3. CRUISE GUIDE | 1
WELCOME
With an amazing 70 ocean-going cruise ship
operators, carrying over 21 million passengers a
year, there are plenty of options available so that you
can choose a cruise to suit your needs.
Cruiseguide has all the information you need to
make a decision about choosing the right cruise
for you.
5. CRUISE GUIDE | 3
WHY CRUISE?
Ease of travel is a bonus of cruise holidays. Forget
about transferring from planes to buses to boats to
taxis, your fully stocked cruise vessel will take you
everywhere in style.
All-inclusive deals mean that your expenses are
combined into one package, often at a great
discount to separate pricing and paying. For those
on a smaller budget, there is likely a cruise quite
close to home that will still allow you to travel in
luxury and pamper yourself for 1 week, 2 weeks
or more.
Some cruise packages also include air transport
to faraway places, where you can begin your
cruise. You can also find excellent family packages,
complete with childcare and a wide variety of fun
activities for young and old alike.
Get more for your money and time.Though you
can look forward to spending a significant amount
of time relaxing and enjoying yourself on board
your ship, each moment can still be packed with
excitement or pleasure.Your ship will stop frequently,
so you can also see multiple destinations on one
journey.
Whether you want to fill every second with holiday
fun and entertainment, or never leave your deck
chair, the choice is yours. Eat when youâre hungry,
sleep when youâre tired, leave all your worries and
responsibilities behind, get fully into the sailing spirit
and let your cares float like the mighty waves you
travel on.
6. 4
different
types of
cruising
Activities vary depending on cruise line, ship and
destination, however cruising offers something
for everyone! Cruising is the most flexible way to
holiday because it offers activities based on your
interests, age, hobbies and passions.
Singles Cruising
Dine, drink and dance with other singles! Cruising
is a social experience, and itâs nearly impossible
not to meet new friends. If youâre single, consider
booking a singles cruise, which is a cruise specially
designed for singles who want to mingle.
There are many activities that are specially
designed for singles, such as meet and greets,
cocktail parties and formal nights or you can
enjoy all of the planned onboard entertainment
and shore excursions, choose to relax or pursue
adventure when you want.
Enjoy the comfort and entertainment of people like
you, who are interested in socializing and touring
the world. Then disembark with new friendships
and lasting memories.
7. CRUISE GUIDE | 5
Romance for couples
Fan the flames of passion while falling in love
all over again. Whether a couple is travelling to
Europe, the Bahamas or Hawaii, a cruise can
be one of the most passionate experiences of a
lifetime. A cruise combines the romanticism and
pleasures of fine restaurants, engaging ports of
call, lavish pampering, like his and hers massages,
relaxing hot tubs and sun decks, starlit twilights,
intimate piano bars and lounges, and
awe-inspiring sunsets.
activities for seniors
Sail through your silver years in a more serene
cruising environment. Senior travellers who donât
want to be stuck with rowdy college kids or
screaming children can take solace in the fact
that several cruise lines take great satisfaction in
offering a quiet, hassle-free atmosphere.
Cruise lines catering to older cruisers give them the
opportunity to appreciate a slower-paced cruise
that places an emphasis on hospitality and leisure.
These cruise lines include Cunard Line, Holland
America Line and Swan Hellenic Cruises. Swan
Hellenic even offers child free cruises. Activities
aboard these ships include dancing at socials,
embarking on shore excursions, playing cards,
attending cocktail parties, interacting with hosts,
taking fitness classes, reading books, relaxing in
Getting married
Thatâs right, tie the knot and say, âI doâ aboard
an elegant, luxurious cruise ship. You are always
welcomed to purchase honeymoon, wedding and
anniversary packages and let cruise coordinators
make your wedding hassle-free.
Get married on board or at an exclusive port of call
and plan small ceremonies or bigger galas and be
showered with a cake, flowers, champagne and
chocolates.
spas, and listening to lectures and presentations.
Seniors with medical needs will appreciate the
accessibility of the ship and the standard medical
facilities that cater to their needs. Dining rooms
even accommodate low-calorie, low-salt and low-
cholesterol diets.
8. 6
Culture
Expand your knowledge about other countries and cultures on your next cruise! Itâs no secret that a lot
of people enjoy cruising because of the sun and surf. People who want more than a t-shirt and a tan,
however, can now stimulate their minds. To enhance the cultural experience, cruisers can shop in village
markets, learn about native customs, dine on multicultural cuisine, tour museums and attend festive
performances.
Todayâs enrichment cruises offer:
⢠Destination-intensive itineraries that include
visits to eccentric locales.
⢠Natural history and eco-cruise itineraries that
feature wildlife expeditions, rain forest hikes and
mountain treks.
⢠World-class lecturers who specialize in a
regionâs geography, history, culture and wildlife.
⢠Seminars, demonstrations and round-table
discussions given by guest speakers.
⢠Pre and post-cruise tour packages that allow
cruisers to immerse themselves in a foreign
culture
⢠Special performances by native artists.
⢠Exclusive shore excursions that feature tours of
prominent museums and trips to historic sites
⢠Knowledge of different cultures and histories
Off-the-beaten-path destinations include
visits to the:
⢠Volcanic islands of the Galapagos
⢠Rugged mountains and glaciers of Greenland
⢠Ice-sculptured tundra of Antarctica
⢠Chilean fjords of Patagonia
⢠Beaches of Rio de Janeiro
⢠Fishing villages, hamlets and fjords of Norway
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Themes
Pick a customized theme cruise that floats your
boat! Cruisers now have greater opportunities to
take unique cruises and enjoy the activities and
interests they love. These special voyages let
passengers explore art, music, food, nature, sports,
technology, health, comedy, literature, cinema and
more! Samples of themed cruises include:
Carnival: Hop onboard Carnival Inspiration for the
Elvis cruise, held in November each year. Enjoy the
best Elvis tribute artists in the world, in-room Elvis
movies, meet & greet sessions, an Elvis fashion
show, Elvis Monopoly and trivia tournaments and
many other Elvis-themed activities.
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises: Discover the âArt
of French Cookingâ by attending workshops and
demonstrations given by Le Cordon Bleu chefs.
Orient Lines: Attend lectures and workshops
given by experts from the âAntiques Roadshowâ
in preparation for onshore shopping excursions in
Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok and Bombay.
Seabourn Cruise Line: Partake in a celebration
of heralded books and memorable music during
the innovative âWriters of the World: Lyrics and
Literatureâ cruise.
Silversea Cruises: Take a Silver Links Golf Program
cruise and perfect your swing at more than 30 golf
courses throughout Australia, New Zealand, the
Mediterranean, the British Isles and North America.
Costa Cruises: Rub elbows with some of baseballâs
favorite players, Hall of Famers and sportscasters.
You can also attend clinics and get autographs
given by baseball greats.
Crystal Cruises: Capture breathtaking landscape
and wildlife images during adventurous
photographic safaris in Africa.
Disney: Disney cruise lines offers more than just a
Disney character-themed cruising experience for
children. While their ships are full of captivating
entertainment, lavish food and drink, and world
class amentities, Disney also has a number of
private islands where your experience continues
with you onshore.
10. 8
Accommodation for Special Events
Conduct business as (un)usual at sea! More and
more business meetings and conferences are
now being conducted on cruise ships. Business
executives host corporate meetings at sea because
cruise ship accommodations are often less
expensive than high-end resort stays, employeesâ
families are provided with a plenitude of activities,
and business amenities such as rooms, AV
equipment, fax machines, flip charts, easels,
microphones and computers are readily available.
Some cruise lines even provide secretaries,
language translators and meeting coordinators.
Hosting meetings on American flagships may even
be tax deductible.
Employees can get down to business during the
day while their families relax amidst the cruise
shipâs amenities. Other popular group cruises
include class and family reunions, which give
people the opportunities to catch up with each
other while taking a dream vacation.
Cruise lines can also accommodate birthdays,
bachelor/bachelorette parties and other
celebrations. You can even get married with the
help of cruise wedding planners!
11. CRUISE GUIDE | 9
Family Fun
Round up the troops and start packing for a cruise! A cruise is the ideal family-based vacation because it
provides customized entertainment for both the parents and their kids. Children of all ages can participate
in planned, supervised activities; giving parents the freedom to have their own fun. Most cruises even
provide babysitters.
Meanwhile, adults can kick back and relax, have an intimate dinner at a fine restaurant, or seek their own
adventures. Later, families can get together and share all their experiences!
Samples of activities on cruises for kids ages
3-12 include:
⢠Watching magic shows and theater productions
⢠Drinking Shirley Temples at âmocktailâ parties
⢠Taking a behind-the-scenes look at the ship
⢠Participating in pool Olympics
⢠Partaking in a simulated archaeological dig
⢠Learning how to make pizza
Examples of teenagersâ activities include:
⢠Singing karaoke and dancing at teen clubs
⢠Relaxing in teen hot tubs
⢠Taking Tae-Bo classes
⢠Surfing the Internet and emailing
⢠Playing video games
⢠Producing, directing and performing plays
Adventure
Get on your feet and explore the world over!
If youâre looking for a fast-paced vacation with invigorating adventure and thrills, a cruise is for you!
Cruising awakens the adventurous spirit.
Todayâs cruises are giving people unique
chances to:
⢠Take a Jeep safari tour through the vast
savannahs of Cozumel
⢠Chase butterflies amidst the lush tropical foliage
of Martinique
⢠Navigate Corsicaâs mountainous terrain
⢠Prowl the lush islands of Polynesia
⢠Scale the Rock of Gibraltar, the worldâs most
famous stone
⢠Swim face-to-face with stingrays on a
snorkeling excursion in Georgetown
⢠View the molten lava flows of Kilauea, Hawaii
And if youâre cruising in balmy weather, you can
engage in activities like:
⢠Para-sailing
⢠Scuba diving
⢠Sea-floor hiking
⢠Cliff diving
⢠Sailing
⢠Heli-skiing
⢠Surfing
⢠Water skiing
⢠Snorkeling
There are also a wide variety of onboard adventure activities. On Princess cruises, you can get your
scuba diving certification, and on Royal Caribbeanâs Voyager of the Seas, you can go rock climbing! After
a day full of exploration and adventure, kick off your shoes and relax. But take a deep breath, because
the excitement continues the very next day!
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Sports
If you crave sport and fitness, thereâs no better place to be than aboard a cruise ship!
The worldâs biggest playgrounds await you when you cruise. Depending upon your vessel, these facilities
may be available:
⢠Virtual driving ranges
⢠Miniature golf courses
⢠Shuffleboards
⢠Basketball courts
⢠Running tracks
⢠Pools
⢠Water volleyball nets
⢠Bowling alley
And once you get onshore, the action heats up! If youâre cruising to balmy destinations, a variety of water
sports, such as scuba diving and parasailing, beckon you. If youâre looking to get fit or stay in shape,
many cruise ships have fitness centers complete with:
⢠Treadmills
⢠Stairmasters
⢠Resistance machines
⢠Free weights
⢠Fitness rooms
⢠Aerobic equipment
Royal Caribbeanâs Voyager of the Seas even has a rock climbing wall, a skating rink and an inline skating
path. If youâre a sport-minded person, cruising is for you!
13. CRUISE GUIDE | 11
Around the Clock Entertainment
Pursue non-stop adventure and entertainment throughout the day and into the night.
Hit the ground running and donât miss out on a single event! Those who are worried they might become
bored on a cruise will be quite surprised to discover that they donât have enough time to do all they want.
From the moment you set foot aboard the ship upon embarkation, youâll be presented with an endless
array of activities, such as:
⢠Bon voyage celebrations
⢠Games and contests
⢠Lectures and presentations
⢠Poolside socials
⢠Formal dinners
⢠Cocktail parties
⢠Vegas-style shows and productions
⢠Fitness and wellness classes
⢠Dances
⢠Seminars at sea
⢠Sports like basketball and tennis
⢠Casinos
⢠Shopping
⢠Concerts
Stop and take a deep breath because the excitement continues during your exhilarating shore
excursions. The action stops only when you do!
14. 12
Inside Cabin:
Are located in the interior hallways, so have
no windows or portholes. These are the least
expensive of the cabins and cater towards the
family budget.
Outside Cabin:
These are often the same size as an inside cabin,
but are equipped with a porthole or window. If you
specifically want a view, make sure to check that
there wonât be a lifeboat or any other equipment
hindering your window.
Cabin
selection
When booking your cruise, choosing which type
of cabin you want is a tricky decision. These tips
should help you to make the right choice.
It can be quite daunting when it comes to
booking your cabin, there are so many terms and
categories that you need to understand in order to
make the right booking for your needs.
Some ships can have as many 20 different cabin
categories and the pricing will vary depending on
size, amenities and location. So make sure you
look at all of your options before booking because
staying in the wrong cabin can change your whole
cruise experience.
Some terms that you will need to know:
⢠Bow â is situated at the front of the ship.
Balconies will be more susceptible to wind
⢠Stern â is the rear of the ship. You will be out
of the wind, but there may be some engine
noise.
⢠Mid-ship â are cabins that are in or near
the middle of the ship. These can be more
expensive because they are reputed as being
more stable, making it less likely to get seasick.
⢠Top decks â cabins are near the pool and sun
deck making them quite popular but can get
noisy.
⢠Lower decks â these cabins are located away
from public areas, therefore are less noisy, but
you will need to take the lift or walk up more
stairs.
⢠Starboard (right) or Port (left) â finally you will
need to decide which side of the ship you want
to be on. If you are cruising along coastline you
will want to make sure you can see it.
Main Cabin Categories
15. CRUISE GUIDE | 13
Suites and Penthouses:
These come in many different layouts and sizes,
some with balconies, sitting areas and some may
even include spa baths and private butlers. Study
the deck plan carefully when choosing a suite or
penthouse cabin to ensure it is right for you.
Balcony Cabin:
Each cabin comes with its own balcony, most big
enough for at least one chair, while others will fit a
table and chairs, where you can dine and gaze out
over the ocean.
16. 14
Top 7 Cruise
Destinations
Cruising options throughout the world are
numerous, so your first decision when booking a
cruise is where do you want to go?
With beautiful coastlines, interesting destinations
and an abundance of cruise lines to choose from
on your very own doorstep, you donât necessarily
have to travel far to begin your cruise vacation.
Australia/New Zealand
Explore the hidden gems of the Australian and
New Zealand coastlines! From crystal clear seas to
rugged landscapes, our beautiful backyard has it
all. Head to Australiaâs Top End and visit the Great
Barrier Reef or explore the majestic and remote
Kimberley coastline, meander up the Murray River,
cruise Tasmaniaâs pristine coast or New Zealandâs
breathtaking Fjordland region?
Our great lands of Australia and New Zealand have
plenty to offer. More and more international cruise
lines are coming to our shores, giving Australians
and New Zealanders more cruising options than
ever before. Departures from Australia and New
Zealand ports now include Brisbane, Sydney,
Melbourne, Newcastle, Fremantle, Adelaide and
Auckland.
17. CRUISE GUIDE | 15
South pacific
Cited as the most popular cruise destination
amongst Australians and New Zealanders, the
South Pacific certainly does not disappoint. With
pristine white beaches, turquoise waters and
unique culture, a South Pacific cruise is the ideal
way to escape from it all.
South Pacific cruises depart from a number of
ports across the region and are typically between
3 and 17 nights in duration.
ASIA
The Far East is a kaleidoscope of exotic sights,
sounds and tastes with new experiences waiting
at every port of call. An Asian cruise is the
perfect way to explore this vast region; from the
numerous ancient temples, the tropical beaches
and magnificent jungles to world-class shopping
in the bustling open-air markets of Hong Kong,
Singapore and Bangkok.
Europe - Ocean Cruises
See the best of the Mediterranean from both sea
and land! Explore lands rich in romantic languages,
classic architecture, food, art and music. The
Mediterranean encompasses a diverse range of
countries each displaying their own unique culture,
traditions and language.
France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain are the
main countries to visit on a Mediterranean cruise,
but certain Mediterranean cruise itineraries also
include Israeli, Egyptian and Turkinsh ports. Forget
expensive taxis, public transport or negotiating
crazy European drivers, explore the Mediterranean
in style on board your floating resort!
Europe - Riiver Cruises
Cruising the rivers of Europe is a unique way to
discover the hidden delights that mainland Europe
has to offer. Relax on the sun deck of your outside
cabin as you watch a new village, a fairytale castle
or historic monument glide past.
Exploring the rivers of Europe by river cruise is an
intimate and relaxing way to discover the lesser
known areas, as well as enjoy the main tourist
destinations. Generally river cruise itineraries
include The Danube, Seine, Elbe, Rhine, Rhone,
Saone, Po and Douro.
Alaska/Canada
An Alaskan cruise is a once in a lifetime
experience and a must on anyoneâs bucket list.
Experience awe-inspiring glaciers, isolated towns
and unspoiled wilderness. Alaska cruises depart
from various ports on the west coast of the United
States as well as from Vancouver and Seward.
Options to extend your Alaska cruise are plentiful
with many Canadian and Alaskan tour options
available to the Canadian Rockies, Denali National
Park and other major attractions in the region.
Caribbean
Caribbean Cruises are a world favourite for a
good reason. With the Caribbean made up of
more than 7,000 islands, cays, islets and reefs,
a Caribbean cruise is a great way to see many
of these in one vacation. Famed for its stunning
beaches and relaxed atmosphere as well as its
historic and cultural elements, the Caribbean is an
idyllic getaway. From a cruising perspective, the
Caribbean is broken up into three main regions:
the Western, Eastern and Southern Caribbean.
19. CRUISE GUIDE | 17
Find the right cruise to suit your personality
by completing our quick quiz
Q1 - I prefer to spend the majority of my holiday...
A. Relaxing by the pool
B. Visiting historic sites
C. Participating in adventure activities
D. Exploring the natural environment
Q2 - What kind of climate do you prefer?
A. Tropical heat
B. Nice and icy cool
C. Not really fussed
D. The weather doesnât worry me
Q3 - What level of comfort do you prefer on
holiday?
A. Comfortable with a few luxuries
B. Itâs first class all the way
C. I can live without my hairdryer
D. Clean and comfortable is OK with me
Q4 - Describe you perfect holiday experience...
A. Give me time to soak up the sun and party with
new friends
B. Live, laugh and learn is my motto
C. Iâm always on the go and look for a challenge
D. Holidays are a time to get in tune with nature
20. 18
Mostly Aâs:
Your holiday is your timeto relax from the pressures
of everday life. Soaking up the sun, drink in hand
garnished with a cocktail umbrella, by the pool
or on a beach somewhere exotic is your idea of
heaven. You are easy going and enjoy yourself
wherever you go, and with your great sense of
fun you are sure to meet many new like-minded
friends. An Ocean Tropical Climate Cruise is ideal
for you, to destinations in the Mediterranean, South
Pacific or Caribbean. Great cruise lines for you to
consider include Royal Caribbean, PO Cruises or
Carnival Cruises.
Mostly Bâs:
Your holiday experience is spent exploring new and
interesting places while living and learning about
their history and culture. You love variety - a myriad
of art and history museums, historic architecture,
castles and palaces, vineyards and snow capped
mountains - on your holiday there is always
something to see and do. With all the transport,
accommodation and meals taken care of, all you
have to do is live, laugh and enjoy yourself. A luxury
European River Cruise or Murray River Cruise in
South Australia is more your style. Top rated River
Cruise companies to consider include Avalon
Waterways, Viking River Cruises, APT or Uniworld
Boutique Cruise Line.
21. CRUISE GUIDE | 19
Mostly Câs:
You are up for anything on a holiday and thrive
on an environment that is physically or mentally
stimulating - you love a challenge! You are more
likely to totally immerse yourself in a culture and
look for the out of the way, the roads less travelled.
You are easy-going and generally laid-back and
like to be able to control where you go and what
you see - at least some of the time. An exciting
Expedition Style Cruise is the perfect vacation for
you. Get up close and personal to nature and visit
far flung destinations - the Kimberleys, Antarctica,
the Arctic, the Amazon, Borneo, Papua New
Guinea and Galapagos. Cruise companies that can
take you there include Orion Expeditions and Gap
adventures.
Mostly Dâs:
While you want to experience the great outdoors
in all its glory, you still appreciate your creature
comforts. Although you can sometimes get a
little restless on a holiday, as long as you have a
selection of destinations and a variety of unique
experiences within one holiday youâre satisfied -
you simply want style with choices! Calling at a
selection of ports and destinations, a Northern
European Baltic Cruise, an Alaska Cruise (check
out the Fire Ice program) or a New Zealand
Cruise is a great holiday for you. Cruise lines that
suit your style include Norwegian Cruise Line,
Celebrity Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises,
Oceania Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Crystal
Cruise or Royal Caribbean Cruises.
22. 20
Cruising
FAQâs
Youâve got questions? Weâve got answers. Here
are some of the more commonly asked questions
about cruising.
Q. What is included in my cruise fare?
Cruising is a very inclusive way to travel. You sail to
some amazing destinations, with accommodation
in a luxurious cabin, all of your main meals are
provided while onboard and you will be entertained
throughout - including the use of the shipâs many
facilities such as swimming pools, spas, gym,
steam rooms and much more!
Q.What do i wear on board?
During the day, casual clothing is the norm for
most ships. Once the sun starts to sink below the
horizon though, smart casual clothing is required in
public areas, including restaurants. Whilst on board
there will be at least one formal night - this is your
chance to dress up and strut your stuff! Often
there will be additional âthemedâ nights - check out
your cruise lineâs website to be prepared.
23. CRUISE GUIDE | 21
Q. Do I have to âtipâ onboard?
Generally gratuities, or tips, are included in the
price of your cruise. Your consultant will inform
you when gratuities are not included. Although not
compulsory, it is customary to thank the staff on
board that have offered great service
Q.What is the currency on board?
Your consultant will advise what currency you
will require on board at the time of booking. The
currency will depend upon the origin of your ship,
and the itinerary involved. Most cruise lines have
a system available so you donât need to carry
currency, such as a charge card that you may top
up on the ship. Alternatively, they may provide you
with credit so that you may finalise your bill at the
end of your cruise.
Q. If I get sea sick, is there anything
that will help me with this?
Larger cruise lines have stabilizers which help with
the motion of a cruise ship in the ocean. It is also
recommended that you take sea sickness tablets
with you. If you still experience motion sickness,
the on board doctor will be able to assist.
Q. Do I need Travel Insurance for my
Cruise trip?
Definitely! You should not assume âit wonât happen
to youâ - accidents or illness can happen to
anyone. We also recommend taking out your
insurance at the point of booking your cruise, this
will ensure cover from the point you pay a deposit
to the point you arrive home. Travel Insurance is an
essential and simple tool for your peace of mind
when travelling.
24. 22
Q.Are there Visas and vaccinations
required for my cruise?
We always recommend enquiring about
Visa/Vaccination requirements for your destination
of travel, upon booking your cruise. Alternatively
you can view requirements online at www.
passports.gov.au or if you are a New Zealand
citizen, refer to www.passports.govt.nz.
Q.What time should I arrive in the city
of departure prior to the cruise?
We recommend ensuring your flight arrives no later
than 4 hours before your cruise departure time, if
not arrive the day prior. This will ensure ample time
and that you do not miss your cruise! When flying
home after your cruise, ensure your flight departs
no earlier than 5 hours after your cruise arrives
back in port. Also ensure you double check your
arrival/departure times of your flights a day before
you depart as airlines can change times or dates
of the flights.
Q. I need medication on board, can I
take this with me?
Yes, all medical conditions and medication needs
to be advised at the time of making your booking.
It is also advised to take a few extra days supply,
in case of any unforseen delays. There is also a
doctor on board if any medical attention is needed.
Q.When will I receive my cruise
tickets?
Provided we have received all of your personal
details and you have completed your online cruise
registration, along with your booking paid in full,
then your cruise tickets and information should
arrive within 3 weeks prior to your sail date.
Some cruise lines will only issue boarding passes,
however each cruise line is different. This is a
question to ask when your final balance is paid.
Q. How do I find out about shore
tours available in each port?
Most cruise lines require you to have registered
yourself on their website prior to being able to view
available shore tours. Most shore tour information
can be found online at the cruise website, some
cruise lines even let you pre book these tours. This
is s great idea as it saves you time, whilst ensuring
you do not miss out!
25. 2012/2013 CRUISE GUIDE | 23
Call AU 1300 657 948 or visit us at
www.cruisemegastore.com.au
and start saving on your next dream holiday!
PO Box 3065, Westfield TC, Helensvale, Queensland, 4212, Australia
Cruise Megastore is facilitated through:
⢠Our Vacation Centre Pty Ltd
⢠ABN# 54 105 542 176
⢠Travel Lic#3008099
⢠TCF# 4/8461
