What the diving Aussie dollar means to your cruise holiday, from shore excursions to drinks prices – and ten ways to beat the hikes

A couple enjoys a meal via Royal Caribbean ship.

The Aussie dollar recently sunk to a low of 0.62 against the US dollar, and the ripple effects of this currency weakness are beginning to affect holiday and travel prices. As the Australian dollar struggles, the cost of cruising and overseas travel is set to climb, making it increasingly expensive for Australians to satisfy their … Read more

Regent Seven Seas Cruises announces significant price reductions on luxury voyages

RSS Pool Deck

Luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises is making waves with a New Year offer giving substantial savings on select voyages across its fleet. The โ€œUpgrade Your Horizonโ€ offer, available on over 350 itineraries, includes discounts of up to 40% on more than 100 cruises departing in 2025 and 2026. In addition, travellers can enjoy … Read more

Eulogy for a cat that captured the hearts of tens of thousands of cruisers: Bug Naked

Bug Naked, Celebrity cat

Today, we gather in spirit to honour and remember Bug Naked, the extraordinary seafaring cat who brought joy and companionship to all who knew her. Bug was no ordinary feline; she was a creature of the sea, a steadfast companion to Capt. Kate McCue aboard the Celebrity Beyond, and a beloved friend to countless officers, … Read more

The best of Australian cruising for 2025 – by our Editor in Chief

Carnival Splendor and Pacific Adventure leaving Sydney

Fewer ships with more choices, a big emphasis on luxury and fly cruising โ€“ 2025 promises to be an interesting year for Australian cruise passengers. Donโ€™t expect prices to fall anytime soon. Strong forward bookings are keeping cruise fares up and they are going to stay that way. Locally, prices are also on an upward … Read more

Will P&O Australia go out with a bang or a whimper? Let’s hope it’s a celebration

A woman on the Pacific Adventure with the waterslide in the background

By David Jones, who was Carnival Australia’s corporate communications manager from 2009 to 2022. When the closure of P&O Cruises Australia was announced, its loyal staff promised to give the homegrown cruise line a send off that would be one for the ages. Letโ€™s hope it is, although it remains to be seen whether the … Read more

Vanuatu Earthquake Cruise Impact: Ships Forced to Change Ports

Vanuatu - UNICEF

The Red Cross is estimating 14 died in the 7.3-magnitude earthquake which struck near Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, and another 80,000 families have been affected along with significant infrastructure damage. Vanuatu is a favourite destination of the cruise industry with many thousands of Australians having close connections with the area. The nation’s tourism … Read more

How Australia learned to love life and luxury on The Edge

The pool onboard Celebrity Edge

Celebrityโ€™s Edge is sailing in Australia and New Zealand this season with a full payload of guests in its luxury Retreat suites. And the line is surprised at the appetite Australians have for the top accommodation on the new, high-tech upper premium ship. Even penthouse suites at almost $2,000 a night per person are being … Read more