Royal Caribbean, Princess announce sailings – for vaccinated passengers only

Sky Princess leaves Singapore

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 Announces “Blockbuster” Australian Cruise Season For 2022

Northstar, Quantum of the Seas

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

Cruise prices set to rise thanks to soaring demand and big spending

Horizon Lounge on the Oceania Insignia

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

APT agrees to drop “marketing and overhead” deductions from refunds and compensate clients

Health officials open talks with cruise operators as hopes rise for a return to sailing

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

Scenic makes it official: We’ll cruise the Kimberley in June

Scenic makes it official: We'll cruise the Kimberley in June

The government’s move to continue the ban on international cruise vessels under the biosecurity act hasn’t deterred the six cruise lines determined to sail the Kimberley and other Australian itineraries this year. This morning, Scenic announced a Kimberley cruise season for the luxury Scenic Eclipse, which will bring a completely different experience to Australia’s iconic … Read more

Australia extends international travel ban until June 17 as cruise talks continue

Coral Adventurer

The new strains of COVID 19 have forced the Australian government  to extend the international travel ban until June – but talks over the resumption of cruising are continuing, according to a statement tonight from the Department of Health. The statement means our borders have been shut for 15 months. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt … Read more