Erica Davis – Sydney Weekender Presenter and Mother

Multi-talented Erica Davis has been a regular face on the Seven Network for more than a decade presenting on Sydney Weekender as well as working as a radio host and guest speaker at various events.  She is also mother to two beautiful children who she enjoys watching play their basketball and soccer each week. 

This month Erica joins us as a Guest Goddess and lets us in on some of her favourite vacation spots plus, she is looking forward to joining cruisers on board this year’s Carnival Spirit Melbourne Cup Cruise.

“We are going to have so much fun! It will be very interactive and 'hands on'. I am so honoured to be hosting the event and getting to chat to the audience about their fashion choices for the Melbourne Cup.”

“I am also very excited to have the amazing Karen Gee joining me as our featured designer and fashion expert. Together we will demonstrate to the audience different designs and accessories that can really make a statement this coming racing season.”

Karen launched her self-titled fashion label in 2013. Specialising in dressing women of all shapes and sizes, her collections have become a hit with women all over the world, including local television personalities such as Samantha Armytage, Melissa Doyle and Lisa Wilkinson.

This cruise will also see the return of well-known race caller John Tapp. While onboard, he will share his knowledge, and stories, about  Australia’s premier horse race and share tips and expert advice ahead of race day. During his career, John called more than 50,000 races.

Erica has travelled with Carnival before and says there is just so much to do and see.  “Get ready to have the best time, you will be spoilt for choice,” she says.

“Make sure you pack a great outfit for a stylish night out right through to your swimmers and sarong for the days.   You’ll need to come ready to try new things and to also check out from reality for a while and just relax. It really is perfect for everyone.”

“The best part about an indulgent Carnival cruise is there is always a very effective way to work it off! There is a gym onboard as well as a running/walking track, and of course you can always take the stairs instead of the lift for that extra help. There are also lots of healthy dining options on board as well."

“I believe EVERY woman is beautiful and our show will make everyone who attends feel like a princess. I can’t wait.”

What are your top loves when cruising?

  • It really does have something for everyone. I have had the pleasure of being onboard and witnessing the options for myself.
  • The kids club is sensational and so creative.
  • The bands and shows at night are first class and they get you so energised.
  • The restaurants are all so varied and the food is so delicious, it makes it hard to choose where to go each day.
  • The pools and watersides are a must for kids and BIG KIDS!
  • They also have the FRIENDLIEST staff available at all times to help you with whatever your need is.
  • Everything is covered, all you have to do is sit back and let it happen!

 

When not cruising on the high seas we asked Erica to let us know about her favourite places to holiday in Australia and overseas.

Australia:

“I love to take my family to Northern NSW to a seaside town called Salt, right next to Kingscliff. It is such an idyllic spot and handy to a lot of great destinations. If you want to visit Byron Bay it’s only a short drive or if the kids want to visit theme parks, they aren’t too far away either. If you don’t feel like going anywhere at all, it is the perfect place to stop and relax.”

“We stay at the Mantra on Salt Beach in a 2 bedroom apartment. It is perfect for the four of us. It’s very spacious and right on the beach. We will hire bikes, swim, explore the local area and then check out the local restaurants at night. On the nights we want to stay in, the apartments have a kitchen so we can cater for ourselves. It really is perfect.”

“When we are away we try something new all the time, but near to where I live on the Central Coast is a great Italian restaurant with the most amazing wine list that we call our regular spot – it’s called BamVino. It has such a great feel and the chorizo and cheese tortilla bites are amazing!!”

“For breakfast and lunch I like to head to the beach! Oomph cafe at Avoca on the Central Coast has my vote. For lunch, the lamb shoulder salad with quinoa, pumpkin, goats feta and kale is my regular order.“

“We’ve had a lot of great adventures at Salt. The beaches are amazing from Cabarita Beach right up to Coolangatta. A day trip to Bryon Bay or any of the Gold Coast theme parks are always a hit with the family, or just taking a long walk along the many bike tracks available can also be so relaxing.”

Overseas:

When it comes to overseas Erica tells us she has completely fallen in love with both France and Italy.

“I don’t have one regular place as I moved around a lot the last time I was there, but my favourite destinations would include Paris and Florence. I love the places you find when you aren’t even looking for them. While travelling through Rome with a friend of mine, we literally followed our noses down a staircase that led from the road we were walking on, to find the most amazing bakery ever. Had we stayed on our path we never would have found it.  Travelling to me is all about discovery.”

“I’m a huge fan of history so I always like to visit places where significant events have occurred or where our history has been shaped. I loved visiting the Palace of Versailles, the Sistine Chapel, the Louvre and the Colosseum.”

Erica Travel Tips:

  • Always pack a kit that can be easily accessible and contain all the essentials you might need while away. I take a small amount of makeup that can be used to create a natural fresh look on holiday, I also take mini versions of everything to save space.
  • Don’t over do it! Take only what you can see yourself wearing while away and not too many extras. Also rolling clothing items can save more room than folding.
  • Make sure you have a little first aid kit especially the basic headache care, as nothing ruins the perfect holiday than a blinding headache.
  • If you book on this year’s Melbourne Cup Carnival cruise you can be confident you’ve backed a winner, with an itinerary packed full of fun and plenty of racing revelry.

 

Cruise details:

Departing on October 30, the six-night cruise on Carnival Spirit features three days of racing festivities in Melbourne, including entry to the Emirates Melbourne Cup and – exclusive to cruisers on Carnival Spirit – admission to Crown Oaks Day.

During the cruise from Sydney, you will be able to enjoy a variety of special themed events, seminars and activities, including a fashion presentation hosted by Erica and Karen Gee.

Carnival Cruise Line Vice President Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke commented, “We’re excited to welcome Erica and Karen to our Melbourne Cup line-up with John. We’re sure they’ll be a huge hit with our guests”.

Fares on the six-night roundtrip Melbourne Cup Carnival cruise, departing Sydney on October 30, 2016 start from $1899* per person twin share and include general admission tickets into Flemington for the Emirates Melbourne Cup and Crown Oaks Day races, transfers on Cup day (November 1), plus onboard meals, entertainment and activities.

For an additional cost and subject to availability, guests can upgrade their ticket at one or both race days to the Lawn Stand, The Precinct, The Village, The Parade Lounge, Makybe Diva Marquee or The Rose Room with some VIP packages including food and drink. Upgrades start from $55* for a seat-only ticket to the Reserved Lawn Stand on Crown Oaks Day and $150* for the same package at the Emirates Melbourne Cup. Cruisers will also be able to enjoy savings of up to $325 off the standard price for some upgrade experiences.

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