Category Archives: Oceania

Travel Agent magazine boarded Oceania Cruises' 30,277-grt Sirena for a brief day visit this month at PortMiami. Before the ship set sail on a 16-day transatlantic voyage to Civitavecchia, (Rome), we checked out some of the ship's public spaces and accommodations.

Agents can see a sampling of public space photos(the spa, pool deck, atrium, library, card room, exercise facility and other spaces) in Part 1 of our Cruise Ship Tour.

In this Part 2 of that Cruise Ship Tour, we showcase some of the ship's top accommodations, including the Owners Suite, #8067, plus the adjacent Concierge Level Stateroom #8069. Youll also see a few Penthouse Suite shots. All are located on Sirena's Deck 8.

Entering the 1,000-square-foot Owner's Suite aft (#8067), guests will discover a spacious, comfortable living area with a light blue seating area. It'slarge enough for hosting many friends over for cocktails and conversationor watching a movie on the suite's large flat-screen TV.

This living space also has a dining table and chairs that can seat four people. Across the room is a longblack credenzawith a mini-fridge, drawers, glasses and more. In the suite's entry area is a large mirror and smallshelf-like table that hugs the wall.

Photo by Susan J Young

The master bedroom of Sirena's Owner's Suite is very large. Are you a clothes-aholic? No worries if you're booked in this suite, as those who can't bear to leave clothes and shoes at home will gleefully discover a massive wall of closets and drawer space.

Inside are soft robes, slippers, a safe and more. Plus, the master bedroom has an attractive make-up and desk area with a large lighted mirror.

Photo by Susan J Young

Photo by Susan J Young

In the photo above, anice master bedroom feature is the humongous full length mirror on the wall.

Shown below, the Owner's Suite master bathroom is visually appealing with different shades of marble and a very large shower.

Photo by Susan J Young

Outside, the aft Owner's Suite has two deck chairs on one side of the teak-floored, open-air balcony, and a dining table and chairs on the other. See the two photos below.

The positioning on the aft section of the ship provides slanted structural framing for that balcony.

Photo by Susan J Young

This suite also has a guest bathroom, which is shown below.

Photo by Susan J Young

Adjacent to the Owner's Suite above is #8069, a Category A Concierge Level Veranda Stateroom.

While this stateroom doesn't connect directly to the Owner's Suite, its close proximity to that suite is appealing, particularly for acouple booking the Owner's Suite who wants to bring along adult children or parents.

The side-by-side accommodations offer easy access for family members to gather for dinner or cocktails en suite.

Here are just a few photos of those Concierge Level Veranda accommodations, which span 216 square feet and include many amenities and exclusive privileges, along with the services of a dedicated concierge.

Photo by Susan J Young

While we snapped a photo of the bathroom in this accommodation, it didn't turn out. Let's just say the small bathroom is basic (no marble) with a sink, toilet and shower. There is no cabinet under the sink, just a shelf.

We also had just a quick peek at #8062, a Penthouse Suite (PH3), also far aft in the same corridor as the two accommodations above.

It's important to note that hospitality crew members were still preparing these accommodations for guestarrival, so we had to breeze quickly in and out. And not everything was "final" as it would be when the guest enters. Yet, the shots offer some visual perspective about these suites.

Photoby Susan J Young

Photo by Susan J Young

And here's another Penthouse configuration with twin beds, from #8057, Penthouse Suite (PH2) category. This suite is along the same Deck 8 corridor that leads to the Owner's Suite.

Photo by Susan J Young

Photo by Susan J Young

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Cruise Ship Tour Part 2: Top Suites on Oceania Cruises' Sirena - Travel Agent

Ports of Auckland has beaten out competitors from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific to be crowned Best Seaport in Oceania for the second year running.

The port was voted into the finals by customers and industry peers at the Asia Cargo News Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards; the only New Zealand port to be selected as a finalist amongst three Australian ports (Port of Melbourne, Port of Brisbane and Sydney Ports).

I am so proud to accept the award as the best port in our region on behalf of our team. It is a fantastic achievement for Ports of Auckland and testament to the hard-working people that keep our port running 24/7. We have a world-class group of people working here, doing their best for our customers and Aucklanders said Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson.

The awards recognise leading air and shipping lines, air and sea ports, logistics providers and other industry professionals. Ports of Auckland was the first recipient of the Best Seaport in Oceania award when the category was introduced in 2016, and the only recipient in this category to date.

This year, thousands of Asia Cargo News readers cast votes across award categories such as Best Seaport, Best Container Terminal and Best Airport. Asia Cargo News reported votes in the thousands a record number of votes were submitted this year. Source: Ports of Auckland

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Ports of Auckland: Best Seaport in Oceania 2017 - Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

The PNG Boxing team arrived in the country after attending the Oceania National Boxing Championships in Gold Coast, Australia. Out of 9 countries, Papua New Guinea finished in third place behind Australia and New Zealand.

PNG did well at the Oceania Championships winning 5 medals (1 Gold, 1 Silver and 3 Bronze).

The most noticeable would be Charlie Keama who defended his title in the Flyweight Division beating Australias Tyler Blizzard in the Gold Medal bout.

Maxie Magea settled for Silver in his Light-Flyweight division, going down to Australias Alex Winwood.

Team PNG was made up of some fairly new faces to the international scene.

PNG Boxing President John Avira said though they were new, they certainly impressed going up against Australia and New Zealand.

Keama and Magea have qualified for the World Championships in Germany later this year.

Moving forward, Boxers will be preparing to take part in the National Championships and other upcoming international events.

Originally posted here:

PNG Boxers Return from Oceania Boxing Championships EMTV ... - EMTV Online

The national Iranian men's sitting volleyball team has dominated Sri Lanka in the preliminary round of the 2017 ParaVolley Asia Oceania Sitting Volleyball Championships in China.

The Iranian squad stormed past the Sri Lankan contingent with a straight-set win, 25-5, 25-10 and 25-9, in a fixture staged in the southern Chinese city ofHangzhou.

In another match of the day, Iran women's national sitting volleyball team suffered a 1-3 defeat from Japan.

Iranian physically-challenged sportswomen will take on their Kazakh counterparts on Saturday. Iran women's national sitting volleyball team is also scheduled to play Kazakhstan in the third-place playoff.

The 2017 ParaVolley Asia Oceania Sitting Volleyball Championships opened in Hangzhou, China, on June 27, and will wrap up on July 3.

The tournament has brought together national mens sitting volleyball teams from China, Iraq, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan and Sri Lanka.

National mens sitting volleyball teams from China, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan and Mongolia are in action as well.

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Iran routs Sri Lanka in 2017 ParaVolley Asia Oceania Sitting Volleyball Championships - Press TV

Sailing with 30-year-old mom Drielle D'Amore Nogueira and 32-year-old dad Diego Castilho Nogueira, the sister and brother are about to complete Oceania's 180-day Around the Worldvoyage, which departed Miami on January 6, 2017, calling in 36 countries on six continents. The ship returns to Miami onJuly 6, where the family will disembark for the last time and return to their home in Brazil.

Together, the Nogueira family is dispelling the myth that long sailings are solely for retirees and mature guests. As a teacher, Drielle says that the education from such an extended adventure is an incredible way to learn about world history, culture and people. And, for her, "The greatest achievement undoubtedly is English language skills." In regards to how her children are finding life on the ship, she said, "They have adapted to it all very easily and willingly and are interested in new stories. This [experience] will definitely make a difference when studying, learning and understanding matters in school. How much they have learned on this trip will be uncovered in the future, when some subject will remind us all of what we saw and lived during this time."

Diego added, "It's fantastic how children are sponges absorbing everything around themThe diversity encountered (on this cruise) will certainly help them grow with less prejudices because they met so many people from different cultures."

And what did the children like best about their journey? Henrique said, "I like the onboard games you can play with adults and my dad and my mom, and I love (the daily) teatime! I like to visit the different countries, but sometimes I wanted to stay longer and we don'thave time. But it's cool; I already know the places that I want to go back to! Every time that we leave (for extended excursions) I really like returning to the ship and hearing the crew say, 'Welcome Back!' I love my house on the ship! I have a high bed that opens and closes and that's awesome!"

Lorenna, who turned 4 while on the voyage, said, "I like to go off the ship and see the cities. I love the chef when he makes brigadeiro (aBrazilian pastry) for me like for my birthday! I loved my party birthday on the ship."

How did mom and dad keep their kids entertained for 180-days? Diego said, "We adults have the idea that kids love to have toys, the more elaborate the better, but this journey also made us (parents) realize that actually children just want attention. Without any specific activity, if we give attention telling a story, painting with them, involving them around the environment, in the end they are just happy with that."

Drielle added that their stateroom has been a place for play, family time and art. "We have the children's drawings on the walls of the places that we have been; they show how much they are learning with the whole experience. We love this experience and think it should be mandatory for every human being, as personal growth."

For more information about Oceania Cruises, call 855-OCEANIA (855-623-2642) or contact a professional travel agent.

About Oceania CruisesFeaturing a fleet of intimately luxurious ships, Oceania Cruises offers an unrivaled vacation experience renowned for the finest cuisine at sea and destination-rich itineraries spanning the globe. Seasoned world travelers are drawn to Oceania Cruises' expertly crafted voyages, which call on more than 370 ports across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific and the Americas. Spacious and elegant accommodations aboard the 684-guest Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, and Sirena and the 1,250-guest Marina and Riviera invite guests to explore the world in unparalleled comfort and style.

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/oceania-cruises-recognizes-youngest-world-cruisers-as-4--and-6-year-olds-complete-180-day-around-the-world-voyage-300482143.html

SOURCE Oceania Cruises

http://oceaniacruises.com

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Oceania Cruises Recognizes 'Youngest World Cruisers' As 4- And 6 ... - PR Newswire (press release)

Olympic duo Toea Wisil and Jeremy Dodson proved themselves quickest in the Pacific after winning the senior 100m finals at the Oceania Area Athletics Championships in Suva last night.

Papua New Guinea's Wisil ran 11.63 to finish more than half a second clear of Australia's Morgan Gaffney.

Toea Wisil in action at the 2012 London Olympics. Photo: AFP

Samoa's Dodson won a photo finish, clocking 10.86 seconds to pip PNG's Nazmie Lee Marai by two hundreths of a seconds.

In a bizarre scene, there was no winner in the men's 5000m senior race walk, with the only competitors, Fijian duo Rajeshwar Prasad and Pramesh Prasad, both disqualified.

Australia's Murray Goodwin claimed gold in the men's 400m final at ANZ Stadium, running 47.53, with Fiji's Samuela Railoa second.

Jamie Scroop cleared 4.00m to win the women's pole vault for Australia, with New Caledonia's Caihe Caihe the sole competitor in the men's event.

New Caledonia's Linda Selui threw 47.29 to take out the women's javelin, while Fiji's Isireli Bulivorovoro leaped 7.28m to win the men's long jump.

Meanwhile New Zealand continued their success in Para events, with Keegan Pitcher adding another gold medal to his haul in the men's 400m and Tamara Gotty the only competitor in the women's wheelchair javelin.

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Sport: Wisil, Dodson win Oceania 100m finals - Radio New Zealand

Friday, 30 June 2017, 1:41 pm Press Release: Ports of Auckland

Ports of Auckland: Best Seaport in Oceania 2017

Ports of Auckland has beaten out competitors from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific to be crowned Best Seaport in Oceania for the second year running.

The port was voted into the finals by customers and industry peers at the Asia Cargo News Asian Freight, Logistics and Supply Chain (AFLAS) Awards; the only New Zealand port to be selected as a finalist amongst three Australian ports (Port of Melbourne, Port of Brisbane and Sydney Ports).

I am so proud to accept the award as the best port in our region on behalf of our team. It is a fantastic achievement for Ports of Auckland and testament to the hard-working people that keep our port running 24/7. We have a world-class group of people working here, doing their best for our customers and Aucklanders said Ports of Auckland Chief Executive Tony Gibson.

The awards recognise leading air and shipping lines, air and sea ports, logistics providers and other industry professionals. Ports of Auckland was the first recipient of the Best Seaport in Oceania award when the category was introduced in 2016, and the only recipient in this category to date.

This year, thousands of Asia Cargo News readers cast votes across award categories such as Best Seaport, Best Container Terminal and Best Airport. Asia Cargo News reported votes in the thousands a record number of votes were submitted this year.

ENDS

NOTES: Ports of Auckland Ltd is the port for New Zealands largest city. It has been playing a vital role in the Auckland economy since 1840, delivering things Aucklanders and New Zealanders need and enjoy. It is part of the special character of Auckland. Voted best port in Oceania 2016 and 2017 by our customers, we operate the most efficient container port in Australasia. We are New Zealands hub port for car and container imports, handling 248,000 cars and light commercial vehicles and over 900,000 TEU (1 TEU = 1 twenty-foot container) in the 2015/16 financial year. We are New Zealands cruise hub, handling around 100 cruise ships annually, each worth about $1.5m to the local economy. We handle 1.8 million tonnes of dry bulk cargo to support the Auckland and upper North Island building agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Ports of Auckland is 100%-owned by Auckland Council Investments Ltd and serves Aucklands growth. In the 2015/16 financial year its $54.3 million dividend to the city was worth the equivalent of 4.4% of the average Auckland residential rates bill, or $103 per household. Working for Aucklanders and supporting Aucklands growth, today and tomorrow.

Scoop Media

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Ports of Auckland: Best Seaport in Oceania 2017 - Scoop.co.nz (press release)

Australia and New Zealand dominated the finals at the Oceania Boxing Confederation Boxing Championships in Gold Coast today, although Papua New Guineas Charles Keama defended his title.

Keama produced a fine performance in the mens flyweight gold medal match as he saw off the challenge of Australias Tyler Blizzard.

However, the host nation was not forced to wait long for success, as Sam Goodman triumphed in the mens bantamweight competition.

Goodman emerged as the victory of his gold medal clash with Vanuatus Boe Warawara, who headed in as the defending champion.

Australian success continued with Alex Winwood winning the mens light-flyweight crown, having seen off the challenge of Maxie Mangea of Papua New Guinea.

Harry Garside and Andrew Hunt added to Australias gold medal haul as they won the lightweight and welterweight titles.

Garside defeated Chad Milnes of New Zealand in the lightweight final, while Hunt beat Fijis Winston Hill in the welterweight division.

Australias Clay Waterman clinched the light-heavyweight title by beating Jarrod Banks of New Zealand, while Joseph Goodall overcame another Kiwi in Patrick Mailata to win the super-heavyweight event.

New Zealand won the remaining gold medals at the Championships, with Richard Hadlow beating Naurus Colan Caleb in the light-welterweight gold medal match.

His success was followed by Ryan Scaife winning the mens middleweight title against Samoas Henry Tyrell.

David Nyika then triumphed in the heavyweight gold medal bout, beating Jason Whateley of Australia to claim the title.

The event was the last of the five Continental Championships that serve as direct qualification routes to the International Boxing Association's World Boxing Championships, due to be held in the German city of Hamburg between August 25 and September 2.

The two finalists in each of the 10 weight categories secured their places in Hamburg.

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Keama defends title as Australia and New Zealand dominate Oceania Boxing Championships - Insidethegames.biz

Last updated07:20, June 28 2017

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Charlisse Leger-Walker is expected to play a starring role for New Zealand at the FIBA U17 Womens Oceania Championships in Guam.

A relatively young and inexperienced New Zealand under-18 women's basketball team will contest next month'sFIBAunder-17 Oceania championships in Guam.

However, head coachJodyCameron said that the Guam tournament, which runs from July 9-15, was a chance for the players to step upafter the majority of the Junior Tall Ferns hadmoved on to US college scholarships or were past the age of eligibility.

"The current pool of players has worked hard to get to next level. We are really happy with the commitment from them and their families, and every playerwe'venamed thoroughly deserves their spot in this team," Cameronsaid.

New Zealand will compete inpool B alongsideNew Caledonia, home favourites Guam, and Palau. Favourites Australia are in pool A with Tahiti, Samoa and the Marshall Islands.

READ MORE: * Tall Ferns selected * Wildcats demolish Otago * Youngsters' skills amaze

Despite their youth, one player expected to attract plenty of attention is young Waikato playerCharlisse Leger-Walker who is regarded asone of New Zealand's most exciting youth women's prospects. Leger-Walker played for New Zealand at both theFIBA Oceania under-16 and under-18 women's tournaments over the past two years.

Similar to the Tall Ferns and Tall Blacks, New Zealand age-group teams are also subject to new qualification rules thanks to FIBA's new Asia Zone. Previously New Zealand age-groups teams were required to be number one in Oceania to qualify for a FIBA World Cup. Now, teams are required to be within the top two in Oceania, which qualifies them to play in the FIBA Asia age-group championships.

The team will then have to finish in the top four in that tournament to qualify for the FIBA Under-19 World Cup.

Under-18 New Zealand Women's Team:Aimee Book (Canterbury),Lauryn Hippolite (Canterbury),Grace Hunter (Wellington),Charlisse Leger-Walker (Waikato), Leah Mafua(Hutt Valley),Lauryn Mapusua(Basketball Queensland),Tsubasa Nisbet (Canterbury),Olivia O'Neill(Otago), Lily Rangi (Counties Manukau),Keeley Tini (Harbour),Lawrin Tipene (Wellington),Charlotte Whittaker(North Canterbury).

-Stuff

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Inexperienced New Zealand team heading to FIBA U17 Oceania basketball champs - Stuff.co.nz

Pacific Daily News 6:09 p.m. ChT June 28, 2017

Guam Youth Basketball Association logo(Photo: Courtesy of the Guam Youth Basketball Association)

The Guam Basketball Confederation (GBC) is looking for volunteers for the 2017 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) U17 Oceania Championships from July 10 to 17.

The games will be played at the University of Guam Calvo Field House and the Father Duenas Memorial School Phoenix Center.

Thetournament will cater to nearly 200 athletes from around our Oceania region from the following participating countries Australia, New Zealand, Guam, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Samoa, Palau and the Marshall Islands.

The FIBA Oceania Youth Championships provides a way for youngathletes to represent their country at the highest level of the sport. The Championships acts as a qualifier for the U17 and U19 World Championships held every two years. The Oceania qualifiers have been open for all Oceania nations to compete since 2014.

GBC is requesting the Guam Youth Basketball Association's support in encouraging club and volunteer involvement for the tournament.

The GBC'sidea is to have each of the GYBA clubs "adopt a team". For example:Mavericks can adopt the team fromAustralia, Crusaders can adopt team Guam, and Islanders adoptSamoa, etc. These clubs would then be encouraged to come out to "their adopted countries" game and support that team.

There would also bea tournament long shooting competition. The players from each club could compete against each other at half time. There will be atally indicatingwhich club is winning andprizes at the end of the tournament.

For more information you can contact Susan Lupolaatsusanrlupola@gmail.comor byphoneat 687-1144.

GYBA Drug Free Youth Basketball League Saturday, June 24 Results

From the Guam Sports Complex Gym

In the U16 boys division:

In the U18 girls division:

In the U18 Boys Division:

Under 10

Under 12

Information was provided in a press release.

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Volunteers wanted for Oceania Championships - Pacific Daily News