annually with the famous
Art Deco Festival. We will enjoy an Art Deco walking tour to see these
attractive buildings, before visiting the Art Deco Centre, which is full of
treasures we will be able to buy. We continue with a visit to the Purple
Patch Handicraft shop, which is run by volunteers. It sells handcrafted
goods and wares.
DAY 6 Sunday 17 March, 2024 Wellington
This morning we will have a sightseeing tour of the main sights of
Wellington including the Houses of Parliament known as “the Beehive”.
We visit Mount Victoria, where we have 360 degree views of the city. We
continue with a visit to Busy Bee quilt shop, where many quilting supplies
are available.
DAY 7 Monday 18 March, 2024 Dunedin
We arrive in the city of Dunedin this morning. Originally founded by
Scottish settlers and known as the “Edinburgh of the South”, it now
consists of beautifully preserved buildings overlooking parklands.
We will visit the historic Jacobean-style Olveston House, containing a
treasure trove of art and antiques, as we explore this attractive city. We
continue with a visit to New Zealand’s ‘castle’ which overlooks the Otago
Peninsular. Built from 1871, by William Larnach, merchant banker and
politician, Larnach Castle showcases beautiful Victorian craftsmanship
and antiques. The Barker family bought the 14-hectare property in 1967
and restored the house and garden which attained a 6★ Garden of
International Significance award from the NZ gardens trust. Later in the
afternoon we will visit the Fabric Store, which stocks glorious ginghams,
twills and stripes and beautiful linens.
DAY 8 Tuesday 19 March, 2024 Fiordland National Park
Today we cruise through some of the most spectacular scenery in New
Zealand as we visit Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound and Dusky Sound. Fiordland National Park will be a highlight of the cruise, with spectacular
scenery and fascinating wildlife. We will offer a workshop this afternoon.
DAY 9 Wednesday 20 March, 2024 Cruising Tasman Sea
This morning and afternoon we are offering workshops or you might like
to attend activities offered by the ship. We will enjoy a relaxing day at sea.
DAY 10 Thursday 21 March, 2024 Cruising Tasman Sea
Today we will offer workshops in the morning and afternoon or you
might like to enjoy some of the many activities available aboard the
Ovation of the Seas. This evening we will enjoy a farewell drinks party.
DAY 11 Friday 22 March, 2024 Sydney
This morning we arrive in Sydney. After breakfast we will
disembark and the cruise will conclude.
| Cabin | Cabin Category | Deck | Twin Fare | Single Fare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4U | Interior with virtual balcony | 6,7,9,10,11,12,13 | $3,599 | $4,699 |
| 2N | Oceanview | 3 | $3,899 | $5,299 |
| 2D | Balcony | 7,8,10 | $4,599 | $6,599 |
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 assistance from others.
Tour Operator: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (ABN 64 005 817 078) is the tour organiser. Ovation of the Seas is operated by Royal Caribbean International and Ovation of the Seas cruise arrangements are subject to the terms and conditions and general information detailed in the Royal Caribbean brochure. All passengers must complete and sign a Royal Caribbean International and Travelrite International booking form.
Deposit and Payment:
A deposit of $900 per passenger should be sent with
a completed Travelrite International 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 passenger must also
complete a Royal Caribbean Cruise Line on-line check-in. The final payments are
due to be paid to Travelrite International 92 days prior to the commencement
of the Ovation of the Seas cruise. A 1.5 % administration fee will be added to
payments by credit cards.
Cancellation Charges: * Cancellation conditions don’t apply for clients with future cruise/tour credits. Cruise/tour credits are non-refundable.
| Days prior to Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Over 90 days | Loss of deposit |
| 90 - 61 days | 50% of full fare |
| 60 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. If not an Australian passport holder check with Travelrite International regarding visa requirements.
Travel Insurance: Adequate travel insurance is highly recommended 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: Baggage is a at owners’ risk throughout the cruise.
Minimum Tour Numbers: The 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 92 days from the date of departure, Travelrite International 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.
Workshops Offered: Travelrite International Pty Ltd reserves the right to alter the workshops offered due to unforeseen events. Workshops which you have signed on to attend can’t be changed after final payment.
Tour Organization: Travelrite reserves the right to change advertised entrances if necessary for the smooth operation of the tour.
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: Travelrite International Pty Ltd ATAS accredited A10538 is the tour organiser. Travelrite International Pty Ltd, its agents, officers, affiliates, and/or suppliers of services pursuant to, or in connection with these cruises, shall act only as agents for the passenger 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 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. The passage contract between the carriers concerned, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the purchasers of these cruises and/or the passengers. The right is reserved to withdraw any cruise and/or make such changes in the cruises as may be found desirable or necessary for the convenience of the parties and the proper carrying out of the cruise. This contract shall be construed in accordance of the laws of the State of Victoria, Australia and any action must be taken in the State of Victoria. Attention is also directed to the terms and conditions of Ovation of the Seas cruise passage contract with Royal Caribbean Cruise line detailed on the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line website. If you do not have a copy of this form please contact us and we will send one to you.
Delays AND Unforeseen Events:
You engage Travelrite to book this
tour on your behalf and you acknowledge that Travelrite acts as your agent
for the purpose of making contracts between you and the various providers
of accommodation, transportation and other services that comprise the tour.
Travelrite may without reference to you provide or make available to you, or may as your agent engage any third party to provide or make available to you, any
good or service which Travelrite reasonably believes is necessary for your benefit
to maintain the tour itinerary, repatriate you or otherwise accommodate,
transport or sustain you in circumstances in which the tour itinerary fails wholly
or partly for any reason. You appoint Travelrite your attorney for this purpose.
You agree to pay Travelrite any cost thereof and you indemnify Travelrite in
respect of any cost it incurs in this regard. Travelrite advises you to obtain travel
insurance generally including in respect of the risk that any such good or service
may become required.
Vaccination Policy:
You must have had two COVID vaccines to be able to
board the ship. No refunds will be given if you are unable to undertake some or
all of their vacation due to failure to comply with these requirements.
How to Book: Bookings can be made by completing a booking form and sending it with a deposit of $900 per person to:
Travelrite International Pty Ltd
423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, Victoria 3103
Further information can be obtained by telephoning
Toll Free: 1800 630 343
Telephone (03) 9836 2522
Email balwyn@travelrite.com.au
https://www.travelrite.com.au/
About Travelrite International: Travelrite International Pty Ltd (A.B.N.64 005 817 078) is a well-established travel company which has been operating in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne for more than 40 years. It is fully ATAS accredited: A10538 and IATA accredited. As such, it directly represents the major airlines of the world and all major domestic and international tour and transport operators. Travelrite International has been operating special interest tours for 38 years, and now runs over 120 tours a year. Travelrite International Pty Ltd is a full member of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents – AFTA.
9th - 14th June, 2023
DAY 1 Friday 9 June, 2023 Depart Australia
Today we depart on our overnight flights to Rome.
DAY 2 Saturday 10 June, 2023 Rome, Italy
We arrive into Rome early afternoon. After clearing customs, we will be met by our
private coach and transferred to the hotel for check in.
DAY 3 Sunday 11 June, 2023 Rome
This morning we will enjoy a sightseeing tour of the ‘Eternal City’ and see the
Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, where group
members can throw a coin and make a wish to return to Rome one day. In the
afternoon we visit the Boncompani Ludovisi Decorative Arts Museum. It contains
gorgeous Italian Fashion from the 19th to 20th century, accessories, paintings and
ceramics. We will enjoy a welcome dinner this evening.
DAY 4 Monday 12 June, 2023 Rome
This morning we will visit the Vatican Museum, with a wealth of artistic treasures, and
the spectacular Sistine Chapel. This afternoon is free for shopping and sightseeing.
DAY 5 Tuesday 13 June, 2023 Rome
Today we enjoy a day tour to Tivoli on the outskirts of Rome to visit Villa d‘ ste
and Hadrian’s Villa. Tivoli is home to luxurious residences, magnificent villas, and
two famous UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Renaissance palace of Villa d’Este,
known for its extravagant, gardens and water fountains, and the ruins of Hadrian’s
Villa the grand second-century estate of Emperor Hadrian of ancient Rome. We
return to Rome late afternoon.
DAY 6 Wednesday 14 June, 2023 Rome
This morning we will visit Mercato Testaccion, where we will be able to try delicious
Roman street food. We then travel to Largo di Torre Argentina, where there are
several fabric stores. Group members will have a chance to visit Francesco Longo
e Figili filled with silks and wools or the biggest fabric store in Rome, Fratelli
Bassetti Tessuti. In the afternoon we will meet up with tour members on the main
tour at Rome airport and we will travel to the gorgeous village of Bagno Vignoni.
30th June - 3rd July, 2023
DAY 1 Friday 30 June, 2023 Athens, Greece
Today we arrive into the ancient city of Athens, capital of Greece. Athens is the home of the Acropolis and the ultimate in ancient Greek architectural perfection, the Parthenon, built to honour the goddess Athena and one of the wonders of the ancient world. A highlight of Athens is the Acropolis, still dominating the frantic bustle of modern Athens. After breakfast we disembark the ship and will enjoy a sightseeing tour of Athens. We check into our hotel in the afternoon and the remainder of the day is free.
DAY 2 Saturday 1 July, 2023 Athens
This morning we will visit the Benaki Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of Greek embroidery and textiles from the Ottoman era. In the afternoon we visit Alexandra’s Fabrics, which sells a large selection of fabrics of good quality.
DAY 3 Sunday 2 July, 2023 Departure
This morning we explore the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, one of the famous museums of the world. In the afternoon we are transferred to the airport for our flights back to Australia.
DAY 4 Monday 3 July, 2023 Arrive Australia
This afternoon we arrive in Australia. Tour activities are concluded.
“The best Tour Manager I have ever had over all tour companies.”
“Michelle puts a huge amount of effort info making our trip as good as it can be. Wonderful!”
