Shock as New Zealand halts Ponant sailings claiming crew were refused visas

My Kimberley coast cruise secrets, by Australia's best known expedition leader

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

Carnival says it won’t cruise in Australia until May

Carnival Splendour Waterslides

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

Royal Caribbean sells Azamara in surprise deal

Azamara Quest Ship

In a surprise move, the Royal Caribbean Group has announced it is selling premium small-ship brand Azamara to a private equity firm for a reported US$201 million. The deal looks like a snip considering it is anticipated more passengers are expected to switch to smaller ships once sailings begin. However, the three-ship fleet is around … Read more

Viking Octantis signals new Viking era of adventure cruising

Viking Octantis

A year ago this month, Viking announced it was entering the fast-expanding adventure cruise market. The line had already conquered river cruising with the world’s largest fleet. And ocean cruises, too, had quickly fallen for it’s “No kids, no casinos” marketing position as the cruise line for the “thinking person”. Today, after a year which … Read more