News

Is this the end of the full balcony on river ships?

The French balcony, considered dated once Scenic Tours launched its first full-balcony Space Ship, is making a major comeback on European rivers. And the reason: ship owners have found passengers simply want more cabin space […]

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Oct 31 2014
News

The battle of the big white cruise ships

Royal Caribbean executives got a shock when they asked Australian cruisers about their brand. Many new-to-cruise respondents said they couldn’t tell one big white ship from another. “It was”, admitted Asia Pacific commercial director Sean […]

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Oct 29 2014
News

Raft overboard – drama on Celebrity Solstice’s recent cruise

There was drama on the high seas late last week when an inflatable life raft mysteriously expanded aboard Celebrity Solstice. Royal Caribbean said in a statement to Cruise Passenger that the strap securing the raft […]

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Oct 28 2014
News

Explore the world’s icy regions with Lindblad and Google

People can now explore the icy landscapes of South Georgia and the Falklands minus the parkas and snow boots. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have partnered with Google Street View to offer the experience of being transported […]

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Oct 28 2014
Destinations

Destination review: what to expect on Moreton Island

The tiny population of 298 Moreton Islanders got a huge boost last week when the Pacific Jewel arrived for one of its first visits of the season. And Moreton, which is the world’s third largest […]

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Oct 24 2014
News

Onboard Asia’s first luxury river cruise ship

Aqua Expeditions first Asia-based vessel has officially set sail, after a small blessing ceremony in Cambodia last week. The intimate launch was held on 14 October and featured a prayer by local monks and a […]

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Oct 24 2014
News

Crystal’s magic garden helps the line sell-out

First there was the robotic barman aboard the Quantum of the Seas. Now there is the remote gardener on Crystal Cruises. Fresh from a US$20 million dry dock facelift, Symphony has equipped its 48 staterooms […]

WORDS BY Teresa Ooi . Oct 24 2014
News

Video tour of Regal Princess

As Princess and the Love Boat crew prepare to christen Regal Princess next month we thought we’d share a video tour of the ship. The five-minute exploration takes you from the International Café where you […]

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Oct 24 2014
News

Cruise lines crack down to avert Ebola spread

Cruisers who may have come in contact with Ebola will be banned from boarding a ship, as part of a new policy designed to reduce a potential outbreak at sea. The move comes less than […]

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Oct 24 2014
News

Cruise embarkation affected as upgrades continue at Sydney’s OPT

Major upgrades at Sydney’s Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT) have affected the embarkation and disembarkation process of cruises departing between 26 October and 11 November. Four cruises have been affected – Celebrity Solstice [26 October]; Rhapsody […]

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Oct 22 2014
News

Cruise lines screen for Ebola after Magic scare

Carnival Cruise Lines in America and Crystal Cruises have added a question about Ebola to their medical screening questionnaires as the Carnival Magic reported passengers had disembarked “smoothly” at its Galveston homeport. The Magic was […]

WORDS BY Cruise Passenger . Oct 20 2014