Carnival heads to Cuba

Carnival Cruise Line in the US announced it will be sailing to Havana in Cuba. The Carnival Paradise will be sailing on a number of voyages from Tampa in Florida starting in June. There will be an overnight visit to Havana which is featured on 12 four and five-day cruises onboard the ship. Guests will be able to choose from a range of shore excursions which show off Cuba’s vibrant culture and beauty as well as the warm and friendly locals. For more information, visit www.carnival.com.au.

Oprah partners up with Holland America Line

For everyone out there who loves a bit of Oprah, we’ve found the cruise for you. Holland America last week announced the talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey will be spending two days aboard the Eurodam as it sails to The Last Frontier in July. The cruise is called ‘O, The Oprah Magazine Share the Adventure cruise’. The cruise departs Seattle on July 15 and will have exclusive programs developed by the magazine editors including an off-shoot of Oprah’s Book Club.

Fitness legend Shannan Ponton is back at sea

TV host and leading fitness trainer Shannan Ponton has jumped back onboard Carnival Cruise Line for a special appearance as a guest presenter on TEN’s award-winning lifestyle program, The Living Room. A regular on Carnival’s Australian-based ships, Shannan has filmed two special pieces onboard Carnival Legend. Shannan shows the viewers what it takes to keep shipshape at sea and he also explores New Caledonia’s Lifou Island.  He visits the Devil’s Cave to explore local legends and culture before making his way to the Secret Grotto, an enchanting cave with a natural swimming hole inside. The first segment will air at 7:30pm on February 17 and the following show on February 24.

New eatery on Pacific Dawn

P&O are rolling out a new eatery on the Pacific Dawn called Shell and Bones. Guests will be able to savour on the freshest seafood from around Australia as well as mouth-watering steaks and juicy ribs. By day, the dishes will be available at The Pantry and by the evening, Shell and Bones will be a dedicated restaurant with a full a la carte menu. Read more.

Another gastro outbreak on Sun Princess

About 140 passengers onboard the Sun Princess have come down with gastro. The ship, returned to Brisbane on Thursday morning after a 14-day trip around New Zealand. Some passengers, according to the ABC, complained the ship should have been delayed the voyage after 90 people suffered from norovirus on the ship’s prior trip to Papua New Guinea. A deep clean of the ship is currently underway.