In a development hailed by Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes as a turning point in the city’s history, Newcastle’s iconic ‘Roundhouse’ Council Administrative Centre is to be converted into a luxury five-star hotel – with Crystalbrook Collection Hotels and Resorts having won the tender to acquire and develop it.

The hotel, due to open in late 2020, is to be called Kingsley, a Crystalbrook Collection Hotel. The name follows a Crystalbrook Collection naming convention where each of their hotels is given a gender-neutral name and its own unique personality.

The name Kingsley is a nod to Newcastle’s heritage and the city’s earlier name Kingstown, dating back to 1804.

This will be the first five-star hotel for the city of Newcastle. Crystalbrook Collection chief executive Mark Davie said he was thrilled with the result of the tender: “There’s really nothing like this building, it has a strong identity and connection to the city of Newcastle. I see a lot of potential.

“We think the location, with the City Hall, the Civic Theatre, the Art Gallery and the War Memorial Cultural Centre right on the doorstep, makes it a perfect location for a five-star hotel.”

Davie said he had been watching Newcastle’s growth in recent years and felt strongly that Crystalbrook Collection should become a contributor to the future growth of the city.

Initial studies indicated the ‘Roundhouse’ could accommodate at least 100 five-star hotel rooms. Initial renders developed by Newcastle’s Barney Collins of EJE Architecture also show the introduction of a rooftop restaurant and recreational area complete with a swimming pool.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes hailed the landmark deal as a turning point in Newcastle’s history.

“Great cities around the world provide truly great accommodation. And the mark of a great hotel is one done to a five-star standard,” Nelmes said.

“Crystalbrook’s decision to invest in Newcastle, when they could have invested anywhere in Australia, says so much about our city and how we are viewed by those living interstate and overseas.

“I applaud Crystalbrook’s vision in re-imagining the CAC’s brutalist architecture. Reviewing their plans and renders, their vision for the building is an ideal adaptive reuse. In the space of less than two years, Newcastle will have a building that is both iconic and luxurious.”

To date, Crystalbrook Collection has committed to investments in excess of $800 million in Australia including six luxury hotels currently operating or under development.

In the last quarter Crystalbrook Collection has opened Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort in Cairns, the first five-star hotel to open in Cairns in over 20 years and acquired Little Albion, a Crystalbrook Collection Boutique Hotel in Surry Hills, Sydney.

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NSW city to get its first grand new five-star hotel

Crystalbrook Collection is an Australian-based tourism and hospitality group. Its portfolio consists of Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, hotel and resort developments, a luxury lodge and a 90-foot motor yacht. To date, Crystalbrook Collection has committed more than AUD 800 million in tourism investments within Australia.

Crystalbrook Collection is owned by the entrepreneur and philanthropist Ghassan Aboud. The Ghassan Aboud Group is a multi-business conglomerate engaged in automobiles, real estate, retail, bespoke catering, media and logistics. In business for more than two decades, the group operates from its global headquarters in the United Arab Emirates with offices in Australia, Belgium, China, Jordan and Turkey.

Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy, known as LVMH, last week agreed to buy the luxury hotel group, Belmond.

Belmond owns or manages 46 world-class hotels — including Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Hotel Splendido in Portofino, Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxfordshire, Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg — as well as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express luxury trains and a river cruise company.

The deal, which Wall Street said underscores the growth of the luxury travel market, closed for $3.2 billion.

“Through this acquisition, LVMH will significantly increase its presence in the ultimate luxury hotel world. Synonymous with history, heritage and timeless experiences, Belmond has a seasoned management team and is an ideal complement to the Cheval Blanc maisons, renowned for their exceptional service, architecture and

unique gastronomy,” the company said.

Belmond Ltd. announced in August that it was considering a sale as it reviews “strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value.”

LVMH brands include Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Krug, and Hennessy; as well as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior Couture, Givenchy and Fendi in fashion; Dior and Guerlain perfume; Bvlgari and TAG Heuer watches; Sephora and Le Bon Marché stores; and Bvlgari and Cheval Blanc hotels.

The Zeppelin Times 4CRB Travel ShowSaturday 22 December, 10am on 89.3FM

The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road, Benowa, Gold Coast QLD 4217Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888 Email: info@zt.com.au | Website: www.zt.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel

Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy Buys Belmond

1. United Arab Emirates2. Singapore3. Germany4. Denmark5. Sweden

Most Powerful Passports in the World

1. Acropolis - Athens, Greece2. The Alhambra – Grenada, Spain3. The Colosseum – Rome, Italy4. The Duomo – Florence, Italy5. Eiffel Tower – Paris, France

Top Five European Landmarks

The Zeppelin Times 4CRB Travel ShowSaturday 22 December, 10am on 89.3FM

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1. United Arab Emirates2. Singapore3. Germany4. Denmark5. Sweden

A Signature Tour by

Cheers! Here’s What Each Drink Package Costs on Ocean Cruise LinesMany ocean cruise lines are tweaking the prices of their drink packages for 2019. If your clients like to imbibe on the high seas, consider booking one for them, so they can pay for their drinks upfront and then enjoy them every day without digging into their wallets. Here’s a rundown of what every major ocean cruise line offers.

Azamara Club Cruises Azamara includes standard spirits, international beers and a changing selection of two reds, two whites and one rose. It then offers a number of different packages that include higher-end spirits. Its Premium Package costs $15.95 per person per day and includes standard brands plus higher-end spirits. The Ultimate Package costs $21.95 per person per day and includes everything in the Premium Package plus all wine and additional higher-end brands.

Azamara also offers two wine packages. The Wine-Lover Package allows guests to purchase bottles of wine below $50; there is a 5-bottle package for $180, a 7-bottle package for $235, a 10-bottle package for $315, and a 12-bottle package for $350. The Wine Connoisseur Package, which includes all bottles of wine between $51 and $75, offers guests a 5-bottle package for $315, a 7-bottle package for $415, a 10-bottle package for $560, and a 12-bottle package for $630.

Carnival Cruise Line Carnival offers its Cheers! Pre-Paid Beverage Package for $56.95 per person per day when purchased onboard and $51.95 per person per day when purchased online prior to the cruise. Neither of those prices include an automatic 15 percent gratuity charge. The package includes a variety of cocktails, beer, wine, and bottled water. It is not available in Australia.

Celebrity Cruises Celebrity’s Standard Package ($49 per person per night) includes beer, wine, bottled water, fountain soda, cocktails, and more. Its Classic Package ($59 per person per night) includes beer, spirits, cocktails, frozen drinks and wines by the glass up to $9 per serving plus a 15 percent discount on wines purchased by the bottle.Celebrity’s Premium Package ($69 per person per night) adds specialty coffee and teas, craft beers, spirits and cocktails, Coca Cola products, premium bottled water, and wine up to $15 per serving, plus a 20 percent discount on bottles of wine.The line also offers Wine Packages (starting at $109) that include a 10-15 percent discount on wines and is available for three, five or seven bottles.Finally, Celebrity’s Premium Non-Alcoholic Drink Package ($22 per person per night) includes premium bottled waters, frozen drinks and smoothies, specialty coffees and teas, Red Bull, coconut water, and Vitamin Water.An 18 percent service charge is added to each check.

Crystal Cruises Crystal Cruises is all-inclusive. All beverages are complimentary, with the exception of top-shelf liquors and some pre-selected wines. Because of its all-inclusive price, travel agents make commission on the pricing.

CunardCunard’s Soft Drink Package, which includes sodas and juices, can be purchased for $8.50 per person per day plus a 15 percent service charge. Wine and other alcoholic beverages can be purchased separately while onboard.

Holland America Line Holland America’s Signature Beverage

The Zeppelin Times 4CRB Travel ShowSaturday 22 December, 10am on 89.3FM

The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road, Benowa, Gold Coast QLD 4217Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888 Email: info@zt.com.au | Website: www.zt.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel

Package costs $51.69 per person per day when purchased in advance or $57.44 per person per day when purchased onboard. It includes a variety of wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, sodas and coffee, for drinks costing $9 or less.Holland America also offers its Elite Beverage Package for $63.19 per person per day. It includes premium spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, coffees, nonalcoholic beverages, bottled water and sodas, up to a per glass value of $15. The package includes the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines on Koningsdam, which offer more than 100 flavours.Then there is the Cellar Master Package, which starts at $273.74 per person per day. The packages include a choice of five wine bottles, a standard and a premium wine-tasting, one Pinnacle Grill dinner, a wine accessory gift set, and a Holland America Line commemorative bottle of wine.

MSC CruisesMSC’s Cruises offers a number of different packages depending on sailing and guest.• All-Inclusive Premium Plus Package costs $79 per person per day and offers unlimited drinks by the glass, including drinks and food from the minibar and the room service menu, and drinks from the theme bar menus, plus a 30 percent discount on bottles of wine and champagne. The package can be used at all bars, the self-service buffet and restaurants, including specialty restaurants.• MSC’s All-Inclusive Premium Package costs $62 per person per day. That package includes all drinks priced up to $12, including beers wines by the glass, premium spirits and cocktails (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), mineral water, energy drinks, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Includes drinks from the minibar, room service and specialty restaurants.• All-Inclusive Deluxe Drink Package (available on cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and UAE only) costs $55 per person per day on cruises lasting eight nights or less; and $44 on those nine-nights or longer. It includes premium liqueurs, aperitifs, cocktails, wines, beer, non-alcoholic drinks, juices, mineral water, energy drinks, espresso and cappuccino, soft drinks, tea and coffee. Includes drinks from the minibar, room service and specialty restaurants. Includes a 30 percent discount on bottled wine.• All-Inclusive Easy Package costs $35 per person per day and includes a selection of wines by the glass, beer, spirits and cocktails

(including non-alcoholic cocktails), soft drinks from self-service restaurants and buffets.• All-Inclusive Non-Alcoholic Package costs $29 per adult or $17 per child aged 3-11, per day. That package offers unlimited alcohol-free cocktails, soda, energy drinks, mineral and flavoured water, a wide range of coffee drinks, hot chocolates, organic tea and soft ice cream.• Mealtime Restaurant Package costs $18.50 per person per day on cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and UAE lasting 8 nights or less; and $14.50 on nine-nights or longer. It includes unlimited wine by the glass, all beer, soft drinks, mineral water in the main restaurants and self-service buffet. Specialty restaurants are not included.• All-Inclusive Deluxe Drink Package for Children (ages 3-17) (available on cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and UAE only) costs $23 per child per day on cruises lasting eight nights or less; and $18.50 on nine-plus sailings. Includes unlimited alcohol-free cocktails, smoothies, soda, juice, energy drinks, mineral and flavoured water, coffee and chocolate drinks from the bars, minibar, room service, buffet and all restaurants, including specialty restaurants.• All-Inclusive Restaurants and Bar Drink Package for children (ages 3-17) (available on cruises in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and UAE only) costs $13.50 per child per day on cruises lasting eight nights or less; and $10.50 on nine-night sailings or longer. It includes unlimited alcohol-free cocktails, smoothies, soda, juice, mineral water, milk shakes and ice cream from the bars, buffet and all restaurants, including specialty restaurants.• Mealtime Restaurants Drink Package for Children (ages 3-17) costs $10 per child per day on cruises lasting eight nights or less; and $8 on sailings of nine nights or longer. It includes soft drinks and mineral water at lunch and dinner from the buffet and main restaurants, not including specialty restaurants.

Norwegian Cruise Line NCL’s Corks and Caps Package costs $65 per person per day, plus a 20 percent gratuity. It includes select fountain soda and juices, beer (draft and bottles) and wines by the glass ($15 or less).NCL also offers an Ultimate Beverage Package that costs $99 per person per day plus a 20 percent gratuity. That package includes liquor

and cocktails that cost $15 or less.The Soda Program runs $7.95 per person per day for adults and $5.95 for children.

Oceania CruisesOceania’s Prestige Select package costs $59.95 per person per day and includes unlimited premium spirits, champagne, wine and beer.Its House Select package, which costs $39.95 per person per day, includes unlimited champagne, wine and beer with lunch and dinner (not available on Alaska and New England sailings).Oceania also offers Wine by the Bottle packages; a seven-bottle package goes for $47.50 each, gratuity included.

Paul Gauguin CruisesAll cruises include complimentary select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship.

Royal Caribbean Cruise LineRoyal’s Deluxe Package costs $63-$70 per person per day, depending on the sailing, plus an 18 percent gratuity. It includes cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, tea, and bottled water; and a 40 percent discount on bottles of wine under $100, and a 20 percent discount on bottles over $100.Royal’s Refreshment Package costs $26-$29 per person per day, plus an 18 percent gratuity. It includes teas, coffee, bottled water, sodas, and juices.The Classic Soda package, which $12.99 per person per day, plus an 18 percent gratuity, offers unlimited soda.

SeabournSeabourn cruises include beer, wine, champagne and spirits. Rare or ultra-premium bottles of wine are available for an extra fee.

Silversea CruisesSilversea cruises include beer, wine, champagne and spirits. Rare or ultra-premium bottles of wine are available for an extra fee.

Viking Ocean CruisesCosts for the Viking’s Silver Spirits Package vary depending on itinerary length, but start at $139 per person for seven nights. The package covers drinks up to $15 each,

anywhere on the ship or in the minibar (or 15 percent off those costing more), and premium wines at The Chef’s Table wine pairing.

WindstarWindstar offers three packages. The Voyager’s Adventure Wine Package ($32 per person per day) includes 20 fine wines priced up to $8.50 per glass. Its Topmast Discoveries Wine Package, which $42 per person per

The Zeppelin Times 4CRB Travel ShowSaturday 22 December, 10am on 89.3FM

The Professional Centre, Suite 1, 189 Ashmore Road, Benowa, Gold Coast QLD 4217Phone: (07) 555 79 888 | Free Call: 1300 786 888 Email: info@zt.com.au | Website: www.zt.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/zeppelintravel

day, offers a choice of 33 premium wines priced at up to $11.50 per glass.And its Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package, which costs $52 per person per day, includes unlimited cocktails, spirits, beer and wines, priced up to $11.50 per glass including minibar; a 30 percent discount off the cost of wine bottles up to a retail value of $100; and free corkage for all wine guests carry onboard.

Why Travel Makes the Perfect Holiday GiftAre you still searching for that last-minute gift? The holiday season is upon us, but there is still time to give the gift of travel – one that can be enjoyed any time of the year.

The holidays aren’t about giving or getting ‘stuff.’ They are about spending time with loved ones, and we can do that all year-round by planning vacations.

From celebrating milestones, like anniversaries or birthdays, to simply escaping from the stresses of daily life, there are so many reasons to get away.

Travel rejuvenatesIt’s good for the body and the spirit, and it transports you not just physically, but mentally to a place of calmness. It’s a great way to escape and heal whatever burdens you. What could be more tranquil than cruising the open seas in a luxurious setting?

Travel is adventurousIt’s about discovering new places, sights, sounds, and tastes, and gaining a new perspective. Exploring a new destination can be exhilarating, and the thrill starts from the time you arrive. Today’s travel is about immersive experiences that can’t be replicated because they are unique to your journey.

Travel is educationalIt opens your eyes and ears to experience something unfamiliar. You are exposed to nature and wonderment that reaches far beyond the limits of a textbook. Travelers can bring the grandkids along and marvel at the sights with them, while also giving them with the unique opportunity to learn and appreciate other cultures.

It makes you the envy of all your friends and neighboursWith hundreds of destinations to choose from, the list of places to discover is virtually endless. From iconic cities to remote shores, the photos to be shared on Instagram and Facebook will be more than “post-worthy,” having everyone talking about your latest adventure.

Shared memories are irreplaceableSpending time with loved ones and friends is priceless and can deepen the bond of lifelong relationships, whether it’s a couple, parents and children, or grandparents and grandchildren. Shared experiences lead to shared memories. Being able to connect with one another is an opportunity that doesn’t come along often, and travel fosters that connection.

New friendships will be madeSometimes the best part of travel is the people we meet along the way. They enhance

our journey in simple ways that reach beyond the itinerary by offering their perspectives, smiles and laughter. Forging new friendships is an added bonus of traveling.

Disconnecting has its advantagesTravel allows us to unplug from work and the stresses that surround us. It affords us the time to sit back, relax and take in the view. And, when you’re ready to post that next photo of the breathtaking glaciers you just witnessed, the choice to reconnect is yours.

Booking travel is easier than you thinkThe thought of it might be overwhelming, but that’s what you have a travel advisor for. Share your dreams, likes and dislikes with them and let them qualify you or your loved ones for the vacation of a lifetime.

Travel truly is the gift that keeps on giving!