#indoor rock climbing sydney

[billa-billa007]

Picnic & Try Hard Sunday Session | Indoor Climbing | Bouldering

Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that involves climbing short, challenging routes, known as "problems," on artificial climbing walls or natural rock formations without the use of ropes or harnesses

[mistress-lorna-dane]

The Best Team Building Activities in Sydney for Corporate Groups

Sydney is an ideal location for team building activities that encourage collaboration, communication, and bonding among corporate teams. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or creative indoor challenges, the city offers a diverse range of experiences to suit different team dynamics. Team building activities in Sydney can boost morale, improve problem-solving skills, and foster stronger relationships among employees, all while enjoying the vibrant energy and scenic beauty of the city. One popular option is Sydney Harbour cruises, where teams can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views while engaging in team-building exercises on board. These cruises often include interactive games, team challenges, and opportunities for networking. The relaxed atmosphere combined with Sydney's iconic backdrop makes it an unforgettable experience for any corporate team. For those seeking more adventurous team building activities in Sydney, outdoor adventures such as kayaking, hiking, orienteering, and rock climbing are great choices. The stunning landscapes of Sydney provide a thrilling environment for teams to work together, conquer physical challenges, and build trust. Locations like the Royal National Park and the Blue Mountains offer the perfect setting for nature-based activities that not only challenge the body but also encourage teamwork and strategic thinking.

The Importance of Team Building Activities in Sydney

Team building activities in Sydney are essential for fostering a positive workplace culture. They enhance communication, build trust, and create camaraderie among team members. By engaging in these activities, employees can develop essential skills that improve collaboration and productivity. Companies that prioritize team building see reduced employee turnover and increased job satisfaction. Moreover, team building activities in Sydney help break down hierarchical barriers, allowing for open communication and idea sharing. The city's vibrant environment provides the perfect backdrop for such activities, whether it's enjoying outdoor adventures or participating in creative workshops. Ultimately, these experiences lead to a more engaged workforce and a thriving organizational culture.

Outdoor Adventures: A Unique Approach to Team Building Activities in Sydney

Outdoor adventures are among the most exciting team building activities in Sydney. With stunning natural landscapes, teams can engage in activities such as hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing. These experiences not only promote physical fitness but also encourage teamwork and resilience. For instance, hiking in the Blue Mountains allows teams to explore breathtaking scenery while developing problem-solving skills. Similarly, kayaking in Sydney Harbour requires communication and coordination, as team members work together to navigate the waters. These outdoor team building activities in Sydney help to strengthen bonds, boost morale, and improve overall team dynamics. The invigorating environment serves as a catalyst for creativity and innovation.

Creative Workshops: Boosting Collaboration Through Team Building Activities in Sydney

Creative workshops are a fantastic option for team building activities in Sydney. They provide a platform for employees to express their artistic side while enhancing collaboration and communication. Activities such as painting, pottery, or cooking classes encourage teams to work together towards a common goal. These workshops allow individuals to leverage their unique strengths, fostering an appreciation for diverse talents within the team. Moreover, engaging in creative pursuits helps reduce stress and promotes a positive atmosphere. Whether it’s through crafting a masterpiece or preparing a culinary delight, these team building activities in Sydney stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills. Participants leave feeling accomplished and more connected.

Scavenger Hunts: Engaging Team Building Activities in Sydney

Scavenger hunts are exciting team building activities in Sydney that combine competition with exploration. Teams are tasked with solving clues and completing challenges while navigating iconic landmarks throughout the city. This activity fosters teamwork and communication, as participants must collaborate to decipher clues and strategize their next moves. Scavenger hunts also encourage creativity and critical thinking, making them not only fun but also intellectually stimulating. The interactive nature of this activity allows team members to bond while discovering the rich culture and history of Sydney. Whether customized for a corporate event or a casual outing, scavenger hunts provide a memorable experience that reinforces teamwork.

Culinary Challenges: Taste and Team Building Activities in Sydney

Culinary challenges are unique team building activities in Sydney that blend teamwork with gastronomy. Cooking classes or competitive cooking challenges encourage participants to work collaboratively while honing their culinary skills. Teams can engage in activities such as creating a gourmet meal, baking desserts, or participating in a MasterChef-style competition. These activities not only promote collaboration but also foster creativity and effective communication. As team members navigate through the culinary process, they learn to rely on each other's strengths and expertise. Enjoying the delicious results together strengthens bonds and creates a sense of accomplishment. Culinary challenges make for memorable team building activities in Sydney that leave lasting impressions.

The Role of Team Building Activities in Sydney for Remote Teams

In today’s hybrid work environment, team building activities in Sydney are vital for remote teams. As employees increasingly work from home, fostering connections can be challenging. Organizing virtual or hybrid team building activities helps bridge the gap between remote and in-office employees. Options such as online trivia, virtual escape rooms, or cooking classes allow team members to interact and collaborate, regardless of their location. These activities promote communication and camaraderie, ensuring that all team members feel included and valued. By incorporating team building activities in Sydney into remote work culture, organizations can enhance engagement and productivity, ultimately leading to a more cohesive team.

The Benefits of Outdoor Team Building Activities in Sydney

Outdoor team building activities in Sydney offer numerous benefits for corporate groups. Engaging in fresh air and natural surroundings promotes physical well-being and mental clarity. Activities like hiking, sailing, or team sports encourage employees to work together while enjoying the beauty of Sydney’s landscape. These experiences foster teamwork, enhance communication, and help build trust among team members. Outdoor settings provide a refreshing break from the office environment, allowing employees to connect on a personal level. Furthermore, team building activities in Sydney that take place outdoors often incorporate challenges that require problem-solving and strategic thinking, enhancing overall team dynamics.

Conclusion

Incorporating team building activities in Sydney is essential for fostering a collaborative and motivated workforce. These experiences not only enhance relationships among employees but also align with organizational goals and values. By investing in such activities, companies cultivate a positive work environment that encourages creativity, innovation, and productivity. The benefits of team building extend beyond the activities themselves; they lay the groundwork for sustained teamwork and organizational success. As businesses navigate an ever-changing landscape, prioritizing team building in Sydney will ensure that teams are equipped to thrive together.

[happeninglifeinsydney]

Unique Ways To Shed Those Extra Weights !

PC: Climbfit Kirrawee

I am sure there are many who just hate to go for that routine work out gym ! It becomes boring but still many of us carry on. What if I tell you that there is an alternative to shed those extra kilos but in a fun ways.  Yes, absolutely we can make those exercise session fun and exciting .  Recently I went to this Indoor Bouldering Gym , ClimbFit Kirrawee and was surprised to see how the workout session have gone a complete makeover.  If you are thinking what is Bouldering , fret not . Just Visit the section Bouldering  by Climbfit Kirrawee and you will get a load of information. 

[letsjanukhan]

Sydney rock climbing gym says autobelay failure caused death

Sydney rock climbing gym says autobelay failure caused death

A Sydney rock climbing gym will reopen on Friday after a man fell 13 metres to his death last week when a device that allowed him to climb a wall without a partner, called an autobelay, failed. Emergency services were last week called to Sydney Indoor Climbing Gym in St Peters to reports of a critically injured climber. A man fell to his death at a Sydney rock climbing gymCredit:Nine News The…

[leanpick]

Man dead after falling while indoor rock climbing at an inner Sydney gym

Man dead after falling while indoor rock climbing at an inner Sydney gym

A man has fallen to his death at an indoor rock climbing gym in Sydney’s inner west on Wednesday. The man, understood to be aged in his 20s or 30s, was fatally injured in the fall and died at the gym on Unwins Bridge Road, St Peters. Emergency services were called there just before 11.30am, to reports someone had fallen while climbing. Paramedics treated the man for critical head injuries and…

[billa-billa007]

Picnic & Try Hard Sunday Session | Indoor Climbing | Bouldering

Indoor climbing, also known as indoor rock climbing or indoor bouldering, is a recreational and sports activity that involves climbing artificial walls or structures in an indoor setting. It offers a controlled and safe environment for climbers to practice their skills, train, and have fun.

[livehealthynewsusa]

The 10 Best Climbing Gyms in Sydney

But before you get started, just a quick word on some of the basics. First, what is the difference between climbing and bouldering? Good question. When climbing, you climb a wall with a rope and a harness, while when bouldering you climb a wall with just a crash pad under you. As a result, climbing walls tend to be taller and require more stamina, while bouldering is often shorter (usually no higher than 4.5m) and requires problem-solving skills to find the best route.

In fact, bouldering routes are often referred to as “problems” for precisely this reason. Second: equipment. Climbing requires things like a harness, a belay device (essentially a braking device), and special shoes. When it comes to bouldering, it’s really just your shoes. Considering the risk of falling, it pays to invest in the good. However, all good climbing gyms, such as the following, offer equipment for hire. We encourage you to try the devices on offer first before investing.

Gym

place

price

website

9 degrees

Building 3/85 O’Riordan St, Alexandria NSW 2015

$ 21 Opportunity Entry; $ 704 admission for six months

9degrees.com.au

Rise to Oz

2/40 Third Avenue, Blacktown NSW 2148

$ 19 opportunity entry; $ 90 / month

Climboz.com

Climbing Fit Kirrawee

23 Waratah St, Kirrawee NSW 2232

$ 190 for ten visits; $ 390 three months

Climbfit.com.au

Climbing gym Sydney, St. Peters

Unit 4C / 1-7 Unwins Bridge Road, St. Peters NSW 2044

$ 22 opportunity entry; $ 399 three months

indoorclimbing.com.au

BlocHaus Marrickville

49 Fitzroy st, Marrickville NSW 2204

$ 21 Opportunity Entry; $ 124 per month

blohaus.com.au

The Edge climbing center

9/10 Hudson Ave, Castle Hill NSW 2154

$ 21 Opportunity Entry; $ 240 three months

edgerockclimbing.com.au

Skywood climbing

Shop 1 / 1-3 Moore Rd, Freshwater NSW 2096

$ 24 opportunity entry; $ 216 ten visits

skywoodclimbing.com

Nomad bouldering

Unit 7/12 Chester St, Annandale, Sydney NSW 2038

$ 20 opportunity entry; $ 336 three months

nomadbouldering.com

UmbrellaNine Co Climbing

Shop 6010 Warringah Mall, Brookvale NSW 2100

$ 20 opportunity entry; $ 160 for ten visits

regenschirmnineco.com.au

Northern Beaches Rockhouse

Unit 4E ‘Winbourne Estate’ 9-13 Winbourne

$ 24 opportunity entry; $ 272 three months

rockhouse.com.au

9 degrees

The name is derived from the fact that there are nine levels of difficulty for the various “problems”. This gym opened in Alexandria in 2015 and now has 5 different locations. So it’s clearly doing something right. With an in-house café where you can get your caffeine fix before or during the climb, there is a real community atmosphere at 9 degrees. In addition, there is the fact that all 9 Degrees locations have committed to CO2 neutrality. Talk about additional bonus.

Place: Building 3/85 O’Riordan St, Alexandria NSW 2015

Contact: 0408 870 473

Price: $ 21 casual admission; $ 704 admission for six months

9degrees.com.au/9da

Ascent OZ

The Blacktown-based company differentiates Climb Oz through the expert coaching they offer. While most gyms keep attendees safe and then largely leave you alone, Oz focuses on the technical element and prides itself on having coaches who have trained some athletes to achieve national success. Ideal for everyone who wants to put on their Alex Honnold.

Location: Level 2, 40 Third Ave, Blacktown

Contact: 02 9678 9635

Price: $ 19 day pass; $ 90 / month

Climboz.com

Climbing Fit Kirrawee

At 3,500 square meters, this place is huge and the ideal environment for professionals and beginners alike. As the name suggests, Climb Fit also has an impressive gym on-site so it’s a one-stop shop for your climbing and workouts. In other words, there is little reason to leave.

Place: 23 Waratah St, Kirrawee NSW 2232

Contact: 02 9545 3407

Price: $ 190 for ten visits; $ 390 three months

Climbfit.com.au

Climbing gym Sydney, St. Peters

SICG can boast two impressive titles: It is the largest indoor climbing hall in the southern hemisphere and the only Australian location that hosts a world championship-level climbing competition. If that’s not enough, there might be 420 different climbing routes and 180 bouldering problems. Come back to us when you have completed them all.

Location: Unit 4C / 1-7 Unwins Bridge Road, St. Peters NSW 2044

Contact: 02 9519 3325

Price: $ 22 casual entry; $ 399 three months

indoorclimbing.com.au

BlocHaus Marrickville

We like a play on words here at Men’s Health, so it’s no wonder BlocHaus makes it on this list. Visit the website and within seconds you will be hit by two really high quality puns: “our house is your house” and “boulder than most most”. Kind. Very nice. But apart from clever puns, BlocHaus focuses on bouldering and the social element of sport. So if you are interested in making new friends and solving a few “problems” this is the place for you.

Location: 49 Fitzroy St, Marrickville NSW 2204

Contact: (02) 7228 9304

Price: $ 21 casual admission; $ 124 per month

syd.blochaus.com.au/first-time/

The Edge climbing center

With an emphasis on rock climbing over bouldering, The Edge is a serious gym that offers both workout plans and competitions. There is also rotational yoga that can help you stretch away the problems after climbing.

Place: 9/10 Hudson Ave, Castle Hill NSW 2154

Contact: (02) 9899 8228

Price: $ 16 casual admission; $ 240 three months

edgerockclimbing.com.au

Skywood climbing

Skywood, which declares itself to be the premier indoor climbing facility on the Northern Beaches (who should we disagree?), Is owned by a former climbing World Cup competitor Yossi Sundakov-Krumins. So you know it’s legitimate. Another plus point is the interior design, which is more like a chic co-working space than a sweaty gym.

Place: Shop 1 / 1-3 Moore Rd, Freshwater NSW 2096

Contact: (02) 9905 7859

Price: $ 24 casual entry; $ 216 ten visits

skywoodclimbing.com/shop

Nomad bouldering

While SIGG is the largest climbing gym in the hemisphere, Nomad is the largest when it comes to bouldering. There are over a mile (1.6 km) of wall length and they have a special competition wall that allows you to test your progress. With an in-house physio on board, Nomad also takes care of your recovery and rehab.

Location: Unit 7/12 Chester St, Annandale, Sydney NSW 2038

Contact: 0402 670 784

Price: $ 20 casual admission; $ 336 three months

nomadbouldering.com

Climbing Umbrella Nine Co

Umbrella, AKA Unco Climbing, is a family-oriented bouldering hall that encourages you to bring the kids with you. Unco is fun, accessible, and most importantly, it offers a family activity to do whatever the weather. You’re welcome.

Place: Shop 6010 Warringah Mall, Brookvale NSW 2100

Contact: 02 9905 0047

Price: $ 20 casual admission; $ 160 for ten visits

regenschirmnineco.com.au

Northern Beaches Rockhouse

Our favorite place at the Rockhouse in Brookvale is the Starter Climbing Clinic. The goal here is to get you started on the basics so that you can track your progress quickly. The classes are small and each week focus on a new area of ​​expertise. Since the learning curve in climbing is steep, the investment is worth it.

Location: Unit 4E ‘Winbourne Estate’ 9-13 Winbourne Brookvale Street, NSW 2100

Contact: (02) 9905 6202

Price: $ 24 casual entry; $ 272 three months

rockhouse.com.au.

source https://livehealthynews.com/the-10-best-climbing-gyms-in-sydney/

[manofmanytastes]

10 Best Indoor Rock Climbing & Bouldering Gyms in Sydney

[yahoosg-australiauncovered]

#AwesomeAustralianActivities for second half of 2017 to start planning your next trip for!

Image: Tourism Australia. Photographer: Adam Taylor

The second half of the year is a wonderful time to visit the land down under. Whether you’re looking to escape the relentless heat of Singapore or to start planning early to get the best possible deals, this article will provide you with a whole list of reasons for a great holiday down under. Here are 5 places in Australia that are better to visit during the second half of the year. 

Enjoy wonderful weather at Kakadu National Park, NT

Image: Tourism Australia. Photographer: Ellenor Argyropoulos

Cool temperatures and clear skies make visiting the iconic Kakadu National Park during Australia’s cool winter months a great choice for those looking to beat the heat. With humidity levels at its lowest, exploring the scorching outback becomes a pleasant and comfort experience.

Flowing waterfalls and other scenic roads in the region will be reopened after the monsoon season, granting visitors access to some of the park’s best natural attractions.

Must-sees/dos:

Cruise past crocodiles on Yellow Water Billabong

Climb to the top of the stunning Gunlom Falls

Admire aboriginal rock art at Ubirr Rock

Experience 20/20 vision under the waters of Lady Musgrave Island, QLD

Image: Tourism and Events Queensland. Photographer: Tourism QLD

Diving at the Great Barrier Reef is a year-round affair, with visibility at its best between the months of June and September. Pop on your snorkel mask and waddle through amazing coral cays and diverse underwater habitats, where marine creatures call their home.

Must-sees/dos:

Take a guided nature walk and discover the island’s diverse flora and fauna

Experience the underwater world in comfort onboard a luxurious glass-bottom boat

For the adventurous, spend a night under the stars in your own private tent by the beach

Spot some of ocean’s largest mammals in NSW

A post shared by rachelle mackintosh (@faunographic) on May 8, 2017 at 1:51pm PDT

From May through November, catch majestic humpback whales making their annual migration along Australia’s eastern coast. There are several operators across Sydney to choose from to spot these gentle giants, equipped with viewing decks, comfortable indoor/outdoor seats and underwater microphones for passengers to listen to whale songs.

If decide to stay on land, visit these scenic vantage points along the coast:

Booderee National Park, Jervis Bay

Gerroa, Seven Mile Beach National Park

Cape Byron, Byron Bay

Celebrate a month-long flower festival in Floriade, ACT

Image: Floriade Australia

Welcome the start of Spring with a magnificent floral jubilee, held between the months of September and October, featuring more than a million intensely-hued blooms. The incredible experience is both colourful and breathtaking, showcasing some of the best in horticulture, gardening and blossomy landscape.

Aspiring botanists can also take part in some of the daily activities, gardening workshops and performances that will be happening everyday during this 30-day-long event.

Step away from the crowds at Kangaroo Island, SA

Image: Paul Torcello

A post shared by Peter de Sousa (@peterdesousa254) on Jun 18, 2017 at 12:47am PDT

Surround yourself on an island teeming with native wildlife, breathtaking ocean views and stunning rock formations on this ecological heaven just a 30-minute flight from Adelaide. It may not be the most affordable destination, but visiting the island during low season does have its perks. For one, you save on a substantial amount of money for accommodation and transport, all while avoiding rowdy vacationers!

Take this time to indulge in peace and privacy at the island’s many luxury retreats and beach lodges, as well as its numerous coastal and eco attractions:

The sculpted Remarkable Rocks — a fascinating coastal landmark

Seal Bay Conservation Park — home to the third largest sea lion colony in Australia

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Food and Wine Tour — for a taste of the island’s freshest local fare

This content was produced in partnership with Tourism Australia.

Get more out of your vacation by check out the full list of promotions here.

This content was produced in partnership with Tourism Australia.

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[8sinifyazilisorulari]

8. Sınıf İngilizce 2. Dönem 1. Yazılı Soruları Ve Cevapları

VOCABULARY

1.      Match the words with their meanings. (8*1=8)

__1.challenging    a. very exciting

__2. embarrassing            b. making you feel ashamed

__3. fascinating    c. causing you to laugh or smile

__4. amusing.       d. interesting and fun

__5. disappointing            e. extremely interesting

__6. entertaining   f. forcing you to make a lot of effort

__7. thrilling         g. making you feel sad because something wasn’t as good

__8. amazing        h. surprising

2. Match the words with the pictures. (8*1=8)

Rock    climbing –caving- ice skating – skiing – sailing –paragliding – rugby –    hang gliding  - baseball

GRAMMAR

1.      Make comparative and superlative    sentences with the given words. (10*2=20)

1.indoor sports / extreme sports / safe    _________________________________________________  2. skydiving / canoeing / entertaining    __________________________________________________               3. rafting / baseball    /challenging ____________________________________________ ___   4. cycling / motor racing / easy    __________________________________________________               5. caving / swimming / hard    __________________________________________________               6. Skydiving / amazing (    superlative) _________________________________________________               7. Hang-gliding / thrilling    (superlative __________________________________________________              8. Bunge jumping /    entertaining (superlative)    __________________________________________________               9. Rugby / disappointing    (superlative) __________________________________________________           10. Skiing / exciting    (superlative __________________________________________________

2. Choose the    correct word. (7*2=14)

1. I’ve    already/yet been to Marmaris    three times.

2. I’ve wrote/written    three emails today.

3. Andrew has/have    phoned his parents.

4. Sarah has gone/went to the shopping centre.

5. She hasn’t tried canoeing yet/already.

6. Have you visited the city museum yet/just?

7. Have you ever ride/ridden in a hot air ballon?

1.      Read the text and write True and False. (7*2=14)

John : There are lots of things to do in Cairo. I think you should start with visiting the citadel and exploring the Pyramids of Giza. Then, you should go shopping at Khan Al-Khalili, go for a walk in Zamalek, and spend time in Islamic Cairo.

Mike: Sydney is an excellent place to have an enjoyable holiday, because you spend a lot of time on the beach. You can go on a boat trip, sail under the Harbour Bridge, visit the Opera House and see a lot of kangaroos.

Doris: Antalya is a marvellous place to see the sun, sand and history together. You can see Aspendos Theatre there and stay at a five-star all-inclusive hotel by the sea. It is really relaxing and fun.

1.  Mike prefers going shopping.                          __

2.  Mike prefers spending time on the beach.       __

3.  John has visited the citadel in Cairo.                __

4.  John has stayed at an all-inclusive hotel.         __

5.  Doris had a relaxing holiday.                           __

6.  Doris visited the Opera House                         __

7.  Doris explored the Pyramids of Giza.              __

8.  Mike experienced water sports.                       __

WRITING

Express your preferences for sports and free time activies by “prefer”, “would rather” and “would like to”.  Write 8 sentences. (8*3=24)

My Top List for Sports and After-School Activities ●  My favourite is jogging in the mornings.                  ●  I prefer volleyball to basketball.                                ●  I’d rather swim in the pool at weekends.                  ●  I’d like to try bungee jumping.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

MULTIPLE CHOICE

Choose the correct obtion. (6*2=12)

1. Clayton         : - - - -?                                                        Carol : Because I find it fascinating.

A) When do people visit Big Ben                                  B) Why don’t you visit Blue Mosque                         C) Where is Sumela Monastery                                   D) Why did you prefer visiting Cappadocia

2. Barnett          : Hey, Ashley! - - - -?                             Ashley           : It was fantastic. I had a wonderful time.

A) Where did you stay          B) What have you done   C) When will you leave        D) How was your holiday

3. I. I went to Barcelona for holiday last month.                                                           II. It was incredible. I want to go there again.             III. How was your holiday?                                        IV. I prefer going to different places every year.

A) IV-I-III-II                B) IV-III-I-II

C) I-III-II-IV                D) I-II-III-IV

4. I don’t like skiing - - - - I didn’t come to Uludağ with you last weekend.                                                 A) when              B) because                                        C) that’s why                  D) but

5. Nick  : What type of - - - - prefer?                          Oswald   : I prefer staying at a five star hotel.

A) architecture             B) journey                                     C) information                   D) accommodation

6. Addison        : - - - -?

Alfred   : Because I like quiet places and I really like living in a village. There are lots of things to do here. To me, the most interesting thing is playing with animals.

A) Which city do you live in

B) When do you visit your village

C) Why do you prefer living in a village

D) How often do you visit historic sites

[travelworldnetwork]

At Loyly, you can take up the challenge of a Nordic plunge: an 80-degree sauna followed by a dip in the three-degree ocean. Photo: Helsinki Marketing

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The Finns are a canny race. They boast the world's best school system, an innovative design-led economy and a highly literate culture despite the linguistic oddity that is Finnish. So it's worth reflecting on their national obsession with sauna, pronounced sour-nah.

On a midwinter day in Helsinki I catch up with Jaakko Blomberg, organiser of Helsinki Sauna Day, to see what is driving the recent revival of Finnish sauna culture. There are 5.5 million Finns spread across this vast lake-speckled landmass and an estimated 3 million saunas: around one for every family. I am curious to know if sauna brought any tangible benefits to the harsh Nordic lifestyle, or was the hoo-ha about sauna just a lot of seriously hot air?

I'd been warned in advance about Finnish Nordic froideur. A Swedish acquaintance told me to expect from the Finns a wary reserve before the first few drinks, fraternal affection thereafter. If language is a window to a culture's soul then the Finnish word kalsarikannit – to get drunk at home by yourself in your underpants – says a lot about the national psyche. The k-word is considered such an apt national emblem it has its own emoji.

Saunas offer a sense of community, a form of relaxation, and even a state of mind bordering on the ecstatic. Photo: Helsinki Marketing

The scene that greets me at Uusi Sauna, in the residential district and former cargo port of Jatkasaari, is completely unexpected. Snow drifts gently across the floor to ceiling windows and inside men and women gather – most of them in towels and bathrobes – for drinks, snacks and meals. This tableaux is in plain view from the street.

I step inside and find Jaakko – statuesque with fine blond hair swept back into a ponytail – who leads me to the male sauna where men are chatting and laughing. Out of modesty I wear swimming trunks but everyone else is as naked as the day they were born. The higher one ventures up the tiered seating the hotter it gets and I'm encouraged to join the men roosting on the higher levels and teased when I decline. "It's no warmer up here than one of your Sydney summer days." says a lobster red stranger, more to the group than to me. Blomberg raises an eyebrow. "Don't believe him," he says. "It's around 80 degrees Celsius up there."

The newly built Uusi sauna stands in adockland burb common to many post-industrial cities, but sauna Arla, to which Jaakko introduces me the next day, is in a grittier neighbourhood on the other side of town. It has been around for 90 years – its art deco entrance gates testament to its age – and has the same congenial vibe as Uusi, despite the socio-economic shift. A man with a sagacious beard declaims, after some prompting, that sauna is his religion. "I'm not a church-going man," he says in halting English. "But for an hour after every sauna it's all peace and love." In the changing room, a near-naked man unwraps a white paper package to reveal a dozen smoked powan – a flavoursome oily fish of the salmon family mostly found in Baltic waters. He adds a wedge of Swiss cheese, splays his hands with a sharing gesture and, voila, there's a communal picnic.

I take a fish in one hand while Jaakko offers me a beer for the other. The men in the changing rooms break into earnest conversation in Finnish. As we head outside into the sub zero air for the cooling down phase – towels around our waists – Jaakko explains that the blokes inside were comparing fish recipes. I can well understand why the bearded man declared the public sauna his church: it offers a sense of community, a form of relaxation, and even – after repeated cycles of withering heat and bracing cold – a state of mind bordering on the ecstatic.

"They're ordinary guys," says Jaakko. "In the sauna you are what you are. The important thing about a communal sauna is that it's not for show. It's authentic."

The selves we project through social media are mostly of our own creation. My Facebook self is the persona I curate; my Insta shots are of the perfect holiday; my LinkedIn profile is a kickass version of me. But in a Finnish public sauna there is nudity and there is nakedness, and the two are not the same. The latter has a more psychological register associated with stripping back and laying bare, with honesty – humanity. In the public sauna you are not a creature of your own creation; you are as you were created.

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On another bright day in Helsinki I take a walk with Matti Vaisanen, who runs design tours of the city, to sauna Loyly. It's a stunning work of contemporary architecture clad in snow-covered pine stacks, as angular as crumpled origami, with mixed gender saunas and a restaurant with views across the harbour.

At Uusi and Arla men and women enjoy separate saunas and mixed cooling down areas. Loyly, the Finnish word for the steam that fizzes off hot rocks when water is poured on them, is different. The sauna areas are mixed gender and patrons are "respectfully" asked on the website to bring their bathers. As it's on the oceanfront, Loyly also offers the challenge of a Nordic plunge: an 80-degree sauna followed by a dip in the three-degree drink. I take a few steps outside and stop – my bare feet in the snow and ice and my torso braced against the gentle yet gelid breeze. I offer the excuse of advanced age to Matti. "If you were going in I would too," he says, with a look of relief. "But as you're not, I won't." We scamper back indoors.

The Allas Sea Pool in the heart of Helsinki. Photo: Helsinki Marketing

At the brasserie we eat traditional Finnish salmon soup, reindeer meatballs and drink local beer. "We have a word for the beer you have after a sauna," says Matti.

"Of course you do," I say.

We stroll through the art nouveau residential district of Eira, named after the Eira hospital, which is in turn named after Eir the Nordic goddess of healing. The apartments are like tiny castles all in a queue and the roofline is a procession of snow-clad turrets, domes and mansards. The 5pm night sky is clear andmany of the good folk of Eira walk their pooches with scant concession to the cold. Overnight the temperature falls to 20-below and when I step outside a little after dawn the mercury has barely risen. Jaakko has agreed to meet for a farewell sauna and swim at Allas Sea Pool on the harbour front in town.

There are three pools at the Allas complex, which opened to the public in 2016 and serves as a sauna, pool and civic hub referencing the old Baltic spa culture. One pool is completely frozen over, another stands at sea temperature and has an oily sheen that if left undisturbed will soon turn to ice, while another, bordered by snow with steam rising from the surface, is heated to about 25 degrees. This is the pool for me.

We dash across the snow, feet burning from the cold, and plunge in. I do laps to warm up and pause to catch my breath with a perfectly blue sky above, pure fresh snow all around, and a tangerine sun on the horizon. I climb out and grab my towel, which I'd thrown over wet shoulders when I left the sauna. It has turned to ice. Giddy with the extremes I dash back across the snow laughing, a la Jingle Bells, all the way.

Do the Finns have a word for careening around wet and semi-naked in 18 degrees below before breakfast, I ask Jaakko over a restoring cup of coffee at the Allas sea pool cafe. He shakes his head. "Not unless it involves beer," he says.

But I think there's one in English – "fun".

TRIP NOTES

MORE

traveller.com.au/finland

myhelsinki.fi

visitfinland.com/helsinki

FLY

Finnair flies from most Australian capital cities to Helsinki with partners Qantas and Cathay Pacific. see finnair.com

STAY

Hotel Lilla Roberts, in the design quarter, boasts art deco and contemporary art touches, a cosy lobby bar with fireplace and an excellent restaurant.. Rooms from $220.See lillaroberts.com

DO

Helsinki Sauna Day is held on March 9 each year. See helsinkisaunaday.fi

Happy Guide Helsinki offers walking, design and sauna tours. See happyguidehelsinki.com

Luke Slattery travelled with assistance from Collette and Helsinki Marketing.

from traveller.com.au

[chloeandgregoztravels]

Living in Sydney for the last seven months has given us a chance to go on a few mini adventures, but since I haven’t updated the blog individually I’m going to back track!

Our first adventure was a day trip to Gledhill Falls and Palm Beach with our least favourite people Jo and Spencer, just kidding guys you’re the best haha. We found this waterfall on concreteplayground.com as one of the best waterfalls you can swim in near Sydney, after living there all through summer we realised our hot summer days were numbered. Greg made a makeshift handle to an existing rope swing that snapped mid jump and dunked him, definitely a fail. We chuckled at a small boy getting ready to leave with his family, he went through the whole process of drying his feet off, putting his socks on, then his shoes, before he realised that he was sitting on a rock surrounded by water in every direction haha, definitely something Greg would have done as a child! We jumped off rocks into the murky water but we couldn’t believe it when other people started leaping right off a 5 metre cliff of into the pool, it wasn’t that deep in places and was too dangerous for us!

After drying off and having some lunch we headed over to Palm Beach and wandered along the beach before heading up to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse for the impressive view (It’s the lighthouse in the intro credits to ‘Home and Away’ if anyone watches that) I would definitely recommend a visit as it is very photogenic but quite a climb and you have to get lucky with parking.

Our next trip was out to the blue mountains, about 3 hours west of Sydney, we visited there last year for a day so we wanted a chance to test out the car before our east coast trip and see more of the mountains.

We left straight after work and camped near the road side at Bulls Camp Reserve, thank God for the ‘wiki camps’ app as it was a great spot with toilets but was full of people! After a good nights rest we drove the rest of the way to the visitors centre in Blackheath and stopped at all of the stunning lookouts along the way. For our first walk we chose the Grand Canyon track (advised by the visitor centre) a path that took us down the steep sides of the hills, through a river valley and back up. We were super lucky with the weather, a little chilly but bright, blue skies painted with clouds made for epic photos, even though we had seen the range before it’s still amazing to see how the green trees change to blue in the distance. We learnt last year how the eucalyptus trees emanate the blue hue from evaporated oil droplets that mix with water and dust in the air, causing light to scatter leaving just the blue.

We cooked a quick lunch, where we were joined by a hopeful magpie who tried his luck, before setting off on our walk. We knew the walk was about 3-4 hours and as we often stop for photo’s we expected it to be nearer 4, taking lots of water and some snacks we were on our way. It’s crazy how the temperature alternates from boiling hot when you’re out in the sun to surprisingly cold when you are right down in the rainforest valley. I also hadn’t anticipated quite how many steps there were going down into the rainforest, we constantly thought that we must be the bottom only to turn another corner to more steps down, looking it up now there are over 1200 steps, they aren’t necessarily very steep it was just the sheer amount. (Greg thought back to childhood walks with his mum and her catchphrase of “It’s not far” came to mind, when really it was miles!) The walk was beautiful, from sheer cliff drops to cascading waterfalls and meandering rivers that carved our path. We were very proud of ourselves managing only 3 hours to complete the walk even with lots of photo and snack breaks.

We drove the car up to Sunset Rock, a place I’d found on ‘wiki camps’, but when we arrived at the signposted destination we couldn’t work out where to go. The route to the area feels a bit like walking through someones back garden as there are a few houses dotted around without any real borders, we found the spot just in time and cuddled up to watch the sunset over the mountains. With front row seats on the edge of the rock (not right on the edge mum don’t worry), we had just one other person joining us, a Canadian photographer who (much to Greg’s envy) had brought her drone, we sat and watched as she flew it through the valley. The sky begin to shift from bright blues to green, yellow and red, the photographer (Kaitlyn) approached us and asked if we would be happy for her to take a picture of us! (Because we’re just so cute together) We were of course willing subjects and afterwards learnt that she had just finished travelling New Zealand and had almost finished her travels through Oz, soon to return home. Here’s a link to her incredible work and the photo she kindly took of us, thanks again!

Second night at camp we stayed at Mount York Campground, a pretty long road with various areas to camp in either with tents or in your car. We were pretty jealous of others who had warm fires burning as once the sun had disappeared the cold had set in so we cooked a quick dinner and jumped into bed.

In the morning we headed off early to the Jenolan Caves, there is only one route there from the Blue Mountains, a very windy road that reminded me of the Great Ocean road in Victoria, but instead of the ocean it was rainforest surrounding us. It’s always frustrating trying to accurately capture a steep gradient in a photo because it is just impossible, but believe me when I say you wouldn’t want to crash along those roads. We had sensibly booked our tour because a lot were fully booked all day, we arrived quite early so took the opportunity to go on a short walk up to the Devil’s Coach House Lookout, sadly there had been a landslide from the bad weather and we could only go up a little way. This was when I realised that our rainforest walk had taken it’s toll on my lazy legs and my calves were aching like never before, suffice to say I haven’t been making the most of our gym facilities and ‘leg day’ was about a year ago. Nothing cheered me up like seeing the beautiful view of the Blue Lake and I knew it was going to be a good day.

Our tour to the River Cave was full, 25 people total, but this didn’t detract from the tour at all, we chose one of the hardest walks, of course, another 1298 steps including up two steep metal ladders, leg day again. There were beautiful limestone formations throughout but my favourite part was the stunning Pool of Reflections. It’s amazing to think how these were discovered by people bravely investigating dangerous places using just lamps and a pickaxe, and began to carve out the beginnings of the walkways that are now so spacious and easily accessible to the public.

To finish our day we visited the Blue Lake, the name is hardly imaginative but it really is the bluest lake I’ve ever seen, the natural colour and beauty of this lake comes from the limestone grains in the water that scatter the light giving it the unreal colour.

We couldn’t have been luckier with the weather as we jumped in our car to go on another walk it had started to spit and by the time we reached the road back to Blackheath the heavens had opened, at one point we watched a tree covered in autumnal leaves stripped clean by a gust of wind that I thought may blow the tree over! We called off our last walk and made our way home, luckily we did as the bank holiday traffic was horrendous.

Over the Easter weekend, we decided to make the most of the time off work and drive up to Coffs Harbour, 6 hours north of Sydney. We left on the Thursday night so we could make as much progress with the drive as possible and stopped overnight at a rest stop where it said no camping but nothing about sleeping in the car. I have found Australia to be very contradictory in this respect by telling you to stop if you’re tired, as well as every 2 hours but you can’t sleep in your car overnight.. Ridiculous, I understand if we set up camp for several nights that could be a problem but we never have any plans to do that. Anyway I’m glad we stopped here as when I went to the toilet, I was pleasantly surprised by a note offering me $5 because “God loves you”, there really are some good people in the world. Up bright and early we headed to Coff’s Harbour via a river town off the highway to cook breakfast, I was a little apprehensive of a huge flock of geese eying me up but it turned out they were waiting on an old mate to come and feed them, bless him. The main attraction in Coffs Harbour is the big banana, we hadn’t realised that it’s also an amusement park, it has a banana museum, go-karting, a toboggan, huge slides, an indoor ski slope and a water park! We took the standard tourist photos and treated ourselves to an extortionate frozen chocolate banana before wandering around the gift shop.

We headed over to Park Beach for lunch and a much deserved rest, I couldn’t believe the size of the beach it was awesome, although Sydney beaches are nice I honestly don’t think you can compare them to the stretches of open space like these. We finished our evening hiking over Muttonbird Island and watched the sunset over Coffs Harbour in complete peace as the waves crashed beneath us it couldn’t have been more perfect. We were very lucky to see some Muttonbird fledglings learning to fly, they were so cute and fluffy.

We drove inland into Dorrigo National Park for the night and set up at a camp spot where we took some beautiful photos of the stars, I love being able to stargaze, if the weather is warm enough then I’d like to sleep under them sometime!

With no alarms set, we still woke up reasonably early and drove out to the visitors centre which had a skywalk lookout that turned my legs to jelly, we took a hike for a two hour round trip to Crystal Falls and it was definitely worth going to. The trees along the way were enormous giving us shade under the canopies and the waterfall itself was stunning, nature never ceases to amaze me. Back at the Skywalk we were enticed into buying an ‘English cream tea’ oh dear Australia, you do need a lesson on the difference between a cake and a scone… Disappointed.

Leaving Coffs Harbour we stopped off at The Honey Place in Urunga where we tried a few samples but have yet to find the true delicacy that is chocolate honey (something we’ve had before). They also had a working bee hive between two bits of glass where you could hear them all busy at work.

We finished our day off at Shelly beach in Nambucca Heads watching the sunset and stupidly decided to have our first outdoor shower, it was absolutely freezing and in hindsight we should have done this in the day when it was still sunny!

After a good rest in our car, we arrived at Port Macquarie visitor centre and took the advice of one of the volunteers to take a short walk along the water front where people have been coming for years to paint the rocks. It was so cool to see the different artwork, some families or friends had been making the annual pilgrimage to put their mark upon their rock, and it was nice to see everyone respected them, no graffiti over anyone else’s work.

Port Macquarie is known for its koala hospital which I couldn’t wait to go to, although it was sad to read about their injuries or illnesses it’s always reassuring to know there are volunteers to help them. The main reasons for the koalas being in the hospital were car accidents and diseases like chlamydia but some of the most horrifying injuries were burns victims from the wildfires that so badly affect Australia. The hospital lets visitors see some of their long term residents who will never be able to return to the wild and has an educational room for everyone. One of the koalas was a repeat resident known for harassing the female koalas and kept catching chlamydia, much to his disgust at first he became a permanent resident but apparently is now settled with his routine.

For our last day we made the most of the beautiful beaches and relaxed knowing that we’d be back to the work grind the following day.

One of the crazy things about Australia is of course the wildlife, I still love seeing the huge Goannas that come from the bush when they hear the public BBQs turn on, sadly a lot of people are quite intimidated by them or will ignorantly feed them but to me they are magnificent creatures.

We took a short walk up to Harry’s Lookout where a kookaburra posed for us, it was the closest I’d been to a wild one, he was so cute with his big fluffy head and didn’t seem bothered by us at all. We also took a trip up to Tacking Point lighthouse for a few photos and spotted a para glider at another lookout getting ready to take off so we stayed to watch which was pretty awesome!

We have had a fantastic time in Sydney over the past 7 months and there are a lot of stories that will have to wait for another day. Stay tuned for photos and a video coming soon when I have access to better internet! If you made it this far.. Thank you for reading

Much Love

  Shades of Green and Blue, our adventures in New South Wales Living in Sydney for the last seven months has given us a chance to go on a few mini adventures, but since I haven't updated the blog individually I'm going to back track!

[billa-billa007]

Picnic & Try Hard Sunday Session | Indoor Climbing | Bouldering

Indoor climbing, also known as indoor rock climbing or indoor bouldering, is a recreational and sports activity that involves climbing artificial walls or structures in an indoor setting. It offers a controlled and safe environment for climbers to practice their skills, train, and have fun.

[seniorbrief]

The World’s Best Themed Cruises You’ll Want to Book and Board ASAP

For the art smart

Courtesy Coral Expeditions

Learn about the Land Down Under and its Indigenous art scene through a small-ship expedition to Australia’s remote northern coast with Coral Expeditions. Departing from Cairns next October, the voyage visits Cape York and Arnhem Land art communities like Yirrkala, Maningrida, Elcho Island, and Badu Island with artist-in-residence Brian Robinson. The Torres Strait artist will educate guests about the communities, art techniques, song lines, and stories that shaped the country and will host workshops on traditional carving, print making, sketching, and weaving. He will be joined by naturalist Chris Done, who will provide more context on how the region’s flora, fauna, geology, and management issues have affected Aboriginal art, culture, and history. The company also offers a trip that explores Australian cuisine on the same route, as well as itineraries that center around bushwalking in Tasmania and the Sydney to Hobart Race for sailing hobbyists.

For hero worshippers and friends of Mickey

Courtesy Disney Cruise Line

Given what they do with movies and theme parks, you can trust the Disney Cruise Line to deliver fun for the whole family (if you dare celebrate a holiday while on holiday) with Halloween on the High Seas. Costume up for the Mouse-querade party. Brave hearts can join a mysterious sea captain for scary stories under the stars or groove along with a ghost band. Jack Skellington and Sally visit the Nightmare Before Christmas scream-along screening and the rest of your favorite characters will join you for servings of spooky juice and spider cakes. Select 2019 voyages will also cater to superhero and Star Wars lovers big and small. The Avengers, from Black Panther to the Winter Soldier, reign supreme during Disney Magic‘s Marvel Day, which leaves from Miami, while new Jedis are trained during Star Wars Day on certain Disney Fantasy sailings from Port Canaveral. Both have action-packed deck shows and out-of-this-world character interactions. These are things that are worth a splurge on a Disney cruise.

For Trekkies

via startrekthecruise.com

Boldly go where thousands of men (and women) have gone before on Star Trek: The Cruise III. Next January, the redecorated Norwegian Jade will beam fans and Starfleet alumni from a variety of the sci-fi franchise’s iterations, including Brent Spiner, Jason Isaacs, Rene Auberjonois, and Wil Wheaton, to Miami, the Cayman Islands, and Jamaica. Resistance to having fun during six days of game shows, scavenger hunts, screenings, costume parties, vow renewals (declare your love to the whole galaxy again!), karaoke at the 13 Forward lounge, Thomas Dolby concerts, official prop/costume museum visits, swinging singles events, Tribble tosses, and celebrity-guided excursions and activities is futile. Try these hacks to make your cruise cheaper and easier.

For fitness fanatics

Courtesy Zumba Fitness

Feel the burn and the beat on the fourth annual Zumba Cruise taking place on the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas next March. It sails from Miami and stops at Labadee, the line’s private resort in Haiti. But you probably won’t even notice, given that 50 of the top instructors, including exercise creator Beto Pérez, will be teaching just about every type of Zumba you can imagine—indoors, outdoors, beginner, advanced, under the stars, accompanied by a DJ or a band, in the water, Zumba toning, and the new high-intensity non-dance bootcamp-style known as STRONG. Gear up in the brand’s apparel pop-up shop. And if that isn’t enough of a workout, try rock climbing and ice skating on the ship, which is getting a full facelift a couple months before this jaunt. Next, check out some more cruises with crazy cool amenities you’ll want to book right now.

Original Source -> The World’s Best Themed Cruises You’ll Want to Book and Board ASAP

source https://www.seniorbrief.com/the-worlds-best-themed-cruises-youll-want-to-book-and-board-asap/

[adambstingus]

8 of the best new cruise ships hitting the seas in 2016

(CNN)It’s set to be a big year for cruise fans.

Three massive beauties — including a new world’s largest cruise ship — aimed at those who like their cruises with a heavy dose of thrills are set to shake up the industry in 2016.

Prefer opulence to amusement?

Good news: The new year also belongs to those who seek the ultimate in indulgent cruising.

And then there are the ships that offer a little of both.

We’ve covered them all in this round up of the hottest new ships setting sail in 2016.

Carnival Vista

Today’s megaships are offering bigger and better thrill rides and Carnival Vista is no exception.

Its SkyRide — invented by the same guy who came up with Rollerblades in the 1980s — will be the cruise industry’s “first pedal-powered, aerial attraction.”

Guests pedal two side-by-side pods on an 800-foot track (244 meters), some 20 to 40 feet above the highest ship deck.

Carnival Vista’s water park will feature the new 455-foot Kaleid-O-Slide — a rainbow-colored drop that gives riders a psychedelic vibe, while the ship will also have the first ever IMAX Theater at sea.

Beer lovers will dig the handcrafted beers brewed each day in the RedFrog Pub’s microbrewery. Five tables have their own taps, allowing guests to refill as required.

Suites in the families-only lounge will sleep up to five, while parents can drop off kids under 12 at Camp Ocean and head for the aptly titled Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

The Carnival Vista launches in May 2016 in the Mediterranean then will homeport in Miami, Florida.

Holland America’s ms Koningsdam

Love live music? Then the ms Koningsdam is your ride.

This ship’s “Music Walk” will offer three different stages.

World-class musicians from the Lincoln Center Stage will perform nightly thanks to the ship’s partnership with the famed performing venue.

Live musicians will rock the crowd with cover hits while the B.B. King’s Blues Club is set to deliver a Memphis sound at sea.

Aside from live tunes, the ship’s top deck is home to a stunning pool with fountains and three whirlpools.

A spa features thermal pools, heated ceramic lounges and treatment rooms with sea views.

The ms Koningsdam also promises exquisite garden-to-table cuisine (thanks to its glass-enclosed growing space) and offers several upscale suite choices — including family units that sleep five.

The ms Koningsdam, which will hold about 2,650 guests, departs Italy in April 2016 and will sail the Mediterranean.

In November 2016 she homeports in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer

Hailed as “the most luxurious cruise ship ever built,” Regent’s Seven Seas Explorer will carry just 750 passengers.

This all-suite, all-balcony ship will have six world-class restaurants, opulent suites, a two-story theater featuring Broadway-style productions and a Canyon Ranch SpaClub.

Known for being inclusive, airfare, alcoholic beverages (beer, wine and spirits), shore excursions, Wi-Fi, gratuities and more — depending on your suite package — are wrapped into the initial fare.

The Seven Seas Explorer leaves Monte Carlo in July 2016 for Venice and arrives in Miami in December 2016.

This floating full-service resort will then make two round-trip cruises from Miami to the Caribbean before heading through the Panama Canal.

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas

Stretching 1,187 feet, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class Harmony of the Seas will soon be the largest ship sailing the globe.

The Harmony’s dining choices are vast, with the ship featuring 20 restaurants and seven “neighborhoods.”

Along with towering water slides are water cannons, a drench bucket, multi-platform jungle gym, two climbing walls, a zip line and ice-skating rink.

It also has a lavish spa and fitness center and age-appropriate camps for the kids.

The ship, which will hold 5,479 passengers, launches in April 2016 and will homeport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas

The Ovation of the Seas will become the third ship in Royal Caribbean’s action-packed Quantum class to sail our planet.

The ship will feature the wildly innovative inside cabins with “virtual balconies” that use high definition flat screens that replicate the look of an actual veranda.

External cameras provide real-time views giving interior-cabin passengers the sights and sounds of an actual balcony experience.

As for the ship itself, it offers 2,090 staterooms and holds about 4,180 passengers.

Kids will be drawn to the excitement of the FlowRider surf simulator, a towering rock-climbing wall, indoor roller skating and skydiving simulator RipCord by iFLY.

The Ovation will also have a North Star gondola propelling guests 300 feet above the ocean in a glass capsule.

The ship launches in April 2016 and will homeport in Tianjin, China and Sydney, Australia.

Seabourn Encore

Carrying just 600 guests, this 12-level ship will have 300 opulent suites (each with a private veranda) and will visit ports tucked away in tight spots the big ships can’t access.

Gourmet dining is a given and open bars will be sprinkled throughout the ship.

The Grand Salon is a stunning space that will be the setting for Seabourn’s guest speaker series, Seabourn Conversations (think big-deal movers-and-shakers), as well as cooking demos, comedy acts, classical recitals and more.

Evenings are for dancing as vocal and cabaret performances take center stage.

For those in need of some gambling action, every night the Seabourn Encore’s The Club transforms into an intimate full casino with slot machines, blackjack and roulette tables.

The Seabourn Encore begins sailing in December 2016, making its way through Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Viking Sea

Once only serving river cruise enthusiasts, Viking has embraced ocean travel with its new line of luxury ocean vessels. In 2016, the Viking Sea will join the Viking Star.

The ship is glamorous and cozy in equal parts.

Each suite will have a king-sized bed, a generously sized veranda, a mini-bar replenished daily and luxury robes and slippers.

Nice touches include a bottle of welcome champagne, in-suite binoculars and complimentary laundry services.

The main theater features live performances that delve deep into the destination’s culture.

Guests will get to watch films in two movie theaters that show first-run films as well as destination-driven classics. A unique (and mellow) space called the Wintergarden is set to offer afternoon tea service.

Viking Sea is scheduled to sail in April 2016 from Istanbul and will continuously circle Europe.

AIDAprima

The first ship to serve the German market on a year-round basis, AIDAprima will become the largest ship in the AIDA line when it starts cruising in April 2016.

It has 1,643 cabins — half offering private verandas.

Thrills come in the form of one of the longest water slides at sea, rock climbing and a Hawaiian-style “beach club” under an expandable, transparent dome.

Tux-code? Not at this party.

AIDAprima keeps it casual with no formal dress requirements and (mainly) open seat dining.

There will be 13 restaurants on board including buffets, a steakhouse and an Italian venue.

The stunning three-level Theatrium will feature an impressive circular stage with LED technology and an interactive floating globe.

Kids’ play areas cater to four different age groups.

The AIDAprima will homeport in Hamburg, Germany and offer Western Europe itineraries.

from All Of Beer http://allofbeer.com/8-of-the-best-new-cruise-ships-hitting-the-seas-in-2016/ from All of Beer https://allofbeercom.tumblr.com/post/175092177292