Peter Lynch 
The restart of cruise travel has had some heartrending mis-steps over the past few weeks. First there was New Zealand’s extraordinary ban on Ponant’s attempts to sail out of Auckland, even though it had been prearranged with special safety protocols. The bizarre reason: the immigration minister suddenly asked for more of the crew to be … Read more
Australians are keen to climb aboard Royal Caribbean’s ships for 2022 – including the first deployment of the technologically advanced Quantum of the Seas, the newest ship to the based in Brisbane. The line’s Australian MD Gavin Smith told Cruise Passenger after months of safe sailings out of Singapore, Quantum of the Seas will be … Read more
The chair of Cruise Lines International Association Australasia says the Northern Territory’s halt to a Kimberley season demonstrates the challenge while there are no federal government guidelines. Last weekend, the Territory health department revealed new rules which virtually grounded the plans of six small ship expedition lines to sail the Kimberley this season – allowing … Read more
They have only been lightly touched by the pandemic – they have just one active case this week – but the Northern Territory government has issued orders that make cruise stops in Darwin a near impossibility. As Australia awaits news on whether or not there will be a Kimberley cruise season in Western Australia this … Read more
Luxury cruise lines are seeing an amazing boom in bookings, the boss of Regent Seven Seas Steve Odell said this week. And they are not just booking out all-inclusive luxury suites, they are upgrading to the best cabins and booking three-day city stays to bookend their itineraries. His remarks were underscored by news another luxury … Read more
Cruise lines are announcing new sail dates – but only for passengers who have had vaccines against COVID-19. The moves are a sign that it is likely most lines will insist on mandatory jabs for all except those in exempt categories because of ill health or other medical reasons. Princess, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity have … Read more
Royal Caribbean has announced a “blockbuster” Australian wave season for 2022/23, including two of its newest Quantum Class vessels, and Ovation of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas sailing out of Sydney. While the line hasn’t given up on 2021 – pressure is mounting on state and federal governments to approve a phased relaunch of cruising this year … Read more
Despite the continuing cruise pause, the price of a cruise holidays is expected to rise next month thanks to heavy demand and the demands of the cruise line bankers. With some amazing results from sales campaigns being recorded – Oceania Cruises announced this week that the launch of its latest collection of exotic itineraries for … Read more
Thousands of Australians will receive additional refunds for cancelled travel after APT and Travelmarvel agreed to stop deducting marketing and overhead costs from booking refunds and to reimburse customers who had previously had these costs withheld. The move comes after talks between the cruise and tour line and the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission. The … Read more
She's the most specious ship yet from luxury line Oceania Cruises. James Sitters tells Rose Kelly and Peter Lynch what's on board the new class of ship, including restaurants, spas and suites.
