Peter Lynch 
Health department officials are now working with the cruise industry to finally produce a plan for the phased restart of itineraries in Australia, Cruise Passenger can reveal. The promising start made by Australia’s only locally flagged and crewed fleet, Coral Expeditions – sailing in Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania – has led to renewed optimism … Read more
The minister in charge of Australia’s tourism portfolio has made the most encouraging remarks in a year about the return of cruise ships to Australian waters, sparking a wave of optimism among operators. Speaking with Channel Nine’s Today Show host Karl Stefanovic, Dan Tehan was asked about the number of special deals available for cruising … Read more
As the Australian industry continues to grapple with the fallout from New Zealand’s dramatic ban on Ponant’s Auckland cruises, many fear the move may have wider consequences. Industry leaders have been stepping up their attempts to persuade the federal government top lift its ban on foreign flagged ships, due to end on March 17. And … Read more
Luxury line Regent Seven Seas believes the extra personal space on its vessels is attracting new passengers as they report near record bookings for some itineraries. Senior Vice President Asia Pacific Steve Odell told Cruise Passenger: “The luxury cruise market continues to be strong right now and travellers are ready to book. “We know this … Read more
In a major blow to the return of cruise to Australasia, Ponant has been forced to pull out of its program of cruises in New Zealand, even though all cabins had already been sold. The move comes after Le Lapérouse was turned away from New Zealand despite agreements from New Zealand Health they would be … Read more
Their well-patronised vessels are sailing the most beautiful waters in the world. They have already sailed a dozen itineraries in Queensland and are about to sail Tasmania and South Australia. They even have a brand new ship arriving next month to complete a trio which will tackle the Kimberley. With the world’s giant fleets becalmed … Read more
The cruise industry was in shock last night after an expected season of itineraries from New Zealand by luxury expedition line Ponant was blocked at the last minute. The New Zealand Immigration Service claims 61 of the Le Laperouse’s 90 crew don’t have visas because they are not “essential”, and has said the ship cannot … Read more
The Costa Smeralda, the fifth largest ship in the world, hit a shoreside crane and lost a lifeboat as it approached Savona in Italy yesterday. Witnesses say the vessel clipped a crane, losing a lifeboat which was later partially crushed. In a video first published on Savona News, the vessel is seen coming in to … Read more
Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled all Australian cruises until May 19 – with Carnival Spirit sailings scratched until June 12. The Carnival Splendor was due to set sail in March. “On behalf of all of us at Carnival Cruise Line, we extend our sincere apologies for the disruption to your holiday plans and trust you … 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.
